Use Restrictions

The copyright interests in this collection have been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collection Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.

Preferred Citation

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company Logging Photographs, 1927-1931, SC 0130, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA. 22807

Acquisition Information

Purchased from Green Valley Auctions, Inc. in March 2000.

Processing Information

In order to streamline the process of applying collection numbers, Special Collections staff completed a large-scale renumbering campaign in the spring of 2017. This collection was previously cataloged as SC 3037.

Administrative History

The West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company was incorporated in 1898 by William Luke and sons. Through the twentieth century it grew into a multinational wood products corporation and changed its name to Westvaco. At the end of the twentieth century it became MeadWestvaco.

Scope and Content

Of the 36 black-and-white photographs in this collection, 25 carry identification on the back that specifies locations in North Carolina (Moravian Falls, Crutchfield, Sanford) and Virginia (Newcastle, Fort Union, Naruna, Rhoadesville, Gordonsville, Burkeville), dates the photos from 1927 to 1931, and explains the techniques of cutting, peeling, and axing out knots of poplar and pine trees for pulpwood that are demonstrated in the photos. In a few cases the comments on the back criticize poor practices, indicating that the photos may have been intended for training purposes. "West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company, Tyrone, PA" is stamped on some photos; on the return address of the envelope in which the photos were housed, however, "Tyrone" has been crossed out and "Covington, VA" written in. Nine photos show African American workers; two show very young workers.

Arrangement

The photographs are housed in one folder.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Agriculture and state -- North Carolina -- History -- 20th century
• Agriculture and state -- Virginia -- History -- 20th century
• Agriculture and state -- West Virginia -- History -- 20th century
• Bark peeling -- North Carolina
• Bark peeling -- Virginia
• Bark peeling -- West Virginia
• Forest products industry -- North Carolina -- 20th century
• Forest products industry -- Virginia -- 20th century
• Forest products industry -- West Virginia -- 20th century
• Forests and forestry -- North Carolina -- History -- 20th century
• Forests and forestry -- Virginia -- History -- 20th century
• Forests and forestry -- West Virginia -- History -- 20th century
• Green Valley Auctions, Inc.
• Logging -- North Carolina
• Logging -- Virginia
• Logging -- West Virginia
• Lumbering -- North Carolina
• Lumbering -- Virginia
• Lumbering -- West Virginia
• MeadWestvaco (Firm) -- History
• Photographs