Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

This colletion is in the public domain. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction . Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication .

Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Kammerer Family Business Collection, 1842-1914, Ms2022-079, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

This collection was purchased by Special Collections in two accruals in April 2018 and April 2019.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Kammerer Family Business Collection was completed in December 2022.

Historical Information

Historical records indicate that John Kammerer was born in Geramny in 1793 and later immigrated to Pennsylvania, south of Pittsburgh. John was originally a miller and millwright, but he later opened a hotel and general merchandise store, which his son, Joseph, inherited after his death. Joseph Kammerer went on to expand family operations to include a dru goods store, a mill, and a distillery (well known in the late 19th century as Kammerer Pure Monongahela Rye Whiskey).

More information: http://pre-prowhiskeymen.blogspot.com/2022/04/how-kammerers-created-pennsylvania-town.html; http://www.pa-roots.org/data/read.php?811,444023

Scope and Content

This collection consists of the family business papers, primarily of John Kammerer and his son, Joseph Kammerer. In addtion, there is material from George W. Jones (likely a business parter or associate) and genearl corresponse relating to the family businesses. Materials date from 1842 to 1914, thought most items are from before 1900. The documents in this collection reflect the operations and management of the Kammerer family land, farm, and businesses, which included, a various points: an inn/tavern, a grain mill, a distillery, and a dry goods store.

Arrangement

This collection is separated in to three series: Correspondence, Administrative, and Financial. Materials in each series are further arranged in chronological order or by the person whom they relate to.

Correspondence includes letters to and from John and Joseph Kammerer, as well as George W. Jones and general correspondence relating to the family business.

The administrative series includes documents relating to running the business, such as insurance records, a mill ledger, prescription pads, and advertisements.

The financial series contains materials such as checks, invoices, and receipts relating to the Kammerer family business.

The foreign language materials are in a folder separate from the rest of the collection as they have not been translated at this time.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Agriculture
• Cocktail History Collection
• Cocktails -- History
• Food Technology and Production
• History of Food and Drink

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the Kammerer Family Business Collection by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).