A Guide to the Samuel Davis Preston Papers, 1917-1972
A Collection in
Special Collections
Collection Number
Ms1972-003
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Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
USA
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Email: specref@vt.edu
URL: http://spec.lib.vt.edu/
© 2011 By Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. All rights reserved.
Processed by: John M. Jackson, Special Collections
Administrative Information
Access Restrictions
Collection is open for research.
Use Restrictions
Permission to publish material from the Samuel Davis Preston Papers must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.
Preferred Citation
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Samuel Davis Preston Papers, Ms1972-003, Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va.
Acquisition Information
The Samuel Davis Preston Papers were donated to Special Collections in 1972.
Processing Information
The processing, arrangement, and description of the Samuel Davis Preston Papers commenced and was completed in June, 2011.
Biographical Note
Samuel Davis Preston was born on May 8, 1892 in Bedford County, Virginia. He attended the University of South Carolina for two years before before serving as a lieutenant in World War I. Following the war, Davis attended Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech), graduating with a degree in animal science in 1923. Among his other activities while at Virginia Tech, Preston served as president of the Hoof and Horn Club and vice-president of the Maury Literary Society. Following graduation, Preston was employed by the university's Extension Division and moved to the Winchester, Virginia area. Later, he worked for American Cyanamide, as the company's international sales manager. From 1952 to 1960, he served on Virginia Tech's board of visitors and remained active in community organizations throughout his life. Samuel Preston died in Winchester on March 13, 1975.
Scope and Content Note
This collection contains personal papers and memorabilia of Samuel D. Preston, a 1923 graduate of Virginia Tech and member of the university's board of visitors from 1952 to 1960. The collection includes correspondence, newspaper clippings, awards, and photographs.
The correspondence in the collection is largely congratulatory in nature and includes a 1956 letter from Virginia Governor Thomas B. Stanley reappointing Preston to the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors. The folder also includes a copy of a 1917 telegram appointing Preston a second lieutenant in the Infantry Section Officers Reserve Corps. A small set of newspaper clippings in the collection relates largely to various awards and honors bestowed on Preston in his later years. Many of these awards and honors are also in the collection, in the form of certificates, resolutions, and plaques. The collection is completed by a small group of photographs of Preston, many of which were apparently taken while he was on a business trip to Buenos Aires in 1955.
Index Terms
- Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- University Archives
Subjects:
Local Subjects:
Contents List
- Box-folder 1-4
TACS & Parks and Recreation Department, [1963]
- Box-folder 1-5
Lions Club meritorious service award, 1971
- Box-folder 1-5
Lions Club achievement award, [1972]
- Box-folder 1-6
Virginia Tech Alumni Association Century Club award of appreciation, [1972][accompanied by two date plates for 1972]