West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company Logging Photographs, 1927-1931

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Descriptive Summary

 

Repository: Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University

Title: West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company Logging Photographs, 1927-1931

Collection No.: SC 0130
Creator: West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company

Extent: 1 folder; .08 cubic feet

Language: English

Abstract: Contains 36 B&W photographs of loggers (including African-American and child workers) cutting trees in North Carolina, Virginia, and unspecified locations. Some photos have hand-written or stamped information on the back explaining the techniques being used and identifying them as "West Virginia Pulp and Paper Co."

 

Administrative Information

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.

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).

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.

Bio/Historical Note:

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 Americans workers; two show very young workers.

Arrangement:

The photographs are housed in one folder.

Contents:

Folder Title
Box : Folder
West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company Logging Photographs, 1927-1937
1:1

Compiled by: Julia Merkel, February 2013