Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. 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], Sessler Watkins Letter, Ms2008-084, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The Sessler Watkins Letter was purchased by Special Collections in 1994.

Processing Information

The processing and description of the Sessler Watkins Letter commenced and was completed in October 2008.

Biographical Note

Sessler Watkins, an employee of a West Virginia mining company at the turn of the twentieth century, was likely Joseph Sessler Watkins, the son of James B. and Mattie Watkins, born in Haymakertown (Botetourt County), Virginia on March 1, 1892. In 1918, Watkins was living in Detroit, where he worked as a conductor on the Detroit United Railway. During World War I, he served as a corporal in the U. S. Army. Registering for the draft during World War II, Watkins listed his residence as Troutville, Virginia and his employer as the Hercules Powder Company of Radford, Virginia. Joseph Sessler Watkins died on March 22, 1966

Scope and Content

This collection consists of a letter from Sessler Watkins, an employee of a mining company in Cary, West Virginia at the turn of the twentieth century. Addressing his mother in Troutville, Virginia, Watkins describes his experiences living and working in a mining town. Watkins discusses entertainment, boarding arrangements and rates, and company housing. Included as well is the letter's envelope.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Company towns
• Local/Regional History and Appalachian South

Rights Statement for Archival Description

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