Robert B. Claytor Papers, 1952-1978, Ms.1991.047

Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech

Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Business Number: 540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu
URL: http://spec.lib.vt.edu

Special Collections and University Archives Staff and LM Rozema, Archivist

Abstract

Robert B. Claytor (1922-1993) was the CEO of Norfolk Southern. His papers consist of correspondence, articles, brochures, and rosters created or collected by Claytor and his brother, W. Graham Claytor, about the National Railway Historical Society, the preservation of historic trains (including Southern Railway Engine 4501 and N&W Locomotive Number 611), and the Norfolk and Western Railway Company.

Administrative Information

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 to research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Robert B. Claytor Papers, Ms1991-047, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The collection was donated to Special Collections and University Archives in July 1991.

Processing Information

The collection is unprocessed. Minimal description was completed in January 2023.

Biographical Note

Robert Buckner Claytor was born to W. Graham Claytor and Gertrude Boatwright Claytor on February 27, 1922, in Roanoke, Virginia. He graduated from Princeton University, earned a law degree from Harvard University, and served in the U. S. Army during World War II. He was chairman and CEO of Norfolk Southern and was involved in the Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia, serving for a time as chancellor. He also served on the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors from 1982-1990. Claytor died on April 9, 1993, and is buried in St. John's Episcopal Church Columbarium, Ronaoke.

Sources:

"Robert B. Claytor Dies", The Washington Post, April 10, 1993, https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1993/04/10/robert-b-claytor-dies/4bf673aa-0b94-4c29-afc9-98778a430645/ , accessed January 12, 2023.

"Rector & Member Archives," Virginia Tech Board of Visitors, https://bov.vt.edu/member-archive.html , accessed January 12, 2023.

"Robert Buckner Claytor" entry, Findagrave.com, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/40027309/robert-buckner-claytor , accessed January 12, 2023.

Scope and Content

The Robert B. Claytor Papers consist of correspondence, articles, brochures, and rosters created or collected by Claytor and his brother, W. Graham Claytor, about the National Railway Historical Society, the preservation of historic trains (including Southern Railway Engine 4501 and N&W Locomotive Number 611), and the Norfolk and Western Railway Company.