Natural Tunnel, Scott County, Virginia, Collection, 1872, [c.1932-1958], Ms.2009.085

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

Lora Settle, Student Assistant

Abstract

The Natural Tunnel, Scott County, Virginia, Collection consists of a wood postcard printed with a sketch of the tunnel. On the back is a message to Mrs. Chaz Etter in Rural Retreat, Virginia. The photocopy of a sketch of Natural Tunnel comes from a book by William Cullen Bryant and Oliver Bell Bunce, originally published in 1872.

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 for research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Natural Tunnel, Scott County, Virginia, Collection, Ms2009-085, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acuqisition

The Natural Tunnel, Scott County, Virginia, Collection was purchased by Special Collections in May 2009.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Natural Tunnel, Scott County, Virginia, Collection commenced in and was completed in May 2009.

Historical Note

The state of Virginia acquired the Natural Tunnel and about 100 acres of surrounding area from the Natural Tunnel Chasm and Caverns Corporation, in hopes of establishing a state park, in 1967. After the purchase of another 850 acres in 1971, the Natural Tunnel State Park was opened. This attraction, located in Scott County, Virginia, has drawn sightseers and adventurers for over 100 years. The park now offers various services for visitors, including hiking, swimming, and camping. A visitor's center and amphitheatre have also been built on the park grounds.

Scope and Content

The Natural Tunnel, Scott County, Virginia, Collection consists of a wood postcard printed with a sketch of the tunnel and a photocopy of a sketch of Natural Tunnel from a book by William Cullen Bryant and Oliver Bell Bunce.

Wooden postcards were somewhat of a novelty in the 20 th century. While many wooden cards date back to the early-1900s, the most probable time period for this particular wooden postcard is c.1932-1958. During this time, wooden postcards could be sent with a single $0.03 first-class postage stamp as this particular postcard was. The postcard was produced by Dixie Novelty Company of Asheville, North Carolina. The note to Mrs. Chaz Etter of Rural Retreat, Virginia, thanks her and advises her to visit the tunnel.

The photocopy of a sketch of Natural Tunnel comes from the following book: Bryant, William Cullen, and Oliver Bell Bunce. Picturesque America, or, The Land We Live in: A Delineation by Pen and Pencil of the Mountains, Rivers, Lakes, Forests, Water-Falls, Shores, Canyons, Valleys, Cities, and Other Picturesque Features of Our Country. New York: D. Appleton and Co, 1872. While the date of the photocopy is uncertain, the original sketch dates to 1872.

Related Material

Virginia Tech Special Collections and University Archives has a copy of the book: Bryant, William Cullen, and Oliver Bell Bunce. Picturesque America, or, The Land We Live in: A Delineation by Pen and Pencil of the Mountains, Rivers, Lakes, Forests, Water-Falls, Shores, Canyons, Valleys, Cities, and Other Picturesque Features of Our Country. New York: D. Appleton and Co, 1872. E168 .B89 Spec Folio.