Walter S. Newman papers , Ms.2025.053

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

Olivia Tingle, Student Assistant

Abstract

The collection includes letters, newspaper clips, photographs, and a potrait in relation to Dr. Walter S. Newman. The letters include different organizations that the Newman family were involved in, including the American Red Cross, VPI, and the Future Farmers of America. The portrait belongs to Elizabeth Newman and includes a brief description of Mary Gordon Otey.

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], Walter S. Newman papers, 1921-1977, Ms2025-053, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The Walter S. Newman papers were gifted to Special Collections and University Archives in 2011.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Walter S. Newman papers was completed in July 2025.

Biographical note

Dr. Walter Stephenson Newman was born July 20, 1895, in Shenandoah County, Virginia. He became an associate professor at VPI in 1922, in 1946 he became the vice president of the college, and then he became president of the school the following year. He retired from the presidency in 1962. He married Elizabeth Otey Hoge Newman in 1920. She was born in Roanoke, Virginia, January 4, 1895. She died April 9, 1980, and he died June 29, 1978.

External Sources:

Dr Walter Stephenson Newman. September 16, 2009. Find a Grave. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/42030956/walter-stephenson-newman. Accessed July 10, 2025.

Elizabeth Otey "Lizotey" Hoge Newman. September 16, 2009. Find a Grave. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/42030925/elizabeth_otey-newman. Accessed July 10, 2025.

Scope and Content

Folder one contains a collection of letters sent to the Newman family, primarily Dr. Newman. The letters were sent from different organizations, including the American Red Cross and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. There are letters from friends inside of the original envelopes. Folder two has newspapers that describe Dr. Newmans career and house. Folder three includes photographs of the Newman family, the photos include a family lake trip in 1921, a baby portrait, and Newman at events. Folder four has a portrait of Mrs. Mary Gordon Otey, wife of Robert M. Patterson, from 1941. The back of the portrait is addressed to Elizabeth Otey Hoge Newman.