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], VPI Cape, n.d., Textile-1994-003, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The collection was acquired by Special Collection and University Archives prior to 1994.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of VPI Cape was completed in June 2025. Preliminary description was completed in 2016.

Administrative Historical Note

This style of cape with the red lining was only worn by VPI seniors, a tradtion that had been common. Similar aspects of this cape can be seen as illustrated on page 42 of "Donning the Blue and Gray" by Harry Downing Temple.

Source:

Temple, Harry Downing, "Donning the Blue and Gray", Richmond, VA: William Byrd Press, 1992.

Scope and Content

This VPI Cape is made of a navy blue wool and red wool lining. There is a single hook clasp on the collar and just below the hook is a black cord loop. Above the hook and under the collar is a separate piece of material which can fasten to buttons on the underside of the right and or left collar. When these are fastened the collar stands straight up. Across the chest is a black frog cord. Stitching is present where it is assumed a label once was, no labels are present. The condition of the cape is fair. There is some minor discoloration on the frog cords, hem coming unsewn where it had been doubled up, right button missing under collar, label missing, stains on lining, and possible moth holes in lining.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• University Archives
• University History
• Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute (1896-1944)
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute (1944-1970)
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (1970-)

Rights Statement for Archival Description

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