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], Lawrence Priddy Collection, Ms1972-009, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The Lawrence Priddy Collection was donated to Special Collections in 1972. A second donation was made in 1974.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement and description of the Lawrence Priddy Collection was completed in July 2009.

Biographical Note

Lawrence Priddy was born July 7, 1874 in Keysville, Virginia. He attended the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute (VPI) from 1893 through 1897. While attending VPI, Priddy was very active in many student clubs and organizations including the Bugle, Gray Jacket, Thespian Club, Mandolin and Glee Club, and the Rooters Club. Priddy graduated with a BS in General Science with the Class of 1897.

Priddy lead the campaign to raise funds and support for the construction of the YMCA building on campus. Following graduation Priddy took a job with New York Life Insurace Company. Priddy remained active in the Alumni Association, serving in various capacities from 1902 through 1935. While Head of the Welfare Committee, Priddy brought charges against President Barringer, the charges were heard by the Board of Visitors in 1910 and subsequently dismissed as "unwarranted" and "inaccurate." President Barringer later resigned in 1912.

There was much correspondence between President Burruss and Lawrence Priddy, they had served together on the Bugle staff as students. Priddy was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Commercial Science in 1929. Priddy also spearheaded the campaign for the building of War Memorial Hall. The campaign, which began in 1919, was successful and War Memorial Hall was completed and dedicated October 23, 1926. A plaque honoring Priddy's contributions was placed in the hall. Lawrence Priddy died September 3, 1944.

Scope and Content

Tje Lawrence Priddy Collection includes photographs from Priddy's time as a student at the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute (VPI). Photos depict the Bugle Staff from 1895-1896 and another unidentified group of VPI cadets. Both photographs also include Julian Ashby Burruss, future president of VPI. Also included is a letter addressed to Priddy and the Editorial Board of the Bugle from Judge Walter R. Staples thanking them for dedicating the 1897 Bugle to him. A speech given by Lawrence Priddy at the dedication of the World War Memorial Building in October 1926 is present as well. The remaining items consist of newspapers articles and clippings discussing Priddy's many accomplishments throughout his life. The majority of these articles relate to Priddy's activities as an alumnus.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged by material type.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Students and alumni
• University History
• Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College (1872-1896)
• Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute (1896-1944)

Rights Statement for Archival Description

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