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], J. V. Paterson Notebook, Ms1988-119, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The J. V. Paterson Notebook was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1988.

Processing Information

The processing and description of the J. V. Paterson Notebook commenced and was completed in May, 2021.

Biographical Note

J. V. Paterson is probably naval architect and draftsman James Venn Paterson, Sr., who was born in Glasgow, Scotland, June 17, 1867. Paterson attended Albany Academy in Glasgow, then graduated from University of Glasgow in 1888. During and following his studies, Paterson apprenticed at at two shipyards before being appointed a draftsman in the Southampton naval works, eventually rising to chief draftsman. The following year, Paterson immigrated to the United States, where he became consulting naval architect of the International Navigation Company, which operated the Red Star and American trans-Atlantic lines. He married Marie Josephine Vandeventer in 1898; the couple would have two children. In 1906, Paterson was named general manager of the Moran Company, a Seattle, Washington shipbuilder. After a 1912 takeover by the Seattle Construction and Dry Dock Company, Paterson became company president, a position from which he resigned in 1916 to becoame an independent contractor, building submarines. James Venn Paterson died May 19, 1947, and was buried in Lake View Cemetery, Seattle.

Scope and Content

This collection consists of a single notebook containing a manuscript copy of "Specifications of a Steel Paddle Wheel Saloon River Steamer." The first page bears the notation "J. V. Paterson, 18/Feby/91." The specifications include not only directions for such structural elements as beams, bulkheads, and plating but also amenities and decor. (That the specifications are for a British ship can be inferred from mention of the Union Jack, such terms as "centre" and "the W. C.," the Oban Times (a Scottish newspaper), and the Board of Trade.)

Related Material

The DeGolyer Library at Southern Methodist University maintains the James Venn Paterson papers .

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Science and Technology

Rights Statement for Archival Description

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