Skip to main content

Natural Tunnel, Scott County, Virginia, Collection,

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-2009-085

Scope and Content

Wooden postcards were somewhat of a novelty in the 20th 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.

Dates

  • Creation: [c.1932-1958]

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research.

Use Restrictions

Permission to publish material from the Natural Tunnel, Scott County, Virginia, Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.

Historical Information

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.

Full Extent

0.1 Cubic Feet (1 folder)

Language of Materials

English

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.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged by material type.

Acquisition Information

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

General Physical Description note

1 folder; 0.1 cu. ft.

Processing Information

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

Title
A Guide to the Natural Tunnel, Scott County, Virginia, Collection, [c.1932-1958]
Status
Completed
Author
Lora Settle
Date
© 2009 By Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. All rights reserved.
Language of description
English
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Description is in English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections, Virginia Tech Repository

Contact:
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308