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Varnum Lansing Collins Papers
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Held at: Princeton University Library: University Archives [Contact Us]
This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Princeton University Library: University Archives. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.
Overview and metadata sections
Varnum Lansing Collins served as Princeton University's Secretary from 1917 to 1936. Collins wrote several books on Princeton's history.
Born in Hong Kong, Collins obtained his education in Paris and London before coming to Princeton as a member of the class of 1892. As an undergraduate, he was editor of The Nassau Literary Magazine, president of the Cliosophic Society, leader of the Glee Club, and a member of the Triangle Club. After receiving an Honorary A.M. from Princeton in 1895, Collins worked in the University Library as a reference librarian until he joined the faculty of the Department of Modern Languages in 1906. He was made full professor six years later and assumed the position of clerk of the faculty—a position he held until 1935. Collins also served as the secretary of the Graduate Council from 1917 until 1927 and was an instrumental figure during the years that the Council successfully conducted its $2,000,000 campaign for faculty salaries.
In 1917 he became University secretary and served in this role for nineteen years. When ill health forced Collins to retire in 1936, the Board accepted his resignation "with regret" and named him Historiographer to Princeton University. Collins had written a number of books on Princeton history, notably a biography of President John Witherspoon, a history of Princeton, and a guide to the town and the University. His love and knowledge of Princeton led to the grassroots development of the University Archives. Named editor of the General Catalogue/Biographical Catalogue in 1906, he compiled files on alumni and on possible, doubtful, and fraudulent "alumni" that have been used by researchers ever since. As secretary he began what is now known as the Historical Subject Files, a collection of Princeton history, lore, and trivia organized by subject.
The Varnum Lansing Collins Papers consist primarily of materials generated by Collins while writing several of his most well-known works on Princeton history. The papers include manuscripts, notes, correspondence, and research materials consisting of both original documents and facsimiles. Also included in the papers are materials pertaining to Collins' personal life, such as undergraduate scrapbooks and correspondence with friends and well-wishers.
Please see series descriptions in contents list for additional information about individual series.
No further additions to the Varnum Lansing Collins Papers are expected.
It would appear that these papers were given to the Manuscript Division of the Special Collections, most likely by V. Lansing Collins himself. At some later point they were transferred to the University Archives where they became part of the Princetoniana Collection of books and manuscripts.
This collection was processed by Daniel Brennan in May 2009.. Finding aid written by Daniel Brennan in in May 2009.
No appraisal information is available.
People
Organization
Subject
- Publisher
- University Archives
- Finding Aid Author
- Daniel Brennan
- Finding Aid Date
- 2009
- Access Restrictions
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Collection is open for research use.
- Use Restrictions
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Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. For quotations that are fair use as defined under U. S. Copyright Law, no permission to cite or publish is required. The Trustees of Princeton University hold copyright to all materials generated by Princeton University employees in the course of their work. If copyright is held by Princeton University, researchers will not need to obtain permission, complete any forms, or receive a letter to move forward with non-commercial use of materials from the Mudd Library. For materials where the copyright is not held by the University, researchers are responsible for determining who may hold the copyright and obtaining approval from them. If you have a question about who owns the copyright for an item, you may request clarification by contacting us through the Ask Us! form.
Collection Inventory
The Woodrow Wilson and the Graduate College Controversy series consists of notes, correspondence, collected documents, and other materials assembled by Varnum Lansing Collins documenting the controversy over the proposed site of the Graduate College and the ensuing battle between the supporters of President Woodrow Wilson and Dean Andrew Fleming West. As secretary of the University not long after the war of words subsided, West had access to many of the firsthand participants.
No arrangement has been imposed on this series, the papers remain in their original order.
Physical Description1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 folders
1 folder
The Princeton Presidents series contains Varnum Lansing Collins' research materials on the past presidents of Princeton University. Only three of the University's presidents are covered.
Arranged chronologically by President.
Physical Description2 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
The Nassau Hall Iconography series consists of notes and drafts for a project in which Varnum Lansing Collins attempted to catalog historical depictions of Princeton's Nassau Hall. Included are notebooks containing several dated lists of Nassau Hall paintings, etchings, and sketches.
No arrangement has been imposed on this series, the papers remain in their original order.
Physical Description1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
The John Witherspoon Biography series contains Varnum Lansing Collins' research materials for the book which was published as President Witherspoon: A Biography in 1925. Also included with the notes, documents, and chapter drafts is correspondnece between Collins and other Witherspoon scholars.
No arrangement has been imposed on this series, the papers remain in their original order.
Physical Description3 boxes
3 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
The Early Princeton Printing series contains Collins' research for Early Princeton Printing, a 1911 book on the history of the Princeton University Press.
No arrangement has been imposed on this series, the papers remain in their original order.
Physical Description1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
The Miscellaneous Princetoniana and Personal series contains a variety of materials assembled by Varnum Lansing Collins. Included are research notes, correspondence, and scrapbooks from Collins' time as a student and as Secretary of the University. Represented in this series are the beginnings of several research projects which never came to fruition, such as the history of "Jugtown," Colonel George Morgan, and the Episcopal Church in Newark.
No arrangement has been imposed on this series, the papers remain in their original order.
Physical Description6 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
(re: Samuel L. Howell letters)
Physical Description1 folder
(re: Grover Cleveland funeral)
Physical Description1 folder
(re: Fitz Randolph burial place)
Physical Description1 folder
(re: Washington engravings for "The Continanental Congress at Princeton)
Physical Description1 folder
(re: Hallie Erminie Rives and publication of "Hearts Courageous")
Physical Description1 folder
(soliciting vote for New Jersey Assembly)
Physical Description1 folder
(List of Correspondents and Dates in Folder)
Physical Description1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
3 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 box
1 box
1 box