Benjamin Gaillard Sitton Scrapbook

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: Mss-0271

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The scrapbook's contents reflect typical cadet life at Clemson circa 1917-1918. Although there are many miscellaneous scenes, the bulk of the photographs depict cadet life, athletics, and buildings at Clemson College. Scenes of cadet life at Clemson include Sitton's friends; masquerade ball costumes; junior dance; dress parade and battalion drills; 1917 Commencement. Athletic events depicted include track and field competition; Clemson football (Clemson vs. Davidson at home and Clemson vs. South Carolina at the Fair Grounds in Columbia); and 1918 Clemson football team photos. Photographs of Clemson College buildings that includes, Barracks 1, 2, and 3; "Aggie" Hall (Sikes); the Engineering Building (no longer standing); the "Main" Building (Tillman Hall); the Dairy Barn and Dairy Building; interior of the Mess Hall; Chemistry Building (Hardin Hall); the greenhouse in front of Tillman (no longer standing); Fort Rutledge; Old Stone Church; and Fort Hill. There are a number of miscellaneous photographs as well. Among these are scenes from the North Carolina Mountains; work on local train trestle; and several depictions of a train accident labeled "Wreck on Southern - December 20, 1917."

Dates

1917 - 1918

Creator

Sitton, Benjamin Gaillard. (other_unmapped, Person)

Biographical / Historical

Benjamin Gaillard Sitton was born on February 25, 1897, in Pendleton, South Carolina. He attended Clemson College, graduating in 1918 with a degree in Horticulture. While at Clemson, he was a member of the Palmetto Literary Society; Agricultural Society; Horticultural Club; Sophomore Dancing Club; Junior Dancing Club; Senior Dancing Club; Senior Privates' Club; Reporting Critic and Prosecuting Critic.

After graduation, Sitton joined the Marine Corps for a brief time until the conclusion of World War I. He then moved to Florence, South Carolina, where he took a job with the Clemson Agricultural Experiment Station. There he met and married Pearl Currin, who was the daughter of R.E. Currin, the Director of the Station. The Sittons had no children.

After receiving a Doctorate, Sitton worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Shreveport, Louisiana. During World War II, he moved to Bogalusa, Louisiana to help develop Tung nut culture, since the U.S. had been cut off from its sources for the product. He continued in this field until his retirement. Benjamin Gaillard Sitton died on November 22, 1983 and is buried in Louisiana.