Acquisition

The Robert "Bob" W. Smith Collection was donated to Special Collections and Archives by John L. Plyler, Jr. in accessions 2006-071, 2009-021, and 2011-056.  Items from these accessions were combined into one collection in 2011.  

John L. Plyler, future Furman President, and Bob W. Smith both served on the Furman faculty during the 1930s.  Mr. Plyler’s sons became acquainted with Bob Smith on campus, and when Smith was in the Navy from 1942 – 1945, he sent numerous “captured” items to Plyler’s sons. 

A large shadow box display case containing a WWII-era hinomaru (Japanese national flag), sash belt possibly worn by a Japanese marine, wooden dog tag, Japanese marine patch, and small Japanese sunburst flag, is stored in the Art Storage Room.

Access and Restrictions

Open to research without restrictions. Researchers are advised to contact Special Collections and Archives prior to visiting.

[Identification of item], Robert "Bob" W. Smith Collection, [Folder #], Special Collections and Archives, Furman University, Greenville, S.C.