News Release

August 20, 2009
News Release Contact:
Becky Gettings - (804) 213-4419
E-mail: pubrel@abc.virginia.gov

ABC Transfers Historical Records to the Library of Virginia

In a ceremony today, the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board transferred official historical records to the Library of Virginia for archiving. These records date back to the agency's beginning in 1934. The transfer included 157 bound documents of board minutes and board orders for administrative hearings for the first 50 years.

Virginia history buffs visiting the library will be able to view original documentation of the agency's founding, as well as the original board minutes. Those who are interested in the period prior to 1934 can view an additional collection of documents archiving Virginia Prohibition Commission history, retrieved from the old Finance Building last year.

ABC Chair Susan R. Swecker, Commissioner Franklin P. Hall and Commissioner William J. Pantele presented the ABC volumes to Librarian of Virginia Sandra G. Treadway in a transfer ceremony earlier today at the library.

"The library houses the most comprehensive collection of materials on Virginia government, history and culture available anywhere," said Treadway. "The collections illustrate the rich and varied past of the commonwealth, and we are delighted to add the ABC records to our collection."

"Presenting these records for public access and preservation is important," said Swecker. "The historical documents will be protected, and the public will have access to our ABC history and decision making."

"To me, the fascinating thing about the oldest books is the creation of the alcoholic beverage control system in 1934. These folks came in here and had to set up stores, warehouse, staff and regulations in a very short period of time. We tweak the system all the time, but we have 75 years of experience to build on. The pioneers came in after about 15 years of Prohibition and created an efficient, profitable and safe system."

The document transfer comes in ABC's 75th anniversary year. While much has changed in the 75 years since its inception, ABC remains committed to providing excellent customer service, enhancing public safety and maximizing revenue returned to the commonwealth of Virginia. Since the first stores opened in 1934, ABC has contributed more than $6 billion to Virginia's General Fund.

Present at the Library of Virginia ABC document transfer ceremony are: seated, Librarian of Virginia Sandra G. Treadway and ABC Chair Susan R. Swecker. Standing, left to right, are: State Archivist Conley L. Edwards; ABC Hearings and Appeals Director Robert S. O'Neal; ABC Commissioner William J. Pantele; ABC Chief Operating Officer W. Curtis Coleburn; ABC Commissioner Franklin P. Hall; and ABC Hearings and Appeals Chief Clerk Robert L. Scott.

Photo by Pierre Courtois, Library of Virginia