Lewis A. Hall Banjo and Case

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication.

Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Lewis A. Hall Banjo and Case, 1922-1924, Artifact-058, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
3.0 Cubic Feet 1 box
Abstract:
This four-stringed tenor banjo and case previously belonged to Lewis A. Hall, a member of the Collegians band in the 1920s. Handwritten on the banjo head is "THE COLLEGIANS" in black at the top, "VPI" in red across the center, and "BLACKSBURG, VA." in black on the bottom. The peghead identifies the brandname "Bruno."
Language:
The material in this collection is in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Lewis A. Hall Banjo and Case, 1922-1924, Artifact-058, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This four-stringed tenor banjo and case previously belonged to Lewis A. Hall, a member of the Collegians band in the 1920s. Handwritten on the banjo head is "THE COLLEGIANS" in black at the top, "VPI" in red across the center, and "BLACKSBURG, VA." in black on the bottom. The peghead identifies the brandname "Bruno."

The banjo case is brown. "L.A.H." is handwritten on the flap, which has broken off the case.

More information and pictures related to the banjo, the Collegians, and Lewis A. Hall, is available on the SCUA blog post, "A Mystery Banjo and the Racism in Our Past" by LM Rozema, March 14, 2019.

Biographical / historical:

A dance orchestra at VPI formed in 1918 as the Southern Syncopating Saxophone Six. They were later renamed Virginia Tech Jazz Orchestra and known as the College Six. In 1922, they became the Collegians, and in 1931, they finally became the Southern Colonels. Today, the jazz band continues to perform, as part of the Corps of Cadets Regimental Band, the Highty-Tighties.

Lewis Augustus "Lukie" Hall (1903-1982) graduated from Virginia Tech in 1924. While a student, he was a member of the Collegians, the predecessor to the Southern Colonels dance orchestra.

Acquisition information:
This collection was acquired by the Special Collections and University Archive prior to July 2025.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Lewis A. Hall Banjo and Case was completed in July 2025.