Virginia Theatre and New Virginia Theatre Playbills

Access and use

Location of collection:
James Madison University
Second Floor Room 203, MSC 1704
Carrier Library
James Madison University
880 Madison Drive
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Tiffany Cole
Phone: (540) 568-3444
Phone: (540) 568-3612
Fax: (540) 568-3405
Restrictions:

Collection is open for research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Virginia Theatre and New Virginia Theatre Playbills, 1914-1924, SC 0080, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.08 cubic feet 9 items
Creator:
Bookworm & Silverfish
Abstract:
This collection features nine playbills from plays and musical acts performed at the Virginia Theatre and New Virginia Theatre from the early twentieth century. The theatre was located in downtown Harrisonburg.
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Virginia Theatre and New Virginia Theatre Playbills, 1914-1924, SC 0080, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The Virginia Theatre and New Virginia Theatre Playbills, 1914-1924, comprise nine playbills (one folder) of the Virginia Theatre and New Virginia Theatre in Harrisonburg, Virginia, 1914-1924 The largest size is 15" x 6". Each gives the title of the program (several specify vaudeville and minstrels), actors, and producers. Many of the playbills also include advertising by local establishments, especially W.E. Friddle's Restaurant. Most of the playbills are for plays that were performed by the theater. Two of the playbills are for concerts given by musical acts: The Lasses White All-Star Minstrels and John W. Vogel's Big City Minstrels.

Biographical / historical:

The New Virginia Theatre was owned by Warner Bros. Circuit Management Corporation, and opened sometime around the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. It was originally built as an old opera house and was complete with a performance stage, balcony, and private box seats. During the early twentieth century, the New Virginia Theater hosted many different stage plays and musical acts. By the year 1950, the name was changed to the Virginia Theater and it was converted into a movie theater. The theater eventually fell into disrepair, and was closed around 1986 and later torn down. During its lifetime, the theater was one of the many favorite Harrisonburg attractions, and was enjoyed by both Harrisonburg residents and Madison College students alike.

Acquisition information:
Purchased from Bookworm Silverfish Book Dealers, Wytheville, Virginia in February 1995.
Processing information:

In order to streamline the process of applying collection numbers, Special Collections staff completed a large-scale renumbering campaign in the spring of 2017. The collection was previously cataloged as SC 3011.

Arrangement:

Arranged chronologically.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard