Scrapbooks and Family History

Scope and content:

Scrapbooks and Family History, 1913-2000, contains biographies of Inez and Ralph Roop, some genealogical information on the Graybeal family, and ephemera relating to the family including report cards for Inez Graybeal and recital programs.

The scrapbooks, some of which have been photocopied due to the inherent instability of the paper and clippings, document the State Normal School varsity basketball team and highlight the history of the women's basketball team during this period. A 1930s scrapbook belonging to Inez Graybeal, and a dismantled scrapbook made by Inez's sister, Frances Graybeal, contain correspondence, and ephemera such as greeting cards, invitations and calling cards. One letter removed from Frances' scrapbook lends insight into the initiation rituals of the Lee Literary Society. For her initation, Frances Graybeal is requested to dress like a "Mammy" character by plaiting her hair and applying blackface. Inez Graybeal's scrapbook includes a similar initiation invitation in which she is requested to apply blackface with her "hair rolled up on toilet paper" and represent a "street walker, flapper, and jazz singer." Photographs were removed and housed with the Photographs series, described below.

Correspondence is present in this and other series. Subject matter also overlaps across series.

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
Parent 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.
Parent terms of access:
The copyright interests in this collection have been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. Staff have taken special care to identify and remove sensitive materials, particularly those relating to students' academic records and admissions recommendations, found within this collection. However, in rare instances, privacy protected information may be revealed during use of this collection. Researchers agree to make no notes or other recordation of privacy protected information if found within this collection, and further agree not to publish or disclose such information for any purpose. Researchers agree to alert Special Collections staff if potentially privacy protected information is found within this collection. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

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