Rupp Family papers

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 open to 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 #], Rupp Family Papers, 1831-1973, SC 0342, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Summary

Extent:
1.39 cubic feet 4 boxes
Creator:
Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates, Rupp, William F., 1834-1908, and Rupp family
Abstract:
The collection documents the Rupp family of New Market, Virginia and includes correspondence, photographs, financial documents, account books, legal documents, and pencil drawings.
Language:
English German
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Rupp Family Papers, 1831-1973, SC 0342, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection documents the Rupp family of New Market, Virginia and includes correspondence, photographs, financial documents, account books, legal documents, and pencil drawings.

Most notably, the collection documents the work of William F. Rupp, a German-born frescoer, plain and ornamental painter, and paperhanger from New Market, Virginia. Rupp's account books list the name and place of buildings he painted, frescoed, and wallpapered including frescoing Rader's Lutheran Church in Timberville and the Shenandoah County Courthouse courtroom in Woodstock. Bound accounts also document his work painting signs and gilding. One book is devoted to Rupp's sketches, including a birds-eye view of Luray, Virginia, but his pencil drawings are also scattered throughout the bound account books.

The collection also comprises photographs, financial documents, tax receipts, correspondence, and photographs related to William Rupp's immediate family including his wife Mary; sons Charles E., William "Willie" H., and Joseph H. Rupp, wife Rose, and their daughter Mary E., as well as others.

Biographical / historical:

William F. Rupp (1834-1908) was a German-born frescoer, plain and ornamental painter, and paperhanger from New Market, Virginia. While a youth in Germany, Rupp attended design school. He immigrated from Heilbronn, Germany and arrived in New York on July 17, 1854. Rupp resided in Luray for approximately one year and moved to New Market permanently in July 1855. He married Mary Catherine Spitzer (1837-1900) in 1862. Her father, Charles Spitzer, was a New Market gunsmith. In 1866, Rupp purchased what is now known as the Spitzer-Rupp House (located at 9295 Congress Street, New Market) from members of the Spitzer family. William and Mary Rupp had three sons, Charles E. (1863-1930), William "Willie" H. (1866-1925), and Joseph H. (1869-1923), all of whom are documented in the collection. While William F. Rupp worked primarily in the Shenandoah Valley, documentary evidence confirms that he also frescoed and painted in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. His fresco painting included churches, public buildings, and private residences, some of which are still extant.

Many members of the immediate and extended Rupp family are buried in New Market's St. Matthew's Cemetery.

Researchers should reference the "Rupp family obituaries" file for additional and more complete biographical information.

Acquisition information:
Acquired at Jeffrey S. Evans's 37th Semi-Annual Americana/Fine Antiques auction on November 16, 2019.
Appraisal information:

A small wooden box of pencils and sketching implements was not retained. Two leather wallets were not retained.

Custodial history:

The materials descended through the Fritz and Loretta Orebaugh family of New Market, Virginia. Fritz's mother, Mary Rupp Orebaugh, was the granddaughter of William F. Rupp.

Processing information:

Papers were removed from non-archival document sleeves. Several leather document cases were discarded due to lack of research value and overall condition.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged in two series:

  1. Personal papers, 1831-1940
  2. Photographs, 1840-1973
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard