Virginia Theatre playbills, 1914/1952

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 Playbills, 1914-1952, SC 0366, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Summary

Extent:
0.25 cubic feet 7 folders
Creator:
Virginia Theatre (Harrisonburg, Va.), New Virginia Theatre (Harrisonburg, Va.), Green Valley Auctions, Inc., and Bowman, Douglas, 1948-2023
Abstract:
Comprises playbills and programs for theatrical and musical performances, weekly schedules, and signage from Harrisonburg's Virginia Theatre.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Virginia Theatre Playbills, 1914-1952, SC 0366, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Background

Scope and content:

Comprises playbills and programs for theatrical and musical performances, minstrels, follies, musical comedies, and plays as well as weekly programming schedules and two identical signs from Harrisonburg's Virginia Theatre.

The playbills feature advertisements from local businesses including Friddle's Restaurant, Joseph Ney & Sons Company, The Dean Studio, The Kavanaugh, W.L. Figgatt, Harrisonburg, Grocery Company, Denton's, Rockingham Milling Company, Yager's Shoe Store, Valley Blox, Wetsel Seed Co., and others.

The Follies of 1952 playbill includes eight original portrait photographs of local women from whom the Follies Queen of 1952 was selected.

Presented by Harrisonburg Lodge No. 450 B.P.O.E. and described as "Everything from ragtime to grand opera."

Also titled "The Elks Revue of 1928."

Includes original portrait photographs of local women from whom the Follies Queen of 1952 was selected.

Biographical / historical:

Harrisonburg's Virginia Theatre (variously New Virginia Theatre) opened to the public in January 1914. Located on S. Main St., the Virginia Theatre hosted live performances including minstrels, theatrical revues, musical shows, and eventually movies. It was open under various management until it was demolished in 1990.

Acquisition information:
Purchased at Green Valley Auctions December 5th, 2023 sale of the Doug Bowman Estate.
Custodial history:

From the estate of Doug Bowman, local collector of Harrisonburg memorabilia.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard