Harrisonburg flood photographs

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 #], Harrisonburg Flood Photographs, 1949 August 15, SC 0384, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Summary

Extent:
0.08 cubic feet 1 folder
Creator:
Green Valley Auctions, Inc. and The Lee Studio (Harrisonburg, Va.)
Abstract:
Seven black-and-white photographs documenting the August 15, 1949 flood in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Harrisonburg Flood Photographs, 1949 August 15, SC 0384, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Background

Scope and content:

Seven black-and-white photographs documenting the August 15, 1949 flood in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Businesses featured in the photographs include Safeway, Troy Laundry, Powell's Taxi, Daily News-Record, Bear Auto Parts, Gulf Station, Berry Lumber, and Denton's (rear view with second floors collapsing). Flooded streets include W. Market St. and Liberty St.

Prints are stamped on the back: "Photograph by The Lee Studio Harrisonburg, VA."

Biographical / historical:

On August 15, 1949, several hours of rain and thunderstorms caused significant flash flooding in downtown Harrisonburg and led to Blacks Run overflowing. A total of 5.49 inches of rain was reported in Harrisonburg for the day with a weekly total nearing 10 inches.

Acquisition information:
Purchased from Green Valley Auctions in July 2024.
Custodial history:

The photographs are duplicates of those held by Rocktown History (formerly Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society) and may have been deaccessioned from their collection. The photographs were originally stored in an envelope labeled "Flood of 1949 Harrisonburg Duplicates."

Processing information:

The photographs are interleaved with acid-free paper due to their having tape residue on the fronts and backs.

Physical facet:
7 black-and-white photographs
Dimensions:
4" x 5"
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard