Thomas L. Hisgen Jr. diary

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 #], Thomas L. Hisgen Jr. diary, 1920-1921, SC 0418, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Summary

Extent:
0.08 cubic feet 1 folder
Creator:
Hisgen, Thomas L., Jr. (Thomas Louis), 1902-1973 and Tim Abbott Americana
Abstract:
Diary kept by Thomas L. Hisgen Jr. while a student at Staunton Military Academy.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Thomas L. Hisgen Jr. diary, 1920-1921, SC 0418, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Background

Scope and content:

Diary kept by Thomas L. Hisgen Jr. while a student at Staunton Military Academy. The leather-bound standard diary documents Hisgen's daily entries starting on January 1, 1921 while on furlough in Massachusetts into May 1921. The daily entries include mentions of exams and studying, drills, reveille, inspections, letters and packages received, and social activities. Hisgen also detailed his personal finances in the back of the diary and kept a list of friends' names and address.

Loose materials include a Staunton post office box rental bill, a Staunton Military Academy request for explanation of behavior, and a photograph of cadets in the quadrangle. A caption on the back of the photograph reads: "General mount in quadrangle. Taken from vicinity of my room on third gallery. The arch is the only way out."

Biographical / historical:

Thomas L. Hisgen Jr. (1902-1973), originally from Massachusetts, attended Staunton Military Academy between at least 1920 and 1921. He was the son of Thomas L. Hisgen Sr. (1858-1925), politician and businessman in the oil industry, and Barbara Hisgen (1865-1933).

Acquisition information:
Purchased from Tim Abbott Americana in December 2025.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard