Charles T. Smith 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 is 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 #], Charles T. Smith photographs, 1880-2007 (bulk 1990s), SC 0423, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Summary

Extent:
1.26 cubic feet 3 boxes
Creator:
Smith, Charles T., 1932-2024 (Charles Thomas) and Green Valley Auctions, Inc.
Abstract:
The collection comprises original photographs, postcards, enlargements, and reproduction photographs documenting the eastern and southeastern sections of Rockingham County including Cross Keys, McGaheysville, Penn Laird, Port Republic, Pineville, and Elkton.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Charles T. Smith photographs, 1880-2007 (bulk 1990s), SC 0423, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection comprises original and reproduction photographs, vernacular photograph albums, postcards, and photo enlargements documenting the eastern and southeastern sections of Rockingham County including Cross Keys, McGaheysville, Port Republic, Penn Laird, Pineville, and Elkton. Other areas documented include Harrisonburg, Shenandoah, and Charlottesville. The bulk of the photographs are undated but span the greater part of the 20th century. Photograph files may include original photographs or postcards, reproductions, enlargements, and negatives.

The photographs, postcards, and images feature historic schools and churches; businesses; trains, railroads, and depots; landmarks; and street views. One folder contains reproductions of news articles from the local newspapers, specifically the column Fading Images written by Casey Billhimer for The Valley Banner.

Of particular interest are photograph albums that document the 1985 flood in Rockingham County (October 31-November 5) as well as flooding from Hurricane Fran in September 1996. A third album includes photographs dating to the mid-1990s of wind or storm damage at Charles Smith's farm in Cross Keys and surrounding area. It is presumed that these photographs also document the damage from Hurricane Fran in September 1996.

Biographical / historical:

Charles T. Smith (1932-2024) was a lifelong resident of Rockingham County. Per his obituary, Smith was committed to historic preservation specifically his family farm which was part of the historic Cross Keys Battlefield. He was also an avid coin and train memorabilia collector. Smith compiled photographs of the local Harrisonburg and eastern Rockingham County areas. This included collecting historic images as well as taking his own photographs.

Acquisition information:
Purchased in numerous lots from Green Valley Auctions, March 25, 2026.
Custodial history:

From the estate of Charles T. Smith (1932-2024) of Cross Keys, Virginia.

Processing information:

If photographs are undated or dates are not easily discerned, folder and item dates correspond to the approximate date of the original image and not necessarily the date of its reproduction, if a facsimile.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard