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[identification of item], [box #, folder #], A. D. Lough correspondence, 1902-1920, SC 0421, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.
Purchased from Green Valley Auctions in February 2026.
Alonzo Dice Lough (1880-1944) of Pendleton County, West Virginia was a 1902 graduate of Bridgewater College where he received a degree in music education. He taught music at least while enrolled in college. Post-1900 census records list his occupation as a farmer.
Four letters written to A. D. Lough of Pendleton County, West Virginia. Correspondents include John W. Wayland and John C. Myers. Wayland's letters to Lough primarily concern Wayland's writing ideas. Myers' letter is inquiring about selling cattle.
John Walter Wayland Papers, Mss. 65 W36, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA.
John Walter Wayland Papers, 26 WFCHS, Stewart Bell Jr. Archives, Handley Regional Library, Winchester, VA.
John W. Wayland papers, 1890 - 1961, 19.4.001, Alexander Mack Memorial Library Special Collections, Bridgewater College, Bridgewater, VA.
John W. Wayland Papers, 1916-1980, SC 0258, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.
Wayland is inquiring about a story Lough wrote concerning an "Indian legend" published in the P[hilomathean]. M[onthly]. Philomathean Monthly was a student periodical at Bridgewater College founded by Wayland, a member of the Philomathean Literary Society. The article, titled "Lovers' Leap", was published in the March 1902 issue of Philomathean Monthly. Wayland asked if he could enter Lough's story for publication in a recently established Boston magazine.
Wayland begins by acknowledging Lough's recent letter. Wayland references a Mrs Miller, an acquaintance of Lough's, who has expressed interest in the position of matron for the new dormitory (now Harper Allen-Lee Hall) being constructed at the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Harrisonburg (now JMU).
Wayland also encourages Lough to continue his writing pursuits and mentions a "piece you wrote for the college magazine" which likely refers to Bridgewater College. Wayland suggests that the he and Lough work together on an illustrated article about mountain people including their "dwellings, manner of life, customs, superstitions, traditions, etc."
Wayland references the proposed article or series of articles he plans to write with Lough on mountain people, particularly of the "more primitive districts." He is interested in anything about their "houses, house life, religion, superstitions, traditions, marriage customs, beliefs about death, witchcraft, signs, omens, etc." as well as their "mechanical skill, industries, hospitality, devotion to house, etc., etc."
Myers asks Lough what he and his neighbors have done about selling their cattle, specifically what is for sale, quality, weight, and price.