Use Restrictions

The copyright interests in this collection have been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

Access 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.

Preferred Citation

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Ruth Conn Papers, 1894-1993, SC 0339, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Acquisition Information

Lori Dixon, daughter-in-law of Madelyn Dixon who was a lifelong friend of Ruth Conn, donated the collection on August 16, 2022.

Appraisal Information

A copy of the 1912 Schoolma'am yearbook was not retained due to significant preservation issues.

Bio/Historical Note

Ruth Randolph Conn (1893-1993) was born on January 16, 1893 in McGaheysville, Virginia. Raised in McGaheysville, Conn was known locally as the great-great granddaughter of the town's founder, Tobia McGahey. She attended the State Normal and Industrial School for Women, now James Madison University, where she graduated in 1912. While a student, Conn was involved in the Lanier Literary Society, Racket Tennis Club, and the editorial staff for the yearbook. After graduation, she became a school teacher before moving to Richmond, Virginia where she became an office manager for the Fiedens Typewriter Company.

Scope and Contents

The Ruth Conn Papers, 1884-1993, comprise seven folders with materials primarily focused on Ruth Conn's life surrounding her attendance at the State Normal and Industrial School for Women, now James Madison University. The collection mainly focuses on campus events, correspondence between her and her fellow students, and poetry she worked on or read in her lifetime.

Correspondence in the collection ranges in content but predominantly focuses on Ruth Conn's time in the Harrisonburg and McGaheysville area with a focus on her friendships and time at the State Normal School. Ephemera primarily contains pamphlets, flyers, and grades pertaining to Conn's time at the State Normal School with some items being associated with her early jobs right after graduation. In addition, her collection of poetry primarily comprises her original work. Occasional pieces included are not originally by her but are works that she recited or wrote out. The majority of her poetry in the collection is dated between 1975-1989; however, there is some undated poetry that is estimated to be prior to 1975. As a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia, Conn also had a collection of sermons from the 1940-1950s, mostly preached by Reverend Vincent C. Franks, D.D.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged chronologically.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Dixon, Lori
• Harrisonburg (Va.) -- History
• James Madison University -- History
• Letters (correspondence)
• McGaheysville (Va.) -- History
• Photograph albums
• Poetry
• Printed Ephemera
• State Normal and Industrial School for Women (Harrisonburg, Va.) -- History
• State Normal and Industrial School for Women (Harrisonburg, Va.) -- Students
• State Normal and Industrial School for Women (Harrisonburg, Va.) -- Students -- Social life and customs
• Universities and colleges -- Virginia -- Harrisonburg -- History