James Madison University Libraries Special Collections
820 Madison DriveMSC 1706
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
Telephone: (540) 568-3612
library-special@jmu.edu
URL: https://www.lib.jmu.edu/special/
Chris Bolgiano, Alicia Henneberry
Administrative Information
Use Restrictions
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).
Access Restrictions
Collection is open for 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 #], Virginia Theatre and New Virginia Theatre Playbills, 1914-1924, SC 0080, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va.
Acquisition Information
Purchased from Bookworm & Silverfish Book Dealers, Wytheville, Virginia in February 1995.
Processing Information
In order to streamline the process of applying collection numbers, Special Collections staff completed a large-scale renumbering campaign in the spring of 2017. The collection was previously cataloged as SC 3011.
Administrative History
The New Virginia Theatre was owned by Warner Bros. Circuit Management Corporation, and opened sometime around the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. It was originally built as an old opera house and was complete with a performance stage, balcony, and private box seats. During the early twentieth century, the New Virginia Theater hosted many different stage plays and musical acts. By the year 1950, the name was changed to the Virginia Theater and it was converted into a movie theater. The theater eventually fell into disrepair, and was closed around 1986 and later torn down. During its lifetime, the theater was one of the many favorite Harrisonburg attractions, and was enjoyed by both Harrisonburg residents and Madison College students alike.
Scope and Content
The Virginia Theatre and New Virginia Theatre Playbills, 1914-1924, comprise nine playbills (one folder) of the Virginia Theatre and New Virginia Theatre in Harrisonburg, Virginia, 1914-1924 The largest size is 15" x 6". Each gives the title of the program (several specify vaudeville and minstrels), actors, and producers. Many of the playbills also include advertising by local establishments, especially W.E. Friddle's Restaurant. Most of the playbills are for plays that were performed by the theater. Two of the playbills are for concerts given by musical acts: The Lasses White All-Star Minstrels and John W. Vogel's Big City Minstrels.
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Related Material
Virginia Theatre Playbills, 1914-1952, SC 0366, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
- Advertising -- History -- 20th century
- Advertising -- Performing arts
- American drama -- 20th century
- Amusements
- Bookworm & Silverfish
- Leisure -- Social aspects
- Minstrel shows -- United States -- 20th century
- New Virginia Theatre (Harrisonburg, Va.)
- Playbills
- Playbills -- Collections
- Playbills -- United States -- 20th century
- Playbills -- Virginia -- Harrisonburg
- Theater -- Virginia -- Harrisonburg
- Theater programs -- United States -- 20th century
- Vaudeville -- United States -- History -- 20th century
- Virginia Theatre (Harrisonburg, Va.)
- W. E. Friddle's Restaurant
Container List
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The Prodigal Judge1914 November 11
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John W. Vogel's Big City Minstrels1914 December 10
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Fine Feathers1915 November 15
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Her Husband's Wife1915 November 16
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Lasses White All-Star Minstrels1920 November 11
-
Dardanella1920 November 23
-
Just Married1924 October 21
-
Flashes of the Great White Way1924 November 18
-
The Old Haunted Stationundated