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.

Provenance

From the estate of Doug Bowman, local collector of Harrisonburg memorabilia.

Preferred Citation

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Harrisonburg Menus, circa 1932-1942, SC 0362, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Acquisition Information

Purchased at Green Valley Auctions December 5th, 2023 sale of the Doug Bowman Estate.

Appraisal

Two non-Harrisonburg/Shenandoah Valley items that were part of the acquired lot were not retained.

Biographical / Historical

Local caterer Edith A. Dovel (1884-1945) opened the Dolly Madison Tea Room in May 1938. The Tea Room was located at 270 S. Main Street in Harrisonburg. Madison College students frequented the Tea Room, using the space for class and club dinners and sorority parties. It was in operation until at least 1942, per newspaper advertisements, but was likely closed by 1945 due to Dovel's death.

Harrisonburg resident I.E. Dickenson (1884-1955) established The Valley Candy Kitchen, located at the corner of Newman Ave. and S. Main Street in the News-Record Building, in 1932 after he purchased the stock and goodwill of George's Candy Kitchen which operated at the same location. The Valley Candy Kitchen closed in 1936.

Scope and Contents

Two menus for Dolly Madison Tea Room and The Valley Candy Kitchen, defunct Harrisonburg restaurants. Both menus include food and drink options with corresponding prices.

Related Material

Marie Coffman "Nutty" Whetzel Collection of Shenandoah Valley Menus, 1967-1991, SC 0289, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Bowman, Douglas, 1948-2023
• Green Valley Auctions, Inc.
• Harrisonburg (Va.) -- History
• James Madison University -- Students -- History
• Madison College -- Students -- Social life and customs
• Menus
• Menus -- Virginia -- Harrisonburg -- 20th century
• Restaurants -- Virginia -- Harrisonburg -- 20th century