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James Madison University Libraries Special Collections
820 Madison DriveTiffany Cole
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).
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.
The photographs are duplicates of those held by Rocktown History (formerly Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society) and may have been deaccessioned from their collection. The photographs were originally stored in an envelope labeled "Flood of 1949 Harrisonburg Duplicates."
[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Harrisonburg Flood Photographs, 1949 August 15, SC 0384, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.
Purchased from Green Valley Auctions in July 2024.
The photographs are interleaved with acid-free paper due to their having tape residue on the fronts and backs.
On August 15, 1949, several hours of rain and thunderstorms caused significant flash flooding in downtown Harrisonburg and led to Blacks Run overflowing. A total of 5.49 inches of rain was reported in Harrisonburg for the day with a weekly total nearing 10 inches.
Seven black-and-white photographs documenting the August 15, 1949 flood in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Businesses featured in the photographs include Safeway, Troy Laundry, Powell's Taxi, Daily News-Record, Bear Auto Parts, Gulf Station, Berry Lumber, and Denton's (rear view with second floors collapsing). Flooded streets include W. Market St. and Liberty St.
Prints are stamped on the back: "Photograph by The Lee Studio Harrisonburg, VA."
The photographs in this collection are duplicates of the following photos held by Rocktown History: Photo0325, Photo0326, Photo0328, Photo0330, Photo0338, Photo0543, and Photo0544. The photographs are part of Collection 001.
Hanson, Raus McDill. A Quarter of a Century of Weather Records on Madison College Campus, Harrisonburg, Virginia, (1942-1966) . Harrisonburg, Va: Madison College, 1967.