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.

Provenance

The speech materials and other related email correspondence (filed in collection control file) were given to Steve Smith by Sidney Bland.

Preferred Citation

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Sidney Bland Speech for the Johnston and Dingledine Portrait Unveiling, 2008, SC 0395, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Acquisition Information

Donated by Steve Smith, Faculty Emeriti Association Vice President and former Associate VP, Constituent Relations, Director of Alumni Relations and Assistant Director of Admissions, in October 2024.

Biographical / Historical

Dr. Sidney Bland, Professor Emeritus of History, joined the JMU faculty in 1965 and taught for more than forty years, specializing in U.S. history.

Althea Loose Johnston (1885-1984) and James C. Johnston (1875-1927) were early instructors of physical education and chemistry, respectively, at the State Normal School.

Raymond C. Dingledine Sr. (1892-1941) and Agness "Mama Ding" Dingledine (1894-1974) were also early instructors at the State Normal School, teaching mathematics and English respectively. Agness Dingledine was also a dormitory hostess, house mother, and alumni secretary.

Scope and Contents

Drafts and final remarks given by Dr. Sidney Bland on the occasion of the unveiling of Johnston and Dingledine family portraits at the Leeolou Alumni Center as part of the JMU Centennial Celebration on March 14, 2008.

In his remarks, Bland honored and provided historical anecdotes about several members of the Johnston and Dingledine families including Althea Loose Johnston, James C. Johnston, Raymond C. Dingledine Sr., Agness "Mama Ding" Dingledine, and Raymond C. Dingledine Jr. The portraits featured James Johnston, Dingledine Sr., and Agness Dingledine.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• James Madison University -- History
• Smith, Steve (Charles Steven)
• Speeches (Documents)
• State Normal School for Women at Harrisonburg (Harrisonburg, Va.) -- Faculty
• State Normal and Industrial School for Women (Harrisonburg, Va.) -- Faculty
• Virginia -- Centennial celebrations, etc.