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 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 #], Patty Fitzhugh Noblin Scrapbook, 1928-1930, SC 0396, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Acquisition Information

The scrapbook was donated in November 2024 by Gretchen Clarke, great niece of Patty Fitzhugh Noblin.

Biographical / Historical

Originally from Weldon, North Carolina, Patty Fitzhugh (1910-2001) attended the State Teachers College at Harrisonburg from 1928 to 1930. While a student, Fitzhugh was a member of the Lee Literary Society, Cotillion Club, YWCA, Schoolma'am staff, Athletic Association, and the Choral Club. She was also a typist for The Breeze student newspaper. Fitzhugh resided in Ashby Hall (now Harper Allen-Lee Hall) both years she attended the State Teachers College. She does not appear to have graduated and presumably left the school after her sophomore year. Fitzhugh married Roland E. Noblin in 1937.

Scope and Contents

One bound scrapbook documenting the student experience of Patty Fitzhugh who attended the State Teachers College at Harrisonburg from 1928 to 1930.

The scrapbook comprises photographs, printed ephemera, programs, invitations, notes and letters, ticket stubs, program cards, report cards, newspaper clippings, deposit fund cards, dried flowers, food items (lollipop, chicken bone), train tickets, a diary kept in a small Soft Lite Lenses branded notebook, telegrams, excused absence notes due to illness, and other assorted ephemera. Notes and cards from a man named Chester Draper are included.

The scrapbook also contains several pages of autographs and notes from fellow classmates. Handwritten notes describe professors and classes, campus events including a few lines about a trip to Massanutten Peak in October 1928, and other social functions.

Of interest is a note written by the secretary of the Lee Literary Society and marked "Secret" which instructs Fitzhugh, presumably as part of her initiation, to go to Harrison Hall and "wait near the door to the underground passage until you are sent for." This is likely in reference to the tunnels connecting the buildings on the south side of the Quad. A second note marked "Important" also mentions the passage.

A letter dated December 27, 1928 from President Samuel Duke informs faculty and students that the start of the winter term will be delayed due to the "general prevalence throughout the State of influenza in a mild form."

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Clarke, Gretchen
• Harrisonburg (Va.) -- History
• James Madison University -- Students -- History
• Lee Literary Society
• Scrapbooks
• State Teachers College at Harrisonburg (Harrisonburg, Va.) -- History
• State Teachers College at Harrisonburg (Harrisonburg, Va.) -- Students
• State Teachers College at Harrisonburg (Harrisonburg, Va.) -- Students -- Social life and customs