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.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], [box #, folder #], Jack Gaines Letter, 1948, SC 0056, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Acquisition Information

Jack Gaines donated this letter to Special Collections in February 1999.

Bio/Historical Note

Jack Allen Gaines (1930-2016) was born in Dayton, Virginia to Edward Walston and Agnes Zirkle Gaines. He was a member of Harrisonburg High School's class of 1948 and in the months following graduation was placed on the "Approved List of Local Men" at Madison College. As a result, he was permitted to make social calls on students. He went on to marry Rosalie Ritchie Gaines, who does not appear to have been a Madison College student. Gaines served in the U. S. Air Force from 1950 to 1954, was awarded the Korean Service Medal, and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Hope Vandever Miller (1904-1985) served as the Dean of Women at Madison College from November 1943 to June 1953.

Local unmarried men who were enrolled in college, graduated from college, or left college in good standing had the privilege of dating Madison students without being placed on the "Approved List of Local Men." All other unmarried men who resided within the Harrisonburg city limits needed to be added to the "Approved List of Local Men" in order to date students at Madison College. Placement on the "Approved List" required a recommendation from a member of Madison College faculty or administrative staff. Conversely, men deemed ineligible to make social calls on students due to questionable behavior or having been expelled from their college were blacklisted. Both lists were kept in the office of the secretary in alumni.

Scope and Content

The Jack Gaines Letter, 1948, is an official notice from Hope Vandever, Madison College Dean of Women, notifying Jack Allen Gaines of Harrisonburg that he has been placed on the "Approved List of Local Men." As a result, he was permitted to make social calls on Madison College students. The envelope is also included.

Arrangement

The letter and envelope are housed in one letter folder.

Related Material

JMU Student Government Association Records, UA 0007, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Dating (Social customs) -- Virginia -- Harrisonburg -- History
• Harrisonburg (Va.) -- History
• James Madison University -- Students -- History
• Letters (correspondence)
• Madison College -- Alumni and alumnae
• Madison College -- History
• Madison College -- Students -- Social life and customs