Mock Wedding Photograph, Roanoke, Virginia, 1900

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Mock Wedding Photograph, Roanoke, Virginia, Ms2009-083, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Davis, George C., 1882-1968
Abstract:
The collection contains a photograph depicting a mock wedding enacted by children–eight boys and ten girls. The photographer's cardboard frame is marked "Davis, Roanoke, VA."
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Mock Wedding Photograph, Roanoke, Virginia, Ms2009-083, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The mock wedding photograph from Roanoke, Virginia, features eighteen children–eight boys and ten girls. These children are dressed up as traditional members of a wedding party, such as the bride, groom, flower girl, and preacher. This photograph suggests that mock weddings, such as this one, were well-planned, containing large flower bouquets, dresses and suits for the children, and even an oriental rug.

Biographical / historical:

In the early-twentieth century, mock weddings were conducted as a form of entertainment. In addition to the entertainment value of these mock weddings–many times conducted with children or actors–these staged weddings also served the purpose of recalling popular elements of weddings as opposed to the new direction of the "modern" wedding. These weddings emphasized aspects of weddings, such as the use of the classic white color scheme. While these ceremonies placed emphasis on the traditional wedding practices, they also served as a means for criticizing the "materialism and pomp" associated with wedding ceremonies.

For more information on mock weddings, see: Freeman, Elizabeth. The Wedding Complex: Forms of Belonging in American Culture. Durham: Duke University Press, 2002.

The stamp on the frame, "Davis, Roanoke, VA," may indicate the photograph was taken by George C. Davis (1882-1968), a prominent Roanoke photographer. Davis owned a studio in Roanoke at least as early as 1904. Later in his life, he converted part of his home to a darkroom, allowing him to work there.

See also "The Record Keeper Photographer George C. Davis Documented Roanoke's Growth with Loving Care" by Kevin Kittredge, Roanoke Times, October 6, 1996, available online from Virginia Tech's Scholarly Communication database at https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/ROA-Times/issues/1996/rt9610/961006/10040076.htm, accessed April 12, 2023.

Acquisition information:
The Mock Wedding Photograph, Roanoke, Virginia, was purchased by Special Collections in 2009.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Mock Wedding Photograph, Roanoke, Virginia, commenced and was completed in May 2009.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged by material type.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard