Pabst School of Music records

Access and use

Location of collection:
James Madison University
Second Floor Room 203, MSC 1704
Carrier Library
James Madison University
880 Madison Drive
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Tiffany Cole
Phone: (540) 568-3444
Phone: (540) 568-3612
Fax: (540) 568-3405
Restrictions:

Collection is open for 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.

Terms of access:

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).

Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Pabst School of Music Records, 1924-1983, SC 0365, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Summary

Extent:
0.13 cubic feet 5 folders
Creator:
Pabst School of Music, Green Valley Auctions, Inc., and Bowman, Douglas, 1948-2023
Abstract:
Recital programs, newspaper clippings, and an admission application for the Pabst School of Music in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Pabst School of Music Records, 1924-1983, SC 0365, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Background

Scope and content:

Materials related to the Pabst School of Music include recital programs, a blank admissions application, blank recital program stationery, and a scrapbook with newspaper clippings and recital programs. The newspaper clippings concern recitals and list the names of student performers as well as musical selections performed.

Biographical / historical:

The Pabst School of Music was founded in 1923 by Alma Campbell Pabst (1895-1995) and was located in the Campbell Hotel at 217 N. Main St. in Harrisonburg. Alma's husband Camillo Pabst (1894-1970) also taught at the school. The school offered special training in piano, violin, harmony, and music history. It was in operation until approximately 1983. The school held programs and recitals at local schools and churches including Muhlenberg Lutheran Church, Assembly Hall (Harrisonburg Courthouse), Dayton United Brethren Church, Timberville High School, and the auditorium of the Pabst School of Music.

Alma Campbell Pabst graduated from Harrisonburg High School and Mary Baldwin College with a degree in music. She also studied music at Columbia University. Her parents Amanda and John Randolph Campbell took over the Campbell Hotel in 1916. Alma began a music school that same year and ran it out of the hotel. Camillo Pabst, who was born in Leipzig, Germany and immigrated to the United States, studied music at the Combs Conservatory in Philadelphia and Columbia University. Alma and Camillo married in 1922. They took over ownership of the Campbell Hotel in 1935.

The Campbell Hotel was owned by the Feuchtenberger/Campbell family for 95 years before it was razed in 1985.

Acquisition information:
Purchased at Green Valley Auctions December 5th, 2023 sale of the Doug Bowman Estate.
Custodial history:

From the estate of Doug Bowman, local collector of Harrisonburg memorabilia.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard