A. D. Lough correspondence

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 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.

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 #], A. D. Lough correspondence, 1902-1920, SC 0421, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Summary

Extent:
0.08 cubic feet 1 folder
Creator:
Lough, A. D. (Alonzo Dice), 1880-1960 and Green Valley Auctions, Inc.
Abstract:
Four letters written to A. D. Lough of Pendleton County, West Virginia. Correspondents include John W. Wayland and John C. Myers.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], A. D. Lough correspondence, 1902-1920, SC 0421, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Background

Scope and content:

Four letters written to A. D. Lough of Pendleton County, West Virginia. Correspondents include John W. Wayland and John C. Myers. Wayland's letters to Lough primarily concern Wayland's writing ideas. Myers' letter is inquiring about selling cattle.

Wayland is inquiring about a story Lough wrote concerning an "Indian legend" published in the P[hilomathean]. M[onthly]. Philomathean Monthly was a student periodical at Bridgewater College founded by Wayland, a member of the Philomathean Literary Society. The article, titled "Lovers' Leap", was published in the March 1902 issue of Philomathean Monthly. Wayland asked if he could enter Lough's story for publication in a recently established Boston magazine.

Wayland begins by acknowledging Lough's recent letter. Wayland references a Mrs Miller, an acquaintance of Lough's, who has expressed interest in the position of matron for the new dormitory (now Harper Allen-Lee Hall) being constructed at the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Harrisonburg (now JMU).

Wayland also encourages Lough to continue his writing pursuits and mentions a "piece you wrote for the college magazine" which likely refers to Bridgewater College. Wayland suggests that the he and Lough work together on an illustrated article about mountain people including their "dwellings, manner of life, customs, superstitions, traditions, etc."

Wayland references the proposed article or series of articles he plans to write with Lough on mountain people, particularly of the "more primitive districts." He is interested in anything about their "houses, house life, religion, superstitions, traditions, marriage customs, beliefs about death, witchcraft, signs, omens, etc." as well as their "mechanical skill, industries, hospitality, devotion to house, etc., etc."

Myers asks Lough what he and his neighbors have done about selling their cattle, specifically what is for sale, quality, weight, and price.

Biographical / historical:

Alonzo Dice Lough (1880-1944) of Pendleton County, West Virginia was a 1902 graduate of Bridgewater College where he received a degree in music education. He taught music at least while enrolled in college. Post-1900 census records list his occupation as a farmer.

Acquisition information:
Purchased from Green Valley Auctions in February 2026.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard