Loudoun Community College Collection 1950-1956

Access and use

Location of collection:
Thomas Balch Library
Thomas Balch Library
208 West Market Street
Leesburg, Virginia 20176
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Alexandra S. Gressitt
Phone: (703) 737-7195
Fax: (703) 737-7195
Restrictions:

Collection open for research.

Terms of access:

No physical characteristics affect use of this material.

Preferred citation:

Loudoun Community College Collection, 1950-1956 (SC 0118), Thomas Balch Library, Leesburg, VA.

Summary

Extent:
Less than 0.33 cubic feet
Creator:
Loudoun County Historical Society
Abstract:
The Loudoun Community College collection consists of collected documents and materials gathered during the lifespan of the college. Administrative files include the college president's report for the 1953-1954 school year along with a detailed account of activities at the college during that year. A draft of the release announcing the college's closing, dated July 12, 1956 is included. Materials documenting art exhibits and visiting artists at the college include newspaper clippings, press releases, and exhibit lists of artwork featured. Newspaper clippings have been photocopied for preservation. A photograph of the Loudoun Community College's classroom building at 101 West Market Street in January 1953 is included in the collection.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Loudoun Community College Collection, 1950-1956 (SC 0118), Thomas Balch Library, Leesburg, VA.

Background

Scope and content:

The Loudoun Community College collection consists of collected documents and materials gathered during the lifespan of the college. Administrative files include the college president's report for the 1953-1954 school year along with a detailed account of activities at the college during that year. A draft of the release announcing the college's closing, dated July 12, 1956 is included. Materials documenting art exhibits and visiting artists at the college include newspaper clippings, press releases, and exhibit lists of artwork featured. Newspaper clippings have been photocopied for preservation. A photograph of the Loudoun Community College's classroom building at 101 West Market Street in January 1953 is included in the collection.

Biographical / historical:

Loudoun Community College was founded in 1949 by the Reverend Monroe Bush, Jr. (1933-2008) a former minister at Leesburg Presbyterian Church. Bush, who felt that the county needed a junior college, served as the College's first President from 1950 - 1952. The first classes were held at 101 West Market Street in Leesburg. The college focused on serving adult students and offered courses in merchandising, agriculture, banking, literature, science, politics, pedagogy, music, and painting. Teacher education classes were also offered with course credit offered through a partnership with George Washington University. The college also received University of Virginia accreditation after 1954. Along with offering classes, the college was also noted for art exhibitions included an exhibition of works of American Art on loan from the Corcoran Art Gallery and regular shows exposing county residents to contemporary artists such as Douglas Brown (1899-1952) and Ben L. "Joe" Summerford (1924- 2008).

Throughout its existence, the college struggled to attract students and stay financially viable. On July 2, 1956, Edward E. Nichols, Jr. (1920-2007), chairman of the Board of Trustees, announced suspension of all activity, effectively closing the college. The Board gave the imminent establishment of a branch of the University of Virginia in the area as a reason for their action.

Acquisition information:
Loudoun County Historical Society
Processing information:

Processed by Dawson Frasier, 16 November 2015 Revised by Laura Christiansen, April 2016

Arrangement:

Folder: Item

Accruals:

2004.001

Physical / technical requirements:

None

Physical description:
.