Collections : [James Madison University]

Supplemental information includes list of persons buried in "Newtown Cemetery," the "colored cemetery" located on Kelly and Hill Streets, Harrisonburg, Va; "Roll of colored voters in Rockingham in the early 1900's," researched by Johnny Dove; 2 pages from the "History of the Augusta Street Methodist Church." Newspaper articles include: "Earl Johnson," from AFRO Magazine, Nov. 21, 1953, "R.E. Johnson dies; former Olympian" (Harrisonburg, Va. Daily News-Record (?), n.d.); "Mr. Harris has 93rd birthday," retired principal of Lucy Simms School (H'burg Daily News-Record (?), n.d.); "Simms School," (H'burg Daily News-Record, Aug. 22, 1978); "Despite segregation law, 'people were kind'," by Chris Simmons (H'burg Daily News-Record, Thurs., July 3, 1980); "Roberta Webb, a Valley treasure: black educator lived her religion," (H'burg Daily News-Record, Tues., Feb. 7, 1995). Photographs and negatives of Miss Lucy Simms and school children.

Records the reminiscences of Mrs. Helen Irvin Wells (b. 1898) of Harrisonburg, Va., school teacher at Grottoes, Elkton and Bridgewater Elementary schools and cook at Madison College for fifteen years. Describes her childhood incl. holiday observances (Easter, Christmas); games, ghost stories told by the half-breed Indian, making dolls & hats from corn husks, honeysuckle baskets; education (Effinger School, recollections of L. Simms, her brother, the poet U.G. Wilson, spelling contests, school schedule based on farming seasons), and later education at Va. State College); histories of local Methodist churches (circuit preachers John Wesley, Mr. Otterbein), gardening, canning, recipes (scripture cake); making quilts, hook rugs, and tatting (making lace). Recorded at the home of Mrs. Helen Irvin Wells, Harrisonburg, Va. on July 18, 1978 (?). Includes 4-leaf paper contains recollections of the well known teacher, Lucy Simms, the names of local black Civil War veterans, and a list of prominent black leaders within the community. Note that the paper indicates three dates (July 18-20, 1978).

Records the recollections of Albert Moreman, American enlisted POW guard at Camp 8, Lyndhurst/Sherando Lake, Virginia at the end of World War II (1944-end of '45). Recalls experiences during the war: drafted as an infantryman; and injury leading to training and assignment as a military guard in the States. Describes in particular his experiences as a guard at Camp 8, then being used as a POW stockade for German prisoners. Describes the Camp, makeup of the guard units; the German enlisted men; and general life at the Camp: transportation of prisoners; their work at camp and local farms (cutting pulpwood and working at local orchards); punishment; and entertainment (German burlesque shows). Recalls particular incidents: prisoners hiding food in stove pipes, the food strike, and giving them food; and altercation with an apple orchard owner who was cheating the government. Recalls a couple of prisoners whom he knew on a personal basis; the camp officers and their wives. In general, remembers World War II experiences as a military guard in the States and in particular at the Lyndhurst/Sherando Lake Camp.

Records the recollections of Edward Vanfossen, retired Forest Service employee, and a Civilian Conservation Corps LEM (Local Experienced Man) and enrollee at Camp 8, Lyndhurst/Sherando Lake, Virginia during the mid 1930's [no specific dates given]. Describes impact of the Depression, losing job as an auto mechanic, and efforts to pay off a $18.00 debt. Talks about employment by the CCC as a LEM, primarily working as a mechanic and general handyman around the Camp. Mentions various jobs including road building and dam construction as an equipment operator (using a trail builder, tractor and shovel); also job as a forest fire water boss. Talks about various people and stories about them: mostly those who worked around the camp such as mechanics, tool sharpeners, the Camp doctor (and his tonsil operations); Forest Service officers; the head stonemason and carpenters; and other LEMs. Recalls chaperoning CCC boys during off time and their excursions into town (Waynesboro). Describes later employment with the Forest Service; their quarters and arrangements at the Camp. In general describes life at a CCC camp that later became a part of the national forest recreation system.