A Guide to the Fair and Track Ribbons Collection

Compiled by Eryn Kawecki

August 20, 2019

Descriptive Summary

Repository: Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia, USA

Title: Fair and Track Ribbons Collection

Date Range: 1930-1953

Collection Number: 2019-0017

Extent: 1 box

Language: English

Abstract: Ribbons from a track meet in Woodstock, Virginia, and from the Strasburg School and community fair.

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions: This collection is open to researchers without restrictions. Researchers must register and agree to all copyright laws and archives policies before using the collection. Please contact the Shenandoah County Library before visiting to use this collection.

Preferred Citation:

[Identification of item] Fair and Track Ribbons Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia, USA.

Acquisition Information: The items in this collection were purchased from Laughlin Auctions on June 15, 2019.

Processing Information: Items were sorted and then processed chronologically.

Biographical/Historical Note

The items in this collection reflect the various contests performed in Shenandoah County. The Strasburg School was a private tuition-based academy that ran from the early 1800s until 1884. By 1870 the building had become overcrowded, so a new school was constructed beside the original academy, which was sold. Community meetings, political rallies, concerts, and other events were regularly held in the structure’s second floor hall. This made the school a central part of life in Strasburg for the next 50 years.

In 1910 they built a new structure next to the Academy building to house grades 6-12, a library, and principal’s office. By 1921 the school had an enrollment of over 500 and was dangerously overcrowded. Some classes were held in other buildings around town, but in 1926 the Academy building was demolished and a new High School was built in its place. All elementary classes were moved to the 1910 portion. In 1951 a second addition was completed to house a cafeteria and gymnasium.

High School students were transferred to the new Strasburg High School in 1959. Nine years later a fire broke. Despite efforts from six local fire companies, the 1910 portion of the school was destroyed. Portable classrooms were brought to the site and used to house students for the next several decades.

Over time, the remainder of the students would be transferred to new schools. In 1971 Sandy Hook Elementary school opened and the school became Strasburg Middle. Twenty years later the school was closed when the new Signal Knob Middle School was opened. Today, the building is in private hands. 

Scope and Content

The Fair and Track Ribbons Collection consists of .5 linear feet of material, which is stored in 1 box. The collection includes 2 folders of materials.

Inventory

Box 1, Stack 8, Shelf 6

Folder 1.1            Second Prize Ribbon, Shenandoah County Field and Track Meet, 1930, Woodstock Virginia

Folder 1.2            Strasburg School and Community Fair Ribbons, 1949-1953