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Pulaski Theater Oral History Project

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-2004-007

Scope and Content

The collection contains materials from 2003 to 2004 with the bulk from 2003. Collection consists of interview cassette tapes and transcripts of oral history interviews conducted in 2003 by April Allen, a PhD. candidate in the Interior Design Program within the College of Architecture and Urban Studies at Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University. Interviewees include Ann King and Delores Brown, Betty Guynn, Marva Hickman, Edna Isbill, Lloyd Mathews, Bob and Sharon McKinney, George Penn, Wilmer and Ethel White. Transcripts available for all interviewees with the exception of Lloyd Mathews. The collection also includes Dr. Allen's field notes and her doctoral dissertation based on the Pulaski Theater located in Pulaski, VA.

Dates

  • Creation: 2003 - 2004

Creator

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research with the exception of tapes and transcripts for which there are no oral history release forms. Folder 7 in box one and tapes 5 & 8 in box two are restricted with no access because release forms are unavailable for these interviews.

Use Restrictionss

Permission to publish material from the Pulaski Theater Oral History Project must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.

Biographical/Historical Information

The collection focuses on personal recollections of the Pulaski Theater, which operated from 1937 to 1991. Built in 1911, the structure initially hosted concerts and vaudevillian-style entertainment. However, the theater was closed in 1922 and remained a dry goods store until its reopening as a movie theater in 1937 under its new name--The Pulaski concerts. The interviewees are residents or former residents of Pulaski, VA with the memories of the building dating back to the original Elks Theater.

Full Extent

0.75 Cubic Feet (2 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Collection contains 13 interview cassette tapes and 12 interview transcripts compiled by Dr. April Alen. In addition, the collection also includes the field notes and dissertation completed by Dr. Allen.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged alphabetically by interviewee. Box 1 contains transcripts, field notes, and Dr. Allen's dissertation. Box 2 contains cassette tapes.

Acquisition Information

The Pulaski Theater Oral History Project was donated to Special Collections in 2004.

General Physical Description note

2 containers, 0.75 cu. ft.

Title
A Guide to the Pulaski Theater Oral Hisory Project 2003-2004
Status
Completed
Author
Sam Walters
Date
© 2004 By Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. All rights reserved.
Language of description
English
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Description is in English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections, Virginia Tech Repository

Contact:
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308