Newsletter of the Free State of Patrick Internet History Group
Notes From The Free State Of Patrick January 2008
"There is nothing new in the world except the history you don't know" -- Harry Truman
"We are the Hokies. We will prevail, we will prevail. We are Virginia Tech. " -- Nikki Giovanni
Virginia Tech We Remember Webpage http://www.vt.edu/remember
Congrats To Hokies ACC FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS. Men's Soccer Final Four!
A Shame In Ararat
There are a lot of questions going around Ararat, Virginia, these days about the Board of Directors of the J. E. B. Stuart Birthplace Preservation Trust, the group I founded over seventeen years ago. I have never publicly commented negatively on the organization until now, but I feel I must.
The Board of the Birthplace in my opinion and the pun is intended are poor stewards of the property entrusted to them. Over a year ago in their infinite wisdom they changed the mailing address of the organization from Ararat to Stuart. I have complained about this since the action was taken and have been given lame excuses or ignored. Common sense would tell you that if someone sees a Stuart address they will go to Stuart looking for the site, but they will not find the site there. In fact, they will not find anything about James Ewell Brown “Jeb” Stuart there except the plaque on the court house grounds placed there in the 1930s. The dirty little secret is that there is not one ounce of proof that Stuart ever sat foot in the town that bears his name. It reminds me of what G. E. “Sug” Brown once said to me. “If you ain’t got no history of your own then go steal someone else’s”
The board moved the bulk mailing permit from Ararat nearly costing a job at the post office due to the loss of volume. I know this because employees of the post office personally complained to me about it. The Board apparently does not think how that might alienate the local community. I have had multiple people in Ararat come ask me about this situation in recent weeks. During the first week of December I received an anonymous letter I believe from one the board members or their immediate family accusing me of putting up a flier about this. Since this coward would not give their name it speaks for itself. I sent the letter to the board and asked that the offending party resign from the organization.
Between 2004-2007, I gave a slide program over 100 times regionally about J. E. B. Stuart and the birthplace. Only three of the present fourteen board members attended. In 2007, I wrote a book about the history of the site and only three of the present board members purchased it initially. I think five of 14 purchased it all together. On November 11, I gave benefit viewing of the slide program, again on three board members attended. These are the people who are charged with preserving what Civil War Historian James I. Robertson of Virginia Tech called the “most important historic project ever undertaken in Patrick County.” Yet, apparently they are not interested in the real history of the property. They seem to have no problem using their connection when promoting themselves. Pitiful is the word that comes to mind. There should be much shame that a group associated with such an important historical figure has no more vision than they have shown over the last year.
When asked about the situation of late the following is what I have been telling those who ask. There are SIX board members that live in or have Ararat addresses. Their excuse for moving the address was that the secretary was not receiving the mail in a timely. Apparently, the secretary is still not receiving the mail as I and others have not received acknowledgement of recent monetary donations or memberships in the last three months that we have made to the organization. Now common sense would tell you that with SIX board members surely someone could visit the post office once a week and take the mail to Stuart. I cannot believe the board gets so much mail that it needs more than a once a week pickup. In fact, three board members have their offices in Stuart, Virginia, and travel there every day from Ararat. At one point I even offered to deliver the mail myself in order to keep the address in the same place it is really located.
In my opinion, the board moved the mail box to take control of the Civil War encampment away from the Ararat member, who had ran the event and resigned after the 2006 encampment because of the infighting with the group. Every three or four years there has been a massive controversy within the organization that prevents it from moving forward. It has been suggested to me that the move was because the “darn bunch in Stuart” wants to take control of it, but I believe my opinion holds more water than the same old conspiracy theory about Patrick County and the “Stuart Clique.”
The truth is that J. E. B. Stuart is from Ararat. His birthplace is in Ararat. Reverend Bob Childress “The Man Who Moved A Mountain” is from Ararat. Orlean Puckett, the mid-wife made famous along the Blue Ridge Parkway is from Ararat. Ararat is the most historic community in Patrick County. I believe my book on Stuart’s Birthplace makes that case in over 200 pages. I believe it is time for Laurel Hill, the birthplace of Patrick County’s most famous person to be given to the Commonwealth of Virginia to become a state park or the U. S. Government to become part of the National Park Service as it was intended to be seventeen years ago. Patrick County certainly cannot afford to take it on with the weak economic situation and the lack of tax revenue. A state or national park in the western end of Patrick County would give the site exposure that the present organization cannot give it and it will take it out of the hands of a group that has shown me, the founder of the group, that they are clueless in managing such a potentially great resource for our county. Ashamed? It is a shame that we cannot preserve and protect Patrick County’s history and the potential for bringing tourism money to the county better than this.
Gladys Akers Honored as Miss Patrick County 1935
Courtesy Of Joanne Hill
Riding in the recent Patrick County Christmas Parade was Gladys Akers, a Stuart resident who now lives at the Landmark Center. Gladys, who will celebrate her 98th birthday on Dec. 23, was delighted to ride in the parade and to be honored as Miss Patrick County of 1935. Gladys (who wondered if I remembered the beauty pageant) explained that she was working in Danville at the time as a telephone operator. She came to Stuart to visit her sister, Lucy Flippin, and was asked to be in the pageant. She said she was glad to participate, but knowing nothing of the occasion, had not brought clothes with her for such an event. She had to borrow a dress from Nannie Ruth Cooper (later Terry) of Critz. She had met Nannie Ruth when they were both attending school at Critz.
She also met Hardin Reynolds there, and they became good friends. Hardin liked to take her “on the mountain” at Meadows of Dan to play the slot machines, she said. Gladys explained that she attended school in Critz because “Miss Pearl” Massey, who taught school there, needed someone to drive her to Critz each day. Gladys agreed to be the driver, and was a student at the Critz school during her last year of high school. She was a student at Stuart school for her first three years of high school.
At 98, Gladys continues to enjoy company, and she especially likes to keep up with the activities of two children and her grandchildren. She likes living at Landmark, and she says she knows a lot of people there. “Some are older than I am,” she said. She pointed out the furniture in the room that belongs to her, but she quickly explained that her house was just as she left it. “It’s always open for my family to stay there when they come to Stuart,” she said.
A review of the 1935 editions of local newspapers revealed that Miss Gladys Rhodes (Akers) hosted a bridge party at her sister’s home with approximately 20 guests in attendance. Present were many prominent Stuart residents such as Judge John D. Hooker and Betty Hooker, who were married in Stuart that same year, according to the newspaper. As a side note, a new Chevrolet could be bought for $495. Chevrolets were sold at Stuart Motor Company, which was located on Main Street in Stuart prior to 1935. The business was owned and operated by Cecil M. Akers Sr., who was Gladys’ husband. In 1953 the business burned and was rebuilt on Rt. 58 north. More than 800 people attended the grand opening of the new facility.
Gladys said she met Cecil soon after she returned to Stuart after attending the College of William and Mary. They had two children, Cecil Murray Akers Jr., who resides in Stuart, and Mary Alice Braverman, who lives in Rochester, N.Y. Gladys still talks excitedly about her children and their activities. Cecil remains as organist at Stuart Baptist Church, a position he has held for many years. “He is also still in a band, and they go everywhere to play,” she said. Mary Alice and her husband Richard have two daughters. Gladys said she is very proud of them, as they are dancers. She has been to see them perform in New York and London.
Gladys, who was one of 10 siblings, said she enjoyed being able to live close to her sisters, who also lived on Sunset Drive in Stuart. She said she watched her two nephews so that her sister Lucy could work. As a matter of fact, she said, there were seven boys and Mary Alice on the street, and she kept an eye on all of them.
She told one of her funny stories she remembers from those days in the 1950s. J. Murray Hooker, who was about four, came to her house and asked to use the bathroom, which, of course, she allowed him to do. She said she became concerned because he seemed to be staying in there for a long time. When she went to check on him, he opened the door and came out. He was covered with bath powder from head to toe. She said she still remembers those powdery footprints going down her stairs and out the front door. Gladys was once a beauty queen, and is still, at almost 98, a beautiful person with a great attitude about life. “I know I’m getting old, but I want to live a little bit longer,” she said.
Thanks to everyone who purchased a copy of Images of America Patrick County Virginia
John Cail and nephew Christian with a copy of Images of America: Patrick County Virginia at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History.
Bassett Historical Center Announces Symposium
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Regional History Library Receives Government Funding
Five agencies in Martinsville and Henry County will receive nearly $1 million in the federal Omnibus Appropriations Act. “I think the funds will be positive for our area and helpful for Martinsville and Henry County,” said Fifth District U.S. Rep. Virgil Goode, R-Rocky Mount, of the $935,000 included for local agencies in the 2008 Omnibus Appropriations Act Conference Report. Local organizations receiving funds “worked hard and have a good track record, and I think they helped themselves,” Goode said. Among the local agencies receiving funds is the Bassett Historical Society receiving $98,000 Goode said. http://www.bassetthistoricalcenter.com
The Bassett Historical Center “The Best Little Library in Virginia”
From the Doomsday Book of William the Conqueror written in 1085 in England to the latest research on the Goblintown Grist Mill in Patrick County there is only one local resource that holds both and that is the Bassett Historical Center of the Blue Ridge Regional Library, in my opinion, the best local history library in Virginia. Many years ago while reading Henry Wiencek’s The Hairstons, An American Family in Black and White on page 175, I came across a section on finding obscure material at the library in Bassett. Intrigued I began to visit the library. Over the years in researching J. E. B. Stuart, I have traveled from West Point to Kansas to many libraries, but I never cease to return to the banks of the Smith River. If you are stuck on a genealogical question, finding an ancestor from the Civil War or just want to kill some time reading about Thomas Jefferson, this is the place for you.
The historical center contains nearly 7000 family files and books on all the local families, bound material and books from all the counties in Virginia and many counties in West Virginia, North and South Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee. Copies of the Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, William and Mary Quarterly, Virginia Genealogist, Magazine of Virginia Genealogy, Appalachian Quarterly, Family History Magazine, AAHGS News, Ancestry and Piedmont Lineages are among the periodicals you will find at the Center. A visit to the banks of the Smith River might include an encounter an opportunity to talk railroads with Kenny Kirkman. Patrick County’s own Pamela Hollandsworth volunteered cataloging the papers of my mentor O. E. Pilson. Other collections include those of Lela C. Adams, John B. Harris, Grady Garrett, Eunice Kirkman, Ruth F. Morris and the Henry County Bicentennial Collection (29 volumes) made up of transcribed records from minute and/or order books, plus loose papers found in the Henry County Courthouse. Internet connections to Ancestry.Com, AncestryPlus, and HeritageQuest provide the patrons with census records and can be a used as a guide when one is searching for someone not in the immediate area. They also provide social security records of a deceased person, plus vital statistics, military records, and books in which a family surname is referenced.
For years, the historical center was located in the back room of the present
building, but in 1998, the regular library moved across Highway 57 to a new
facility leaving the entire building on the banks of the Smith River to the
Historical Center. Today, the back room over looking the river contains military
and Native American materials. If you want to find your ancestor in the Civil
War, there is no better room to begin that search. All of the Howard Virginia
Regimental Series along with the entire index of Confederate Soldiers published
by Tom Broadfoot, the Time-Life series on the war and most of the Official
Records of the war are present with many supplementary publications. You can
work with large screen computers as George Stoneman and Jubal Early peer down on
you from pictures above the door and if you sit in the right place you can look
upon Sauratown Woman or a glance to the shelves will bring you in contact with
my favorite item, a brick from Stuart’s birthplace. The staff of the Blue Ridge
Regional Library’s Bassett Historical Center are Library Director Patricia Ross
with Fieldale’s Anne Copeland, Mr. Sam Eanes and Cindy Headen will come through
for you too. Copeland summed up what any historical library should do, “the
amount of material we are able to share with the public only came about because
so many people were willing to share with us.”
I believe that tourism especially historic/heritage tourism could help the economy of Patrick County. Tourist come, spend money and leave. I do not believe that the Patrick County government is the necessarily the place for tourism to be coordinated. In most communities the Chamber of Commerce handles tourism and promotion. With the economic troubles we are experiencing it seems to me that is the way to go. Government is not the answer to all problems. People have to take responsibility and new ideas and thinking outside the box are needed.
I know from personal experience that when I asked for assistance from the tourism office that I was told how to do it myself. Well, if I am doing it myself why do I need a tourism office? When the new color brochure was released in 2007 I found to my horror that my website was not even listed. Well, I go all over the country talking about Patrick County history and that told me how much it was appreciated. I noticed that Willis Gap was not even on the map of Patrick County in the brochure. This sort of thing sends signals to us in the western part of the county and the comments about the “darn bunch in Stuart” start oozing out. When I complained I was told that it would be corrected, but I would receive the blame for the extra cost of reprinting. WRONG ANSWER. Officials should take responsibility for their actions, but since they have all resigned it is a moot point. Let someone not in the county administration building proofread material before it is released to a printer. Create brochures that are not useless in a year because of dated material. Make sure everyone is involved and everyone signs off.
A government grant is not the answer to all questions. When I started the J. E. B. Stuart Birthplace in 1990, I learned very early that government money and interference were not worth the trouble. The Virginia Department of Historic Resources laughed at the idea of saving a Confederate General’s birthplace and even the local newspaper publisher called it a “pipe dream.” Laurel Hill could and should be a state or national park as it was intended to be. A state or national park in the western end of Patrick County would draw people from North Carolina and the I-77 corridor more than a rail trail in Stuart. The hard work is finished at Stuart’s Birthplace.
The private sector is the way to go because the private sector is who benefits the most from tourism. Patrick County’s Chamber of Commerce is alive and well. Tom Bishop and others have brought it back from oblivion. While I don’t agree with everything that Tom and the Chamber do, I joined the Chamber for the first time this year because I saw that something, anything was better than nothing. In Patrick County we need to get away from this idea that if you don’t agree with someone that you should not agree with anything they do. People disagree, but to discard people and their ideas because of one thing will doom this county to the dark ages. Change is not a bad word. Clique is a bad word.
Why not let the people who benefit from tourism, local business and historic sites such as the Patrick County Historical Museum take on the cost of promoting the county and the history. We have an historical society with over $100,000 in the bank. Why not develop an historical driving tour for each section of the county beginning that historical society thereby promoting the society and the many historic and cultural sites within the county. It would be a Crooked Road of Patrick County history within the county. If the many divergent groups in Patrick County especially the historical and cultural sites do not start working together we are going to lose an enormous opportunity. Tourists and their money are going to keep on driving down the J. E. B. Stuart Highway to other places and leave the economy of Patrick County in the dust.
17th Annual Civil War Weekend at Virginia Tech
March 7-9, 2008
Cost is $199. Lodging is not included.
James I. Robertson, Jr. on “Confederate Women: The Greatest Struggle”
Daniel B. Thorp on “The Really Deep South: Australia, New Zealand and the American Civil War”
Clive E. Rice on “The Orphan Brigade of Kentucky”
William F. Stringer on “The Second Day at Gettysburg: Lee and Longstreet”
William C. Davis on “Lincoln and His Generals”
Recent Surry Messenger Articles On Patrick County History.
New J. E. B. Stuart Exhibit
The Wartime Effects of J. E. B. Stuart Now on Display New Items on Special Loan from the Virginia Historical Society
Richmond, VA: The Museum of the Confederacy is pleased to announce that the most complete collection of Maj. Gen. J. E. B. Stuart’s wartime effects will be exhibited to the public together for the first time in a over a century. The Virginia Historical Society’s collection of Stuart items will be on special loan to the Museum of the Confederacy until 2010. The collection will join the Museum’s already extensive collection of Stuart artifacts currently on display in The Confederate Years, the Museum’s permanent exhibit. The collections department will be installing the loan items on Friday, October 26, 2007. New items on special loan from the Virginia Historical Society include his Whitney pistol, uniform jacket, vest, trousers, and the blood-stained sash worn at the time of his mortal wounding at Yellow Tavern in May of 1864. Those items join the Museum’s regular Stuart display that includes his French-made hat with ostrich plume, LeMat pistol and holster, saddle, boots, gauntlets, French cavalry saber, sword belt, Calisher & Terry carbine, and field desk.
"This exhibit is one of the most complete exhibits of personal effects of an important Civil War general ever on display," stated Robert Hancock, the Museum of the Confederacy’s director of collections and senior curator. "It combines the two separate, venerable collections of Stuart artifacts and has an impressive presence in the Museum."
The Museum of the Confederacy is a private, nonprofit educational institution. Free parking is available in the MCV/VCU Hospitals Visitor/Patient parking deck adjacent to the Museum.
For additional information, please call (804) 649-1861 or visit us on the web at www.moc.org
1201 E. Clay Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219
804-649-1861 • www.moc.org • fax 804-649-1460
FEEDBACK FROM THE GROUP
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"We received the
book yesterday. Claudia and I went through it and I must say
we enjoyed it very much. The cover photo was perfect.
Claudia and I are honored you included us in your book and
are proud to know you. I see you dedicated the book to Amy
and what a wonderful thing she came into you life. We are
very happy for you. Merry Christmas to all." Mike and
Claudia Straw of Tampa Bay Florida. (Claudia is J. E. B.
Stuart's great-great-granddaughter.
|
Genealogy Queries
The Patrick County Genealogy Society will publish genealogy queries in the quarterly newsletter of the organization and monthly in the local newspaper. Send queries to David Sheley 4522 Dobyns Road, Stuart, VA 24171.
Newsletter From The Reynolds Homestead
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Below is the link to the premier edition of Homestead Highlights, our new monthly newsletter. This issue includes information about upcoming programs and events, a new line of jewelry featured at the Homestead Museum Store, and a book sale fundraiser to support summer camps for kids. Mark your calendars and plan to participate in these special events.
Since this time of year can be unpredictable weather-wise, please make note of our cancellation policy:
Inclement Weather Policy: In the event of inclement weather, information about program cancellations will be available through local radio stations and e-mail alerts, and also by calling the Homestead at (276) 694-7181. If you would like to be on our e-mail alert list, please forward your address to martinlm@vt.edu.
We look forward to seeing you at the Homestead for the start of a wonderful new year!
The Reynolds Homestead Staff
Eydie Clifton, Hospitality Coordinator Michele Faircloth, Administrative Assistant Beth A. Ford, Historic Tour Guide Lisa S. Martin, Program Coordinator Susan E. Short, Interim Director Tim Tilley, Groundskeeper Douglas Turner, Building & Grounds Coordinator
You are receiving this email from Reynolds
Homestead because you are either a Friend of the Homestead
or have made either a written or verbal request to receive
our communications.
Lisa Martin
Program
Coordinator
Reynolds Homestead
(276) 694-7181
ext. 22
To Receive the monthly email newsletter send an email to "Martin, Lisa" <martinlm@vt.edu> Click Here to read this month's newsletter www.freestateofpatrick.com/ReynoldsJanuary2008.pdf |
The 2007 Liberty University Civil War Seminar:
Reaping the Whirlwind: The Battle of Gettysburg
On March 28-29, 2008, Liberty University will present its 12th annual Civil War Seminar.
This year's program is entitled Reaping the Whirlwind: The Battle of Gettysburg.
Featured speakers include the following nationally renowned authors whose books are familiar to all Civil War enthusiasts:
--Dr. Steven Woodworth--The Decision to Go North
--Drs. Darlene and Michael Graves-- The Gettysburg Address
--Dr. Ethan Rafuse--Meade at Gettysburg
--Eric Wittenberg--Calvary Actions at Gettysburg: Stuart's Ride
--Troy Harmon--Lee's Command Structure on the 2nd and 3rd Day
--Dr. Brian Melton--Gen. Slocum at Gettysburg
--Richard Williams--The Spiritual Lives of the Gettysburg Commanders
--David Rider--Berdan's Sharpshooters at Gettysburg
--Tom Desjardin--Chamberlain and Little Round Top
--Dr. Brad Gottfried--The Artillery Battle at Gettysburg
--Dr. Steven Woodworth--Pettigrew's & Pickett's Charge
--Kent Masterson Brown--Lee's Retreat From Gettysburg
Other Featured Speakers Include:
--Dr. Brenda Ayres--Women at Gettysburg
--Ben Marinak--Union Chaplains at Gettysburg
--Delanie Stephenson--The Life and Death of Jenny Wade
--Jerry Markham--The 11th Virginia, Company Battle of Lynchburg
In addition to the speakers' presentations, there will be numerous exhibits of Civil War artifacts and memorabilia for the public, vendors of Civil War items, and a special exhibit of Civil War art about The Battle of Gettysburg. On the evening of Saturday, March 29, there will be a period ball with music provided by the 2nd South Carolina String Band. The event will be held in DeMoss Hall on the campus of Liberty University which is located in Lynchburg, Virginia. Everyone is encouraged to secure reservations for this seminar by Wednesday, March 26. Admission to the seminar is $55 (which includes all of the seminar sessions, the Friday night banquet, and Saturday's luncheon). After March 26, 2006, the price for both days is $65. Admission for Friday only is $25; admission for Saturday only is $30. Special Note: Students admitted free. Admission to the period ball is separate: $25 per couple. Period dress only will be allowed. Special Note: Heal plates on period footwear will not be allowed. This will be strictly enforced. Special lodging rates at the Days Inn of Lynchburg are available for those who will be attending the seminar. For pricing and location of lodging, call 434-847-8655. For special group pricing for the seminar or more information, call 434-592-4031 or email cehall@liberty.edu or kgrowlet@liberty.edu. Also, go to the website at www.liberty.edu/civilwar
Washington Times Civil War Page
Every Saturday the Washington Times newspaper produces a Civil War Page. Here is a recent article on J. E. B. Stuart.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20071208/CIVILWAR/112080016/1011
Raleigh North Carolina Civil War Round Table
Attached is our December Knapsack (Newsletter of the Raleigh NC Civil War Round Table.
If you wish to be removed from our mailing list, just let me know. There are two items in the newsletter
I would like to call to your attention:
1.. Our Christmas Party in the State Capitol
Building: This will be a special time for us and we
would like to invite you and your spouse to visit
with us. The program, food, and fellowship will be
excellent!
2.. Our 6th annual Ed Bearss event: This year Ed
is speaking at our usual meeting location, the
History Museum, instead of at a formal "sit down
luncheon." Since there is no meal this year,
tickets are only $10. However, tickets are limited
and I would encourage you to purchase them soon.
Details of both events are included in the attached
newsletter. Please contact me if you have
questions.
Charles Hawks, Editor
The Knapsack
charleshawks@triad.rr.com
919-847-8822
Click Here To Read the December Newsletter http://www.freestateofpatrick.com/KnapsackDecember2007.pdf
Atlantic and Yadkin Railroad Yahoo Group
A list focused on the history of the only railroad with corporate headquarters in North Carolina. This list supports anyone interested in the history of the railroad or the towns, industries and people it served. Those interested in producing scale models of the railroad will find help here as well. The A&Y was a short line railroad running from Sanford through Greensboro to Mount Airy with branches to Ramseur and to Madison. This railroad existed from 1899-1950.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/A_and_Y/
News From Tom Perry
NEW! Click Here To Visit The Free State Of Patrick Blog
Click Here To Take Learn More About My Recent Trip To South Carolina
Click Here To Learn More About My Recent Trip To Kansas and Missouri
The Free State Of Patrick: Patrick County Civil War Virginia Second Edition
Tom Perry is looking for more photos and letters for an updated second edition of the book on Patrick County In The Civil War to be released in 2009. Send an email to freestateofpatrick@yahoo.com if you know of any letters or photos of Patrick County Civil War soldiers that could be used.
Images of America: Patrick County Virginia On Sale
Available Locally At
Ararat Grocery
Bassett
Historical Center (ALL BOOKS)
Family Pharmacy
Wanda's Estate Jewelry
Green Pastures Christian Books
Just Plain Country Store Booth #110 (ALL BOOKS)
Mayberry Trading Post
Greenberry House
Poor Farmer's Market
Meadows Mercantile
Meadows of Dan Food Mart
Vesta Supply
Bassett Historical Center
Pages
Bookstore (ALL BOOKS)
Mt Airy Museum of Regional History
Dickson's Records and Toys
Primland
Reynolds Homestead
Coffee Break
Virginia Motorsports Museum and Hall of Fame
Monies Raised For The Following Groups
Ararat Ruritan Club
National Ruritan Scholarship For Virginia Tech
Dan River Park
Bassett Historical Center Building Fund
J. E. B. Stuart Birthplace
Collinsville Library History Day Program
Book Mobile Fund Patrick County Library
Patrick County High School Alumni Association
Patrick County Music Association
Reynolds Homestead
Willis Gap Community Center
Patrick
County 4-H
Click Here To Purchase New Patrick County Photo Book
New Web Pages Under Construction
Willis Gap Community Center http://www.freestateofpatrick.com/willisgap
If you have photos and stories about racing in the county that you are willing to share please send an email to freestateofpatrick@yahoo.com.
Patrick County In The Vietnam Conflict: Seven Men Who Gave All and One Who Came Home
November 2007-January 2008, Bassett Historical Center, Bassett, VA.
Two of the rubbings from Vietnam shadowbox to be displayed this fall.
www.freestateofpatrick.com/vietnam.htm
News From the Website
"We Conquer by continuing"
If you would like to receive this monthly email newsletter, please send an email to freestateofpatrick@yahoo.com with the word ADD in the subject line.Membership is up to 543 people interested in Patrick County History and receiving the monthly email newsletter.
The Free State Of Patrick website www.freestateofpatrick.com reached 73,348 hits.
Laurel Hill Birthplace of J. E. B. Stuart
Click Here To Take the Online Laurel Hill Tour
New Series Of Books By Tom Perry Beginning In 2008
Copyright 2007 Tom Perry. No material to be used without permission.
Contact Information: Tom Perry P. O. Box 50 Ararat VA 24053 freestateofpatrick@yahoo.com
Click Here To See My Recent Week At Wolf Creek Farm
VISIT THE FRIENDS PAGE BY CLICKING HERE www.freestateofpatrick.com/friends.htm
Historic Bowman House For Sale In Ararat Virginia
The house where the last owner of J. E. B. Stuart's Birthplace, Icy Bowman Brown, grew up is available. Check the link below for more information. The property includes The Hollow Post Office.
http://www.century21.com/buy/property_detail.aspx?tr_key=34074848
"Never attribute to malice what you can explain with stupidity" -- Hanlon's
Razor