Floyd Virginia Magazine 2023 Fall/Winter

We at Floyd Magazine regret that, in the Spring/Summer issue of 2023, information appeared in the article titled “The Historic Pine Tavern Passes the Baton to Mountainside Holistic Clinic” that was incorrect.  In an effort to set things right, we offer the following statement, correcting the mistakes.  When mentioning that Kathleen Ingram was the first person, not of the Howery family, to own the Pine Tavern, there was an unfortunate misspelling of the name.  Kathleen’s surname is Ingham, and not Ingram.  She and her husband, Michael, were the Inghams who purchased the Pine Tavern from the Howery family.  It was also mentioned in the article that the Inghams eventually divorced.  With much respect for the Ingham family, Floyd Magazine would like to report that Kathleen and Michael Ingham did not divorce.  Michael passed away from cancer in 1990.

Fourth Generation of the Sweeney Family Carries on Family Legacy

By Vickie Holt

Nearly a hundred years ago, in the early 1930’s, Floyd native, Major Lee Sweeney, was a blacksmith by trade.  But the world was changing.  Though the motor vehicle had been invented nearly fifty years earlier, the 1920’s and 1930’s was the era in which cars were just starting to become mainstream.  Where other pre-industrial tradesmen may have faded into the shadows cast by progress, Mr. Sweeney saw an opportunity.  Instead of letting the times pass him by, he decided to grab advancement by the coattails with an entrepreneurial spirit so strong that it’s lasted for generations!

With great foresight, Major Lee Sweeney opened a garage in Floyd County, and has gone down in history as the man who worked on the very first car to have ever broken down on the road between Roanoke and Floyd!  In addition to taking part in automotive history, Mr. Sweeney also found himself taking part in another cultural phenomenon of the era.  The 1930’s and 1940’s were famous for moonshine and bootlegging in Appalachia!  Bootleggers needed fast and agile vehicles to escape the law, and Major Lee Sweeney worked with several of these romanticized bootleggers to make their cars capable of staying ahead of the hot pursuit.

So specialized were these modified vehicles that moonshiners began racing their cars on local tracks in the 1950’s.  One of those moonshine-racing drivers was none other than the famous Curtis Turner!  Turner was born in Floyd and did moonshine deliveries

before he was old enough to even have a license.  In 1946, when he was older, he started racing on a track in Mounty Airy, North Carolina.  In his career, Curtis won seventeen NASCAR Grand National Division races and thirty-eight NASCAR Convertible Division races.  Even more notable, Curtis was also one of the founding members in the original group that met in Daytona Beach to discuss and support the formation of NASCAR.  But before all that he outran the law in a fast car that was suped-up by Major Lee Sweeney.

The garage, however, was not the only industry for Sweeney.  Like many families in Floyd, Sweeney and his family owned and operated a farm.  Seven sons were born into the family, all of whom worked the farm and spent hours in the garage, learning about cars and falling in love with them.  When they were old enough, all but one joined the military.  Bruce Sweney had badly broken his arm when he was young, so armed service was not in his future.  Instead, Bruce stayed home, continuing work on the farm, and learning about cars.  At the age of nineteen, Bruce married fourteen-yearold Beulah Akers.

It was the late 1950’s, and within a couple years of marriage, Bruce was ready to follow in his father’s footsteps and open a carrelated business.  It was a car dealership, instead of a garage, and it opened in 1958.  Though it changed name and location a few

From left to right: Camron Warren Sowers, Warren Bruce Sweeney, & Sarah Sweeney Sowers. Bruce is holding a picture of himself and his wife Beulah shortly after they married in 1956.

times, this was the business that would eventually become known as Autoville!  With an ever-changing inventory of quality used cars, trucks, and SUV’s, Autoville is still serving Floyd County and surrounding areas after sixty-five years!

Bruce, however, was not the sort to just be satisfied with one pursuit in life.  He is a Sweeney, after all!  With a love of classic cars and racing in his blood, Bruce, along with his brother, Barry, owned Sweeney Motor Sports.  It was more of a hobby than a business, but the brothers spent many hours there, working on racing cars.  Barry’s son, Jamie Sweeney, however, took the racing bug a bit further.  Jamie owns and drives a racing car.  He races late model stock at MotorMile Speedway in Radford.

Back at Autoville, however, it was really becoming a family business!  From the beginning, Beulah had worked alongside Bruce.  Beulah’s brother, Grover, also worked at Autoville for many years before retiring just a couple years ago.  Today, Bruce and Beulah’s son-in-law, Chris Harmon, manages the business.

In 1994, Bruce decided to open a new business in the same 610 East Main Street location that was home to his Autoville showroom.  Floyd Jewelry was the newest venture in Bruce’s portfolio, and it wouldn’t be long until the next generation caught that Sweeney entrepreneurial spirit!

Bruce’s daughter, Sarah – now Sarah Sowers – was still in high school when her dad opened the jewelry store.  With her eye on a career in the medical field, Sarah got her CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) while still in school and went to work at Skyline Manor Nursing Home in Floyd.  After high school, Sarah studied Business Management at New River Community College.

The direction of her life, however, would take a huge turn just one year after graduating high school.  In 1996, not even twentyyears old, Sarah took over operations of Floyd Jewelry.  Considering that Sarah was practically raised at Autoville and spent almost every weekend at the racetrack, perhaps it was her life course all along that she would become part of the ongoing family legacy of business ownership at 610 East Main Street.

Even today, Floyd Jewelry specializes in diamond jewelry, as well as unparalleled customer satisfaction.  Shoppers can find bridal rings, silver, and custom jewelry, and enjoy services like repairs and appraisals.  They even buy gold!

Sarah already had a good business education from her upbringing, as well as the business management course she took at college.  But jewelry was new to her.  Sparkling gems and the quiet sophistication of a fine jewelry store were all a far cry from the grease, grit, and noise of the racetrack!  But she learned quickly.  She did a great deal of online study into gemology and learned a great deal from the owners and staff of T and P Jewelers in Roanoke.

Almost thirty years later, Sarah continues to run Floyd Jewelry in the same building as Autoville, which is convenient, as she also continues to work as a Dealer Operator at Autoville!  When asked to reflect on what it would have been like to pursue her medical career instead, Sarah tells us that, all in all, she finds the freedom and flexibility of hours more appealing.

Though Autoville and Floyd Jewelry are family run businesses, you don’t have to be family to be part of the “family”.  Melanie Chambers has been a familiar face at the jewelry store for the past ten years.  The Sweeney family first met Melanie when she and her

husband, John, moved to Floyd and John became pastor at New Haven Baptist Church.

Melanie started working at Floyd Jewelry a year or two after that and has been a blessing ever since.  In addition to the wealth of knowledge and experience she has in the jewelry industry, Melanie is also great with customers, providing a smiling face and great service to all who enter.

Another familiar face at both the jewelry store and Autoville is Thor, shop kitty extraordinaire.  Thor has been prowling and lounging about the shops for about a year, after having been adopted by Sarah from Floyd Humane Society.  Sarah tells us that just fell in love with Thor, and knew she had to take him after he’d been waiting so long for adoption.

Sarah began volunteering at the Humane Society seven years ago and has spent the last four years as Vice President.  In her time as Vice President, with the help of the community and many volunteers, the Floyd Humane Society has been focused on getting their own facility.  Until very recently, the Society has been a group of individuals, operating the organization from their individual homes.  Thanks to an estate gift, however, the Society has now obtained a property!  Work is currently in progress to turn the location into a center of operations and animal shelter.

In 2023, at the age of eighty-seven, Bruce Sweeney still shows up to work at Autoville every day!  Sadly, Beulah is no longer by his side, having passed away in January.  With Chris at the helm of the dealership and Sarah right next door, however, family is always close.

And as of August, this year, the Sweeney family legacy has touched the next generation!  Making a little more room at 610 East Main Street, Sarah’s son, Camron Sowers, opened his first business!  Like his mom, Camron has spent time as part of Autoville, doing accounting and bookkeeping.  He even got his car sales license.  He also did accounting for other businesses owned by other members of the Sweeney family.

Camron has always been interested in business.  It’s in his blood.  In high school, he was even part of the FBLA – Future Business Leaders of America.  After high school, like Sarah, Camron attended New River Community College, furthering his general studies.  At the age of twenty-three, Cameron decided to step squarely into the footsteps of his mother, grandfather, and greatgrandfather by owning a business in Floyd.

Though he has the same love of antique cars as his mom and grandad, Cameron has an even greater love for all things western and western history.  When considering what kind of store to open, Camron thought about what Floyd needed.  In the end, his

From left to right: Sarah Sowers and Melanie Chambers. Sarah serves as the Vice President of the Floyd Humane Society, In her hands is one of the Floyd Humane Society kittens that is presently up for adoption at Floyd Jewelry. She fosters kittens at the store where they meet lots of people to be better socialized and hopefully find homes!

interests and that need came together.  Owned jointly with Sarah, Jacksonville Trading Company was opened with the aim of offering western fashion and western themed items such as reproduction black powder firearms.

Opened in August of 2023, the new store brings together echoes of the western past with the practical needs of a 21st century, rural community.  Visitors can shop for items like jeans, shoes, boots, and other everyday needs.  Camron really wants the feel of a classic general store.  To further the theme, the décor of the shop features old western movie posters, with a television constantly playing old western movies.

Looking to the future, Camron wants to add items that are locally crafted, such as knives or jewelry with western look.  For now, however, the goal is to get the business up and going solid.  From that point, the public will have a significant impact on the future.  With the philosophy of “give the people what they want” firmly in hand, Camron wants to get a feel from the community about what they’d like, what kinds of items they would like to see at the store, and what brands they will want to have.

decision for him to make, in the uncertain economy of postCovid.  I know it made his grandfather really proud for him to carry on the family tradition.”

It’s been almost a hundred years since Major Sweeney set all these success stories in motion.  He not only took part in some very notable history but had his finger on the pulse of the future, as well.  Bruce, Sarah, and now Camron, as well as the whole Sweeney family, have helped to grow Floyd County by opening businesses, creating jobs, giving back to the community, and being part of its landscape.  Collectively, they have witnessed a changing world that has gone from preindustrial, provincial living to the modern digital age.  May that community-building, entrepreneurial spirit continue for generations to come.

Autoville • Warren Bruce Sweeney • 540-745-4736

Floyd Jewlery • Sarah Sweeney Sowers • 540-745-4653

As for Sarah, she couldn’t be prouder.  “Seeing your child wanting to follow the family tradition of owning a business in Floyd and staying in the Floyd community.  It was a tough

Jacksonville Trading Company • Camron Warren Sowers 610 East Main Street, Floyd, VA

Villa Appalaccia Celebrates 5th Annual “Wine-aversary”

Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, between mile marker 170 and 171, there lies a taste of Tuscany just waiting to be discovered. Located at 752 Rock Castle Gorge Road in Floyd sits Villa Appalaccia Winery, nestled in the rolling hills near Rocky Knob. Villa Appalaccia is a beautiful, relaxing place to savor a refreshing glass of Italian style wine, as well as delicious Italian food. Complete with a bocce ball court and music garden, Villa Appalaccia features live music on Saturdays and wood-fired pizza on Sundays (May through October), making it a must visit if you’re in the area.

The winery was established over thirty years ago by Wisconsoners, Susanne Becker and Stephan Haskell. This past August, Tim and Julie Block celebrated their fifth anniversary as

owners of Villa Appalaccia. Tim comes from a strong background in restaurant operations, even serving as Regional Vice President for Bloomin’ Brands, famous for Outback Steakhouse. The anniversary weekend was packed with daily live music, an outdoor movie on Friday night, barbecue buffet with all the fixins on Saturday, and wood-fired pizza on the lawn on Sunday.

This “Wine-aversary” celebration has become an annual event for each of the last five years, and Villa Appalaccia uses this opportunity to recognize and thank the community for their support. As Villa Appalaccia straddles both Floyd and Patrick County, the owners are active members in both county Chambers of Commerce. Since last year’s Wine-aversary celebration benefitted

Julie Block and Tim Block

a Floyd County charity, Plenty!, this year’s celebration will support a Patrick County charity. “The Villa,” as it’s affectionately called by patrons, presented a check for over $1,200 to Patrick County’s local chapter of Dolly’s Imagination Library, a national organization founded by Dolly Parton with the goal of providing books free of charge to children from birth to age five.

In addition to caring for the community, family is important to Tim and Julie. Manager and son-in-law, Heyward Smith, has been an invaluable addition to the team. Heyward is a perfect fit for the Villa, he loves the outdoors and lived in the mountains of North Carolina. He has been adding to the menu, and spearheading the wine club activities. The winery has a staff of a dozen or so employees who are considered extended family members. And despite the fact that they have their own careers, you may even find son, Tim, and daughter, Alicia, helping out from time to time when the Villa has special events. And goodness how those events have grown over the last five years! From hosting weddings, rehearsal dinners, business socials, brunches, and birthday parties, Villa Appalaccia Winery makes every effort to expand its services when a new idea is proposed.

Heyward established a wine club at the Villa this year. In the five months since its inception, there are already over 160 members. Along with discounts on wine, food, and merchandise, there are also some fun appreciation events for members only. By far the most popular is the six course wine pairing dinner which takes place four times per year. The seating is limited due to space constraints, so members are notified when tickets go on sale. Their last dinner sold out in under ten minutes! You can find photos and examples of past menus on their website at www.VillaAppalaccia.com/events.

An exciting new addition is a sister property – an Airbnb called the Blue Ridge Summit. Originally built in 1968 as a bed and breakfast/Christmas tree farm, the property sat empty, for sale for years. When Tim and Julie purchased the winery, their son, Tim, and his wife, Christine, began to look for property close to the

winery. They decided to buy and renovate the old farm that was for sale. Unfortunately, Tim’s work requirements meant that they had to return to Charlottesville a couple of years later.

Instead of giving up on the property, Tim, Julie, and their kids purchased the house and turned it into a family gathering place and Airbnb. Located just five minutes by car from the winery, this home sleeps ten and at 3,500 feet elevation, it has amazing 360 degree views for miles! Unlike any property in the Southern Appalachians, and just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Summit combines the ruggedness of the Appalachian high peaks with the luxury of a resort. The owners seriously doubt you’ll want to leave. But if you do get sick of the vistas, sunsets and sunrises…two wineries, a zipline, and the trails of Rocky Knob Recreation Area are just a mile away. The Villa generously donated a two-night stay to raffle off as part of their fifth anniversary celebration.

Over the last five years, Villa Appalaccia has seen some big changes, while remaining true to its roots. The heart of their business is still making Italian style wines, with Italian varietals from grapes grown right here in Virginia. Their focus is on great quality wines. In fact, their 2020 Sangiovese won a silver medal in the 2023 Virginia Governor’s Cup wine competition, one of the most stringent competitions in the U.S.. The owners of Villa Appalaccia also ensure that guests have a great time, while also building community with friends and neighbors. The atmosphere at The Villa remains sophisticated, sincere, and lively. In the five years since Tim and Julie have owned Villa Appalaccia Winery, they have given back to the community in many ways, and will continue to do so. Stop by the next “Wine-aversary” event to see how Tim and Julie have made The Villa their own.

Villa Appalaccia • Julie and Tim Block 752 Rock Castle Gorge, Floyd, VA - between mileposts 170 and 171 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 540-593-3100 • www.VillaAppalaccia.com

Grateful Mountain Market Continues

Legacy of Produce on Bent Mountain

The great bounty of produce found on Bent Mountain can sometimes be taken for granted. Cabbage, potatoes, apples, and other produce have blessed this region for generations, as have the farmers who make these offerings available. The Trible family arrived on Bent Mountain in 1993 and have tasted from this local bounty ever since.

Fields of cabbage and potatoes seemed to go on forever, with beautiful orchards dotting numerous hills. Some say that the local Pippin apples were extremely important to this region, and of such a high quality that the Queen of England would have them grown especially for her on Bent Mountain, and then shipped to England.

Unfortunately, farms and agriculture offerings have been dwindling over the years. When the Trible family first arrived, there were at least three

produce stands or stores along Route 221. Eventually, only Fralin’s Produce remained.

As regular customers of Fralin’s, the Tribles took advantage of the open-air market, friendly staff and high-quality produce. Unfortunately, in 2020, word got around that the produce market would be closing in order to focus on the farm. This would lead to the Tribles opening the Grateful Produce store.

At the time, the Tribles were attempting to start a farm on Botton Creek. This opportunity allowed the treasured Fralin’s site to be reopened by the Tribles as their own market. The farm would supply the produce to the store, without a large focus on the wholesale market. While the plan seemed airtight, there would be serious challenges to come.

The store opened in April of 2020,

Dave Trible

despite the global pandemic. The task of opening a brand-new shop, running a farm, and providing top-notch service and products to customers was not easy! Unfortunately, the focus on the retail store would take away valuable time from the farm. The family would end up sourcing produce from other highly qualified farmers in the area, sometimes sourcing elsewhere when certain products were out of season. The first two years were difficult, but close friends helped throughout this endeavor.

Later in 2021, the old Bent Mountain Fruit and Produce Market building was set to go up for sale. The site had undergone significant renovation and was an ideal spot for The Grateful Produce store. The location even had almost six acres of commercial land at the top of the mountain! Thus, the family decided to move. This decision would lead to some slight wrinkles. Some customers were not aware of the new location resulting in a

trickle of customers rediscovering the new location in past two years.

In 2022, the family decided to diversify their offerings to entice additional customers. The store now offers new products from local suppliers, including eggs, great meats, and more! They also make meals to go along with their produce selection. Some meals include chili, sandwiches, pizza, vegetarian options, and desserts! The amazing staff strives to make food in the highest quality, while maintaining a diverse selection.

Rebranded as, “Grateful Mountain Market”, they hope to emphasize produce and farming once again, while continuing to offer a wide range of products. Eventually, they will develop new areas for pick-your-own flowers and pumpkin patches, as well as more vegetable plots. The small, but effective staff can surely complete these tasks in due time. As an exciting note, they are also working to add live music as a regular occurrence in the

barn. The ample space on the property allows for them to host local artists. The first live music event was hosted a few months ago, stay tuned for future events.

The story related to the Grateful Mountain Market is full of twists and turns. The Trible family greatly benefited from the produce offered by farmers on Bent Mountain, and are happy to continue this legacy through thick and thin. Their vision for the business has changed to reflect the changing world around all of us, but a few aspects will remain; the quality local offerings, their friendly staff, and the sense of community that is nurtured in the Grateful Mountain Market. You can be part of it just by visiting!

Grateful Mountain Market

Dave Trible • 540-988-6318

9513 Bent Mountain Road

Wednesday-Sunday 10AM-6PM

Father-Son Team Brings Expert Hospitality Services to Tuggles Gap

The motel buildings facing the Blue Ridge Parkway in the mountain pass dubbed Tuggles Gap were constructed in the 1940s. Founded as a family business with just ten guest cabins, a small dining room, and a couple of gas pumps, great hospitality has been served up at this scenic spot in the Appalachian Mountains for well over eighty years.

Roadside inns have a history going back to a time well before automobiles, asphalt, and traffic lights. As long as people have been traveling, there have been nearby places to rest, eat, and recharge their modes of transport – whether it be camel, stagecoach, or family station wagon. The establishment of the Roman road system in Europe two thousand years ago prompted a need for convenient food and lodging, as well as fodder and stabling for travelers’ horses. There are still centuries old accommodations operating along those ancient routes that have operated under the terms inn, guesthouse, hotel, lodge, public house, pub, and more.

Taverns in Colonial America served as the earliest hotels, as well as gathering places for the local community. In populated areas, taverns gave way to larger hotels and more modern hospitality businesses flourished along busy train routes in the 19th century. In the 1920s, America embraced car culture and the ‘road trip’ was born through the post WWI auto camping craze. The American devotion to freedom, along with its growing population, birthed the family vacation and the demand for modern roadside accommodation steadily increased.

Auto camps evolved into properties with basic structures and businesses calling themselves Camp Courts, Lodge Courts, Motor Courts, and Motor Lodges began to pop up. The words motor and hotel were combined to create the word motel when the services provided at these rustic camps improved to resemble those offered at modern hotels. By 1947 in the United States, 22,000 motor court “motels” were in operation, with Tuggle’s Gap being one

of them. The number of motels in service had doubled by 1950 to serve twenty two million vacationers in the post WWII baby boom era. The car-centric accommodation model would surpass hotels in consumer demand by 1951.

Tuggle’s Gap’s first heyday was in the 1950s and 1960s when it was a new, modern place to stay while traveling along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This part of the Parkway’s plateau section was completed in 1938 which is the same year a small store was erected in Tuggle’s Gap by four local alleged moonshiners. The next generation ran the motel and restaurant, and lived on the property from when it was built until the mid 1980s.

Fast forward to 2023 and Tuggle’s Gap Roadside Inn is once again a new, modern place to stay while traveling along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Guest comments on the newly renovated rooms often point to how the room designs walk the line between modern convenience and vintage charm. The location and proximity to the Parkway

Nick Bieneck

is truly one-of-a-kind, proving the site’s worthiness of the meticulous renovation it underwent in 2021-2022. Those who witnessed the previous rooms, and see their current condition after the renovation are amazed. The newest innkeeper relishes those moments and reactions.

The father/son ownership team of Björn and Nick Bieneck exhausted themselves and went above and beyond when bringing the historic property up to a new standard in the first eighteen months of ownership. The elder Bieneck brought decades of business experience to the project while the younger brought his passion and experience in providing fine hospitality. One of Nick’s first jobs was at a Holiday Inn Holidome in Fredericksburg, Virginia in the 1990s when he was a teenage bellhop. He went on to work at several properties and studied the hotel business formally in college before moving to Switzerland at age twenty to work in the renowned Swiss hospitality industry. According to Nick, him and his father are trying to bring first-class service to the Inn expressing, “For me, running a little place like this is a dream come true.” He commented and added “doing this with my dad with input from the rest of my family, really makes it a special experience.

What

an opportunity I’ve got here!”

All the guestrooms feature a beautiful wooden ceiling, original hardwood floors, new windows and doors, smart TVs, and dedicated wi-fi access points for fiber optic internet, as well as individual heating and air conditioning systems. The bedding and furniture is all premium, the towels are plush, and the luxury mattresses provide a great night’s sleep. The bathrooms have also been doubled in size!

In early spring 2023, the difficult decision to step away from the full service restaurant business at Tuggle’s Gap Inn was made despite the successful menu and demand for the local eatery. Staffing at the remote location had always been difficult. Compounding this natural difficulty is that many service workers moved on to jobs in other industries because their jobs were locked down in 2020. Many of those people have not returned to the service industry and the service industry is still suffering from that loss. However, the situation offered the opportunity to focus on the hotel business and the guest experience.

To substitute some of the restaurant’s service, every overnight guest is provided a made-to-order country breakfast from a selection of items previously offered on

the restaurant’s breakfast menu. Breakfast is ordered during the weekdays with a full breakfast buffet available on the weekends. It is even open to the public!

The owners are also planning to host some special event dinners this year, with the hope of getting back to regular meal services spring of 2024. As Nick said, “we are making steps to get back to lunch and dinner service, we just had to make sure that we had a solid footing in the hotel business after the exhausting experience of running the restaurant while renovating and opening the hotel, retail, and gas sides of the business.”

When it comes to hospitality, customer reviews can speak for themselves: “This is the true roadside inn experiencestayed here as a couple traveling on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It felt cozy, fun and somewhat adventurous as a stop-off after a long drive, like a true motel Est. 1938 except with much better amenities.” “What a fabulous place to stay.” and “New owners have transformed this place.”

Tuggle’s Gap Roadside Inn

Nick Bieneck and Björn Deineck 3351 Parkway Lane Sout, Floyd, VA www.TugglesGap.com facebook.com/TugglesGap

The Perfect Gift Shop Shares the Joy of Giving with Floyd Area Children

The Perfect Gift Shop (TPGS) was founded in 2017 by Jean Woods to honor the memory of her sister, Martha Woods (930-1951 to 8-7-2017). It is a registered non-profit, all volunteer organization in Floyd and has remained in operation every year since its founding. TPGS provides a shopping experience for children and developmentally delayed adults who might otherwise not be able to experience the joy of giving during the Holiday Season. The joy of the holidays is not only receiving gifts, but also being able to give gifts. Jean learned this lesson at a young age. Her mother would give her and her sister money to shop for Christmas presents for family members. She thinks back to the joy she felt when giving those gifts to others, and tries to emulate that experience at TPGS. Although there are many great organizations that work to see that children receive gifts during the holidays, TPGS uniquely shares the joy of giving with their shoppers.

During the month of December, local schools, churches, food banks, and businesses help to distribute twentyfive dollar gift certificates for qualified shoppers to use at TPGS. While a strong effort is made to reach children and developmentally disabled adults, there is no income requirement

or verification process. All children ages five through fifteen and developmentally disabled adults who reside in or attend school or churches in Floyd County are welcomed at the unique shop. While most shoppers at TPGS are shopping for Christmas gifts, TPGS allows other shopping to take place as well. Presents any time are appreciated after all!

TPGS volunteers accept donated items as well as donations of money throughout the year. They also hold a Mega Yard Sale at the Moose Lodge each year to raise funds for operations. TPGS is made possible because of the generous support of the Floyd community, the generosity of the Moose Lodge, Floyd County Board of Supervisors, other local organizations, and the many volunteers who donate their time, money, and gifts.

Any person who receives a gift certificate must come in person to shop. While parents and older children may accompany the child, they must wait outside while the child shops. The child has the exciting experience of thinking about family members, what they would like, and how they would feel to receive the gifts. Thinking of how the gift receiver would enjoy the gift is part of the empowering experience. The shop has “elves” who help each child shop for the people on their list and will wrap those gifts for

the child, as well.

The children are so very considerate and caring. Instead of selecting random gifts, children put thought into what they will gift to their loved ones. As an example, last year, a six-year-old girl searched for a flashlight for her dad because he was living in a shed with no electricity until he could get back on his feet. Kids also want warm hats for parents that work outside and soft blankets for grandparents to keep warm. The children are excited to be able to give to others. Gifts are priced from one to ten dollars so that each child should be able to redeem the certificate for at least five gifts.

2023 will be TPGS’s seventh year of operation. TPGS has served over 1,700 shoppers since 2017 with 437 in 2023! Each year the shop becomes more organized and more capable, as the volunteers gain experience and develop new processes. It is a joy to witness children develop an appreciation for giving to others. TPGS hopes to continue making this experience possible for years to come.

A child can be sponsored by making a cash donation. All donations will be used to purchase gifts to stock the shelves. Gifts that do not “sell” will be donated to other non-profits in Floyd or are stored for next year.

One can volunteer in various ways. Some volunteers are

designated as “Elves”. These volunteers help the shoppers as they decide on what to purchase. Elves also help the children wrap their gifts. Volunteers can stock shelves, or even help to make gift bags. Some of the items are hand-made and require knitting or crafting. Volunteers also help with these tasks. There is a greeting team, which always needs volunteers, as well as a communications position. The person in this position will focus on social media and promotion. Finally, the shop could always use help with gift wrapping and shop set up. There are many tasks that must be done to serve shoppers each year.

Operations begin every year in early December. The Gift Shop is provided a new space by the county each year. The location and hours will be provided on their website and social media.

If you have new or gently used items that would make nice gifts and would like to donate them, bring them to The Perfect Gift Shop storage space during announced hours of operations in the back basement at 613 East Main next to the Xpress Mart or arrange for pickup. TPGS shoppers buy gifts for parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, grandparents, and friends, so any appropriate gift item will be appreciated.

The Perfect Gift Shop • Jean Woods • 540-449-4220 613 East Main Street, Floyd VA www.facebook.com/ThePefectGiftSHop1720

The Town of Floyd

16 Hands www.16Hands.com

dI re CTory

A New Leaf Gallery www.ANewLeafGallery.com 540-745-7367

American Pie Restaurant www.AmericanPieRestaurant.com 540-745-2501

AmRhein’s Wine Cellars www.Amrheins.com/fine-wine 540-929-4632

Anahata Education Center www.AnahataEducationCenter.com 540-745-5811

Bell Gallery and Garden www.BellGalleryAndGarden.com 540-745-4494

Bent Mountain Lodge Bed and Breakfast Inc 540-651-2500 www.BentMountainLodgeBedAndBreakfast.com

Blue Ridge Yurts www.BlueRidgeYurts.com 540-745-7458

Bread Basket facebook.com/BreadBasket.floydva 540-745-5382

Buffalo and More www.BuffaloAndMore.com 540-381-9764

Buffalo Hemp Company www.TheBuffaloHempCompany.com 540-745-8242

Buffalo Mountain Adventures www.BuffaloMtnAdv.com 540-755-0910

Buffalo Mountain Brewing Co www.BuffaloMountainBrewery.com 540-745-2491

Buffalo Mountain Disc Golf www.BuffaloMountainDiscGolf.com 704-807-1886

Buffalo Mountain Ziplines www.BuffaloMountainZiplines.com 540-200-5234

C.W. Harman & Son www.CWHarmanAndSon.com 540-745-2252

Carter and Company Insurance jcarterinsurance@outlook.com 540-267-5054

Chestnut Springs Retreat 540-745-2345

Citizens www.Citizens.coop 800-941-0426

Cocoa Mia facebook.com/CocoaMiaChocolates 540-695-0224

Concord Corner Store facebook.com/ConcordCornerStore 276-952-3400

Country Road Realty www.CountryRoadRealtyVA.com 276-952-6582

County Sales www.CountySales.com 540-745-2001

Crooked Mountain www.CrookedMtn.com 540-541-9734

Crossroads Cafe 276-930-1850

Daddy Rabbit’s Campground www.DaddyRabbitsCampground.com 540-789-4150

DeHart Tile Co www.DeHartTile.com 540-382-3271

Dogtown Roadhouse www.DogtownRoadhouse.com 540-745-6836

Dulaney’s Greenhouse www.DulaneyGreenhouse.swva.net 540-745-2994

Earth Dance Jewelry & Gems 540-230-7955

Edward Jones - David Cross www.EdwardJones.com/David-Cross 540-745-6851

Farm Credit of the Virginias www.FarmCreditOfVirginias.com 540-745-2071

Farmer’s Market / Sustain Floyd www.SustainFloyd.org 540-745-7333

Floyd Center for the Arts www.FloydArtCenter.org 540-745-2784

Floyd Country Store www.FloydCountryStore.com 540-745-4563

Floyd County Historical Society www.FloydHistoricalSociety.org 540-745-3247

Floyd County Mutual Fire Insurance 540-745-4882

Floyd County Tourism Office www.VisitFloydVA.com 540-239-8509

Floyd Event Center www.FloydEventCenter.com 540-745-4434

Floyd Family Campground www.FloydFamilyCampground.com 540-251-2250

Floyd Humane Society www.FloydHumaneSociety.org 540-745-7207

Floyd Jewelry facebook.com/FloydJewelry 540-745-4653

Floyd Yoga Jam www.FloydYogaJam.com

G.J. Ingram & Son 540-745-3201

Grateful Mountain Market (formerly Grateful Produce) 540-988-6318

Griffith Lumber Company www.GriffithLumber.net 276-692-8754

Harvest Moon www.HarvestMoonStore.com 276-6928754

Heathers of Floyd

540-577-6703

Hotel Floyd www.HotelFloyd.com 540-745-6080

Jerry & Connie’s House of Collectibles facebook.com/MeadowsOfDanAntiques 276-952-1095

LCF Group www.VirginiaMountainLand.com 540-808-4984

Lichen or Knot www.LichenOrKnot.com 540-267-6556

Liquid Fire Glass facebook.com/LiquidFireGlass 540-250-6728

Living Light River Studio www.LivingLightRiverStudio.com 540-745-5483

Main Street Mechanics 540-745-4224

McHale Arborscape facebook.com/ShaneMcHalesArborscape 540-810-1845

Mickey G’s Bistro www.MickeyGsBistro.com 540-745-2208

Mountainside Holistic Clinic www.MountainsideHolistics.com 540-745-4654

New Mountain Mercantile www.NewMountainMercantile.com

T & E Small Engine www.TESmallEngine.com 540-745-8383

The Maggie www.TheMaggieGallery.com 540-745-8000

The Schroeder Law Firm, PC www.Schroeder-Law.com 540-745-4435

The Woodshed 540-320-3057

Thomas & Wall Real Estate www.ThomasWallRE.com 540-745-8973

Tinbenders Inc www.TinbendersInc.com 540-334-5841

Treehouse Tavern 540-929-4242

Tuggles Gap Roadside Inn www.TugglesGap.com 540-745-3402 Turner Family Farms TurnerfamilyFarmsVA@gmail.com 540-250-5152 Troika Contemporary Crafts www.TroikaCrafts.com 540-745-8764 Under the Sun Tattoo www.UnderTheSunTattoo.com 540-745-3080 United Country Real Estate www.EdGallimore.com 540-230-9090 Upon the Earth Construction facebook.com/UponTheEarthServices 540-239-2362

Villa Appalaccia Winery & Vineyard www.VillaAppalaccia.com 540-593-3100

Wildwood Farms General Store www.WildwoodFarmsDaylilies.com 540-745-5155

Willis Village Mart 540-789-7241

Wills Ridge Supply www.WillsRidge.com 540-745-2044

Yard-Boys 549-239-8762 YOSOURCE www.YOSOURCE.org 540-553-4378

Pictured: Officers of the16th Infantry Regiment at headquarters, May 2, 1918 with Maynard Ames Wells on the the far right.

Remembering Maynard Ames Wells

Since the end of the Civil War and continuing through the mid-1960’s, Floyd County has been an exporter of people. Because of this, sometimes it’s easy to lose track of those who made Floyd home. As those who passed through Floyd have been forgotten, important pieces of history are left to be forgotten as well. This is the story of one Floyd County son from the battlefields of World War I.

Maynard Ames Wells was born in December of 1873, the second of thirteen children of Archibald “Archie” Grief Wells (1847-1930) and Sara Maranda “Randy” Altizer (1850-1930). Archie was a former Confederate soldier and served as a pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Maynard would grow up in the Alum Ridge area of Floyd County until, at age seventeen, he and the family moved to the Auburn (now Riner) area of Montgomery County.

Not a lot is known about Maynard’s early life, but one can imagine as the son

Maynard Wells’ grave at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in Belleau, France

of a Methodist preacher in an agricultural area, it consisted of farming and church attendance. Considering his future career advancement, Maynard was probably more well-educated than many others raised in the county during the late 19th century.

In 1899, at age twenty five, Maynard joined the Coastal Artillery as a U.S. Army private. He served in the Coastal Artillery until October 1902, rising to the rank of Sergeant. On October 17, 1902, Maynard was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and transferred from the 47th Coastal Artillery to the United States 13th Infantry Regiment. Upon his promotion to Second Lieutenant, he was sent to San Antonio, Texas, where he was to reside until going overseas to fight in World War I. While in San Antonio, he would marry his wife, Clara Ross, on November 12, 1911.

Eventually Maynard was promoted and transferred to the 16th Infantry Regiment. In 1914, several factors would

lead to rising tensions between America and Mexico. As a result, Maynard’s regiment was placed under the command of General John J. “Blackjack” Pershing and was sent to the Mexican border. Maynard was posted at Camp Cotton in El Paso and for two years did patrol duty on foot along the border. In March of 1916, Pancho Villa famously raided the town of Columbus, New Mexico, as a reaction to President Wilson’s support of a Mexican coup-ďétat. This would lead the President to order an expedition under Pershing to enter Mexican territory to find and capture Villa.

A combined force under Pershing marched into Mexico, finally settling at El Valle, Mexico in June 1916. The infantry had an uneventful eight months on garrison duty, while Pershing’s cavalry units clashed several times with forces of both Villa and Mexican federal troops. After an unsuccessful mission, President Wilson recalled Pershing’s expedition in February 1917.

Maynard, along with the rest of his regiment was then assigned to the 1st Expeditionary Division, also famously known as the Big Red One. They then sailed from Hoboken, New Jersey to St. Nazire, France in June 1917. As they were some of the first Americans to reach France, Wells’ 2nd Battalion was chosen to show the flag in a parade through Paris on July 4, 1917.

day of the three-day battle, reflected in Major Wells field notes, detailed that his men came under heavy machine gun fire and had run low on water on a very hot and dry day.

Suffering heavy losses, the American and French forces were halted in a ditch along the Paris-Soissons Road. While in the ditch, Major Wells and troops of the 16th Regiment came under German airplane attack. Dropping bombs, the Germans were able to halt the American-French advance. One of the German bombs exploded near Major Wells. He suffered multiple shrapnel injuries, including injuries to his right hip and both feet. Wells was removed from the field alive, but headquarters was notified that he would not survive.

Major Maynard Ames Wells trained with the French 47th Division, along with the rest of the American 16th Regiment. The 16th Infantry would become the first U.S. Regiment to fight and suffer casualties in WWI when it successfully repelled a nighttime German raid on November 3, 1917. The 16th’s first major attack was made near Soissons, France in July 1918. Major Wells, as per U.S. military regulations, led his men from the front. The first

Several days later, on July 27, 1918, Major Maynard Ames Wells died of his wounds. He would join the thousands of casualties in what would be considered a part of the Second Battle of the Marne. Because American officers led from the front, he would also join many professional officers lost in that battle. He was survived by his wife, Clara, two daughters, his parents, and nine of his twelve siblings.

By the time the “war to end all wars” had ended, Clara had remarried, leaving the decision to repatriate his body to his parents. His parents chose to leave their son in the soil of France. Wells’ remains were relocated in 1921 to the Aisne-Marne Cemetery, Belleau, France where he rests today in Plot B, Row 9, Grave 58, a forgotten son of Floyd County.

The Floyd County Historical Society 217 North Locust Street, Floyd, VA www.FloydHistoricalSociety.org • 540-745-3247 info@FloydHistoricalSociety.org

A photograph of Maynard Ames Wells in his uniform, c. 1900.

Brenda Hopkins

The Maggie Gallery and Gifts: Carrying on a Legacy of Art

The beautiful, historic 178-year-old structure at the intersection of North Locust Street and Oxford Street began as Proffitt’s Store. Later, Lather A. Hylton would come into possession of the store, adding the living space onto the storefront structure. The property was owned by several people prior to the early 1900’s. Eventually the store was removed, leaving the stately vintage house.

“The Maggie Gallery and Custom Framing” was established in May 2018 by Ron Campbell and he named the gallery after his grandneice.

Known as “The Maggie” for short, Ron made the location an eclectic art gallery and frame shop located within one block of the stoplight in Downtown Floyd. Last year Ron Campbell rebranded the frame portion of the business as “Ron Campbell Art and Custom Framing” and has been relocated to Ron’s studio at 104 Campbell Crossing in Check. But that is not the end of The Maggie as an art gallery!

On September 1, 2022, Brenda Hopkins became the new owner of the art gallery portion of The Maggie. She has changed the name slightly

to “The Maggie Gallery & Gifts”. Brenda is dedicated to continuing the artistic legacy of The Maggie and opening the doors to locals, travelers, and even more artists and artisans interested in being involved. The gallery displays the artwork of dedicated local artists and artisans to include many mediums from oils, acrylics, watercolor, pen and ink, alcohol ink, pottery, and much more!

A Southwest Virginia native with deep ties to Floyd and the surrounding county, Brenda grew up with an appreciation of art and creativity which was fostered by the elders in her family, church, and community. This appreciation grew exponentially during her over twenty five year career as an elementary school teacher and principal. The time serving in her local school district allowed her to participate in art, music, and theater projects. These experiences grew her creative spirit, making it only logical that she would eventually own a local art gallery.

This year has brought an exciting uptick in visitors to The Maggie. People from all over are surprised by the interior. On the outside, The Maggie is a stunning old home from 1884 that fits the beautiful Appalachian mountain home aesthetic. But on the inside, visitors will find a truly eclectic environment. The local resident artists are the best of the best and their art is truly incomparable. If you’re not quite ready for an original piece, you can purchase prints of many of the works. You can also visit the gift shop which features unique and interesting items

for people of all ages.

Most importantly, visitors to The Maggie don’t just come in, browse, and leave. They grab a cup of coffee and a seat while they enjoy conversation with Brenda. Being a local herself, Brenda has a wealth of knowledge about Floyd, the backstory of The Maggie, Appalachian history, and more.

Events such as The Maggie Summer Music Series, Pop-Up Community Events and Activities, and Featured Artist Receptions will be held throughout the seasons to allow visitors to enjoy a fun afternoon or evening browsing the gallery, meeting the artists and other visitors, or watching demonstrations of the multifaceted talent represented at The Maggie.

Looking to the future, The Maggie plans to continue making changes not only to the inside, but the outside, too. The hope is to bring more traffic to the other side of the intersection in downtown Floyd. You never know when you’ll drive by and see a new landscaping layout, a new coat of paint, or even a brand new sign. Stop in to see the latest art releases in Floyd. Anyone and everyone is welcome ‘round the corner at The Maggie!

The Maggie Gallery & Gifts • Benda Hopkins 187 N Locust St, Floyd, VA • www.TheMaggieGallery.com Thursday-Saturday 11AM-5PM • 540-745-8000

Floyd VA Fall & Winter Happenings 2023

Located atop the magnificent Blue ridge Plateau in southwestern Virginia, Floyd is a haven of natural beauty, where the people are renowned for their hospitality. Floyd has a vibrant culture of music, arts, local foods and wines, and outdoor recreation. With nearly forty miles of the Blue ridge Parkway running through it, Floyd is a wonderful place to visit. For more information about below and other events, go to VisitFloydVA.com or call the Visitor Center at 540-745-4407.

SAMPLING OF MAJOR EVENTS:

October 7 • Floyd Arts and Crafts Festival Floyd High School • www.floydcountywomansclub.org/

October 8 • The Kruger Brothers • Floyd Country Store www.floydcountrystore.com/

October 21

• Tour de Dirt • Floyd Family Campground www.plentylocal.org/

October 21-22

• 16 Hands Studio Tour • www.16hands.com

October 31

• Town of Floyd Trunk or Treat • Oxford Street

November 26

December 1

• Floyd Christmas Parade • Downtown Floyd

• Floyd Holiday Tree Lighting Warren G. Lineberry Park

December 2-3

• Winterfest Craft and Holiday Event Floyd Center for the Arts • www.floydartcenter.org/

December 9 • Annual FCHS Art Exhibit, Opening Reception Floyd Center for the Arts • www.floydartcenter.org/

December 17 • German Christmas Cocktail Party Fundraiser Floyd Center for the Arts • www.floydartcenter.org/

WEEKLY

Music is happening in the town and county. Check with venues for 2023 updates. Sampling:

Floyd Country Store: Tuesday Tunes, Thursday Honky Tonks, Friday Night Jamboree, Saturday afternoon American Afternoon music 12-3pm, Sunday afternoon music Jams, Oldtime, and Bluegrass

Wildwood Farm General Store: an affiliate site of Crooked road, has free bluegrass music every Saturday night throughout the year and Sunday music Jams every first and third Sunday afternoons.

Dogtown Roadhouse: features music Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, downtown Floyd.

Chateau Morrisette Winery Music in the Courtyard Series:

free music on Saturday and Sunday afternoons in the courtyard through october.

Floyd Farmers Market: Saturdays through November, 9am-1pm, downtown Community Market.

Buffalo Mountain Brewery: hosts free music many nights Thursday through Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Cycle Floyd

Fall and Winter are perfect times to check out Floyd’s Floyd County Bike Guide/Map in print and online. Available at the Floyd Visitor Center and on VisitFloydVA.com

NoTe: The above events are scheduled as of Floyd Magazine printing. We suggest that you check with the event organizers and visit our VisitFloydVA.com site and calendar for continual updates.

More information is available online at www.VisitFloydVA.com. Or, you can visit or contact our Floyd Visitor Center, open and staffed seven days week by calling 540-745-4407 or emailing info@visitfloydva.com.

Floyd County Photographs from the 1910s Featured in Old Church Gallery Exhibit

Visitors to Old Church Gallery’s current photography exhibit, Kindly Mirrors – The Photography of Richard “Dick” Shank and Gertrue Vest Shank, may come away feeling that they have just enjoyed a visit with neighbors from a century ago, or family they wish they could claim. The exhibit, which is open Fridays 2:00PM-5:00PM and Saturdays 10:00AM1:00PM through mid-December, features thirty prints of images taken between 1912 and 1917.

Throughout their long and productive lives, Gertrue Iva Vest Shank (18931989) and Richard Miles “Dick” Shank, Sr. (1886-1980) made various creations of fabric, yarn, and thread. They also did work with wood, bricks, and mortar for themselves, their families, and their neighbors. A profile piece by Kathleen Curtis Wilson called, “Textile Art from Southern Appalachia: The Quiet Work of Women.” states that Gertrue Shank “loved all the handcraft skills associated with a twentieth-century homemaker. Never idle, Gertrue gratified her artistic nature by weaving, quilting, knitting, and doing fine crochet work”. One of her woven coverlets is pictured in the book cited above; the Old Church Gallery owns another. Dick Shank “built furniture, bridges, houses, and barns,” and occasionally churches and commercial buildings, many of them still in use, both in and outside Floyd County.

Many of the Shank’s descendants will fondly remember Gertrue’s love of fabrics and quilting, as well as Dick’s expertise

in woodworking and carpentry. Always ready to pick up new skills, the Shanks were creatively active in more than one way. Not only are they remembered for their decorative, practical creations, but they also found time to participate in

the new hobby of photography. In 1910, photography was growing in popularity in big cities but was uncommon in rural America. The Shanks managed to perfect their new hobby, quickly adding photography to their skillset.

While they must have collaborated almost daily on farm chores unless Dick

was working away from home, most of their creative work was done individually. The collection of negatives from which the photographs on display at the Old Church Gallery were selected represents an important exception. Gertrue had been given a camera by her brother Cleophas before she married Dick in 1913, and in addition to taking pictures, she was a willing and photogenic subject in individual and group photos. Apparently more comfortable behind the camera, Dick appears in fewer of the photographs.

Commercial and amateur photographs of the early 1900s typically featured unsmiling groups and individuals posed in their finest clothes. Using heavy, tripodmounted glass-plate and sheet-film cameras, the traveling “picture men” who took most Floyd County photographs of that era arranged their subjects in front of painted canvas backdrops at community gatherings, private homes, schools, and general stores. Thanks, in part, to the fact that their hand-held camera, probably a Kodak “Brownie,” was lighter and easier to use, the Shanks’ photographs are much less formal, with subjects laughing, sitting on rocky ledges or in trees, even working with backs turned to the camera. Other images record baptisms, picnics, and family members relaxing on their front porches. Farm life is documented with weed-free rows of corn stretching across hillsides, ducklings paddling in a stream, and lambs being bottle-fed.

Whatever the setting or subject, the

Gertrue Vest Shank

composition of each picture reflects what the Old Church Gallary’s Catherine Pauley calls “an artist’s eye.” Color photography was still decades in the future, but the Shanks’ black and white photographs reflect the same senses of contrast, balance, proportion, perspective, and pattern that made Gertrue’s quilts and coverlets so attractive. Its also what made Dick’s buildings so pleasing to their occupants and to passersby, then and now.

With any luck, the utility and beauty of Gertrue’s woven coverlets and the sturdy dignity of Dick’s houses will be seen and felt firsthand by viewers and visitors for at least another century. But the moments captured in their photographs are gone for good, as they were only seconds after the camera shutter clicked. Fortunately, the Shanks, like writers and visual artists of every place and time, knew this all too well. And so, like a character in Vladimir Nabokov’s short story “A Guide to Berlin,” they made it their business “to portray ordinary objects as they will be reflected in the kindly mirrors of future times; to find in the objects around [them] the fragrant tenderness that only posterity will discern and appreciate in the far-off times when every trifle of our plain everyday life will become exquisite and festive in its own right…”. As they must have foreseen more than a century ago, the everyday lives of Dick and Gertrue Shank and

their families and neighbors have been documented as anything but plain, they are thus well worth the time it takes to visit.

The Old Church Gallery is a cultural arts museum located at 110 Wilson Street in downtown Floyd, Virginia. Gallery collections and oral history archives focus on the creative efforts of the people who have lived here over time, with displays ranging from prehistoric stone tools to nineteen century baskets to early Floyd County recording artists to contemporary folk art. With plenty of parking and access off the town’s Heritage Walking Trail, a visit to Old Church Gallery will fit snugly into a Floyd weekend. Admission is free. Kindly Mirrors – The Photography of Richard “Dick” Shank and Gertrue Vest Shank closes on December 16, 2023. Visit on Friday afternoons 2:00 to 5:00 and on Saturdays 10:00 to 1:00. To view virtual exhibits, learn about hundreds more permanent collection pieces, and experience our signature oral history programs, check out the Old Church Gallery website at www. OldChurchGallery.org.

Old Church Gallery • www.OldChurchGallery.org 110 Wilson Street SE, Floyd, VA • 540-745-2979

Bent Mountain Center Celebrates 10th Anniversary

The Bent Mountain Center has been a beacon to the community for a decade, celebrating its ten year anniversary this year. The Center is a non-profit community center dedicated to promoting community, art, and education for the community and surrounding area. Its character and purpose grew from the small school in Bent Mountain. There is a common history and regional loyalty felt among residents of the area from Bent Mountain to Floyd, as many generations have lived and attended school in this mountain range.

With regular activities and events, schools have often been considered the center of community for generations. Some may remember that there were ten one-room schools serving the mountain-top region. As generations came and went, they were closed with new buildings replacing them. Between 1911 and 1915 the one-room school #8 in Bent Mountain was replaced with a three-room, wood sided school. In 1930, a brick seven-room school was built, with the old three-room building serving as the cafeteria and library.

Showing a peaceful profile, the plain, brick 1930 building

was fondly compared to a Norman Rockwell painting. A new addition to the building was built in 1990. This addition included a multipurpose gymnasium with a stage and attached kitchen, a courtyard, and the attached Roanoke County Bent Mountain library building, which is still in operation to this day. Though locals loved the school, the Roanoke County School Board considered closing the facility several times due to its size and small student population. In late 2010, the Roanoke County School Board made the decision to extend the school’s operation for one more year, intending to close it the next year.

Despite local disappointment, in 2012 Roanoke County closed the school. It was then that Bent Mountain residents passionately asked the County Administration to consider turning the building into a community center. The idea was approved, and in 2013, the newly formed Bent Mountain Center officially became a 501c3 non-profit community center. Bruce Coffey was sworn in as the first chairman of the board of directors. Funded by local donations, the Bent Mountain Center quickly became a busy community hub. The residents of Bent Mountain had succeeded

in their goal, and they couldn’t be more proud.

Today, the Bent Mountain Center offers educational, recreational, and social activities to residents of Roanoke, Floyd, Montgomery, and Franklin Counties. People from all around the area are welcome to visit the community center. Many musicians and artists have performed or displayed their work at the Center, with most of them coming from Floyd County. The area between Bent Mountain and Floyd continues to grow. Beautiful mountains, a safe community, and local attractions are encouraging individuals and families to relocate to this beautiful area.

According to the Center’s current Board of Directors Chairman, Steve Wachnowsky, “We are a benevolent organization dedicated to promoting community, art, and education, and in so doing, we enrich the lives of our community and visitors.” The Center’s mission is to promote the quality of life and best interests of our communities by providing a suitable location to effectively serve the leisure, recreational, educational, and social needs of our citizens and visitors.

The vision is to continue to grow the Bent Mountain Center into a thriving community complex, utilizing our existing programs, creating new programs, and seeking opportunities that would further serve the community. Additionally, the volunteers want to promote small business growth by providing a location which emphasizes the interests, artistry, and beauty of the area.

“Whether you are looking to buy or sell a single family home, a farm, raw land or commercial property my attention to detail and top quality service will add considerable value to your transaction. As a full time, full service real estate professional, I will put my skills, experience and knowledge to work for you!”

Jocelyn Coulston - Realtor

The facility is multi-functional, with a gym, featuring a stage where live music, classes, meetings, events, as well as other activities can be hosted. There is also a commercial kitchen, several classrooms, and an additional outdoor stage behind the building for outdoor events. The BMC provides rental spaces for classes, weddings, birthdays, special events, and more. Throughout the year they offer family activities, live music, civic meetings, and art exhibits.

Utilizing some of these impressive facilities, the Bent Mountain Center’s annual cornerstone event is Summerfest, a local favorite. This family friendly outdoor event features live music, food, and beverages, and the volunteers are ready for unpredictable weather. In 2021, they were ready for Summerfest with two bands booked. Food, drinks, and volunteers were lined up, but the unpredictable mountain weather had other thoughts. Though the weather called for rain, they set everything up outside, waiting and watching the forecast, hoping for clear skies. Then, with only a few hours notice, the bands canceled. People started to show up. First just a few, and then a large crowd of over 150. And as the volunteers surveyed the crowd, they noticed everyone was talking, smiling, laughing, and having a great time. To add to this success, it did not end up raining, making it one of their best Summerfests to date.

BMC hosts other seasonal events as well. Oktoberfest is a fall event filled with live Bavarian music, food, beverages, and a good time for all. Those who want to fully embrace the Christmas season should attend the Christmas Faire. It is a festive event for the whole family, including a visit by Santa Claus, as well as Christmas activities. Volunteers at the Center also use events

to support the community. They recently hosted their first joint Pancake Breakfast, partnering with Bent Mountain Volunteer Fire Department. They also sought to provide comfort and convenience during the pandemic by offering many “grab-n-go” breakfasts and dinners. This helped all who participated to feel a sense of community during the lockdowns.

In addition to these charitable events, the “Friends of the Bent Mountain Center” fundraising campaign was launched in April 2023 to support new philanthropic programs and services to community residents. To date 67% of the goal is met. Their first new program was to support the veterans of Bent Mountain by providing monthly meals for their meetings as appreciation for their service. They also support the local food pantry by collecting food donations for those in need.

Volunteers are critical to the operation of the Bent Mountain Center. They have helped by painting the gym and hanging the stage curtains, painting the hallway, and hanging pictures. Artist and Musicians have also donated their time and talent to support the Center. Those who run the Center are happy that the newly renovated Bent Mountain Library is part of the facility, and are thankful for the generous support from the Bent Mountain Woman’s Club, and Roanoke County Administration. The Center can thrive due to the generous support provided by Bent Mountain residents and guests.

Bent Mountain Center • 540-929-4127

10148 Tinsley Lane, Bent Mountain, VA 24059

bentmtnctr@gmail.com• www.BentMountainCenter.com

INdEX OF AdVErtISErS