Chase City Living - Winter 2023

EDITOR'S NOTE

White serves on the board of the Chase City Chamber of Commerce and the Southern Piedmont Land & Lake Association of Realtors He is a REALTOR® with Southern Pine Realty Solutions here in town Previously he has served as a chief marketing officer, small business owner, and pastor

As editor and publisher for ChaseCity Living, let me be the first one to welcome you to our town's newest magazine.

My hope for this magazine is to highlight the great things that are happening in Chase City. Our town has a rich history, and while I appreciate history (and even have a degree in it!), there is danger there. The temptation is to get stuck in the "I remember when" mindset, when I believe we have even better days ahead of us.

Don't believe me? That's completely fair. The problems our town has did not happen overnight, but the solutions won't happen overnight, either. Through this issue and future issues, we will introduce you to people who have a compelling vision for Chase City's future and are actively at work trying to better our community.

We have the power to shape our reality and to build the future we want to see. We cannot change the past but we can take steps now to brighten our future along with the futures of our children and grandchildren.

We will publish this magazine quarterlyfour times a year - and it will be located at businesses and in other spots around town for FREE pickup.

At this time we do not have the capacity to develop and maintain a subscription list. If you wish to share this magazine with

Nathan

someone from out of town, feel free to pick up an extra issue and mail it or direct them to the digital edition on our website, ChaseCityLiving.com.

We have invited a number of Chase City businesses and organizations to advertise within the magazine to help us pay for the design, printing, and distribution costs. I want to thank them for their support and I encourage you to visit them.

Finally, I want to hear from you about what you want to see in this magazine. What stories or topics should we cover? Call me at (434) 446-6644 or (434) 533-5413 or email me at nathan@southernpinere.com. I'd love to hear from you! ◼ -Nathan White

FROM THE MAYOR'S DESK

Alden Fahringer is beginning his second term as mayor this year. He works in cyber security sales and volunteers with many organizations in Chase City, including the fire department, Lions Club, Masonic Lodge, Red Cross, and others He is pictured with his daughter, Leah

I love Christmastime in Chase City, especially driving down Main Street and seeing the lights and decorations at the Pavilion, the Nativity scene, the big blue star, and the homes lit with care. The thing I love the most is the thing that you can find here all year round: Chase City’s people.

Our family, friends, and neighbors each doing our part to make our town beautiful is what keeps the spirit of this community alive. Nowhere is that spirit more present than when we come together for a common cause.

You can see it in our churches, in the Fire/PD/and EMS, in our civic organizations

like the Masonic Lodges, Lions Club, Fortnightly Club, MacCallum More Gardens Events, and others who all work together for the common purpose of giving back to the community in their own specific ways.

There is a sense of satisfaction in knowing that the hours of time put into this work together are transformed into something lasting and something more than one person could accomplish alone. The hours are transformed into repaired buildings, saved lives, eyeglasses, or other items for those who could not afford them otherwise and lifelong friendships. Our people often unselfishly choose to work together and spend their time pursuing common goals to help others. In doing so, they make a deep, lasting impact

on our community that will bring about positive change for the next generation and beyond.

Whenever I get the opportunity to work on something for the town, I try to ask myself how I see it setting up the town for success in the next 50 years. Regardless of my ability to see a result, if I know in my heart that I am working to do what is right, I believe in the unseen results.

I would ask my Chase City friends to consider our own time and abilities as we look forward this new year and reflect on this past Christmas season and the Christ Child who gave His all for us.

Is there any room in your life to give of your time, talents, or resources to a worthy local organization serving the community in some way? In so doing, this is how we keep our town beautiful not merely physically but in spirit.

I hope you had a Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year! God bless Chase City! (P.S.Want to know how to connect with a local organization? Feel free to contact me at mayorfahringerccva@gmail.com.) ◼

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE UPDATE

Tina Wood moved to Chase City more than 25 years ago with her husband, Glenn. She was previously a teacher and has worked for many years to make Chase City a better place to live She now serves as director of the Chase City Chamber of Commerce

The Chase City Chamber of Commerce is a vital part of the ongoing growth that is taking place here in our wonderful town. We understand that to have a strong economic environment, we must have a strong community.

The Chamber and the various divisions of our town government often collaborate in multiple areas to make our community a viable player within our county and state.

We are very blessed to have leaders, business owners, educators, and citizens who realize that we all share in the responsibility of creating economic success and happiness in Chase City. We would love to have your business or organization join today!

Chase City is truly a quality-of-life community. The Chamber is proud to help sponsor and promote events in our community throughout the year that fosters growth in our town. We have a rich history and a great story to share one that continues to grow and evolve. Come experience the tranquility and beauty within our nook of the world. We can’t wait to see you. ◼

ARE YOU READY TO CELEBRATE "THE CITY?"

After the Civil War, northerners looked south and noticed that the sleepy village of Christiansville boasted warmer weather, rich soil, and incredible potential for industry.

A board of settlers was formed, and they marketed the proposed town to both northerners and Europeans as a great place to live, farm, and work.

In 1873 the town founders petitioned the legislature for a charter to incorporate the town of Chase City, named after George Endly's close friend, Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase (see page 12 for more information about him).

The charter was granted in early spring 1873; thus, in 2023, we will celebrate Chase City's sesquicentennial, or 150th anniversary!

Many residents remember the 100th celebration, featuring a myriad of activities around Independence Day. One such activity was the burial of a time capsule, which town leaders will open on July 4, 2023.

Be sure to visit the Chamber of Commerce website and Facebook page in the coming months to learn more about planned events to help us celebrate 150 years of our incredible town! ◼

The newspaper clipping from the March 29, 1873 Richmond Dispatch indicating the bills that passed the Virginia House of Delegates, including the act to incorporate Chase City.

Q&A WITH OUR TOWN MANAGER, DUSTY FORBES

C.F. "Dusty" Forbes began serving as Chase City's town manager in the Fall of 2019, just before the COVID pandemic. As town manager, he supervises all town staff and implements policy as decided by town council. We wanted to check in with him and pick his brain on all things Chase City.

ChaseCityLiving:What's your connection to Chase City?

DustyForbes: I was born and raised in Chase City. After graduating from Bluestone High School in 1986 I left for the Navy, where I served for 26 years. I returned to the area in 2018.

CCL: What are you most proud of in your first three years as town manager?

DF:There are many things that I am proud to have been a part of since starting as town manager. I think my best accomplishment has been being able to take care

of the employees such as securing pay increases, adding benefits such as maternity and paternity leave, and improving equipment for the police and fire departments through CARES and ARPA funding. Also I'm really proud of being able to purchase the green space at the Pavilion.

CCL: What challenges do you still see for Chase City?

DF:Our challenges for the foreseeable future will be cash flow to the town. Our budget is very limited and we have to be very prudent at how we go about our daily business.

In my opinion, our other challenge is getting property owners to take responsibility for the state of repair of their facilities, especially on Main Street and the business districts.

Town Manager Dusty Forbes at his desk at Town Hall.

CCL: What are you most excited about for Chase City?

DF: I am really looking forward to the next 12-18 months as we have several growth opportunities and job opportunities on the horizon, which will mean a lot for our community. This includes the Microsoft facility, a new apartment complex in the works, and redevelopment of Colgate Square. (See article on Page 22 for more.)

Also, I'm excited about the potential bed and breakfast at the "Boswell House" on Main St. (See article on Page 16 for more.)

CCL: What can town residents and business owners do to support you?

DF: Town businesses and residents can support our community by working together to make our town a great place to live and work. Being part of the community is not just living here, it's also volunteering to participate with civic organizations. We could get so much more accomplished if we had just 10 percent of our town joining a

ColgateElectronicsInc.

Car and Home Audio CB Radio - Sales & Service

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entrepreneurs and new job creation. The community can support shopping in town when we do have a new business. We want them all to succeed. Nobody is going to come to our rescue; we have to do this ourselves.

CCL: What makes Chase City special?

DF:Chase City is special to me because it's home. My family has been here for over 100 years. My dad, Frank, was one of the first members of the Chase City Rescue Squad and served for over 25 years, and my mom, ry, was a member of the auxiliary.

is town was a great place to grow up, m playing baseball and football at the mmunity park, hanging out with friends, d playing untold numbers of wiffle ball mes. I learned hard work and responsity from working in the tobacco and hay ds as a teen and then at the Colonial cery store.

ing here has been great for me and I hope t we can continue to get better every day d make it great for this generation. ◼

hisinterviewhasbeeneditedforlengthandclarity.

Dusty checks a file one afternoon at Town Hall.

SALMON P. CHASE'S LARGELY UNKNOWN LEGACY

Get to know the remarkable man for whom our town is named

by Nathan White

As we prepare to celebrate Chase City's 150th anniversary this year, one question comes to mindwhy is our town named Chase City? Meet the remarkable Salmon P. Chase, our town's namesake.

"SuccesstoChaseCity"

At the end of the 1873 legislative session, Virginia's governor signed into law an act incorporating Chase City as a town. Soon after on

April 9, 1873, a "deputation" of the town's board of settlers arrived in Richmond via train and went to the residence of General Bradley T. Johnson, where they waited to meet with the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, the Honorable Salmon P. Chase.

The emissaries read a brief address to Justice Chase declaring that the new town was named after him as "Chase City." They invited

him to be an honorary vicepresident of the board. The Chief Justice "received the deputation" cordially and remarked that he would accept the position of honorary vice-president and would officially acknowledge that soon in writing. Other accounts recall that he hoped to visit soon.

Before the evening concluded, General Johnson led everyone in a toast: "Success to Chase City."

Photo of Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P Chase, who served in President Lincoln's administration While in office he modernized our banking system with his legacy visible today

-Photo from Library of Congress

Newspaper accounts remarked that the new town was formerly known as Christiansville and was located in the "centre [sic] of one of the most fertile regions of the state" and boasted a large number of new settlers and upcoming railroads. Old residents approved the name change as they had previously referred to their village as "The City."

Unfortunately for Chase, he would never get to visit our town, as he suddenly passed away less than a month after this meeting at age 65.

WhoexactlywasSalmonP.Chase?

Salmon P. Chase was born January 13, 1808, in Cornish, New Hampshire. He studied to become a lawyer and made his way to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he became an antislavery activist in the 1830s and 40s,

representing so many runaway enslaved persons that he became known as the "Attorney General for Fugitive Slaves." Towards the end of his life, he reflected that this was some of his greatest work, which is remarkable given all that he accomplished.

Chase established the Free Soil party that opposed the expansion of slavery and later helped found the abolitionist Republican party in response to the violence in Kansas after the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. He served one term as senator from Ohio from 1849-1855 and then served the next four years as that state's governor.

His greatest ambition was to become president and he ran for the Republican nomination in 1860, eventually losing to Abraham Lincoln. President Lincoln nominated Chase to serve as Secretary of the Treasury, becoming part of his cabinet made famous by Doris Kearns Goodwin's Pulitzer Prize book TeamofRivals, in which she focused on him and three other influential members. Later, this book would be produced into the 2012 movie "Lincoln."

Secretary Chase had an enormous task ahead of him: how to raise enough money to fund the Union War effort. As a result he spearheaded the establishment of a national banking system that we know today.

Additionally, he helped implement the issue of paper currency and was even featured on the first dollar bill accepted as legal tender. The familiar "In God We Trust" on all US coins was Chase's idea.

President Lincoln nominated Chase to serve as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in

1864 following Roger B. Taney's death. One of the first actions he took in that role was to admit John Rock as the first AfricanAmerican lawyer to argue cases before the Supreme Court. Chase oversaw the first-ever impeachment trial of a president in 1868 when Andrew Johnson was under fire.

Despite serving on the Supreme Court, Chase was restless and wanted to be president, running again in 1868 and 1872. His notoriety was far and wide, leading to the Ohioans and other northern settlers who saw the potential in northwest Mecklenburg County to name the new town after this influential man.

Chase'senduringlegacy

After serving as Senator, Secretary of the Treasury, and Chief Justice of the Supreme

Court, Chase remains one of the few American politicians to serve in all three branches of the federal government.

His handprints can still be found on our money today, both with the usage of paper currency and the "In God We Trust" motto on our coins. In 1877 what would eventually become JP Morgan Chase Bank, or now commonly known as "Chase Bank," was named after him.

His antislavery work that was begun as a Cincinnati lawyer and continued through politics provided a significant amount of momentum against the spread and eventual abolition of slavery. Though not a banker, his work at the Treasury was critical in supporting the Union war effort.

Today, in addition to Chase City, Virginia, there are several towns named "Chaseville" across the country and Chase County, Kansas. Several university buildings bear his name along with a barracks hall at the United States Coast Guard Academy.

The Salmon P. Chase Birthplace still stands in Cornish, New Hampshire and is listed on historic registers. Today it is a bed and breakfast known as the Chase House Inn.

Chase City, we have a lot to be proud of, including our namesake! ◼

video about Salmon P. Chase.

Chase City Christmas Parade

On December 4, the Chase City Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Christmas parade down Main Street. With dozens of entries and a festive spirit, many residents declared 2022's parade as the best one in a long time, if not ever!

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THIS LANDMARK HOME?

Get to know the buyers of the "Boswell House" and their plans to remodel this incredible home

Timothy Flinn bought 679 N. Main St in October, a house that brought over 400 inquiries and was seen by over 2 million people online when it was listed for sale the previous month. We interviewed him to see what his plans are for this beautiful home.

ChaseCityLiving:Why did you buy this home and invest in Chase City?

TimothyFlinn: I have always loved older homes that need to be revitalized. I purchased my first one when I was just 21 years old. After that adventure I started buying old homes in New Jersey. I have extensive experience with woodworking and this home has incredible Philippine mahogany woodwork and solid mahogany doors. Each pocket door exceeds 9' tall and 4' wide, not to mention the nine fireplaces. Several of them have truly amazing custom craftsmanship. Many of the floors are cedar quarter sawn oak. This mansion has a slate roof and mosaic tile front porch floor. These are some of the outstanding features that drew me to purchase this masterpiece of history in Chase City.

CCL: What have you learned about the house and its history?

TF:We know that the house was completed in March 1912. Due to the immense size and complexities of this mansion, we believe it took several years to complete. We recently uncovered one more fireplace that was previously hidden, for a total of nine.

Above: The Boswell House in Fall 2022. Below: The Boswell House used to be a boardinghouse and later housed an architecture firm.

This plaque sits next to the front door indicating when the home was built. Note the gunite siding.

The original wiring was knob and tubing. The dining room table had buttons to call the servant in the rear of the house. We have been in touch with some people that lived in the house around 1966. Records show that the Boswell family remained at the home until around 1940. Mr. Boswell had passed away in 1927.

Many original furnishings were still in the house in the 1960s. We are hoping to find someone with photos and possibly some of the family furnishings to put on display.

CCL: What challenges do you have before you as you renovate the home?

TF: One of the big challenges will be repairing or replacing the existing slate roof. We are planning to keep it slate! The siding will be a challenge due to it being gunite. It needs some repairs and will be tough to match this existing finish.

The home boasts Phillipine mahogany throughout, including in these pocket doors.

Many of the 50 or so windows are oversized by today's standards. We have brought in a flooring specialist from out of state to bring the quarter sawn oak floors back to their original glory. They will also assist in refinishing the Philippine mahogany raised panel woodwork. Heating and air conditioning will be challenging due to the sheer size and intended cost. We will probably install eight individual systems.

CCL: What is your planned use?

Each fireplace is unique and beautiful, featuring beautiful tile and woodwork.

TF:We learned that someone had a vision to recreate this mansion into a B&B. We plan on fulfilling that dream and vision. Additionally, we are planning for a restaurant and cafe/coffee/tea room with fresh baked goods and ice cream.

The lower level is being planned to accommodate "Olga's Attic," a gift shop with antiques and collectibles run by Olga Bear.

We are planning to host all sorts of events: weddings, showers, family gatherings, corporate functions, wine tastings with local wines, and more!

We are looking into solar power and solar hot water. We will be installing charging stations for electric vehicles. We are planning for easy entry and exit to accommodate visitors with boats using the nearby Buggs Island Lake.

CCL: What is the project timeline?

TF: We are optimistic in our plans and are hoping to complete the exterior repairs before summer. Additionally we hope to have the first floor with the restaurant and

cafe operating by July 4. We will be working with the town, county, and VDOT, as well as the Chamber of Commerce and the county's tourism department to make this dream a reality.

CCL: What are your hopes for Chase City? TF: We are planning on helping Chase City grow and flourish in the revitalization of the town! We hope to create one of the major attractions to the area, which in turn will help local businesses thrive. ◼ Thisinterviewhasbeeneditedforlengthand clarity. DoyouhaveanyhistoryoftheBoswellhouse

The curved staircase and "spider window" are among the most striking features of the home.

Sudoku Puzzle

To complete the puzzle, fill it in so that every row across and every column down and every 9x9 box contains the numbers 1 through 9.

The solution can be found online at ChaseCityLiving.com

2022 VS 2021 IN OUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE MARKET:

+22.17%

The median sales price of a residential home has increased from $110,500 to $135,000 in the Chase City zip code, compared to our region's increase of 14 36%

+5.13%

The number new residential listings for sale increased year-onyear in the Chase City zip code, whereas the overall region was down slightly in 2022 at 1.13% less than last year

+31.59%

The raw dollars of closed sales volume significantly increased in and around Chase City. The larger region decreased at -5.29%.

SHOULD YOU BUY OR SELL?

Rising interest rates and scary headlines about the future of real estate loom large, but all real estate is local. Our local factors include significant and rapid business expansion, such as Microsoft's nine data centers in the county, including one to be built on Chase City's southern border. Other companies are in town supporting the construction of solar farms and the rollout of fiber in the region.

-27.34%

The average days on market decreased in 2022 vs 2021, averaging 101 days between listing and closing, compared to a similar 98 days in the larger region

All statistics from the Southern Piedmont Land & Lake Association of REALTORS® Market Trends Report, with data from 1/1 - 11/30 in both 2021 and 2022

Another local factor that is attractive to buyers is the beautiful secondary school complex in Baskerville that opened this Fall, providing outstanding education opportunities for students and their families.

The lower tax rates, warmer clime, and slower pace of life also attract folks from northern states. All of these factors combine for the fact that the Chase City zip code is up over 15% in closed sales year on year, while the overall region is down over 17%. It's still a great time to buy and sell in Chase City! ◼

BIG SHIFTS IN CHASE CITY

by Nathan White

Colgate Square was a fixture in Chase City for 75 years

The Colgates closed the business in early 2022 and put the building up for sale

C.S. Lewis once said that "there are far better things ahead than any we leave behind." For some, "change" is a four-letter word, yet change is inevitable whether one likes it or not.

Last year saw a lot of changes in Chase City with more coming in 2023 and beyond. After 75 years, Colgate Square closed its doors after selling furniture and appliances and more to area residents.

Kess Realty Partners, Inc., a Henrico County-based investor with extensive commercial and residential development experience,

bought the property in November and plans, among other things, an international wellness center. Harkening back to the Mecklenburg Hotel of the late 19th and early 20th century, the developer envisions drawing people from near and far to visit this center. With 20,000 square feet, there's room for other businesses that will also serve as attractions.

The same developer has bought the land between Wesco Motel and Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative on Highway 92 west of town. Plans for a significant number of apartments and some possible commercial

businesses are in the works.

In late November, Microsoft hosted a town hall in Chase City to update community leaders on their efforts in the county. When it's all said and done, there will be nine data centers in the county, with the largest located on the old Butler farm on our town's southern border.

The northern parcel of 350+ acres will host the data center while the southern parcel of 230+ acres will be conserved.

While plans are still being drawn up, Microsoft envisions a walking trail and

will also use the land to build on its partnership with Mecklenburg County Public Schools' agricultural programs and create outdoor classrooms. Representatives from Microsoft emphasized the company ' s values of being a good community neighbor while providing high-paying and meaningful jobs.

As part of their "Commitment to Environment," Microsoft shared that in our county they have restored, created, enhanced and preserved 16 acres of wetlands, enhanced/restored and preserved 37,644 linear feet of streams, planted almost 35,000 trees on over 200 acres, and have permanently protected 448 acres.

All of these projects are very much still in the early stages of planning, and there are more to be developed. As we celebrate 150 years of Chase City, writer William Arthur Ward reminds us that "The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails." ◼

Mecklenburg County Schools Superintendent Paul Nichols speaks at the Microsoft "Voice of the Community" meeting held in Chase City on November 29, 2022.