Explore Brunswick County Spring 2020

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Visitor & Newcomer Guide Spring 2020

EXPLORE BRUNSWICK COUNTY, VA explorebrunswickva.com

Brunswick’s Guide to:

Recreation • History • Nature • Our People Things to Do • Places to See • and more!

Features

Contents

Brunswick Museum reopens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Ribbon cut for James Solomon Russell/Saint Paul’s College Museum and Archives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Let’s Cook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

MAPS Brunswick County Byways Historic Sites & Points of Interest. . . . . . . . . .

Lake Gaston Area Historic Sites & Points of Interest . . . . . . . . . .

Brunswick County Towns Alberta, Broadnax & Lawrenceville. . . . . . . . .

Supervisors celebrate 300th anniversary. . . . . . . . .

Brunswick Byway Visitor Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The real story of Brunswick Stew . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Veteran’s Day honors those who serve . . . . . . . . . .

Fort Christanna: Rich in History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

At 103, life is still good. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Courthouse records saved during Civil War Raid. .

Welcome

16 18 19 20 22 23 24 26 28 30

A SUCCESS

4 page

Supervisors Celebrate

300

th

Anniversary

20 page

At 103, Life is

still good 25 page

from the Editor

Welcome to the Winter 2020 edition of Explore. We have had a very mild winter so far which is fine for some people who dislike the cold weather but great for others who wish we could just skip the cold temperatures all together. When I was growing up in Emporia we wanted it to snow so we could miss school and play in the snow. We didn’t realize that Dad who was a contractor had to work in the snow or that the weather kept him for working.

In this edition there are two new features - the Brunswick Stew Tour kickoff and the ribbon cutting for the James Solomon Russell/Saint Paul’s College Museum & Archives. The Brunswick Stew Tour builds on the fact that Brunswick Stew is a part of Brunswick County’s heritage but it expands that fact to include other attractions in Brunswick County. Check out the article that starts on page 4 to see what I mean. In this issue we also celebrate Brunswick County’s 300th anniversary.

The James Solomon Russell/Saint Paul’s College Museum & Archives is located at the Brunswick County Conference Center in Lawrenceville. The museum has a multitude of items celebrating the life of James Solomon Russell and Saint Paul’s College. Volunteers working in collaboration with the Brunswick County Board of Supervisors are organizing and cataloging the documents, pictures and other memorabilia so the story can be enjoyed now and in the future.

Some old favorites are also featured like Fort Christanna, the historic fort, and the history of Brunswick Stew.

There are many advantages to living in a small town. When the grand-

Sylvia Allen Managing Editor

Brunswick Stew Tour Launch

children were little they noticed that people speak to you when you pass on the street and especially at the Lawrenceville Post Office. I was shopping at E. E. Vaughan’s & Son recently and was searching for some change. Did you know that some people don’t even carry cash any more, just a credit card? A kind gentleman saw me searching for the change and offered to give me some change. Where else but in Lawrenceville would that happen?

I thanked him for his kindness.

Putting this magazine together takes a team effort. I want to thank Darian Liles, Marketing Consultant; Leslie Moss, Account Executive; Susan Lambert, Graphics Designer; Lizbeth Nauta, Graphics Designer; and Amy Elliott, Officer Manager for their help. I also rely on Bobby Conner’s help in taking pictures, writing stories and helping to plan the magazine. We could not publish the magazine without the help of our advertisers. I appreciate everyone’s help. Thanks so much for your support for this magazine and the Brunswick Times-Gazette.

You can share the magazine with your friends at explorebrunswickva. com. Let us hear what you think about the magazine by calling (434) 8482114 or emailing us at news@brunswicktimes-gazette.com. Now sit back and enjoy what’s good about Brunswick County.

Sylvia Allen Editor Amy Elliott Office Manager

Darian Liles Marketing Consultant

©2020 Womack Publishing Co., Inc Explore Brunswick • Volume 50Page Issue 2 1 2018 Explore explorebrunswickva.com • P. O. Box 250, 213 Main Street, Lawrenceville, VA 23868 • (434) 634-4153 • news@brunswicktimes-gazette.com

2 | Explore Brunswick County Virginia - Spring 2020

Welcome to Brunswick County The Brunswick County Board of Supervisors extends a warm welcome to Brunswick County and the members hope you enjoy your visit. Supervisor Bernard Jones, left, - Red Oak District, Supervisor Welton Tyler – Powellton District, Supervisor John Zubrod, Vice Chair, Meherrin District; Supervisor Dr. Barbara Jarrett Harris, Chair, Totaro District; Supervisor Dr. Alfonzo Seward – Sturgeon District, and County Administrator Charlette T. Woolridge, Ph.D. To learn more about Brunswick County visit www.brunswickco.com or call the county administrator’s office at (434) 848-3107.

(Bobby Conner photo)

Brunswick County 2020 The House of Burgesses passed a bill calling for the formation of Brunswick County on December 23, 1720 and this year, 2020, marks the 300th anniversary of the county’s start. The Brunswick County Board of Supervisors has formed a Brunswick County 300th Anniversary Committee for the purpose of preparing for and commemorating 300 years of county history.

The mission of the Brunswick County 300th Anniversary Committee is to develop and execute a year-long program of activities to commemorate in an appropriate and historically accurate manner the rich and diverse culture and history of the county. The committee will insure that the commemoration will be inclusive of, and meaningful to, all Brunswick County citizens through programs, education and other activities encompassing all aspects of county history and its citizens.

The anniversary logo on the cover of this publication was created by the anniversary committee and approved by the board of supervisors in support of this year’s anniversary activities.

The Brunswick County 300th Anniversary Committee invites all citizens and visitors to take part in the various commemoration activities throughout 2020.

For more information, visit www.brunswickco.com.

Explore Brunswick County Virginia - Spring 2020 | 3

As part of the Brunswick Stew Tour campaign, Virginia Tourism has created a Virginia Is For Brunswick Stew Lovers Logo. The Brunswick Byways Visitors Center has several items with the Virginia logo including T-Shirts for sale. President and CEO, Rita McClenny of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, left and Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry unveiled the new logo at the Brunswick Stew event. (Bobby Conner photo)

Meeting a new friend LeNora Moore gave Stewie, the Brunswick Stew Mascot, a hug at the Brunswick Stew Tour kickoff. You will be seeing Stewie at other events. (C. J. Dean photo)

Brunswick Stew Tour launch a success State officials support tour, “Stewie” introduced

By Sylvia Allen Editor LAWRENCEVILLE – Brunswick stew is part of Brunswick County’s heritage. The Brunswick Stew Tour builds on that heritage with the hope of attracting visitors to Brunswick County to sample not just stew but so many other attractions. The kickoff for the Brunswick Stew Tour was held on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020 at the Brunswick County Conference Center with between 75 and 100 people attending. You couldn’t have a kickoff without stew so Clark Bennett and the Danieltown Stew Crew cooked a stew on site to share with guests.

Dr. Charlette T. Woolridge, County Administrator, offered a word of welcome calling attention to members of the Brunswick County Board of Supervisors, Dr. Barbara Jarrett Harris, Chair; John Zubrod, Vice Chair; Bernard Jones, Sr., Welton Tyler, and Dr. Alfonzo Seward. She also thanked Dixie Walker, Tourism Coordinator, and Sandra Tanner, Destination Development Specialist, Virginia Tourism Corporation, for their help in developing the tour.

“I personally want to thank you for your foresight to explore the county’s assets and unique features to create greater tourism opportunities for our citizens and tourists alike,” Dr. Woolridge stated.

Rita McClenny, President and CEO, Virginia Tourism Corporation, and Betina Ring, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, attended to take part in the launch. McClenny and Ring unveiled the new Virginia Tourism Commission logo: Virginia is for Brunswick Stew Lovers.

The Brunswick Stew Logo was also introduced.

Stewie was introduced. He is the Brunswick Stew ambassador who knows all there is to know about Brunswick Stew.

Dr. Harris said it was exciting to be gathering to launch the Brunswick Stew Tour. She said Brunswick stew is a mixture of many ingredients, a melting pot, so the tour will enhance people’s knowledge of what the county has to offer.

“I want to thank Dixie Walker for her part in organizing the tour.

Increasing tourism is part of the county’s vision. It will help put Brunswick County on the map. We are ‘Open for Business’,” Dr. Harris said.

Tanner said, ”This is an exciting opportunity for Brunswick County to tell their Brunswick stew story through unique experiences around the county.”

Walker said, “On this day in 1988 the Virginia General Assembly proclaimed Brunswick County as the originator of Brunswick Stew. It’s only appropriate to initiate the Brunswick Stew Tour on this date.”

4 | Explore Brunswick County Virginia - Spring 2020

Brunswick Stew Tour kicks off with representatives from many of the businesses that are participating sites on the tour.

Pictured left to right are: Dixie Walker, Tourism Coordinator, Linda Barton, Dot’s Country Store; Bobbie Lugo, Dot’s Country Store; Steve Harris, Sand Dollar Seaplanes; Dorothy Williams, Dot’s Country Store; Herb Brown, Browntown Farms; the Honorable Bettina Ring, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry; Stewie, the Brunswick Stew Pot; Dr. Charlette Woolridge, County Administrator; Lindsey Smith, Shady Shack Grill and Flip Flop Bar; Donna Powers, Skippers Welcome Center; Cheryl Johnson, Alberta General Store; Wendy Wright, Brunswick Chamber of Commerce; Rita McClenny, President and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Cooperation; Cindy Brown, Bracey Welcome Center and Sandra Tanner, Regional Marketing Development Specialist, VTC. (Bobby Conner photo)

Brunswick County Tourism presented the new Brunswick Stew Tour logo which will be used to promote the tour.

(Bobby Conner photo) Walker shared different parts of the tour. Arrive at the Brunswick Byways Visitor Center mid-morning, the central hub of the Brunswick Stew Tour. This is the perfect place to start the tour by gaining information about the Brunswick Stew Tour, stew history, and visit our Brunswick stew shop for exclusive stew merchandise. After all that talk about our delicious Brunswick stew, you certainly will be hungry! We suggest stopping for lunch to enjoy an award-winning bowl of Brunswick Stew at one of the following locations: The Club House Grill,

The Kitchen Table or Dot’s Country Store.

Next, head over to Gasburg, Virginia and visit Steve with Sand Dollar Sea Planes. Take the Brunswick Stew Tour from the sky with Steve, while experiencing the thrill of a seaplane flight from the waters of beautiful Lake Gaston over the tranquil countryside of Brunswick County. Once you’ve taken in the sights of Lake Gaston, you will also want to check out its only waterfront bar in Brunswick County, the Shady Shack Grill and Flip Flop Bar to enjoy a tasty drink called the “Stew Master” and enjoy their live entertainment lineup. Now that you have relaxed while enjoying a refreshing “Stew Master” you may be already thinking of dinner. The Kennon House is a perfect option where history meets fine dining. You will find Brunswick stew here as well. It’s a staple on their house menu. Enjoy a unique stay at the Brunswick Mineral Springs Bed and Breakfast located in Lawrenceville.

Take in a true farm experience, as you rise with the chickens. Visit Browntown Farms of Warfield, Virginia to pick fresh vegetables straight from the garden to create your very own Brunswick Stew with their farm fresh ingredients. Enjoy the sunshine and Brunswick countryside on the Tobacco Heritage Trail or take a boat ride on Lake Gaston.

Before your departure, make sure you stop by Alberta General Store in Alberta, Virginia to purchase quart size frozen homemade Brunswick Stew to enjoy as you return home.

Woolridge introduced McClenny, saying she has been a friend to Brunswick County.

Explore Brunswick County Virginia - Spring 2020 | 5

McClenny serves as the President and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, a state agency charged with marketing the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination and film location. The mission of Virginia Tourism Corporation is to expand domestic and international in-bound travel and motion picture production to generate revenue and employment in Virginia.

Tourism and film are instant revenue generators for Virginia.

In 2017, tourism in Virginia generated $25 billion in revenue, supported 232,000 jobs and over $1.73 billion in state and local taxes. Tourism is the 5th largest private employer in Virginia. In 2016, the film and motion picture industry’s overall contribution to the state’s economy totaled $696.8 million, and created 4,287 jobs, and generated $27.1 million in state and local tax revenue.

McClenny said it was wonderful to see the excitement around the Brunswick Stew Tour. She commented on the county celebrating the 300th anniversary this year. She said she has the opportunity to market so many great products working with Virginia Tourism. McClenny said the Brunswick Byways Visitor Center can be the hub or first stop in the tour and urged visitors to see other sites in Brunswick County.

McClenny said stew is a blend of ingredients likening it to the merger of two cultures, European and Native American. Stew used harvested vegetables. McClenny said Brunswick County can draw from the Welcome Center at Bracey on Interstate 85 and the Welcome Center at Skippers on Interstate 95.

McClenny said she enjoys working with Ring to promote tourism.

Ring said, “This is a great celebration of the food and the culture of this corner of the Commonwealth, the culinary heritage and traditions we are all proud of in Virginia.”

Ring visited those participating in Brunswick Stew Day at the Capitol and talked with Clark Bennett, the reigning champion

The Danieltown Stew Crew cooked Brunswick Stew for the Brunswick Stew Tour unveiling. Those attending the event were served samples of the stew. Pictured left to right are: Jessica Aleman, Juliann Bennett, Stew Master Clarke Bennett, and Kyle Gee. (Bobby Conner photo)

6 | Explore Brunswick County Virginia - Spring 2020

Brunswick stewmaster.

“While some of the ingredients for Brunswick stew have evolved over the years, the stew itself has remained a community treasure – bringing together church organizations, volunteer organizations, youth groups, and more. We all enjoy the homegrown ingredients that give Brunswick Stew its unique flavor, aroma and texture: chicken (though I prefer wild game or even beef) stock, potatoes, onion, tomatoes, butter beans, corn, seasonings, and don’t’ forget the fatback,” Ring said.

Ring said it is hard to imagine a more “Virginia dish” than Brunswick stew. She said there is no better place for a tour celebrating this dish than its homeplace – Brunswick County.

Ring said we celebrate the farmers who grow these ingredients – the men and women who work hard every day to produce the safe and wholesome products we can all be proud of.

She said there are farmers who have been farming for generations, passing down family techniques and recipes and keeping these wonderful traditions alive for all Virginians to enjoy.

Ring said the tour promotes Virginia providing the opportunity to learn more about the county’s history in Southside Virginia.

“We can use these assets to draw visitors and tourists from around the United States and the world to our first class experiences such as shopping, dining, lodging, and cultural events.

“The connection between agriculture and tourism and agritourism could not be more clear than here. Brunswick County is the leader in our agriculture and forestry industries,” Ring stated.

Ring said in her role as Virginia’s 4th Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry she gets to work with people from around the Commonwealth who are as passionate as she is about working for rural Virginia. The Brunswick Stew Tour brings together many of the priorities her department and agencies are working on: rural economic development to grow existing business and attract new investments in rural communities; enhancing forest and farmland retention through land conservation efforts and keeping working lands working; and celebrating the importance of food and cultural cuisine and ensuring all Virginians have access to healthy foods.

Ring said agriculture is the number one industry in Virginia, tourism is number two and forestry is number three.

Ring closed by helping McClenny unveiled the new logo promoting Brunswick Stew.

“I want to end with a message about Brunswick Stew from Virginia Woodruff written in the 1930’s.

“And soon you will hear its praises ring, this is a dish fit for a king.”

The Brunswick Byways Visitor Center is located at 13516 Christanna Highway, Lawrenceville, VA 23868. The phone number is (434) 848-2728. Visit www.brunswickco.com or contact Dixie Walker at dwalker@brunswickco.com - www. visitbrunswickco.com/brunswickstewtour

Welcome to the Town of Committed to Success

Town of Lawrenceville • 400 North Main Street • Lawrenceville, VA 23868 434.848.2414 • www.lawrenceville-va.com • or check us out on Facebook Explore Brunswick County Virginia - Spring 2020 | 7

Brunswick Museum reopens It was a great day as the Brunswick Museum & Historical Society, Inc., reopened to the public on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019. The museum has been closed for quite sometime, but after much effort with the help of many volunteers, the museum is now open on Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The museum houses three distinct display rooms. You’ll find exhibitions from the Civil War to include a cannon ball found on a Petersburg, Virginia battlefield that has since

been donated by Mike Sadler. Not to mention, there is a 1948 silver communion set from Trinity St. Mark’s Church, memorabilia from our local fire and emergency services, and a room dedicated to well known individuals in Brunswick County, such as the late Governor Albertis S. Harrison, Jr., Sheriff James Woodley, and many more. There are many other exhibits that include the rich history on Fort Christanna that was established in 1714 and was the westernmost point of the British Empire. The

museum even features a map of Brunswick County in 1720, but you’ll have to stop and see the importance of this prized possession.

The museum is free and open to the public. They are currently seeking volunteer docents to maintain the hours of the museum.

Membership levels start at $15 for students, teachers, and seniors over 65. Individual membership is $20 and the family membership is $40. There are various levels of membership for friends, patrons, historians, corporate businesses, and

1-800-828-7656

8 | Explore Brunswick County Virginia - Spring 2020

memorial donations.

Brunswick Museum & Historical Society, Inc. sponsors many school programs for students of all ages and hostings of community organizations throughout the year.

If you would like to become a volunteer docent or join their membership, contact Rebecca Akers, President, at (434) 8480964 or RTewims@aol. com

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Explore Brunswick County Virginia - Spring 2020 | 9

Ribbon cut for James Solomon Russell/ Saint Paul’s College Museum and Archives

By Sylvia Allen Editor LAWRENCEVILLE – There was a sweet, sweet feeling in the air on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019 at the grand opening of the James Solomon Russell/Saint Paul’s College Museum and Archives.

Memorabilia and archives from Saint Paul’s College and a tribute to the legacy of Dr. James Solomon Russell are now housed at the Brunswick County Conference Center, 100 Athletic Field Drive.

The celebration provided the perfect opportunity for alumni of Saint Paul’s College as well as friends and supporters of the college to gather and share memories. It was a delight to watch people hug each other, share greetings and talk about what the college means to them.

The members of the James Solomon Russell/ Saint Paul’s College Museum and Archives Committee are: James Grimstead – Chair, Bobby Conner – Vice Chair, Teya Whitehead – Secretary, Regina Gordon – Treasurer, Dion Walker – Media Specialist, Shirley Grimstead,

Gloria Menyweather-Woods, Carolyn Lofton, Cleo Goodwyn, April J. Jones and Sylvia Allen.

Approximately 300 people attended the ribbon cutting ceremony. Grimstead thanked the alumni of Saint Paul’s College as well as the alumni of James Solomon Russell High School and many others who supported forming the museum. He said the closing of Saint Paul’s College in 2013 presented challenges.

Grimstead thanked the Brunswick County Board of Supervisors for their support saying without their support the museum would not be possible. He also thanked Dominion Energy.

Five people were inducted into the Wall of Fame: Christine Davis Easterling – Educator, Helen G. Edmonds – Educator, Dr. Iris Lucille King – Educator/Healthcare, J. Waverly Person – Seismologist, and Waverly V. Yates – Civil Rights Activist. Easterling, Dr. King and Yates were able to attend the ceremony to accept the award.

Geraldine Woodley led in the singing of the National Anthem.

The local group Representing God’s Ministry beautifully provided musical selections.

Those participating in the ribbon cutting were, from left to right, Dion Walker, museum committee member; Justin Reid, Director, African American Programs, Virginia Humanities; Charity Howell, Outreach Representative, Office of Senator Mark Warner; Xavier Russell, great-great grandson of James Solomon Russell; Dr. Barbara Jarrett Harris, Chair, Brunswick County Board of Supervisors; Regina Gordon - Treasurer; Senator Frank Ruff, Senator Louis Lucas, James Grimstead, Chairman; Rev. Cannon John T. W. Harmon, Delegate Roslyn Tyler, Cleo Goodwyn, museum committee member; Sylvia Allen, museum committee member; Gloria Wesson Menyweather-Woods, museum committee member; Teya Whitehead, Secretary; Carolyn Lofton, museum committee member and Barbara Whitehurst-Malone. (Bobby Conner photo)

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Bill Herrington served as emcee saying it was his responsibility to introduce speakers and to keep the program moving.

Senator Frank Ruff commended the organizers of the museum and event calling the museum quite an accomplishment. He said there is a deep connection to Saint Paul’s College and he was grateful to be able to join in the celebration.

Senator Louise Lucas said she is pleased to represent the 18th District, 28 years representing Brunswick County. She said the day was “history in the making”. She said those who received an education at Saint Paul’s College went on to serve in many ways. Lucas expressed concern about the future of Historic Black Colleges and Universities.

Delegate Roslyn Tyler said she was happy to be part of the celebration and was pleased to see the history of Saint Paul’s College preserved. She thanked those who had the vision to safeguard the college’s legacy because we can learn from the past and history can help us understand the present. Tyler also expressed concern about the future of Historic Black Colleges and Universities. She said the day was both a sad day referring to the closing of Saint Paul’s College but a good day for celebrating the opening of the museum.

Charity Howell, Outreach Representative, read a letter from Senator Mark R. Warner. “This museum provides a place to preserve the legacy of James Solomon Russell and the importance of Saint Paul’s College. Born into slavery and receiving education to become a priest in the Episcopal Church, James Solomon Russell understood the ability of education to change a person’s life. After recognizing a need for educational opportunities for African Americans, he established Saint Paul’s College. This institution quickly became an education lifeline for the Brunswick County community and surrounding area.

I commend all those who have worked to establish the James Solomon Russell/Saint Paul’s College Museum and Archives and ensure that the important work of the college and its founder are not forgotten.”

Dr. Barbara Jarrett Harris – Chair, Brunswick County Board of Supervisors, said she was proud to be a graduate of Saint Paul’s College, Class of 1986. She said the vision of James Solomon Russell lives on and many people are standing on the shoulders of those who came before them.

“We all wish that Saint Paul’s College was still open but we felt it was important that the history of the college not leave Brunswick County. My colleagues and I felt it was important to provide a place for people to come back to. This is a very good day,” Harris said.

Justin Reid, Director, African American Programs, Virginia Humanities, said he was grateful and honored to be a part of the historic day to commemorate the legacy of Rev. James Solomon Russell, “a legacy we are all part of.” He thanked the leaders and all who made the day possible.

Reid said for 50 years Virginia Humanities has partnered with communities to preserve and share

Virginia’s history and cultures through public and digital programs, radio shows, grant-making and support of researchers, writers, filmmakers and traditional artists.

“If you’ve recently visited Monticello and seen their powerful new exhibits on African American life or learned of Mildred and Richard Loving through the HBO documentary and Hollywood film about their fight to legalize interracial marriage or read Margot Lee Shetterly’s book turned blockbuster, ‘Hidden Figures’, then you know Virginia Humanities’ work,” Reid stated.

Reid said the organization is equally committed to supporting the James Solomon Russell/Saint Paul’s College Museum and Archives to work to preserve and share the legacy of Rev. Russell and Saint Paul’s College with the world.

“When one begins to study the life of Rev. Russell and the impact he and Saint Paul’s College made, it’s clear this history is world history. I’m a native son of Southside Virginia, of Farmville. The Saint Paul family is my family,” Reid stated.

Reid said Prince Edward County closed its public schools in 1959 for five years to prevent school desegregation. The lives of 4,000 children were changed forever. He said something happened the fifth year.

Reid said Southside civil rights leaders were finally able to convince President John F. Kennedy and Attorney General Bobby Kennedy to get involved. They decided to create their own public school system for the students who were locked out.

“The Kennedy Administration asked Harvard University trained New York educator Dr. Neil Sullivan to lead the effort, but told him before he could get started, he needed to do one thing. He needed to drive to Lawrenceville, Virginia, to the Saint Paul’s College campus and meet with college president Dr. Earl McClenney. With Dr. McClenney and Saint Paul College’s support, they opened the Prince Edward Free Schools for the students who had been locked out. ”Fifty years later when the General Assembly established a scholarship fund for these former students to attend college, my uncle was awarded a scholarship. He was a teenager when schools had closed. At age 65 he proudly earned a degree from Saint Paul’s College.

“We are proud of many things in my family, but nothing makes us prouder, motivates and inspires us more, than seeing my uncle’s college graduation photo hanging in the living room, with him smiling proudly in his Saint Paul’s College orange. ”On behalf of not just Virginia Humanities, but on behalf of my family and my community, especially those students who

Over 300 people attended the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the James Solomon Russell/Saint Paul’s College Museum and Archives on Aug. 10, 2019 at the Brunswick County Conference Center. (Bobby Conner Photo)

Explore Brunswick County Virginia - Spring 2020 | 11

went back to school in 1963, I thank you for continuing to inspire us today.”

Xavier Russell, the 15-year-old great-great-grandson of James Solomon Russell, spoke on behalf of the Russell family. Russell thanked all those who have been involved with the establishment of the museum.

“The Russell family believes that it was the mission of James Solomon Russell to spread the good news and teachings of Christ and to broaden education for the marginalized and under privileged, some of whom had been freed slaves and were trying to live off the land,” said Russell.

Russell told how his great-great grandfather was assigned to a small group of worshipers attending Saint Andrews Episcopal Church in Lawrenceville and built upon that small following.

“Just across the field from Saint Andrews, he grew that group along with more than 20 churches into one of the largest memberships of African American Episcopalians anywhere in the United States,” said Russell.

Russell told the group that the three R’s; reading, writing and arithmetic were essential tools of learning that would become the bedrock of moving forward in the new found freedom of our ancestors.

“From a parochial school, to Saint Paul’s Normal and Industrial School to Saint Paul’s Polytechnic Institute and finally in 1957 Saint Paul’s College, curriculums grew for education, business, sciences and trades. Saint Paul’s continued to grow the training of masons, carpenters, plumbers, farmers, teachers and business professionals. These Saint Paulites went on to contribute to the greater good of their community and the country,” said Russell.

Russell ended by saying that the legacy of James Solomon Russell, through the museum, remains vibrant and relevant for the community and the Episcopal Church.

Dr. Pete Stith served as the 11th President of Saint Paul’s College and helped with finding colleges for the students affected by the closing of the college. He presented several gifts to the museum that included a portrait of James Solomon Russell and a pencil sketch of Abraham Lincoln.

Stith called attention to working with Bobby Conner to move the memorabilia from the college to area provided by the county. He said he and Conner met just after he took over as President and he gave him complete access to move the historical documents, photographs, artifacts and other items that were located all over campus.

“He and I became friends and worked well together. He did a lot of work to preserve the history of the college and its founder. Had it not been for his interest and work in saving this history, we would not be here today,” said Stith. “He deserves a lot of credit for this museum.”

Stith also made a donation of $150 from Stith Solutions and encouraged other people to make a donation to the museum.

After the ribbon cutting, Conner said he worked for two years moving the items from campus to storage. He thanked Claire Williams, who worked at the Tourism Office at the time, for helping to store all of the items and keeping a list of what was moved. Conner also thanked Supervisor Bernard

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Jones, who brought his trailer and helped moved larger items, such as the library table and chairs, that would not be part of the collection had he not provided his help.

Rev. Grady Powell, Class of 1954, shared several memories of Saint Paul’s College with love in his voice for the college. He led the alumni in singing the Alma Mater that was very moving because you could hear the love they feel for the college in their voices.

Woodley led those attending in singing “Lift Every Voice” to close the ceremony.

For more information about the James Solomon Russell/ Saint Paul’s College Museum and Archives call (434) 848-2173 or email us at jsrspc1888@gmail.com. The museum is also accepting donations at: JSR-SPC Museum & Archives, P.O. Box 551, Lawrenceville, VA 23868.

The Saint Paul’s College sports section of the museum contains photographs, memorabilia, banners and other items pertaining to the athletic programs at the college. (Bobby Conner photo)

The museum library room contains original items from the James Solomon Russell Memorial Library including, table and chairs, bookcases, clock, pictures, college yearbooks and college catalogues. The room was sponsored by Dominion Energy. (Bobby Conner photo)

let’s cook recipes

with Chef Angie

Chef Angie

Cream of Asparagus and Mushroom Soup

Asparagus Spring is the season for asparagus. Asparagus is available year-round, but spring is the best season for this nutritious vegetable. Crops are harvested from late February to June, with April being the prime month and high season for asparagus.

By the end of May, asparagus is at the end of its season in most locations. Asparagus, officially known as Asparagus officinalis, is a member of the lily family.

This popular vegetable comes in a variety of colors, including green, white and purple. It’s used in dishes around the world, including frittatas, pastas and stir-fries.

Asparagus is a low-calorie vegetable that is an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, especially folate and vitamins A, C and K.

Oven-Roasted Asparagus

4 servings “Salty and savory, the roasting method retains the beneficial nutrients in asparagus. Try it next to grilled fish or lamb.”

Ingredients: 1 bunch thin asparagus spears, trimmed 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional) 1 teaspoon garlic salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional) Directions: Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F. Place the asparagus into a mixing bowl, and drizzle with the olive oil. Toss to coat the spears, and then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, garlic salt, and pepper. Arrange the asparagus onto a baking sheet in a single layer.

Bake in the preheated oven until just tender, 12 to 15 minutes depending on thickness. Sprinkle with lemon juice just before serving.

8 servings Ingredients: 3 slices bacon 1 tablespoon bacon drippings 1/4 cup butter 3 stalks celery, chopped 1 onion, diced 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 6 cups chicken broth 1 potato, peeled and diced 1 pound fresh asparagus, tips set aside and stalks chopped Salt and ground black pepper to taste 1 (8 ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms 1 cup half-and-half cream

Directions: Place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towellined plate. Crumble bacon when cool; set aside. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings.

Melt butter with drippings in a saucepan over medium heat.

Cook and stir celery and onion in the saucepan until onion is translucent, about 4 minutes.

Whisk flour into the mixture and cook for 1 minute.

Whisk in chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Add potato and chopped asparagus stalks, reserving the asparagus tips for later. Season with salt and ground black pepper.

Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Pour the soup into a blender, filling the pitcher no more than halfway full. Hold down the lid of the blender with a folded kitchen towel, and carefully start the blender, using a few quick pulses to get the soup moving before leaving it on to puree. Puree in batches until smooth and pour into a clean pot. Alternately, you can use a stick blender and puree the soup right in the cooking pot.

Cook and stir mushrooms and asparagus tips in the same skillet used for bacon until mushrooms give up their liquid, 5 to 8 minutes. Season with salt and ground black pepper, if needed.

Stir mushrooms, asparagus tips, and half-and-half cream to pureed soup. Cook until thoroughly heated.

Garnish soup with crumbled bacon.

Explore Brunswick County Virginia - Spring 2020 | 13

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Explore Brunswick County Virginia - Spring 2020 | 17

18 | Explore Brunswick County Virginia - Spring 2020

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Explore Brunswick County Virginia - Spring 2020 | 19

Supervisors celebrate 300th anniversary

By Sylvia Allen Editor LAWRENCEVILLE – The Brunswick County Board of Supervisors celebrated the commemoration of 300 years of evolution by ringing the historic Courthouse bell three times, cutting a beautifully decorated cake to officially kickoff the year long celebration. Brunswick County was established in 1720.

Assistant County Administrator Leslie Weddington said each toll of the bell represented 100 years. Members of the Brunswick County 2020 Committee who participated were: Elizabeth Burns – Red Oak District, Richard Scott – Powellton District, Dixie Walker – Tourism Coordinator, and Weddington.

Weddington said this year Brunswick County celebrates a tricentennial, 300 years, three centuries, of history, milestones and achievements. She said 300 years is 3600 months, 15,642.25 weeks, 109,500 days, 2,679,746 hours, and 157,784,760 minutes.

“Tonight we start the celebration of commemorating 300

20 | Explore Brunswick County Virginia - Spring 2020

years of evolution. All year long we will celebrate Brunswick County’s birthday by partnering with the schools on several activities, with civic organizations, and with existing events happening throughout the County.

“In December we will close out the year long celebration with a special event that will include burying a time capsule that will include special items representing Brunswick County.

Happy birthday Brunswick County,” Weddington said.

The other members of the committee are: Rebecca Akers – Totaro District, Marc Finney – Sturgeon District, Michael Grimm – Meherrin District, Bobby Conner – Brunswick County/Lake Gaston Tourism Association, Nathaniel Neblett – Historian, Gay Neale – Historian, and Wendy Wright – Brunswick Chamber of Commerce.

The Brunswick County 2020 Committee developed a Mission Statement, application to partner with Brunswick County 2020, and the 300th Anniversary Logo.

Information regarding Brunswick County’s 300th anniversary is available on the county’s website at www.brunswickco.com.

Celebrating the county’s history The Brunswick County Board of Supervisors kicked off the celebration of Brunswick County’s 300th anniversary at the February board meeting. A beautifully decorated cake was presented as well as cupcakes. Supervisor John Zubrod, left, – Vice Chair, Supervisor Bernard Jones, Supervisor Dr. Alfonzo Seward, Supervisor Welton Tyler, Supervisor Dr. Barbara Jarrett Harris – Chair, County Administrator Dr. Charlette T. Woolridge, members of the Brunswick County 2020 Committee: Elizabeth Burns – Red Oak District, Dixie Walker – Tourism Coordinator, Richard Scott – Powellton District and Assistant County Administrator Leslie Weddington blew out the candles and enjoyed the delicious cake.

Find out more about the year-long celebration on the county’s website – www.brunswickco.com or call the county administrator’s office at (434) 848-3107.

(Sylvia Allen/Brunswick Times-Gazette)

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Explore Brunswick County Virginia - Spring 2020 | 21

Plan to visit the Brunswick Byway Visitor Center The Brunswick Byways Visitor Center officially opened its doors on Thursday, June 25, 2018 with a well-attended grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on the lawn of the center hosted by the Brunswick County Board of Supervisors. The Brunswick Byways Visitor Center has numerous displays and information to share regarding Brunswick’s rich history and cultural heritage.

The Brunswick Byways Visitor Center is an ideal asset to the county, the visitor center serves to inform the traveling public about the county’s two Virginia Byways – Christanna Highway (Route 46) and Lake Gaston Byway (Highways 903/626), as well as the county’s historical, cultural, natural resources and assets.

Inside the center, visitors will find two and three-dimensional exhibits, graphics, artifact cases, hands-on interactive exhibits, an enlightening welcome video, as well as brochures and maps to help direct visitors to the county’s various attractions and amenities.

Visitors will also find exhibits featuring several of our hometown celebrities such as Governor Albertis Harrison, Jr., Justice Cleo Powell, Susan Clarke Schaar, Bryant Stith, Darius Hargrove, Dominique Hardy, Henry Rice, the late Willie Wright and many more. We encourage the traveling public and Brunswick citizens to utilize the visitor center to welcome their families and guests to the area. The center also encourages local educational establishments to engage students and staff to partake in field trips to the center to educate our youth of Brunswick’s many historical assets, recreational opportunities, and rich cultural heritage.

The development of establishing the Brunswick Byways Visitor Center begin in 2009, through the vision of the of the Brunswick County Board of Supervisors and the Brunswick County/Lake Gaston Tourism Association to purchase of the former International Paper Company headquarters, with the goal of repurposing the office building into a visitor center to give visitors a place to explore all that Brunswick County has to offer by highlighting its various recreational, historical, and cultural and tourism assets throughout the county.

Brunswick County applied for and was awarded grants from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission and the Federal Highway Administration’s National Scenic Byways Program to complete the visitor center project. However, this project could not have come to fruition without several key trailblazers: funding - Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission and staff – Senator Frank Ruff, Vice Chair, Evan Feinman – Executive Director, and Sarah Capps – Southside Region Grants Program Administrator; Virginia Department of Transportation – Stephen C. Brich – Commissioner of VDOT and Billy Wright – Construction Manager and Sarah Capps, Grants Program Administrator, Southside Tobacco Region. Also, Carol Corker who served as the grant writer with the Southside Planning District Commission, and former supervisors the late Robert Conner and Marc Finney.

Along with key trailblazers, a core team continued to move the Byways project forward which include: Brunswick County Board of Supervisors, county staff – Charlette T. Woolridge, Ph.D. and Leslie Weddington; Brunswick County/ Lake Gaston Tourism Association – Bobby Conner, Southside District Planning Commission – Gail Moody and Sangi Cooper. Additional team members include American Timberland Homes – Bryant Upton, General Manager; Hagersmith Design PA Architects – Tony Conner and Jimmy Theim; Museum Concepts – Cissy Anklum, Exhibit Designer; Color Ad – Emily Furman Sennett and Heather McDade, Exhibit Fabricator.

The Brunswick Byways Visitor Center also serves as home to Brunswick’s first ever LOVEwork which was unveiled during a joint business after-hours event held in April 2019. The Brunswick County Board of Supervisors revealed the artwork while also encouraging visitors to stop and snap a photo with the LOVEwork on the lawn at the center to share with family and friends during their travels here in Brunswick County.

The Brunswick Byways Visitor Center is located at 13516 Christanna Highway, Lawrenceville, VA 23868. The visitor center hours of operation are Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. until 1 a.m. Winter hours include individual Sunday closures which begin the Sunday before Thanksgiving through the last Sunday in March. To reach the Brunswick Byways Visitor Center by phone (434) 848-2728 and for additional information visit the following websites: www.brunswickco.com and www.visitbrunswickcova.com

22 | Explore Brunswick County Virginia - Spring 2020

Volunteers needed for the Brunswick Byways Visitor Center Ambassador Program Do you enjoy helping others? Are you familiar with Brunswick’s rich history and heritage? Are you possibly looking for ways to volunteer to give back to your community? Then we have the perfect opportunity for you!

The Brunswick Byways Visitor Center is seeking eager and willing volunteers who would like to serve as ambassadors to assist with specific needs and offer support for the visitor center.

The Brunswick Byways Visitor Center ambassadors will greet visitors upon entering the center, welcome visitors to our community, inspire visitors to explore Brunswick, orient visitors to our many attractions and points of interests throughout the county, provide maps and other information, answer phone inquiries, and assist with administrative duties when needed.

If you would like more information on how to become an ambassador for the Brunswick Byways Visitor Center, please call the Brunswick Byways Visitors Center at (434) 848-2728 or you may email dwalker@brunswickco.com to request an application and additional information.

Applications are also available for pick up at the Brunswick Byways Visitors Center or applications can also be obtained online on our County’s website; https://www.brunswickco. com/visitors.

Thank you in advance for your interest in our ambassador volunteer program. We look forward to obtaining new volunteers to help serve our visitor center and encourage others that Brunswick County is a great place to be!

Dixie K. Walker Tourism Coordinator, Brunswick County

The Real Story of Brunswick Stew

By Gay Neale In the early days of Brunswick County, probably 1828, a hunting party gathered at Mount Donum, on the Nottoway in the northwestern corner of the county, the home of Dr. Creed Haskins. Dr. Haskins took with them his cook, “Uncle” Jimmy Matthews, who was well known for his culinary skills. He was always along on the hunting expeditions.

While the hunters went in search of game, Uncle Jimmy spent his time shooting the fat squirrels that abounded in the woods. He made a stew of them, using, so the legend says, butter, onions, stale bread and seasoning. Dr. Haskins, it was reported, added some brandy or Madeira to the pot on their return to “give the stew a flavor.”

The hunters, who had had no luck finding game, were delighted with the concoction and asked for more when they finished. On future hunting expeditions Uncle Jimmy was always asked to make his stew. Soon he was making it for picnics and public events with great pride and delight.

Meade Haskins wrote down the original recipe in 1907. The family had kept the recipe and improved on it, but he contended that “Vegetables are not in the original Brunswick stew.

Those who prefer vegetables add them after the stew is done, in their plates.”

His recipe called for bacon to add some fat to the squirrel meat. After boiling with onions he added bread crumbs, butter, and salt and pepper last. The pot should boil for four hours, and water should be added at intervals.

John P. Mason claimed to have a recipe handed down to him by Dr. Creed Haskins which is similar to the one above except that over a pound of butter went into the mix and it should be “rich and highly seasoned” with both black and red pepper. While he said other meat could be used, “Squirrels are best.”

In the 1930s, Freeman F. Browder was renowned for his stew, and his

recipe shows the evolution toward vegetables. By this time, in order to make a quantity, people were using the cast iron wash pots found in every back yard to make large batches.

Browder’s recipe begins, “Scrub pot well.” He renders pork side meat for fat, braises the meat, then adds water, onions, tomatoes, butterbeans and corn. A final seasoning and the stew becomes perfection.

Mrs. Woodruff’s recipe will strike purists as slightly overdone with its veal, lemon peel and Worcestershire, but it demonstrates the evolution of the dish.

Today, acknowledged “stew-masters” in the county will be asked to make a stew for an occasion. They show up with giant pots, often made from cut-down propane tanks, and with built-in burners. These are mounted on trailers so they can be moved from one place to another, such as the annual trek to Richmond to make stew on the Capitol steps for the legislators on Brunswick Stew Day. Their crew of five or six stalwart assistants assembles and they begin the stew. It will bubble and boil all night, while the men in shifts stir it with canoe paddles. The waist-high pots are hard to stir once the stew begins to thicken, and it is not as easy as it seems.

The stew is the star of an annual county festival, called “Taste of Brunswick,” held the second Saturday of every October on the Southside Virginia Community College grounds in Alberta. It brings music, arts and crafts, activities for children, politicians, snow-cones and funnel cake merchants, and more to a happy throng. The chief attraction at this fest, however, is a stew-off with 20 plus stew-masters and their teams, each in their own tent, making gallons of stew and selling out by noon to an eager crowd. Lines form for the winners of the contest, but each stew-master has fans and the slight variations in taste (perhaps a whiff of wood smoke, or maybe a bit more hot spice) add excitement.

Here is a recipe that feeds a family and most nearly approaches the Platonic Ideal of Brunswick stew: 1 3 pound broiler-fryer 2 stalks celery 1 onion, quartered 7 (or more) cups of water 2 10-oz packages of frozen baby lima beans 2 10-oz packages of frozen whole kernel corn 1 Cup chopped onion 2 28-oz cans whole or diced tomatoes, undrained 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 3 T butter or margarine 1 T salt 1 1/2 t. black pepper 1/2 t. red pepper 10 saltine crackers, crumbled Combine chicken, celery, onion and 5 C. water in crock pot or stock pot. Bring to boil and reduce heat, simmering 1 hour.

Cool and remove chicken, celery and onion. Save broth in pot. Bone, skin and chop chicken. Add chicken and all other ingredients except saltines to pot. Simmer uncovered 4 1/2 hours (5 in crock pot on low) until all is blended, adding water if necessary. Stir often. Crumble crackers and add, cooking 15 minutes more. Yield: 3 1/2 quarts.

Explore Brunswick County Virginia - Spring 2020 | 23

Veterans Day honors those

By Sylvia Allen Editor LAWRENCEVILLE – There was a special feeling in the air at the Veterans Day Ceremony held Friday, Nov. 8, 2019 – a feeling of camaraderie among the Veterans honored. Brunswick County and the Brunswick County Committee of the Virginia WWI and WWII Commission sponsored the event held at the Brunswick County Conference Center. This year Vietnam Veterans were honored.

The TRADOC Brass Quintet from Fort Eustis provided the music.

The Brunswick High School JROTC posted the colors.

Dr. Charlette T. Woolridge, County Administrator, offered a word of welcome and introduced the speakers. She said this was an excellent opportunity to thank the brave men and women who defend our country.

Geraldine Woodley led the audience in singing the National Anthem. With emotion in her voice she said this Veterans Day was especially meaningful because she lost her brother-in-law recently who battled Agent Orange. Before beginning the song she personally thanked the Veterans, especially recognizing the Vietnam Veterans.

Katelyn Ottoway, President Student Council Organization, Brunswick Academy, led the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Minister Earl Jarrell, Poplar Mount Baptist Church, Lawrenceville, offered the invocation.

Supervisor Dr. Barbara Jarrett Harris said it was a great pleasure to welcome everyone to the ceremony to honor our Veterans. She called attention to the flags in the front of the conference center, a Lawrenceville Rotary Club project to honor Veterans, first responders or other heroes. Harris encouraged the guests to notice the flags as they leave.

Harris said Veterans Day is a special time to thank Veterans and urged everyone to be thankful for freedom. She expressed appreciation to those who have served, saying we all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.

Delegate Roslyn Tyler said it was a pleasure to participate in the Veterans Day ceremony. She said there are approximately 720,000 veterans in Virginia. Tyler said the Veterans deserve a debt that we can never repay but we should be constantly aware of making sure Veterans receive the benefits they so richly deserve. Tyler said she saluted all Veterans and again offered a word of thanks.

24 | Explore Brunswick County Virginia - Spring 2020

Senator Frank Ruff said we owe Veterans a debt of gratitude for their service. He also said their families sacrificed too and should be commended for that sacrifice. Ruff said when their son was in the military his wife prayed regularly for his safe return. He said many Veterans suffered scars and some were invisible to the eye. They saw death and bloodshed that sometimes was challenging to deal with. He closed by offering a special thank you to all Veterans.

Senator L. Louise Lucas said she grew up in a military family and the lessons learned in the military were valuable. She said it is important to honor Veterans and she also called attention to the number of Veterans who live in Virginia.

Carlos L. Hopkins, Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, said Veterans Day has its beginnings in the cessation of hostilities during World War I in 1918. Armistice Day was first proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson on Nov. 11, 1919 on the first commemoration of the anniversary of Armistice Day. Congress later passed legislation in 1928 formally recognizing Armistice Day and the end of World War I. A decade later, Congress made Armistice Day a legal holiday in 2938.

Armistice Day remained a national holiday through World War II. Following the cessation of hostilities during the Korean War, in 1954 Congress amended the 1938 statute to establish Veterans Day as we know it today.

Hopkins said approximately 714,000 Veterans call Virginia home. Brunswick County is home to 1,000 Veterans. Virginia is home to 60,370 military spouses, active duty only. The Norfolk Naval Base is the largest naval base in the world. The approximate total of the Department of Defense’s economic impact in Virginia is over $100 billion.

Hopkins said the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs

who serve leads three agencies: the Department of Military Affairs, the Department of Veteran Services and the Veteran Service Foundation. He provided information about each agency.

Hopkins turned his attention to suicide prevention. He said the Veterans Administration reported the 2017 data for suicides among our Country’s Veterans. The average number of suicides per day remained high at approximately 16.8 per day (nationally). After adjusting for age and gender, that comes out to be 27.7 per 100,000.

Hopkins said in Virginia we are developing ways to mitigate suicides and in January 2019 Governor Northam announced Virginia as one of seven states that are developing new ways to engage service members and Veterans who may be at risk.

In closing Hopkins said, “Again I want to thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today and to tell you about some of the initiatives we have underway for Veterans in Virginia. As often as you may hear it, your service to our Commonwealth and Nation is deeply appreciated. On behalf of our grateful Commonwealth, thank you!”

Leslie Weddington, Assistant County Administrator, introduced members of the Brunswick County Committee of the Virginia World War I and World War II committee. The committee members are: Richard Coleman – Red Oak District, Clinton McMillan – Powellton District, Donald Seward – Totaro District, Gloria Wesson Menyweather-Woods – Sturgeon District, Michael Grimm – Meherrin District, Dixie Walker, Tourism Coordinator and Carl Wright – Ex-officio member.

Weddington also thanked Bobby Conner for his work as advisor to the committee and his help with the event.

Jarielle Seward, Student Government Leadership Team, Brunswick High School, read the poem entitled “Thank you.”

Donald Seward, Chief Master Sergeant (Retired), led a ceremony honor our MIA and deceased service members. There was a moment of silence.

Supervisor Dr. Barbara Jarrett Harris said it was so good to honor our Veterans. She called attention to the Veterans who served their community in varied ways. Harris asked for a round of applause to close the service thanking all Veterans and their families.

Minister Donnie Edmonds, James Square Baptist Church, Lawrenceville, offered the closing prayer.

The 508th Transportation Company from Fort Lee provided two military vehicles that were posted at the entrance to the conference center entrance.

A reception was held for those in attendance following the ceremony.

Explore Brunswick County Virginia - Spring 2020 | 25

Fort Christanna

The Fort Christanna Historical Site, located on Fort Hill Road two miles south of Lawrenceville just off Christanna Highway (Route 46), was built by Governor Alexander Spotswood both to provide protection to early settlers in the wilderness that became Brunswick County, and to give shelter to the many fragments of displaced Native American tribes allied with the English. The fort was set up as a trading company and for a while was a busy hub for trade in furs.

In 1714, the site of Fort Christanna on Virginia’s western frontier was the farthest eastern outpost of the British Empire.

The 3.5 acre, five-sided fort was built within a 36 square mile tract of land on the Meherrin River, set aside for the Saponie and Occaneechee Indians who settled at the Fort. Spotswood employed 12 young men who rode out daily along with some Indian men to patrol the area and keep the new settlers moving into the area safe from attack. These rangers also helped conduct trade at the fort.

Within the three acres of the palisaded fort walls were many structures. There were blockhouses at each of the five corners, a forge, probably warehouses and storage buildings for trade goods and supplies. Governor Spotswood’s fort included the creation of an Indian School to educate the Native American children living nearby.

At his own expense Spotswood paid the salary of the schoolmaster, Charles Griffin who taught his students English and religion. A visitor in 1716 reported that the Indian students knew the Lord’s Prayer and could recite the Anglican catechism.

As many as 100 students were in the Indian School at Fort Christanna. Having Indian children from many tribes within the walls of the fort was, in part, a strategy to prevent Indian attack. By 1717 the fort and the school at Christanna had lost its support in London and Virginia, however.

The Indian School closed, and its schoolmaster went back east to teach Indian students at the College of William and Mary.

26 | Explore Brunswick County Virginia - Spring 2020

Near the fort was a village for the Indians, members of many small tribes that had been forced from their homes to the east. Some 600 people lived there in homes they constructed from native materials.

They lived off of hunting, fishing the river, and trade in furs and crafts. The Fort Christanna experience brought to the tribes of the region new ideas, a new language, a new religion, and new dependency on Europeans trade goods. The old tribal ways and traditions fast fell away as the Virginia colony expanded. But the tribes whose children were educated at Fort Christanna adapted and endured. Several tribes in Virginia and North Carolina today are proud descendants of those students at the Christanna Indian School.

After the Virginia legislature withdrew its support, in 1718, a private company ran it for a time, and then that failed. By this time Brunswick was growing in population from many settlers, and in 1720 was chartered as a county. Protection from hostile Indians was no longer necessary. Many Indians drifted off to join other tribes, although some remained, living on the old, deserted site.

In time, the fort’s palisade walls and buildings fell, and the site reverted to forest land. Even after its decline, however, stories of the fort were kept alive by residents of Brunswick County.

In 1928 the Colonial Dames of Virginia bought 3.25 acres of land and a monument was placed on the grounds. That marker was a concrete block studded with arrowheads, which people vandalized. It was replaced by the present monument with cannon in the 1950s.

In 2001, the Brunswick County Board of

rich in history Supervisors, in order to protect the original three acre fort site, purchased 22 acres of surrounding property. In 2006, to further protect the site, two and a half acres, directly across the road from the site was purchased by the Board of Supervisors.

In 1979-1981 an archeological dig on the site under the direction of Dr. Mary C. Beaudry affirmed the outlines of the palisade wall and provided some information about life there.

In 2002-2004 archaeology led by Dr. Chris Stevenson showed much more about the trade and life of the people of the fort.

Today, after several years of development, and considerable help from local companies and the Board of Supervisors, the site has been transformed into a 25 acre historical and recreational park, with trails around the perimeter of the walls where the five sided fort was located. A new parking area with handicap parking has been constructed, with a brick terrace welcome area and information kiosk. Interpretive signage has been installed at the brick terrace area and along the fort wall paths describing Alexander Spotswood’s role in the establishment of the fort, Native American presence at the site, construction of the fort and the role of Brunswick County and the National Society of the Colonial Dames of American in the State of Virginia. Through the Common Wealth Award from the Garden Club of Virginia, the Brunswick Garden Club has constructed an outdoor learning center for use by teachers, students and others to discuss the history of the Fort Christanna and the

Indian people who frequented the fort. The site is also included as a stop on the Christanna Loop of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail and is a stop on the Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail. There are engraved granite benches that have been donated by civic organizations or in memory or honor of individuals placed throughout the area for visitors to relax and enjoy the many scenic and natural sights and sounds. The park is open sunup to sundown, and all are welcome to visit and see enjoy the historical, recreational and scenic assets of the site.

Visit www.brunswickco.com for more information.

Explore Brunswick County Virginia - Spring 2020 | 27

At 103, 'Life is still good' Local resident relies on faith, family and a positive attitude

By Bobby Conner

Thelma Yeatts, right, sits with her daughter, Louise Wright. Yeatts, who turned 103 this past May, says her family, her faith and keeping a positive attitude have all helped her live such a long life. She lives with Louise and son-in-law Charles in White Plains. (Bobby Conner photo)

28 | Explore Brunswick County Virginia - Spring 2020

WHITE PLAINS – On May 29, 1916, Thelma Florence Hamlett entered this world in Pittsylvania County to parents Edgar and Gracie Hamlett and would be the next to the youngest of three brothers and three sisters. Woodrow Wilson was president, the United States was in the middle of World War I and Charlie Chaplin signed his first motion picture contract for $10,000.

Now, at 103, Thelma Hamlett Yeatts, as she is known, after marrying her husband Howard in 1935, is alert, funny, has a positive attitude and is full of stories from the past and the present.

When she was 2 years old, she and her family moved from Pittsylvania County to Prince Edward County. At the time there was no indoor plumbing, electricity or a phone.

“Nobody had those things. When the electric lines came through where we lived, the first things we got were a refrigerator and a washing machine,” said Yeatts. “My momma was so happy.

I don’t think the electric bill was more than three dollars a month.”

She says that her family, like most at the time, didn’t have a car to get around. Most everyone walked wherever they had to go or used a wagon or buggy. She was interested in getting a driver’s license.

“I started up the truck we had one time after I was married and it scared me to death, so I cut it right off,” said a laughing Yeatts. “I don’t know what I would have done if that truck had moved.”

Not having a phone didn’t stop people from communicating and passing the family and local news around. In fact, Yeatts thinks that it kept families closer because they visited each other more.

“You had company a lot more back then, nobody had telephones so they would come visit and talk and tell you all the news,” said Yeatts. “You had company all through the week.

People don’t visit today like they used to.”

She said her favorite time of the year is Christmas and even though they didn’t get much, she enjoyed everybody getting together.

“For Christmas we would get one toy, an apple, a huge stick of peppermint candy and a bunch of raisins,” said Yeatts.

“Families don’t get together today like they did back then. Later after I got married and had a family, we would go to my parents for breakfast Christmas morning and then eat lunch at another family member’s house. Everybody would go to other family members houses each day between Christmas and New Year’s Day to eat and visit. It was so much fun.”

Yeatts was born into a Methodist family but joined the Baptist Church when she moved to Brunswick County. She is the oldest member of Warfield Baptist Church, although she hasn’t been able to go in quite a while.

When she was young, the whole family would get up and eat breakfast about 5 o’clock in the morning and when her daddy and the others would leave to go to the fields to work, she and her younger siblings would go out and play in their playhouse.

“We’d have a ball, making mud pies and such. There was plenty to entertain us,” said Yeatts. “At lunch time momma would call ever body in to eat. She would holler out in such a way that even the men out in the fields would hear her and come for lunch. I don’t know how they heard her but they did.”

Yeatts attended Farley School in Amelia County when she was growing up. She loved school because there wasn’t much else to entertain young people and she looked forward to going every day.

“It was just a country school with two teachers. I enjoyed school. The last day of the year we would all sing ‘God Be with You’ and everybody would just cry because we hated it was the last day of school. The teachers always came and stayed a night with us during the school year. Daddy would go pick them up and bring them to the house,” said Yeatts.

Over the years she was never really interested in politics. She was too busy raising a family and working in the home.

“I never was much into politics,” said Yeatts. “Franklin Roosevelt has probably been my favorite president though. He helped the country through a lot and he seemed to be for the average man.”

Yeatts said she can’t remember exactly how she met Howard,

but she knew he was the right person for her early on.

“I had a boyfriend one time that walked all the way from Kenbridge to Rice just to see me. A friend asked me later are you going to marry him and I said no, Howard is the one,” said Yeatts laughing before she could finish her sentence. “And I ended up marrying Howard.”

During their first year of marriage, after her daddy sold his tobacco, he bought a hundred pounds of beans, a hundred pounds of sugar, a hundred pounds of cabbage, three barrels of flour, a bushel of corn and a supply of coffee for the newlywed couple.

“He did us all that way when we got married to help start us out. He also gave us a cow that first year so we would have milk and butter,” said Yeatts laughing. “He would give us a hog and a pig, too. Actually, it was two pigs if you would take the runt and that little runt would get just as big as the other pig.

Then momma gave us a dozen laying hens and canned fruit.

They started us out really good.”

In 1957, she and Howard and their family moved to the Lafoon Farm in the Danieltown area of Brunswick County, where Yeatts lived until 1988 when Howard died. She then moved to the White Plains area to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law Louise and Charles Wright. She moved in with them 11 years ago. Howard and Thelma also had a son, Douglas, who died in 1995.

Yeatts says she loved to cook and on Sundays a lot of the children and others from church would come home with her family and spend the day. She would prepare all the food for them to eat for Sunday dinner.

“I raised my own garden. After the housework was finished on Mondays, I’d go to the garden and gather my string beans and other vegetables and then the next day I would do my canning. Then on Wednesday I would gather the vegetables again and on Thursday do canning again,” said Yeatts. “On Friday I would gather vegetables to prepare them for the Sunday meal.

Then Saturday I would bake my cake and pies and get my chickens ready and on Sunday morning I would get up early and get everything ready. I’d have to rush to get things finished to get to church on time.”

Louise said her mother just didn’t fix a few things, but the table was full and there was always more than enough food to feed everybody.

Yeatts gives a lot of credit for her long life to those who have looked after her over the years. She says her husband was a really good man to her and Louise and Charles have been wonderful to her as well.

Her daily routine consists of going to bed around 7 p.m. and getting up by 7 a.m. She eats well and sits and listens to different programs on the television. Her favorites are the 700 Club and Jim Swaggert.

Yeatts says that life is still good even at her age, although she is slower and has lost most of her sight.

“I do think you have to stay positive and never give up,” said Yeatts. “I also think there is something about being at home that keeps you going. I look forward to each day. I am thankful each morning when I wake up. God has also had a hand in me being here so long.”

Ask what her plans were for her next birthday, Yeatts pauses and says, “I haven’t given it much, but I am sure I will think of something by then.”

Explore Brunswick County Virginia - Spring 2020 | 29

Courthouse records saved during Civil War raid On May 15, 1864, Union General August V. Kautz and his cavalry division rode into Lawrenceville, the county seat.

General Kautz and his men were at the time involved in a two week long expedition to destroy railroad bridges and depots throughout Southside Virginia to cut off the Confederate efforts to supply Petersburg and Richmond. They were on their way to Belfield on the Petersburg – Weldon Railroad.

Edward R. Turnbull, the clerk of the court, had heard that the raiders were approaching Lawrenceville and had decided to leave his office at the courthouse.

His office was just inside the front door of the courthouse on the right. Before he left, he covered county court records that were lying on a table with his Masonic apron.

About 20 minutes after he left the courthouse, a Union guard road to his house and handed him the apron. When Turnbull returned to the courthouse with his 13-year old-son Robert, he found his office a foot deep in scattered, ink soaked papers.

Upon closer inspection, he found that the papers on the floor were blank pages torn the old register of births and deaths and from blank books.

None of the county records had

Brunswick was one of the few counties in the south that did not have court records destroyed during the Civil War.

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been disturbed or damaged apparently because General Kautz or someone in the raiding party was a Mason himself and out or respect chose not to damage the records. All of the county records had been left intact from 1732 to the time of the raid.

Brunswick was one of the few counties in the south that did not have court records destroyed during the Civil War. The story of how the court records were saved was recorded through a series of letters in 1915 between Robert Turnbull and Morgan P. Robinson, Archivist of the Virginia State Library.

General Kautz mentions the raid on Lawrenceville in his official report of his two week mission.

A Civil War Trails marker has been established on the Courthouse Square telling the story about this raid.

Brunswick Flowering County Flag Dogwood

Official Floral Emblem of Brunswick County:

The official Brunswick County Flag was adopted by the Board of Supervisors in October 1974.

The flag is designed with the Brunswick County Coat of Arms in the center surrounded by tobacco and pine cones the leading resources of the county. The dates on the flag represent the year the county government was formed and the year in which the flag was designed and adopted. Colors used in the flag are gold, red, kelly green, royal blue, brown, black and white. The Brunswick County Extension Homemakers’ Clubs financed the project.

A presentation ceremony for the flag was held on May 18, 1975 in the County Government Auditorium with the Honorable Albertis S. Harrison, Jr. giving the keynote address.

On June 20, 2007, the Brunswick County Board of Supervisors adopted the inflorescence (flower) of the American Dogwood (Cornus florida) as the official county flower. The adoption was made on the recommendation of the emblem committee that was established by the supervisors in 2006. The blossom of the dogwood was chosen because of their� abundance throughout the county and the beauty it provides in the spring when it blooms. The American Dogwood is native to eastern North America and is also the official flower of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

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