Idea Transcript
HISTORIC FINCASTLE, INC April 2014 Fincastle’s Figgat and Godwin families in the 1800’s
HFI 2014 SAVE THE Dates: ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING OCT. 14, 2014 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP SOCIAL DEC. 6, 2014 HOLIDAY HOME TOUR & MARKETPLACE DEC. 13, 2014
MCMILLAN, GEORGE SYDNOR, AND JEAN ROBBINS
The 2013 HFI Holiday Home Tour theme was based on the Botetourt County Historical Society’s latest publication, Dear Nannie…..yours devotedly, Charlie: Nannie Figgat Chronicles Mid-19th Century Southwest Virginia through her Diary, Recipes and Correspondence by Gail McMillan and Jean Robbins. Jean and Gail first encountered Nannie and Martha Mary through their handwritten cookbooks, dating from the 1860’s, in the Special Collections in Newman Library at Virginia Tech. Resources at the Botetourt County Historical Society Museum helped them appreciate the Figgat and Godwin families as community leaders in Fincastle for at least 60 years. Research led the authors to discover that Charles Miles Figgat courted, married and deserted Ann Godwin, whom he alone affectionately addressed as ‘Nannie’. Their story was written by Nannie through her letters, diary and recipe book. She also documented activities in and around Fincastle during the Civil War and provided a culinary perspective from her time and place in Virginia history. Both Nannie and Charlie were born, raised and educated in Fincastle. Ann (Nannie) and Charlie were married at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on December 13, 1859. After the Civil War, Charlie and family moved to Lexington. Charlie disappeared from Lexington in February, 1895, Nannie eventually made her way to Roanoke and lived with one of her sons.
Newsletter 1
IN this Issue: Elizabeth and Israel Christian Scholarship 2013 Membership Listing
HFI Presidents: Remember Who Dottie S. Kessler Archives Collection Holiday Home Tour & Marketplace Focus on Volunteer, Sally Eads 2013 Annual Meeting Summary Lewis and Clark Eastern Legacy Trail
Prospect Hill: Focus on Historic Homes
Elizabeth and Israel Christian Scholarship 2013 Historic Fincastle Inc. Awards 2013 Scholarships Israel Christian was an early founder of the Town of Fincastle and donated the land for the Court House. The Israel Christian home, originally a one room log structure, is thought to be the oldest house in Fincastle. The 2013 scholarship winners were Hannah Austin from James River High and Ryner Catherine Nash from Lord Botetourt High. These winners were selected from applicants who were asked to write a short essay about Fincastle. Hannah Austin is Washington and Lee University this year. Hannah wrote in her essay: [Julia Hancock awaiting the return of her husband, William Clark]“The November air was a trifle chilling, and as she stood on the porch, the air surrounding stabbed the inside of her lungs and coaxed the skin of her arms to prick. And yet, she did not return inside; he would be coming back today. Wrapping her shawl a bit closer around her arms, she waited. He had been gone for a long time – the months felt as years to her – but such did not matter now. He was coming back today. She stood outside Santillane, her home, watching as the gray sky overhead pressed toward her, anticipation budding in her heart. Absently watching the road surrounding for any indication that he was near, she waited….”
Ryner Catherine Nash is attending James Madison University. An excerpt from her essay is as follows: “The Kyle house is thought to have been built in the 1830’s and its style is evocative of English country homes of that period… Robert Kyle was the first owner of the house and he used it as a permanent residence for his family and a local store…The structure was purchased by F.D. Bolton in 1914 when it became a general store until the 1970’s. …As a society today, we have lost sight of our history and what is truly important. Landmarks, like the Kyle House, are a significant reminder that history is constantly surrounding us and sometimes we must stop and simply absorb the history that has made us what we are today. Without history, we would have absolutely nothing. For me, the Kyle House is a reminder to appreciate, value, and truly learn from all the history around us.” HFI has awarded over $13,000 in scholarships to college bound students. Funds are made possible by membership donations and fundraising events such as Holiday Home Tour and Marketplace. Year
Scholarship Winner
Year
$
Scholarship Winner
Memory of
1999
Jenny Ladenheim
$1000
2007
$500
Hunter Simmons
Eugene Downs
2000 2001 2002
$1000 $1000 $1000 $500 $500 $500 $1000
2008 2009 2010
$500 $500
Katie McCampbell Change to high school students Steven Huffman (LBHS)
H.W. Kessler, Jr.
2011
2004
Jenny Ladenheim Meg Sellers Derek Wiley Kim Sharp Rob Campbell Abigail Weddle Dustin King
Emily Honts
2012
2005
Michael Alexander
$1000
2006
Joshua Demaury
$1000
$500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500
Mallory White (LBHS) Shannon Kessler (JRHS) Bennett Witcher (LBHS) Zach Ewen (JRHS) Catherine Nash (LBHS) Hannah Austin (JRHS) Christopher Halsey (LBHS) Lucas Arney (JRHS)
2003
$
Memory of
2013 Leslie B. Kinion
2014
-
Newsletter 2
R. Lucas P. Wysong
HFI listed in 2013 Best Local Holiday Event 1. SunTrust Dickens of Christmas 2. Rescue Mission Ministries/Stellar One Drumstick Dash 3. Salem Christmas Parade Honorable mention: Lexington-Rockbridge Christmas Parade Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops, and Historic Fincastle, Inc. Holiday Home Tours & Marketplace
HFI 2013 Annual Meeting Summary: Historic Fincastle, Inc. (HFI) held its 2013 Annual Business Meeting on October 15 at the Fincastle Library. The Board of Directors was pleased to report many successes for the organization in 2013. Membership for the year is 123 members, a continuation of strong membership totals. HFI members cross the country from Texas to New York; however, the majority are Botetourt County residents. The Board asked for a moment of silence in remembrance for Ron Lucas, Janet McDowell, Peg Wysong, Bill Coon, Virginia Cronise, Butterfly Breckinridge Hall, and Patti Ellis. HFI also acknowledged the many years of support from board member Sally Eads who has moved to North Carolina. Lyn Burton presented the current financial/treasurer report. HFI's major project for 2013 was the completion of the updated and revised Town of Fincastle Tour Guide. Many hours were spent by board members on the project, which was designed by Ben Moser. 3000 copies were printed and are distributed to Botetourt Tourism Office, Town of Fincastle Office, Roanoke Valley Visitor Bureau and Botetourt History Museum. The Archives Committee continues the process for archiving the Dottie Kessler Document Collection. The committee meets every other Thursday and is making good progress. The Board expressed gratitude to its corporate sponsors who made financial contributions to the organization in 2013 including The Bank of Fincastle, The Bank of Botetourt, and The Town of Fincastle. Ongoing activities include town tours for individuals and groups; the Elizabeth and Israel Christian Scholarship program for county high school seniors; support of the Eastern Legacy Trail of the National Park Service, with the Fincastle Connection to Lewis & Clark; and the continuous maintenance of HFI’s three properties. The hand rails at the Early Cabin were replaced using wood to better reflect the period of the cabin. The stone stoop at the cabin will be repaired. The Wysong Shop roof was primed and painted, a historical marker was added to the front, and tree work was completed. HFI projects for 2014 include: Gateway sign at the intersection of 220 and Main in cooperation with The Town of Fincastle; Web Site updates, Archives data in PastPerfect; an audio version of town tour guide; improvement of the Wysong shop interior displays and repair of the stone steps. The Holiday Home Tour & Marketplace (HHT&M) 2013 theme was the Fincastle connection to Nannie and Charlie Figgatt. The tour was December 14, 2013 and the homes for the tour all have a connection to the Figgatt family. The Marketplace is located at Fincastle Baptist Church with forty vendors. The Board expressed sincere appreciation to retiring board members, Sally Eads and Missy Sigurdson, for their dedication and service to HFI. New board members who were nominated and approved are Kip Burton, Mary Catherine Layman, and Sarah Meadows.
Newsletter 3
HFI Annual Membership Social 2013, was held at the home of Karen and Tony Triplett, Hawkshead Farm, this past December. Thanks go to the HFI Board of Directors for providing delicious hors d‘oeuvres for all.
HFI members, Peggy Crosson and Carol Brenner, presents Valerie Lucas and son, Jason, a Proclamation of Appreciation for husband and father, Ronald Lucas.
Ron Lucas continually contributed time, talent and business expertise towards Historic Fincastle, Inc serving as President and on the Board of Directors, leading the association members with enthusiasm and determination through deeds and efforts too numerous to count. Ron fiercely protected the integrity of Historic Fincastle, Inc. Ron championed the preservation of Fincastle’s historic buildings, many of which bear his personal renovation and restoration talents including Prospect Hill, Solitude, and Academy Hill. Ron’s attention to detail and appreciation for craftsmanship are evident in these beautiful homes. Ron’s vision helped all remember that the town has to be protected and cherished to keep the small, untouched community preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Newsletter 4
2014 HFI Board of Directors Officers: Carol S. Brenner & Marni Jones, Co-Presidents Lissy Merenda, Secretary, and Lyn Burton, Treasurer Board Members: Lynne Bolton, Alan Brenner, Sarah Bulmer, Kip Burton, Gretchen Greiner, Melodye Hollingsworth, Mary Ann Layman, Marcia Neighbors, and Karen Shriver Newsletter Photos Courtesy of Beth Pappas, Melodye Hollingsworth and Carol Brenner
Focus on HFI Volunteer: Sally Eads Sally Eads was a resident of the Town of Fincastle from September of 1967 until her move to North Carolina in 2013. Along with her husband, Harold, she lovingly cared for the historic Ammen House on Botetourt Road. She continually contributed her time, talent and expertise towards the betterment of our community. Sally was an Assistant Professor of History at Virginia Western Community College. Her community service included Botetourt School Board member, Women of the Church at Fincastle Presbyterian Church, Big Spring Garden Club, Fincastle Town Council, and she was a published author of “Government by Families in Colonial Botetourt”. Sally is a long-time member of Historic Fincastle, Inc., and she served on the Board of Directors. She was chairperson of the Historic Fincastle Walking Tours. Sally was instrumental in giving visitors and citizen access to the historic documents housed in the Botetourt County Courthouse. She became known as the local historian for HFI and all of Botetourt County. HFI honored Sally with a lifetime membership to the organization. The Town of Fincastle awarded Sally Eads a service award on Sept. 20, 2013. The award was presented to Sally by Town Council Member and HFI member, Alan Brenner.
Newsletter 5
The Dottie S. Kessler Archives Collection Committee The last newsletter contained several excerpts from one of the many fascinating documents in the Dorothy Simmons Kessler Collection. Titled “Did You Know????,” this document is attributed to the Botetourt County Branch Library Book Fair of June 26, 1971. Here are a few more morsels of Fincastle history from this interesting resource. # 3. “Did You Know” that several food canneries were run in Fincastle and surrounding vicinity by Mr. Will Douglas, Mr. Jack Milton, Mr. F. D. Bolton, Sr., Mr. Dave Firebaugh and Mr. Mont Miller? The main product was canned tomatoes and many local people worked in the canneries. #7. “Did You Know” that Mr. F. D. Bolton, Sr., built the old jail which now houses the Library? #20. “Did You Know” that Virginia B. Cronise’s great uncle found the casket that Robert E. Lee was buried in? A shipment of caskets had just been received in Lexington when the North River (now the Maury River) flooded and all the caskets were washed away. No casket was available when General Lee died a couple of days later. On Sunday afternoon, Mr. Charles Chittum, of Lexington, was walking along the bank of the river and discovered the casket caught up on a pile of brush. The casket was retrieved and cleaned up and General Lee’s body was placed therein. The casket proved to be a little short so General Lee was buried without his boots on. Mr. Chittum was personally acquainted with General Lee and Andrew Jackson. He was the brother of the late Mrs. Fannie Oliver, of Fincastle. Look for more nuggets of Fincastle history in the next newsletter! The Archives Committee continues its work cataloging and scanning the impressive amount of information in Dottie Kessler’s collection. Committee members are enjoying working with Dottie’s resources, many of which date back to the early days of Fincastle history. We meet twice a month on Thursday mornings, and would welcome new volunteers for sorting, reading, and recording the contents of each item. Some of the documents are not of a quality suitable for scanning, so we also continue to need volunteers to type transcriptions. Call 992-3647 for more information. With the photo: Life in Fincastle as it was in the early 1900s. Do you recognize the crossroads?
Achieves Committee moves to Early Cabin - Archives Room dedicated to memory of Dottie Kessler The office in the Early Cabin has been remodeled for use by the Archives committee. Cleaning, painting, furniture, lighting, and storage have been improved for this important task. HFI thanks Pat Simmons and Karen Shriver for donations of work tables for the archives room. Newsletter 6
Presidents of Historic Fincastle, Inc
Years
Years of service
Historic Fincastle Festival “Biggest Crowd Ever” September 1984 -The Fincastle Herald
Helen Caldwell
1968-1973
5
Dorothy Blanton
1973-1976
3
Joe Logan
1976-1982
6
Harry Kessler, Jr
1982-1984
2
Don Skibinski
1984-1989
5
H. W. Scott
1989-1992
4
Dottie Kessler
1992-1995
3
Peggy Davis
1995-1997
2
Anita Firebaugh
1997-1999
2
Brenda Simmons
1999-2000
1
Pat Simmons
2000-2001
1
Gene Downs
2001-2002
1
Ted Towles
2003-2004
1
Ron Lucas
2005-2007
2
Pete Wood
2007-2009
2
Pam Thacker
2009-2010
1
Carol Brenner
2010Present
4
and Marni Jones
Newsletter 7
HFI Lifetime Members Sally Eads, Anita & James Firebaugh, Carole & Chuck Gieger, Sandy Stokes, Pam Wiegandt, Priscilla Richardson, and Sarah Pardee Early
2013 HFI Memberships and Donors Individual Memberships
Family Memberships
Friend Memberships
Peggy Keith Barnett Evelyn Myers Besley Mary Black Lynne Bolton Joseph Buhrman H. Joe Camper Dale & Gloria Carter Brenda F. Chapman Angela P. Coon Janet Coon Michelle A. Crook Peggy Crosson Jo & W. E. Dunbar Florence Fahrbach Rose Ellen Gravett Glenna Hinson Patricia A. Honts Loretta Ikenberry James M. Johnston Kenneth & Deborah Lane Dorothy Langford Harriet Little Weldon L.& Susan Martin Geneva Mateer Alfred Beckley McDowell Frank Taylor Miller Emily Moore Martha Murray Betty Newman Nancy M. Pauley Mrs. Billy W. Proffitt Virginia Reynolds Virginia Dodd Smith Beverly Stafford Emily P. Talbot-Guillote
Pete & Nancy Adamson Mrs. Max Bertholf Mitch & Bobbie Lou Bowman Frank & Eleanor Branin John & Patricia Brown Bill & Rhonda Campbell Arlene & Bob Cheeseman Gene & Barbara Conti Debbie & Fred Coots William & Janice Dillon Jessica & Correy Diviney Cathy & Gary Dudley Charlie & Penny Finn John & Genevieve Goss John & Gwen Griffith Jim & Marcia Helms Sidney & Tommy Hunter Gary & Dreama Kattenbraker Patty & Richard King Richard & Becky Koffman Ed & Ruth Korth Brett & Mary LaGue James W. & Wilma Lambert Kim & David LaPrade Rodney & Mary Catherine Layman Matt Miller & Mary Ann Layman John & Lindsey Layman Kaye & Alan Lowe Betty & Mack Luber/Bullard Valerie Lucas Dan & Lissy Merenda Lee & Luther Minnix David & Trish Morris Mack & Marcia Neighbors Allen & Patricia Nelms
Carol & Alan Brenner Robert & Sue Bagnoli Bob & Sue Birmingham Jack Rader Brughs Mill Country Store Sarah & Bruce Bulmer Kip & Lyn Burton Burton Kerry & Marsha Campbell Scott & Susan Critzer Peggy C. Davis Stan & Connie Diez Lois N. Farmer Mike & Cathy Goad Lee & Gretchen Greiner Steve & Ann-Marie Hamblin Betty B. Hawes Andre Hilliou Melodye Hollingsworth Robert & Helen Holt Carol & Devereux Jarratt Garland & Jane Jones Brian & Marni Jones Charlotte & Daniel Jones Mahlon & Gret Kidd Julia & Michael Klapproth Allen & Ann Layman Lee B. McBride Gail & Ralph McCampbell Gail McMillan Sarah Meadows Helen & Kerry Morris Judy & Jess Newbern Meg & Bob Omer Beth & Steve Pappas Don & Judi Race Karen Shriver Continue pg 11
Newsletter 8
Individual Memberships Ellalee D. ("Noonie") Vaughn Katherine Watts Margaret R. Webb Webb Poo Wyche
Memorial Donations Butterfly Breckinridge Hall
Janet McDowell By Peggy C. Davis ~~~~~~~~~~~ Margaret“Peg” Wysong By C.Locke Wysong & Wysong Family Association &
Scott & Susan Critzer
Family Family Memberships Memberships
Family Friend Friend Memberships Memberships
Stan & Carolyn Nelson Natalie & Harry Norris Robin Dearing & Bill O'Connor Connie & Randy Peters Robin & Teresa Reed Ed & Verna Shuey Kathleen & Michael Sloan Jack & Betty Spigle George & Shirley Sydnor Tony & Karen Triplette Paul & Terry Tucker Lee & Debbie Turner Scott & Barbara VanCleef Patty & Rick Vari Bob & Reedie Waid Richard & Paige Ware H. Douglas & Trish Wilhelm Pete & Freda Wood
Pat Simmons Dr. John & Sharon Sproles Josh & Lori Taube Eleanor Neville McDowell Thompson Linda & John Thornton William D. Watson Kirk & Bettina Wehner Donald & Ulla Wetherington Ed & Betty Wright C. Locke Wysong Mary E. Wysong Jerry Wysong
Patron Level
Corporate Sponsors
Daniel & Karen Beasley Dr. Henry Bowen James E. Hickenbotham Karen & Henry Hicks L&M Properties, LLC Mr. & Mrs. Joseph D. Logan Barry & Dorothy Maxfield John & Julia Patterson Rosemary & Ray Thomas Charles J. Wehrmeister
The Bank of Fincastle The Bank of Botetourt The Town of Fincastle Thank you to all the members and donors to Historic Fincastle, Inc. These donations make it possible to complete projects and support preservation in Fincastle and the surrounding area.
In Memory of members and friends of HFI: Margaret “Peg” Wysong Ronald Lee Lucas Jane Wells Breckinridge William “Bill” Coon
Patricia Borden Coon Ellis Louise “Butterfly” Breckinridge Hall Virginia Bosserman Cronise Janet McDowell
A spot of local history is like an inn upon a highway: It is a stage upon a far journey: It is a place that national history has passed through. There mankind has stopped and lodged by the way.
Woodrow Wilson Newsletter 9
Famil Frien
Prospect Hill (Photo Late 1930’s) Prospect or Prospect Hill as it was known in the mid-19th century, stands on land that in the late years of the 18th century belonged to Henry Wax. In 1806, John Moore obtained 83 ¾ acres from the executors of the estate of Henry Wax. In the 1806 deed from Wax’s heirs to Moore, the land is referred to an an “out lot” of the town of Fincastle. John Moore held considerable acreage in Botetourt County. He served as sheriff and was a trustee of the Fincastle Presbyterian Church. In 1814, John Gray married, Sara Moore, daughter of John Moore. John Gray also served as sheriff of the county as well as justice of the county court. John Gray and wife, Sara, had four children. Gray was a successful farmer and was involved in several real estate deals in the 1820’s and 30’s. It is possible that Prospect Hill was several years in the building and possibly began substantially in 1819, years before it appeared in the tax books of 1839. The white frame house was called “Gray’s Folly” by the townspeople. Legend has it that the townspeople believed the owners kept boulders in the attic to keep the house from blowing away. The house tax records were $2000, which was quite substantial valuation and nearly twice the value assessed on the residence of John Moore. Prospect Hill is Federal style in a simple rectangle shape, symmetrical, with a brick chimney at each end, one large room on either side of the central stairway. The two-story double front portico with its fanlight over the door and window adds a dramatic entrance. The two side wings were added in the mid 1940’s. As is in the Kyle House on Main Street, all rooms have the same handiwork of the “jackknife expert”. However, the trim work was simpler, and the fireplaces are classically simpler. Prospect Hill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and with the Virginia Landmarks Commission. Excerpt from 1979 National Register Nomination Form: Although the house was b u i l t when the Greek Revival had become the nation's most popular style, Prospect H i l l ' s builders displayed the conservatism typica!. of a remote area by employing Federal motifs on the exterior. The interior appointments, the stair, mantels and paneling also draw upon Federal precedents. Complementing the interior woodwork, the original interior marbleizing, painting, and graining survive in excellent condition. Painting and graining were practiced in America as early as the 17th century. Before the manufacture of ready-made paints in the mid-19th century, painters were totally dependent on oral tradition and written guides for instruction on Me mixing of paint colors.
Prospect Hill continues today to be an imposing home overlooking the town. Information courtesy of home owner, Valerie Lucas. Newsletter 10