Newsletter of the

Eastern Shore of Virginia

Historical SocietyVolume 6 Issue 3

June 2013 Eastern Shore Historical Society Newsletter 1

Message from the Director“A Historical Society is a classroom for the community…”

using the Society’s archives and collections. Reanalyzing our property’s potential uses as well as their maintenance would be the balance to the equation. It may seem like a simple enough idea, but the decisions that needed to be made were not necessarily always easy. This is where the thrill of experimenting and cold hard facts mingled, and consequently offered answers. The truth is that house museums have been in steady decline all over the country for a decade. However, the decorative appeal of Ker Place and the hard work volunteers had put forth to furnish the house were too valuable to ignore. So rather than totally abandon the 1806 inventory furniture plan all together, the board moved to repurpose Ker Place beyond its strict house museum status. This basically lets us respect what has been done, but gives us the flexibility to accommo-date the community’s wider interests. For example, if we have an opportunity to host a modern art show in Ker Place, we are going to say, ‘why not?’ Or if a group comes

Spring was reluctant to show itself this year and if you are like me, waiting for the warmer temperatures is the hardest part of the changing seasons. A friend of mine said to me a few weeks ago that we were in the “borrowed weeks,” an old Eastern Shore colloquialism which in short means, “be patient.” It reminded me that change does not occur over night. It is often a gradual slow build, similar to this past spring on the Eastern Shore, and not unlike what has been going on at the Historical Society. For some people change is threatening, and for others it just doesn’t happen fast enough. But regardless of your opinion of change, I think Ralph Waldo Emerson had an upbeat perspective on the subject. He said, “Don’t be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.” As we are building this business together, with our dis-tinct and important mission guiding us; experimenting and evolving are definitely parts of the plan.

I realized recently that you, our members, may have no-ticed an increase in the number and diversity of our pro-grams, but may not be fully aware of why we are so zeal-ously trying to improve our outreach. Truthfully, it has been such an interesting and steadfast journey; I would like to share it with you. It may not be as gripping as other popular dramas, like say, Downton Abbey or Gen-eral Wise’s heroics during the first battle of Petersburg, but it is an intriguing tale and it is far from over. In the next paragraph, I am going to outline our Strategic plan in a nutshell. I feel it is very important to keep you in-formed and most importantly, I want you to read this as an invitation to be a part of this adventure.

In my mind, it all began last July when our board of directors voted to amend our strategic direction. They decided to focus more on our members’ needs rather than to cater to the needs of passing visitors. While we have always loved showing off Ker Place to folks passing through, we realized that tourists only contributed 3% of our total income. It was a staggering piece of data to digest, but we all immediately understood that we had to change the way we had been doing business and we had to use the assets we have at home: our members, our prop-erties (Ker Place, Hopkins Store, the Wise family ceme-tery), and our collections. The first step was to relinquish the staff from giving tours and to focus their true talents toward developing a structured educational program by

With the help of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation grant in 2010,

exterior lighting has been installed. It enhances safety on the grounds at Ker Place and highlights the new

improvements made to the Annie C.

Continued on page 11

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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JUNETuesday, June 4th (11am) A Stitch in Time, Part II. The second half of this year’s exhibit, A Stitch in Time will be installed and on permanent display for our members and the public to admire. After years of planning, the sewing guild organized by the Historical Society’s Museum volunteer advisory group, has completed the bed hangings and draperies in Mrs. Ker’s Best Chamber, under the tutelage of the nationally acclaimed professional seamstress, Natalie Lawson. This group’s hand sewn work is a historically accurate reproduction of the dimity bed hangings and window treatments that would have hung in Ker Place in the summer of 1806. Members receive free admission to the museum. Saturday, June 8 (6pm) An Enchanted Evening at Rinie’s Rest. The Historical Society Annual Benefit, held at Tommy and Francie Rayfield’s home, Rinie’s Rest is the most elegant party of the year and the Historical Society’s biggest fund raiser. Cocktails, butlered hors d’oeuvres, and preview of the silent auction begin at 6pm. Dinner will be served at 7pm, and be sure to wear your dancing shoes. The Moonlighters start performing their special line up of classic mo- town funk at 8:30pm. The event is nearly sold out. Call for tickets today. June 25 (7PM) Spies, Blockade Runners, and Secessionists on the Shore in 1863: Civil War Lecture with Kellee Blake. In the midst of writing her book on the Eastern Shore’s involvement in the Civil War, the retired Director of the National Archives – Mid Atlantic Region in Philadelphia is returning to speak on the activities of our Shoremen one hundred and fifty years ago. To find more of Kellee Blake’s articles published in our past newsletters, go to our education link at www.shorehistory.org. Mrs. Blake’s lecture will be held at the Onancock Baptist Church. Free of Charge for members. Non members will be asked to pay $5.00 for admission. Reserve your ticket on-line or by calling 757-787-8012.

JULYJuly 24th–August 9th Strong Men & Women in Virginia Panel Exhibition. For two weeks, come to Ker Place to see this fascinating exhibit curated by the Library of Virginia that highlights shore resident, Peter Jacob Carter. People of African descent have been a part of Virginia’s—and America’s—story since European colonization of the North American continent began. In observance of Black History Month, the Library of Virginia and Dominion Power honor eight distinguished Virginians, past and present, for their important contributions to the state, the nation, or their professions. Students and members receive free admission to the museum Tues- Sat 11am-4pm.

July 24 (6:30pm) Panel Discussion on Strong Men & Women in Virginia during Reconstruction. Local historians, Dennis Custis and Dr. Art Carter, alongside Mark Howell (Education Program Director of the Library of Virginia) and other esteemed educators throughout the state will address the Reconstruction era on the Eastern Shore for African Americans alongside the white residents. A reception with a preview of the exhibit will be held at Ker Place following the lecture. Reserve your ticket on-line or by calling 757-787-8012. History Camps (Monday- Friday, 9am-1pm) Please call the Historical Society for more information. July 8th - July 12th Basic History Camp. Basic Camp is designed for rising 3rd, 4th and 5th graders and focuses on discovering what life was like in the early 1800s for children. Engaged with hands on learning, campers explore everything from elements of architecture and trading to embroidery and manners. Campers will spend part of the week solving one of the great mysteries of Ker Place. Spaces still available. Boys and girls welcome. Registration forms are available on line and scholarships are available.July 15th – July 19th Advanced History Camp. The Advanced Camp is for returning campers and focuses on the crafts and trades of the 18th and 19th century. Campers are assigned to apprentice with various craftspeople and will create several replicas of 18th and 19th century household items. A few surprises await these budding artisans as well. We recommend campers complete the basic camp, but it is not required. 5th, 6th and 7th grade students benefit more from this camp than younger students. Registration forms are available on line and scholarships are available.July 29th - August 2nd Spy Camp. New at Ker Place! Campers will be trained in mid -19th century espionage techniques, including the making and use of invisible ink; the creation of communication codes; and traveling behind enemy lines. If you attend 4th through 8th grade, you may qualify to go on a mission to get vital information to your contact. Registration forms are available on line and scholarships are available.

AUGUSTAugust 9th(5:30pm) Music on the Lawn. Join us as the Amine Kellam Music Series continues with live music played outdoors on the front lawn at Ker Place. Made possible by the Gannett Family Foundation. Free Admission.

EDUCATE

June 2013 Eastern Shore Historical Society Newsletter 3

Ride the Tide & Godspeed!9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Saturday October 19thNoon - 5:00 P.M. Sunday, October 20thEducation Day – Students Only - Monday, October 21st

In October of 2012, town officials asked the Historical Society to coordinate the celebration of the return of the Godspeed to Onancock in 2013. The staff accepted with alacrity and has planned several days of special exhibits centered around life in 17th century on the Eastern Shore. Exhibits planned include: the Native Americans of the Eastern Shore, a presentation by the Maritime Committee; Herbal Gardening

and Medicine, Lives of Enslaved, Indentured and Free Peoples, Archaeological Discoveries, and a “Who Was Who” display. An Artisans’ square will be located on the grounds of Ker Place showcasing the remarkable gifts of local craftsmen. A number of musical and theatrical entertainments and delicious treats will be offered to our guests as well. The primary goals of the event are to high-light the influence of those intrepid sailors and settlers on our present day lives and to celebrate the beautiful Town of Onancock.

Eric Speth, Master of the Godspeed, and his crew will sail into Onancock Harbor and discover their voyage in-deed has taken them back to the 17th century on the Eastern Shore. These representatives of the Jamestown–Yorktown Foundation will be giving tours of the replica ship, the Godspeed from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the Onancock Wharf. Discover what it would have been

like to cross the Atlantic Ocean to the New World in 1608 in a Sixty Five Foot vessel with Fifty Eight people on board.

The Historical Society is partnering with local busi-nesses to showcase exhibits, artifacts, foods and activities derived from those long ago days. The response from town leaders and town business owners has been posi-tive, practical and imaginative. Participants to date in-clude Mallards at the Wharf, Chicks Sisters Studio Arts & Crafts Supply, SouthEast Expeditions, and the North Street Market.

We are inviting our members to volunteer for part of one of the event days. More exhibits, businesses and ven-dors are being added to this event all the time so there is a wide range of opportunities. If you would like to participate in any way please visit www.shorehistory.org/ridethetide or call us at 757-787-8012.

PRESERVEJournal details early days of Civil War on Shore by Claudia T. Bagwell“Four months ago, when I burnt the diaries, which were the faithful record of my more youthful days, I thought I had done with journalizing forever. I did not then anticipate the momentous occurences which will make the present year a memorable one to my beloved country. Very often, of late, I have thought that a journal kept during this eventful year might, at some distant day, be interesting to my children …”

Mary C. Howard - May 7, 1861So begins the compelling journal of Mary C. Howard,

as she reflects on the early months of the Civil War from Northampton County. Fortunately she did not burn this journal, and a typed transcript is now in the archives of the Eastern Shore Historical Society in Onancock.

When the war broke out, Mary was 25, a young moth-er who had married into a prominent Baltimore family. The daughter of Nathaniel and Susan Winder, she had returned to her family’s Eastville home at the beginning

of April, because her younger brother was ill.“God spared him to us until the 30th of April. …

During the whole month of April, I scarcely ever left his room : and nursing him occupied my time so exclusively that I had no leisure to make any record of the terrible events which were transpiring in the country.”

After his death she begins her journal, a mix of war news from battles afar, vehement and bitter denuncia-tions of Lincoln and the northern troops and, most in-terestingly, a reflection of the ways in which the war

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touched the Eastern Shore. She wrote from the Winder family home Coventon, which still stands in a spacious green yard next to Christ Episcopal Church.

“The Chesapeake Bay is filled with steamers and sail-ing vessels of every description, in the employ of the U.S. Government, and they have effectually blockaded the en-tire coast,” she writes.

“We have every reason to apprehend a speedy attack upon Norfolk: and we feel our people will make a most determined resistance. We do not look for defeat. “

On May 12, local troops marched into Eastville , in-cluding a group from Pungoteague Company “as fine looking men as I ever saw. After these came a Com-pany in grey shirts and fatigue caps –(their name I do not know, and they have only recently organized) and then came the Border Guards, in green and yellow. These were followed by an un-uniformed, but armed body of men. Then general officers were on horse back. Alto-gether they were about 500 strong.

“They marched out to a field about a mile from East-ville, and there they went through

their exercises – very creditably, I hear. Many ladies went out to look on.”

In the days that followed, there were sounds of con-flict on the bay. “Incessant firing, all this afternoon, and up to a late hour: the last gun heard about 10 o’clock P.M. Every window shook, and rattled; and the guns followed each other in quick succession. It can be no child’s play. … The suspense is terrible! terrible!”

Distractions from the sounds of battle and the train-ing of troops also are included: her brother Richard’s return from Richmond after meeting with Robert E. Lee and receiving commissions for local volunteers; her son Charley’s fifth birthday party, a modest feast “suitable to war times” of sponge cake, biscuit “made small and crisp” and small waffles; a Sunday church service held for the soldiers in a pine woods near Eastville; a special fast day at Christ Church.

“The soldiers attended in a body, marching in from camp with drums beating, and flags flying. Their arms were piled in the portico of the church, during services. We sang 40th Psalm “God is our refuge in distress” and the 82nd hymn, “Prayer and hope of victory.” ”

Soon the soldiers have a chance to fight. Mary and her mother had been visiting relatives in Drummondtown (now Accomac) and were returning to Eastville by hack. Her spirit and the drama are captured in her words:

“An old man, hoeing potatoes by the roadside, by an ex-pressive gesture brought us to a standstill. Then followed in a mysterious and alarmed tone of voice the question, “Is this Mr. Sander’s hack?” “Yes,” I said – “Why?” “Did

you meet a man on horseback, just now?” he asked by way of reply. “No.” I was in a fever of impatience, won-dering what would come next: … he was long in coming to the point as if he had been paid to keep us in suspense. … “Well he went by just now, and was looking for you.

“Who?” I asked in desperation. “The man on horseback: he said he had been sent up

from Eastville to meet some ladies in Mr. Sanders’ hack: and he was to tell them to turn back for the Yankees had landed, and they were fighting fierce all ‘round Eastville. … I felt my heart stand still: and I shivered as if I had an ague.”

Mary and her mother proceeded southward. Near Birdsnest they came upon a group of men. “We have heard … that the Yankees had landed near E. (Eastville). Is it true?” Yes M’m its true for satin. … they’ve been fighting hard all day, they landed at Hungars, and they say, there’s eight hundred or maybe a thousand of them.”

For a moment I was dumb with indignation and dis-gust. Fighting hard as they believed were their neigh-bors, friends, brothers –within ten miles of them; and these miserable cowards were content to be here – inac-tive! … I poured out my wrath upon them. … I could see them wince, as the stabs struck home. One by one, they began to stammer forth excuses. One was lame, another ‘always sickly’ and so on. When I had exhausted my vocabulary of contempt – I stood up in the carriage and called out loudly,

‘Isn’t there a single man here who will fight for his country – for his home – for his mother and his wife? … Are you all cowards? Is there not one brave man among you?’

A little boy took upon himself to answer ‘There was a man here who wanted to go, but had no way.’ … I would not hear of that and made him take a seat in the carriage with us. He said he name was William Taylor; and he was what he called ‘an islander.’ He was without ammunition of any kind, but had a large fowling piece, which he seemed to consider the best ‘arm’ in the world. He was ‘used to it’ and’ knew its ways,’ and it had never deceived him in his life.”

Reaching Eastville, “not a man or horse was left in the neighborhood. … I flew upstairs to take from my private stores shot powder and caps for my recruit. He thanked me warmly and not ungracefully for having brought him down, and for equipping him; and wound up with, ‘What can I do for you, ma’am?’ ‘Kill a Yankee for me,’ I said ‘That will more than pay me.’ ‘If its in the power of man I’ll do it” and answered and so, went off.’

“The hours crept solemnly by – we were longing, and yet dreading to learn the result. At last, a little before sun-

down, two or three gentlemen returned; quickly followed by a larger number. Every woman and child – white and black – poured into the street to hear the particulars, of what seemed to us a second Waterloo. Oh how our hearts went up in grateful praises to the Almighty, when we heard that every Yankee had left, and that not one of our men had been touched by them.”

In spite of this brave stand, the Northern troops even-tually occupied the Eastern Shore. Mary and her family had fled to Richmond, running the blockade, before the Yankees’ arrival. The Federal troops picked two Eastville houses for their base : Cessford, the home of Mary’s sis-ter Caroline (Liney) Kerr and Coventon, Mary’s family home, where she wrote her many spirited denunciations of the Northerners. On two of the upper floor doors of the house, the designations “Artillery Harness” and “Chaplains” remained visible through the 1940s.

Mary Howard’s diary and other archives at the Eastern Shore Historical Society are available for research by ap-pointment. Appointments can be made by calling the historical society at 787-8012. The Society also has plans to merge an on-line archive catalog with an on-line cata-log being prepared by the Eastern Shore Public Library. More information about the historical society is available on its website www.shorehistory.org.

Out-takesThe next day a steamer was seen in Cherrystone Creek.

“…the detested craft departed after making a visit to the lighthouse. All the lights upon our coast have been disused since the secession of the state and all the oils

and other materials for lighting removed from the vari-ous light houses. Most likely this has something to do with the visits of these hateful strangers to our shores. From 10 to 11 this morning we heard most distinctly the sound of cannonading. The house shook responsive to every gun. We suppose the long threatened attack has been commenced.”

Even the everyday tasks affected by the war. “This morning, Linie (her sister) came for me to go with her to a store 9 miles from here, called the Bird’s nest, hoping to be able to procure some few necessary articles there which could not be obtained here. It may be interest-ing (50 years hence) to remember, that during these war times, we have to pay 10 cts. For a spool of sewing cot-ton: and that we are glad to get sugar at 15 to 18 ct. a pound. Just before I left Baltimore, in the spring, cotton could be bought for 3 cts. A spool, and sugar for 8 cts. I laughed at Linie for buying a large quantity of rope: I told her I knew she was providing it for Yankee necks, and wished her good luck in catching her game.”

Mary’s jabs at the Yankees are a consistent theme of the diary, and in one case, personal. “These insolent Yankees lay claim to our national air, “The Star Spangled Banner” with as little show of right, as their other preposterous claims … It was written, my dear children, by a Mary-lander, upon Maryland soil, in commemoration of a vic-tory won in Maryland, and the author Francis Scott Key, was your Father’s grandfather. He and it alike belong to us; always remember that.”

INTERPRETExhibits

A new season is upon us at Ker Place and with it has come a fresh new look. Two rooms have been painted, lighting has been installed, silver has been polished, col-lections storage areas have been reorganized, and new exhibits are up and running. Your society’s Exhibition committee has been in full swing over the winter along with other very committed volunteers from the Maritime committee and the Museum volunteer advisory group. There is something new to see in nearly every room in the house and around the grounds.

A Stitch in Time, this year’s main exhibit, is mounted in Mrs. Ker’s bedchamber. Showcased here are selections from our collections of 18th, 19th, and early-20th century clothing, accessories, and textiles, all of which were either made or owned here on the Shore. From a rare late-18th century calash bonnet to elegant party dresses and

wedding gowns, the display provides a rare glimpse of items long out of public view. Of particular note are two mid-19th century signature quilts, one from Accomack County and the other from Northampton. Between the two are 106 squares, each signed with someone’s (maybe your ancestor’s) name.

The second half of A Stitch in Time will be installed under the direction of the Museum volunteer advisory group and Williamsburg textile expert, Natalie Larson. After years of planning, they hosted a sewing guild workshop where volunteers assembled at Ker Place to hand sew the colonial bed hangings, window hangings, and coverlettes that were described in the 1806 John Ker inventory. Natalie Larson worked for Mt. Vernon, Montpelier, and other houses of national significance and she was retained to design, select and cut fabrics, as well as lead the sewing group. The results have transformed

June 2013 Eastern Shore Historical Society Newsletter 5

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the room and it helps us interpret and teach about this house.

The newly-refurbished former library/archives room has been re-purposed as an informal reception and meeting space which will accommodate small changing exhibits. Front and center here is our handsome early-19th century Sheraton sideboard (newly waxed and polished), donated to the society by its first president, Dr. Susie Ames. Silver at Ker Place, our inaugural offering, pulls together our entire holdings – probably for the first time ever. New items have been added to our 2nd floor Eastern Shore Portrait Gallery, and our sizeable assemblage of 19th century copper lusterware has been dusted off and put on display off the 2nd floor hall.

The basement has had a slight make-over, as well. Shore Building Traditions highlights architectural remnants from and photos of early buildings up and down the Shore. Of special interest is an 1877 picture of Ker Place, replete with rooftop cupola. Also from society headquarters is an original section of intricately carved, dogwood patterned cornice from the portico that once graced the rear façade of the house. The fireplace area, too, has been tweaked a bit. Although not a true period representation, it suggests the type of activities (candle making, cooking, spinning, sewing, doing laundry, etc.) in which the Ker’s enslaved and indentured servants might have been occupied. Another exhibit of particular interest currently installed in the basement is The Francis Makemie Society’s collection of rare artifacts from their most recent archaeology survey done at the Francis

Makemie Park on Holden’s Creek. Visitors can see the 5 carat blue gem stone as well as fragments of extremely rare and valuable pottery, china and slip ware, as well as more common pieces like clay pipes and bone fragments. Francis Makemie, the father of the Presbyterian Church in America lived on the Eastern Shore in the late 1680’s and these pieces represent the lives of our earlier (and more influential) Colonial residents.

The Maritime committee has assembled every Tuesday for the past year and has nearly completed the restoration of our 1904 log canoe, The Annie C. They have rebuilt her cabin, her rudder, and her 7’ long tiller. Aside from using all of her original hardware and wood (when possible), they have sanded her down, white washed her and have built a viewing platform. She was pulled out of the marsh in 1995 by one of our board members, Mr. Frank Young and has not looked more beautiful since she was working on the Bay.

Even as you read this newsletter, a new and exciting exhibit, A Shore Legacy, is being mounted in Mr. Ker’s 2nd floor office. Our Exhibition committee has endeavored, in years past, to bring you informative and visually appealing displays. Each time, though, we’ve done so on nearly nothing: borrowing and begging what we could, pulling things together on a wing and a prayer. This time, is different. Our new permanent exhibit paying tribute to two of the Shore’s most notable sons, General John Cropper and Governor Henry A. Wise, is being professionally installed with all of the bells and whistles we can muster up in raising the bar toward providing you, our membership, and our visitors with a meaningful and enjoyable experience at Ker Place.

Ned Fowler working on Silver Exhibit 2013

A sampling of our“Stitch In Time” exhibit.

June 2013 Eastern Shore Historical Society Newsletter 7

President’s Message from Susan Stinson: Bloom Where You’re Planted! It’s a hippie saying from the 60’s but it

describes the environment at Ker Place today. Your society is growing and prospering. As I write this, the place is bursting with activity; phones are ringing, visitors are touring, and conferences about future events such as history camp and the fall visit of the Godspeed are in full swing. Our lead-ership is competent and our operations sound. The governing body is often occupied with the complexities of fundraising. We hope you take pleasure in our success: we are listening to you and we respect your views.

Fundraising is especially challenging when we live in an area where the same people are tapped over and over with requests to support worthwhile charities. Trust me; we are working hard to expand our donor base so as not to risk disaffecting those who continue to provide loyal and constant support. We have remained true to our mission while searching for new rev-enue streams. Many of our recent activities are aimed at placing the society in a more positive position with respect to funding opportunities through grants and foundations. We are worthy of your support.

Individuals are attracted to the Society and to Ker Place for a variety of reasons. Some of our members come to Ker Place for educational offerings; some come to enjoy festive events and socialization. Others just love the house and its contents. Some like the mechanics and construction tech-niques of old homes. Archeology digs and the natural beauty of our grounds also bring people to Ker Place. Others come to use our archives or to look at the Annie C., a Chesapeake Bay dead rise which is maintained through the efforts of our Maritime Committee. Many of our neighbors simply ap-preciate all of our outreach activities and recognize that our society is fully integrated into this unique community.

The physical presence of Ker Place adds texture to Onancock. I would argue the house itself anchors and, to a degree, defines the town. One His-torical Society member has referred to Ker Place as “the Monticello of the Eastern Shore.”

Many share my opinion that those of us who can have an obligation to maintain our community institutions: to revere our past, to be fully en-gaged with the present and to demonstrate a commitment to the future.

In the spirit of renewal and to celebrate spring, I ask you to remember Ker Place as you plan for your 2013 charitable giving. Support us, too, by attending our events. Bring your friends to Ker Place and consider giving family and newcomers to the community a gift membership. Finally, don’t forget to volunteer your time and talent when possible.

Bloom Where You’re Planted!

Boy Scouts came for a day

of learning and a game of

“Chuck Fathing!”Home school students transcribed a letter in our archives that was written by Francis Scott Key, 3 weeks before he composed the “Star Spangled Banner.”

Ker Place was transformed into Sammi’s Club House on Saturday’s over the winter

ATTENTION PLEASE!The Maritime Committee needs Oyster tongs donated for display on the Annie C. If you can make a donation, please call.

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Help us welcome our new board members.....Barnaby Conrad III the author of 11 books of non-fiction including Ab-sinthe: History in a Bottle (1988), The Martini (1995), Ghost Hunting In Montana (1994) and PAN AM: An Aviation Legend (2000). He’s also an artist and his large oil paintings inspired by the Eastern Shore currently ex-hibited at Ker Place. Born in San Francisco in 1952, Mr. Conrad was gradu-ated with a B.A. in Fine Arts from Yale College in 1975. In 1976, he became a founding editor of Art World in New York and went on to serve as senior editor of Horizon Magazine 1979-80. His articles have appeared in Art In America, Forbes, Sports Illustrated, London Sunday Times, GQ, and Smith-sonian, and twenty other publications. He spent five years in Paris as a travel writer before writing his first books. Mr. Conrad was Editor-at-Large for Forbes Life Magazine, where he wrote for 20 years. He served on the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco for 9 years and for 14 years on the Board of the San Francisco Zoo. He and his wife Martha Sutherland, an art dealer and former diplomat, live with their son Jack on a farm overlooking Metomkin Bay. They are thrilled to live on the East-ern Shore, where many of Mr. Conrad’s ancestors, including the Custis and Upshur family, settled in the 17th century.

Ridgway Dunton Born on a farm in Northampton County before there was a hospital in the county, well over a decade before electric lines passed the farm, there were no paved roads, and Route 13 was just under construction. While Mr. Dunton was just a boy, Dr. Floyd still made house calls in the area by horse-and-buggy. He pursued his education off the Shore and after graduation from V. P. I. in 1946, he taught school for a year in Eastville, and then got a job in a bank in Onancock. A year later Mr. Dunton was drafted in 1950 for the Korean War, where he spent over three years in the army, serving in Korea as a forward observer for the field artillery. Eventually Mr. Dunton came back to the bank in Onancock in 1956, joined the Historical Society and got married in 1957, and in 1966 bought a house on Market Street in Onancock where he still lives with his wife Betty. Betty is from Staunton, and together they have three daughters, three sons-in-law, and four grandchildren. Mr. Dunton has been the treasurer for the Historical Society for the past 13 years.

Susan Grove grew up in Pennsylvania and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics at The Pennsylvania State University. After gaining technical work experience at General Electric, she joined AT&T and while working there completed a Master of Science degree in applied mathemat-ics. She held technical positions in Forecasting and Data Analysis as well as positions in Marketing and as Quality Director for Network Operations and for Consumer Services. Susan met Cada Grove at Penn State and they were married after graduation. They purchased land on the Eastern Shore of Vir-ginia in 1985 and moved here after retiring and having completed building a new home on Leatherbury Creek. They enjoy sailing on Chesapeake Bay as well as offshore; in 1999 they sailed their boat to the Caribbean, where they lived for a couple years. Susan also enjoys genealogy and has traced one line of her ancestry to Dr. Thomas Wynne, who was born in Wales and came to the Colonies with William Penn in 1670. As a volunteer, Susan has served on the Boards of Eastern Shore Rural Health System and the Arts Council

The 2013 Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society BOARD OF DIRECTORSAll Board members are elected by the membership in March at the Annu-al meeting and serve for a one year term. It is an honor for us to have their time, devotion and support.Drummond Ayres Bill Bagwell Ellie Cackowski Barnaby ConradDennis Custis *Ridgway DuntonCaleb Fowler Edward Fowler Linda Gayle Susan GroveSusan Henderson Debbie HollandJody Hopkins Rick Hubbard Lucius Kellam IV Johnnie MarshallMargaret MacKenzieChris NeedelsBetsy Seybolt Susan Stinson, President Norman Thibodeaux Wendy Walker Dr. Carrie WhiteWayne Williams *Mrs. E. Polk Kellam*Mrs. Katherine T. Mears*Honorary Members

STAFFJenny Barker - Executive Director

Dawn Byrd - Archives and Collections

Kristin Schafer - Staff Accountant

Brittany Haywood -Events and Marketing

Randy Stuart -Education Director

of the Eastern Shore. She is active with her alma mater in the Eberly Col-lege of Science at Penn State where she serves on a Development Committee and is a member of the Mathematics Department Advisory Group. She is an Elder at Naomi Makemie Presbyterian Church in Onancock and sings in the church choir there. Susan has volunteered as a docent at Ker Place since 2002 and has previously been on the Board of the Historical Society serving as Secretary, Vice President and chairman of various committees.

Debbie Holland has been married to Bruce Holland for 43 years and lives on their family farm in New Church. Aside from her primary life’s work as a mother of two sons and grandmother of four, she has worked for 28 years as a traveler counselor at the Virginia Welcome Center on the Maryland- Virginia state- line. Throughout the years, she has played an integral role in philanthropy and volunteerism on the Eastern Shore. She is particularly ac-tive with the Beaver Dam Presbyterian Church, Broadwater Academy, and has been a docent at Ker Place for the past 5 years. She is a past President and member of the Ye Accomawcke Garden Club and enjoys gardening in her leisure time.

Margaret Mackenzie was born in Eastville, VA, the daughter of the late Ernest and Lily Mae Drummond. She graduated with honors from Northampton High School, Eastville, and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina; Masters Equivalency, University of Maryland College Park; Advanced Professional Certificate, Board of Education of the State of Maryland; retired middle school American History teacher and high school World History teacher. She is a past president of the Prince George’s County MD Council for the Social Studies; Board Member of the Maryland Council for the Social Studies; and, member and delegate to the National Council for the Social Studies. She is a past president of Eta Chapter, Alpha Delta Kappa Interna-tional Honorary Sorority for Women Educators, and past State President of Maryland Alpha Delta Kappa. Awards include: State Winner of the District of Columbia Daughters of the American Revolution Outstanding Teacher of American History Contest.; National Winner of the Daughters of Colonial Wars History Teacher Award; Awarded Certificate for Outstanding Services for Contributions to Social Studies Education Prince George’s County, MD; received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission for Outstanding Contribution Toward the Development of the W. Henry Duvall Tool Museum. A member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, she has held the offices of: State Regent of the District of Columbia DAR; Vice President General NSDAR and Historian General NSDAR. She is a DAR Docent at the DAR Museum, Washington, DC (1000 hours of service). Presently, she is a Docent at Ker Place; serves on the Board of Directors of the Riv-erside Hospital Auxillary; and, is a member of the Vestry, Christ Episcopal Church, Eastville. Her entire life has revolved around history on both per-sonal and professional levels. She is anxious to serve and support the work and activities of the ESVHS and our Eastern Shore treasure, Ker Place.

Kentoya Garcia, Brittany Haywood and Education Director, Randy Stuart work on the 1907 race riot lecture and presentation.

Natalie Larson teaches the class how to make perfect stitches

June 2013 Eastern Shore Historical Society Newsletter 9

Colonel Chris Needels, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, is a retired Army Special Forces officer. Following 28 years of service concluding as counterterrorism advisor to President G.H.W. Bush in the White House, he led the Virginia Piedmont Environmental Council’s campaign to prevent the Disney Company from building a theme park in the environmentally and historically sensitive rolling hills of Northern Virginia. He also was president of the Mosby Area Heritage Association in the same region. For the next 13 years he was the executive director of the U.S Parachute Association, the na-tional organization representing skydivers. In 1997 and again two years later he led the team who taught his former boss “41” how to jump from a perfectly good airplane. Now fully retired Chris resides at the Walston Place, a circa 1802 seaside farmhouse, which was the home of his parents, both of whom were active in Easter Shore historical preservation. His father was former president of the ESVHS.

Dr. Caramine White, daughter of Isaac White and Caramine Kellam, and granddaughter of Amine and Polk Kellam has been Associate Professor of English at Regent University, teaching both American and British literature, as well as lower- and upper-level composition courses. After graduating from Broadwater Academy, she went to Duke University and double majored in Latin and Psychology. She then served as an operations officer in the United States Navy before returning to school to earn her MA in English at Old Dominion University. She was offered the Hayes-Taylor Fellowship at UNC-Greensboro, where she completed her PhD, focusing on contemporary Brit-ish and American literature. In addition to teaching, Dr. White has also published extensively. In 2001, Syracuse University Press published Reading Roddy Doyle, an examination of the Irish Booker prize winner’s first five nov-els. Rowman and Littlefield published Running Naked Through the Streets in 2008, which chronicles the year Dr. White spent as a Fulbright scholar teaching American literature at a university in the former-Communist coun-try Slovakia. And in 2012, Glasnevin Press published Reading More of Rod-dy Doyle. In addition to the two books, Dr. White also publishes extensively in newspapers and magazines, both regional and international. Dr. White currently is an active member of Christ the King Catholic Church, where, she serves as a Eucharistic minister, lector, and on the Parish Council. She volun-teers a great deal with Virginia Supportive Housing projects for the needy and homeless, and she is on the Board of Governors for the Virginia Opera. In her spare time, Dr. White is an avid long distance runner and has completed thir-teen marathons, two half Iron Man races, and one full Iron Man. She has been married for almost seven years to bankruptcy lawyer Paul Campsen, a partner at Kaufman and Canoles law firm. She and Paul live with their beloved pound puppies, Phoebe and Chester, and their cat Naomi in the Ghent section of Norfolk. Dr. White is also an enthusiastic and committed animal advocate.

Laura Calvert & Laura Mays from the Town & Country Garden Club received the people’s choice award for their interpretation of a Teddy Bear Tea using the Historical Society’s Cropper cradle as inspiration

10 Eastern Shore Historical Society Newsletter June 2013

Art and Flowers at Ker Place over Mother’s Day weekend included displays from The Debedeavon Garden Club, The Town & Country Garden Club, Ye Accawmacke Garden Club, The Garden Club of the Eastern Shore and the Chincoteague Garden Club. Both the creativity of the participants and the public’s response was incredible. Laura Calvert & Laura Mays from the Town & Country Garden Club received the people’s choice award for their interpretation of a Teddy Bear Tea using the Historical Society’s Cropper cradle as inspiration.

GET INVOLVED!Volunteers always welcomed!

Please call: 757-787-8012 or email: director@shorehistory.org

www.shorehistory.org

The Perfect GiftYou already know that joining the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society is the best way to get connected to

your community here on the Eastern Shore. But, have you thought of giving a membership to a friend, neighbor or family member as a gift at Christmas?? With new lecture series, workshops, concerts, and children’s activities, member-ship to The Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society is a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year. And, the best thing is that it fits everyone!

Connect your loved ones to the pulse of this very special community with a membership to the Historical Society. Let them discover that there is a whole world of opportunities that await behind our doors…

Members Receive:• FreeadmissiontotheKerPlacemuseumHeadquartersoftheSociety…includingalllecturesandnewexhibits.• Bethefirsttogetinvitationstospecialevents.• StayuptodatewithourquarterlySocietyNewsletter.• Receivea“membersonly”ratewhenyouhostyournextwedding,birthdaypartyorcelebrationhereatKerPlace.• Save10%intheMuseumGiftShop.Theperfectplacetofindthatuniqueitemyou’vebeenlookingfor.

MAKIN’ HISTORY

Name _________________________________

Address ________________________________

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Email: _________________________________

Phone: ________________________________

Amount/Membership Level ________________

_____ Please find my check enclosed

_____ Visa/Mastercard Exp. Date ___________

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Membership Levels

Student - $5.00

Teacher/Researcher - $15.00

Individual - $35.00

Family - $50.00

Friend - $100.00

Sustaining - $250.00

Patron - $500.00

Benefactor - $1000

June 2013 Eastern Shore Historical Society Newsletter 11

Looking AheadThere are many ways to

participate in the future and vibrancy of this organization. Consider making a gift that will cost you nothing during your life. There are many ways to contribute, and we would love to speak to you more about the possibilities of making the Historical Society a part of your legacy when you plan your estate. We can help guide you through the several options that make the most sense to you and your family. Contact Jenny Barker by phone 757-787-8012 or email at director@shorehistory.org

Directors Message, continued from page 1to us with a new project that falls under our mission, we will say, ‘Let’s see how we can work on this together.’ This final part of our strategic direction is allowing us to look at committees in a whole new way. We are calling these start up groups, ‘volunteer advisory groups’ and if you would like to form or join one of these groups with other Historical Society members (or non members), please just let me know. Also, you will start to see these develop more in the next few months as information is added to our website. The idea is to be the venue as well as a facili-tator for educational and cultural enhancement.

Most people around here are not timid about offering their opinions and you will laugh when I tell you this, but

I actually like to hear this variety of perspectives. One man recently stopped by to purchase tickets for the ben-efit and while he was sitting in my office said that he had once heard Charlie Bryan, the former director of the Vir-ginia Historical Society say that, “A Historical Society is a classroom for the community. It’s ‘courses’ should be the electives people take because they want to.” It makes me feel even better about where our board is directing us and I hope you will agree. We are the venue, the facilita-tor, the reference source, and hopefully the inspiration for the community; everything you would hope to find in a classroom.

My very warmest regards, Jenny Barker

EASTERN SHORE OF VIRGINIA HISTORICAL SOCIETYPO Box 179Onancock, Virginia 23417

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There are more programs & events on the horizon we do not want you to miss.SATURDAY, SEPT. 28 - TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD & SOUTHERN CULTURE SYMPOSIUM. Cel-ebrate one of the 20th century’s great novels and learn about the Shore during Jim Crow and the Great Depression. Please join us as we sponsor an all day writer’s / reader’s conference. Book club sessions begin at 10am with a southern lunch served at noon and a panel discussion with local historians, teachers and residents about life on the Eastern Shore during the 1920’s following at 1:30pm A viewing of the movie will take place at the Roseland theater at 2:45pm for students and at 7pm for adult participants. Mary Badham, the actress who played Scout in the film will be here for the entire day and will speak during lunch and after the movie show times. The panel discussion is free to all participants and teachers are admitted to the entire day’s schedule for free. More information about the schedule and fees will be available on www.shorehistory.org.

OCTOBER 19TH – OCT 20TH - RIDE THE TIDE & GODSPEED. The Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society is organizing the arrival and exhibition of the Godspeed to Onancock on Saturday. We would like to invite you to be a part of this family friendly event. The weekend will showcase activities and events focusing on early 17th Century life on the Eastern Shore. A variety of activities, exhibits, and vendors will be all around town. Some of the activities planned thus far are: tours of Godspeed, an Artisan’s Square, historical exhibits pertaining to herb usage, 17th Century people and archeology, a play and concert. To participate in this event please visit us at www.shorehistory.org/ridethetide or give us a call at 757-787-8012.

NOVEMBER 8TH – NOVEMBER 10TH BUS TOUR TO NORTHERN NECK, VIRGINIA. The Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society is in the midst of planning for its biennial bus tour. This trip will comprise of a select number of historic buildings, some of which are rarely seen on tours, in the Northern Neck of Virginia. These homes have rich histories which can be tied back to the Eastern Shore. Mark your calendars for this adventure into the past. Call the Historical Society for more details or check www.shorehistory.org regularly to stay abreast of the trip.