Mathews County Historical Society Newsletter Fall, 2013
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2013
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Officers
President ........................ Reed Lawson
1st Vice President ........... Frank Lansinger Secretary ........................ Josephine Thorpe
Treasurer ........................ Stuart Allen
Class of 2014
Graham Hood
Willie Hubbard Clement Dickey
Jack White
Class of 2015
Frank Lansinger
Judith Jay Mary Frances Hunley
Stephen Whiteway
Class of 2016 Stuart Allen
Reed Lawson
Forrest Morgan, Jr Josephine Thorpe
Standing Committees Bldgs & Grnds ............. Jack Caldwell
Education/Archeology . Forrest Morgan
Exhibits ........................ Market Days ................. Dee Bane
Membership ................. Judy Jay
Programs ...................... Forrest Morgan Publicity ....................... Mary Frances Hunley
Nominating .................. Willie Hubbard
Publications .................. Dee Bane
Ad Hoc Committees
Editorial ....................... Steve Wilson
Fort Nonsense .............. Frank Lansinger
..................................... Steve Whiteway House Tour 2013.......... Lori Jackson Black
Joint Archival ............... Reed Lawson
Thomas James Store..... Graham Hood Ornaments .................... Becky Morgan
Social Chairmen ........... Judy Busby
..................................... Sue Jennette
Positions
Archivist ...................... Reed Lawson Curator/Registrar.......... Martha Ellen Traband
Docent Coordinator ...... Pam Viens
Newsletter .................... Penny Thompson
Registered Agent .......... Patricia Dickey, Esq.
Mathews County Historical Society
Newsletter
Fall 2013 P.O. Box 855, Mathews, VA 23109-0855
http://www.rootsweb.com/~vamchs/index.html
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Reed Lawson
What an exciting time this is for the historical society!
To begin, right before our very eyes Fort Nonsense
Historical Park is unfolding from overgrown woodlands
and earthworks. It is all quite remarkable. At press time
we don’t have a completion date, but we anticipate this
September to have a soft opening to show off beautiful
handicapped-accessible trails, a large pavilion, a
boardwalk to an observation platform and explanatory
signage. Long in coming but worth the wait!
Along with watching Fort Nonsense evolve, the society
has had a busy summer. A successful Historic House
Tour took place June 8th
. Thanks go to Lori Black for
chairing this important fundraising event, to our
homeowners for being so gracious—Anne and Elmo
Cross, Josie Thorpe, Sandy Warhol, Jackie and Paul
Zahn and the congregation of Bethel Church, and to all
the volunteers who made it possible! In June the society
participated in the Gwynn’s Island Festival. Nina and Stu
Allen, Tom Ingram, Frank Lansinger, Art Swenson, Josie
Thorpe, Sandy Warren and Jackie and Doug Wilton
volunteered to man the booth. We also gathered at Susan
and Bob McCreary’s for our annual Summer Solstice
Picnic complete with croquet matches. Thank you both
for hosting us so wonderfully. In July, Judy Jay and I
held down the Community Tent at the Mathews Farmer’s
Market. It’s a great way to introduce people to the
society and to steer them toward Tompkins Cottage.
Next on the agenda is Mathews Market Days. The
cottage will be the historical headquarters for this two-
day event with many local historical groups represented.
Upcoming Events Sept.10—Lecture, Danny Schmidt
Sept. 11—Memorial Service, John White
Sept. 18 & 19—Amazing Raise
Oct. 19 & 20—Battle of the Hook, Warner Hall
Oct. 24—Lecture, Carl Lounsbury
Mathews County Historical Society Newsletter Fall, 2013
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Thanks to Dee Bane for chairing this event for us.
Two historical society publications are being published this fall. New Point Comfort Lighthouse Its
History and Preservation with Earl Soles in charge and Historic Homes and Properties of
Mathews County Book 2 with Steve Wilson as book boss are currently at the printers. Keep an eye
open for publicity about sales. AND research for the comprehensive history of Mathews County
by Martha McCartney, member and noted historian and author, is in full swing with tantalizing
new tidbits being discovered. Publication is slated for 2015. I’d like to add a thank you to Becky
Barnhardt, lifetime MCHS member and Head of Genealogy and Family Research Services at
Mathews Memorial Library for all her efforts uncovering the history of our much-loved county.
The fall programs have been scheduled. On Sept. 10th
at 6:30 p.m. at Kingston Parish House on
Main Street, Danny Schmidt, Senior Staff Archaeologist for Jamestowne Rediscovery Project will
speak on the latest findings about the settlers at James Fort and the importance of archaeology in
discovering the history of Mathews. On Oct. 24th
Carl Lounsbury, Department of Architectural and
Archaeological Research Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, will speak at 7 p.m. at Mathews
Memorial Library on the early architectural history of Mathews County. Please attend!
And, don’t forget The Amazing Raise! Sept. 18th
at 6 a.m. this online giving opportunity
starts. The goal is to gain as many $50 donors for MCHS as possible before the race ends Sept.
19th
at 6 p.m. Please consider being a part; visit www.GiveRichmond.org to check out our profile
and to donate during the 36 hours of giving.
Historic House Tour
Becky
Cooke
and Betty
Wrenn
Day at
Garden
Creek
Mathews County Historical Society Newsletter Fall, 2013
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SUMMER SOLSTICE
At the home of the McCrearys
Folly Farm
Will
Story
and
Josie
Thorpe
at
Peony
Flats
Mathews County Historical Society Newsletter Fall, 2013
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FORT NONSENSE Frank Lansinger
Finally, completed activities to report as many
members of the historical society know or have
observed, the Parrott rifle has been installed
above the sign at the intersection of rtes 3 and
14. This was a major effort by the coordinated
efforts of the Fort Nonsense irregulars group as well
as the contractor. If you haven't, go take a look.
Additionally, the paths and bridge (observation
platform) have been completed. This includes the
shelter, previously reported.
In the course of construction, in addition to daily and weekly compliance meetings among the contractor,
engineering firm and Fort Nonsense people, a "substantial completion review" is required at the time of
completion of a project. This compliance review was performed on site by Land Studios on August 29.
There were several minor corrections that included the requested removal of a debris pile that predated
the construction. The county of Mathews has agreed to perform this task. In all, everyone involved has
expressed pleasure in the project, and we will have a formal opening ceremony within the next 30 to 60
days.
The committee wishes to thank everyone for their understanding, perseverance and help in creating this
Mathews County Historical Entry Park.
THE REDCOATS ARE COMING! Reed Lawson
Mathews County Historical Society will be supporting the Revolutionary War Battle of the Hook
Re-enactment to be held October 19th
and 20th
at Warner Hall in Gloucester. Volunteers are
being sought to help with myriad tasks. Please call Rudy Heinatz at 757-713-2203 to sign up.
Visit:—www.battleof thehook.org—for more information.
It has been noted that Sgt. John White of White’s Neck, Mobjack, was instrumental in turning
the tide of battle by shooting the British infantry commander resulting in their forces retreating to
Gloucester Point.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE Willie Hubbard
Anyone who is interested in becoming a Board Member of the Mathews County Historical Society,
please contact Willie Hubbard at 725-1865. Thank you!
Also, anyone interested in assuming the position of Newsletter Editor, please contact Penny
@725-9750 or [email protected].
Rifle
Moving
Almost
There
In
place
!
Mathews County Historical Society Newsletter Fall, 2013
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MCHS Joins "Return To the Hook" Group to Honor Revolutionary War Battle
Jack White
The MCHS has agreed to organize a "Patriots
Day" memorial wreath laying service for Sgt.
John White of the Kingston
Parish "Bloodhounds" of the
Gloucester Militia. White
came from present day
Mathews County, then the
fourth Parish of Gloucester
County, and distinguished
himself at the Battle of the
Hook on October 3, 1781,
that was fought near White
Marsh and is widely acknowledged for forcing
Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown sixteen days
later.
On September 11, 2013, at 11:00 a.m., a
memorial service will be held at the grave of
Sgt. John White that is in White's Cemetery
located at the end of Pine View Drive off Rte
617 near Mobjack. The service will offer an
opening prayer as well as remarks by
representatives of the MCHS and DAR. A
wreath will then be presented by members of the
7th VA Militia who will appear in period
uniforms. They will follow by firing a salute
with period flintlock weapons.
For further information log onto
www.battleofthehook.org
In Memoriam Reed Lawson
In sadness we remember Doris K. Leitner who passed away June 22nd
. Doris was an enthusiastic (to say the
least) volunteer in the historical society. She and Roney graciously opened their home for the 2009 Historic
House Tour. She was a faithful docent at Tompkins Cottage and ever-present at lectures, events and parties.
She especially enjoyed the parties! Our condolences to Roney and all the family.
Also, Robert Thomas “Bob” Farrell of Bohannon passed away on June 28th. Bob was an avid and active
member of the society in the early years and established a collection of information on historic county
properties for the archives. His contributions to the society were integral in creating a lasting base on which
the society now firmly stands.
THOMAS JAMES STORE
Graham Hood
The Thomas James Store seems to continue pleasing its audience. Many thanks to the good souls at
MCVIC (especially Ann Miller) for opening and closing the store on Saturdays and Sundays, and telling
visitors about its existence.
The Store will be open all day Friday as well as 10-4 on Saturday and 12-3 on Sunday of Market Days
weekend.
Many thanks also to volunteer Tom Ingram for helping out as the contact person for MCVIC staff while I
have been away.
Another week-long session with faculty and students from the National Institute for Early American
History and Democracy (a joint program of the College of William and Mary and the Colonial
Williamsburg Foundation) took place this summer. Students are given training in analyzing old buildings,
carefully measuring them and briefly describing them. This year they concentrated on Folly Farm,
Sutherland, and Springdale. Owners enjoyed the interaction with eager and enthusiastic students.
Mathews County Historical Society Newsletter Fall, 2013
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MCHS Ornament Series
2013 Tompkins Cottage Ornament
$25.00 Becky Morgan
Ornaments may be bought at Tompkins Cottage, the Mathews Visitors Center or the Treasurer’s Office.
Orders may also be phoned in to Becky Morgan (804-725-5227) or checks made out to MCHS and
mailed to:
Becky Morgan at
P.O. Box 129
New Point, VA 23125
*For mailing service, include postage of $1.50 for 1,
$2.00 for 2, and $3.00 for 3-5.
2013 MCHS Calendar of Events
September 6 &7 Market Days
September 10 Lecture. Danny Schmidt re Jamestowne Rediscovery Project
Kingston Parish House—6:30 pm
September 11 Memorial Service Sgt. John White—White’s Cemetery—11 am
September 12 Monthly Board Meeting—Mathews Memorial Library—4:00 pm
September 18 & 19 Amazing Raise—online giving
October 10 Monthly Board Meeting—Mathews Memorial Library—4:00 pm
October 19 & 20 Battle of the Hook—Warner Hall
October 24 Lecture, Carl Lounsbury, Early Architectural History
of Mathews County—Mathews Memorial Library 7 p.m.
November 14 Monthly Board Meeting—Mathews Memorial Library—4:00 pm
December 12 Monthly Board Meeting—Mathews Memorial Library—4:00 pm
Reminder: Membership dues for MCHS are ANNUAL and due in January
We are in need of more docents for
Tompkins Cottage. If you are interested in
helping us with this, please call Pam Viens at
725-1766. Thanks!
Tompkins Cottage
Mathews County Historical Society Newsletter Fall, 2013
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2013 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION/RENEWAL
Name ________________________________________
Address ______________________________________
City ___________________State ____Zip __________
Telephone ____________________________________
E-mail Address ________________________________
I am interested in the following membership:
___ Individual - $20.00 per year
___ Couple - $25.00 per year
___ Student (under 18 & in school) – FREE
General Contribution $
Contribution to comprehensive Mathews history publication
$
Contribution to the Lighthouse Preservation Fund
$
Contribution to the Fort Nonsense Development Fund
$
Contribution to Thomas James Store
$
Please check the area(s) in which you would like to volunteer your services:
__ Archives/Research
__ Buildings & Grounds
__ Curatorial
__ Docent/Guide
__ Education
__ Exhibits
__ Fort Nonsense
__ Fundraising
__ Market Days
__ Membership
__ Newsletter
__ Old Buildings/Sites
__ Oral History
__ Programs
__ Publications
__ Publicity
__ Historic Homes and Properties of Mathews
County, Virginia
__ Social Events
__ Thomas James Store
__ Other ________________
Please make out your check to the Mathews County Historical Society and submit it with this
application to:
Treasurer,
Mathews County Historical Society
P.O. Box 855
Mathews, VA 23109-0855
Mathews County Historical Society Newsletter Fall, 2013
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Mathews County Historical Society, Inc.
P. O. Box 855
Mathews, VA 23109
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