The PHW office will be closed tomorrow, July 23. We plan to reopen as normal on Wednesday, July 24. As always, you can leave us a message at 540-667-3577 or phwi@verizon.net on Tuesday, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Author: PHW
Trivia Answers for “Away, I’m Bound Away” Questions
It’s time to see how you did on the trivia questions posted Friday. These were some tough questions, so don’t feel bad if you didn’t know many — just follow the links, read up on some interesting Virginians, and then stump your friends with what you learned!
1. What Virginian became chief of the Crow Indians?
James Pierson Beckwourth
2. What Virginian became president of a foreign republic?
Samuel Houston
3. What Virginian became famous as “The Missouri Artist”?
George Caleb Bingham
4. What Virginian became the first African-American to serve a full term in the United States Senate?
Blanche Kelso Bruce
5. What Virginia writer helped promote the Westward Migration?
Jessie Benton Fremont
6. What Virginia slave mailed himself to freedom?
Henry Brown
7. What Virginian became the most famous fugitive slave in US history?
Anthony Burns
8. What Virginian “discovered” the Great Salt Lake?
James Bridger
9. What Virginian became an abolitionist governor of Illinois?
Edward Coles
10. What Virginian helped bring order to Central City, Colorado?
Clara Brown
11. What Virginian was instrumental in establishing the Pony Express?
Benjamin Franklin Ficklin
12. What Virginian became the founder of Texas?
Stephen Fuller Austin
13. Who was the first African American to serve in the State Senate?
George Teamoh
14. What Virginian served as President for a month?
William Henry Harrison
15. What Virginian explored Yellowstone River?
John Coulter
16. What Virginian was saved by a white bean?
William Alexander Anderson “Bigfoot” Wallace during the Black Bean Incident
17. What Virginian became a confidante to a famous First Lady?
Elizabeth Keckley
18. What Virginian made the first map of Tennessee?
Daniel Smith
19. What Virginian helped Kentucky achieve statehood?
John Brown
20. What Virginia slave’s lawsuit led to a famous Supreme Court case?
Dred Scott
21. What Virginian was probably the first African-American elected to public office in the United States?
John Mercer Langston, elected town clerk of Brownhelm in 1855
22. What Virginian established Centralia, Washington?
George Washington
23. What Virginian taught the first kindergarten in Detroit?
Fannie Moore Richards
24. What Virginian met with John Brown to encourage a slave uprising in the South?
George DeBaptiste, who met with John Brown and Frederick Douglass
25. What Virginian won the Northwest during the American Revolution?
George Rogers Clark
26. What Virginian killed himself three years after his famous expedition?
Meriwether Lewis (although some scholars believe he was murdered)
27. What Virginian explored the Louisiana Territory?
William Clark and the aforementioned Meriwether Lewis
28. What Virginian helped carry Methodism to western Virginia?
Elizabeth Henry Campbell Russell
29. What Virginian was called the “Iron Cutter” by the Sioux Indians?
Lawrence Taliaferro, whose last name is derived from “iron cutter” in Italian.
30. What Virginian revolutionized American agriculture?
Cyrus Hall McCormick
31. What Virginian helped found the Wilberforce Community in Canada?
Austin Steward
32. What Virginian was known as the “Great Compromiser”?
Henry Clay
33. What Virginian was given a flag made by Barbara Fritchie?
Jesse Lee Reno
34. What Virginian ended the bleeding in “Bleeding Kansas”?
James William Denver
Friday Photos: Kurtz Cultural Center Exhibits and Trivia Questions
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| From Kurtz Cultural Center Exhibits |
This week’s selection of images were pulled from PHW’s slide collection. The slides feature some of the exhibits held at the Kurtz Building in the 1990s. One of the exhibits, titled “Away, I’m Bound Away” from the Virginia Historical Society features prominently in the images. It is also the subject of an extensive gathering of trivia questions based around the exhibit as part of the promotional materials. Chances are if you were in a local elementary school in the 1990s, you may have come here on a field trip and may even tried your hand at these questions once. Answers to the questions will be posted here Monday. There is no prize, but if you know all the answers without the aid of Google, you truly know your Virginia history!
Questions:
1. What Virginian became chief of the Crow Indians?
2. What Virginian became president of a foreign republic?
3. What Virginian became famous as “The Missouri Artist”?
4. What Virginian became the first African-American to serve a full term in the United States Senate?
5. What Virginia writer helped promote the Westward Migration?
6. What Virginia slave mailed himself to freedom?
7. What Virginian became the most famous fugitive slave in US history?
8. What Virginian “discovered” the Great Salt Lake?
9. What Virginian became an abolitionist governor of Illinois?
10. What Virginian helped bring order to Central City, Colorado?
11. What Virginian was instrumental in establishing the Pony Express?
12. What Virginian became the founder of Texas?
13. Who was the first African American to serve in the State Senate?
14. What Virginian served as President for a month?
15. What Virginian explored Yellowstone River?
16. What Virginian was saved by a white bean?
17. What Virginian became a confidante to a famous First Lady?
18. What Virginian made the first map of Tennessee?
19. What Virginian helped Kentucky achieve statehood?
20. What Virginia slave’s lawsuit led to a famous Supreme Court case?
21. What Virginian was probably the first African-American elected to public office in the United States?
22. What Virginian established Centralia, Washington?
23. What Virginian taught the first kindergarten in Detroit?
24. What Virginian met with John Brown to encourage a slave uprising in the South?
25. What Virginian won the Northwest during the American Revolution?
26. What Virginian killed himself three years after his famous expedition?
27. What Virginian explored the Louisiana Territory?
28. What Virginian helped carry Methodism to western Virginia?
29. What Virginian was called the “Iron Cutter” by the Sioux Indians?
30. What Virginian revolutionized American agriculture?
31. What Virginian helped found the Wilburforce Community in Canada?
32. What Virginian was known as the “Great Compromiser”?
33. What Virginian was given a flag made by Barbara Fritchie?
34. What Virginian ended the bleeding in “Bleeding Kansas”?
Preservation Virginia Alert–Action Needed for the Historic Tax Credit
The following is a release from Preservation Virginia, the statewide preservation organization. Winchester is one of the leading localities utilizing historic tax credits in Virginia and they are a vital tool in making preservation feasible for buildings like the Lewis Jones Knitting Mill, the Taylor Hotel, or the Lovett Building. Please take a moment to write to Senator Warner and Senator Kaine today (a sample letter is at the bottom of the post for you) and ask for their support of the Historic Tax Credit. Don’t forget to forward any responses to Preservation Virginia to help them track the issue.
Next week is an important week for tax reform as the U.S. Senate considers options. Your help is needed to ensure that the Historic Tax Credit remains in a reform package. Write to Senator Warner and Senator Kaine today and ask for their support of the Historic Tax Credit.
Background: Recently Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and Ranking Member Orin Hatch (R-UT) circulated a letter to all Senators asking them for their participation in tax reform. Members were informed that the Committee will start with a “blank slate,” meaning all tax expenditures, both corporate and individual provisions (including the Historic Tax Credit) would initially be eliminated. Senators were also told that to be re-included in the tax code, a provision or proposal had to: 1) help the economy grow 2) make the tax code fairer, or 3) effectively promote other important policy objectives. Senators are finalizing their letter for the deadline on 26 July.
Contact Senator Warner and Senator Kaine TODAY to ensure that they:
1) include HTC in their list of priorities for tax reform and 2) co-sponsoring S.1141, the Creating American Prosperity through Preservation Act. Below is a sample letter and suggested points for your correspondence.
Please forward any replies to Preservation Virginia so that we can help track this issue.
Thank you for your support!
Contacts:
Senator Warner: http://www.warner.senate.gov/public//index.cfm?p=ContactPage
Senator Kaine : http://www.kaine.senate.gov/contactSAMPLE LETTER
Dear Senator:
I write to encourage your support of the historic rehabilitation tax credit (HTC) a vital tool for historic preservation and economic development. The HTC more than pays for itself: The cost of the credit has been $20.5 billion and it has generated $25.9 billion in federal taxes.* The HTC is a proven job-creating, community-revitalizing investment in sustainable communities.
Over the last 32 years, the program has revived 38,700 vacant or underutilized buildings, created 2.35 million jobs, and attracted over $106 billion in private investment. In Virginia, 870 commercial rehabilitation projects have resulted in more than $2.2 billion in development investment and the creation of more than 35,000 jobs. It has been called the largest community revitalization program in the county. In Virginia, projects such as the Westover Apartments, Arlington; Paramount Theater, Charlottesville; Schoolfield School Complex, Danville; and the National Theater, Richmond were made possible by use of these credits.
Historic preservation is more labor-intensive than new construction, and is proven to create more, better-paying jobs. Additionally, developers of historic buildings often buy local and hire local. More than 75 percent of the economic benefits of historic rehabilitation remain in the local economies.
I encourage you to include the HTC in your list of priorities for tax reform and to co-sponsor S.1141, the Creating American Prosperity through Preservation Act. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,* The credit cost was calculated by the IRS and the income generated came from a Rutgers University report commissioned by the National Park Service.
Additional Facts:
• The Creating American Prosperity through Preservation (CAPP) Act proposes strategic adjustments to the HTC that would enhance the credit’s economic and sustainability benefits.
• As a nation, we want to live and work in places that reflect the stories that define our heritage. The historic tax credit makes saving those places possible.
• This tax credit protects some of the nation’s most iconic buildings, defining our heritage and sense of community.
Index to “Winchester: Limestone, Sycamores, and Architecture”
Chances are if you’re an aficionado of local architecture, you’ve glanced at this book or even own a copy. Unfortunately, it was published without an index, so it is a browsing experience more than a quick research volume. Better late than never, an index to the book was found in some files that were presumed lost. We’re happy to share this and hopefully make the book a more useful volume.
Friday Photos: Images from the 1987 Coloring Book
In 1987, PHW coordinated the production of “The Architecture of Historic Winchester Coloring Book” to bring architecture to children in a way they can understand. The books were both a fundraising item for PHW and used in the elementary schools as an educational tool. Twenty illustrations of local landmark buildings were drawn by Daniel Morgan Middle School and Handley High School students, under the direction of art teacher Ronald Fabin.
Landmarks included in the coloring book encompass the Red Lion Tavern, The Old Frederick County Court House, Christ Episcopal Church, the old John Kerr School, Mt. Hebron Cemetery Gatehouse, and Handley High School.
Recently a collection of negatives used in producing the line drawings was found in PHW’s files. The photos include some of the properties listed above, and also a few that didn’t make the cut, like the Aulick House at 414 S. Braddock St., the Wisteria House, and 617 S. Washington St. Most fascinating was the surprise image of the Aulick House, making this only the third known photo of the building prior to the arson. View the photo set on Flickr.
PHW does not have a copy of the completed coloring book in our files. If you have “The Architecture of Historic Winchester Coloring Book,” please consider donating it to PHW.
Public Hearing for 414 S. Braddock St. on July 9
The second reading and public hearing to declare the structure at 414 S. Braddock St. a public nuisance and authorize funds to abate the situation will be the first business item on the agenda for the City Council meeting this Tuesday, July 9 at 7 PM. This is the only planned opportunity for public comment on the proposed abatement plan, which is currently leaning toward demolition of the north part of the structure, but is authorized in scope to demolish the entire building if deemed necessary.
PHW would welcome your attendance at the meeting either as observers or to hear your own comments on the situation. Please take a few moments to read through the material submitted for the meeting at the Winchester City website (materials for this item start at page 3).
We fully realize how badly the structure has deteriorated and will continue to deteriorate if nothing is done. As PHW president John Barker was quoted in the Winchester Star on Saturday, there is no “magic wand” we can wave to fix this situation, and that is why your comments and support will be helpful to find a solution that satisfies both the real safety concerns as well as the desire to see this architectural treasure saved.
Friday Photos: Children’s Heritage Festival, May 1994
Today’s edition of Friday Photos brings you images from 1992-1996 of kids activities downtown. Although not quite Independence Day events, most of the photos were taken at the 1994 Children’s Heritage Festival, which celebrated the 250th anniversary of Winchester’s founding. Sharp eyed viewers will spot familiar faces like Roy Nester, Micheal Foreman, and Pat Zontine among the adults.
The event, which was held May 14, 1994, was geared to living history and colonial-era hands on activities. The Patuxent Living History Group reenacted the life of trappers and skinners at George Washington’s Headquarters, while the Cedar Creek Indian Horse Club was on hand the show their ponies and paint faces. Judge Robert K. Woltz led a mock trial from the colonial era in the Old Frederick County Court House. For those looking for more hands-on activities, the Winchester Girl Scouts helped guests make five colonial toys and the Belle Grove Quilters demonstrated how to stencil and quilt. No birthday celebration would have been complete without cake, and Michael Foreman, as the Chairman of the Commemorative Commission, led the birthday party complete with cake and beverages. Through it all, Roy Nester as Town Crier announced the upcoming events.
Other activities which were not recorded in these photos included the Kurtz Building exhibit on “James Wood and the Founding of Winchester,” a heritage poster contest, colonial storytelling at Handley Library, costumed guided walking tours of Old Town, an 18th century puppet show, Daniel Morgan folk dancers directed by Beth Huddleston, and a fashion show of period costumes.
Friday Photos: Second Empire Style in Winchester
Friday Photos this week is inspired by the recent discussion of the Gavis residence at 414 South Braddock Street. You may have seen the building called “Second Empire style” in the news following the June 25th City Council work session and wondered what that meant and why that is important in a discussion about what to do about a crumbling old building.
The Second Empire style is usually dated to 1855-1885. These stylistic influences can be dated from the 1870s to the early 1900s in Winchester, which is a typical lag in fashionable architecture for the area. This architectural style is very similar in appearance to the Italianate style of the same period, one of the more common building types in Winchester’s historic district. Because the two styles seem so alike, it may not be immediately obvious why so much stress has been placed on that unique aspect of 414 South Braddock Street.
Cornice brackets and tall, usually arched windows often surrounded by molding make Second Empire visually similar to the Italianate style. The telltale distinguishing feature of Second Empire style is the roof. This feature, called a mansard roof, is a dual pitched hip roof that is “boxy” in appearance. Many times the roof was covered with slate cut into decorative patterns. Often the roof line was decorated with elaborate iron cresting. In fact, the roof is so intrinsic to Second Empire architecture that it is sometimes simply referred to as Mansard style.
The mansard roof is named for a 17th century French architect, Francois Mansart. The roof shape – the dual pitched, boxy hip roof – most associated with Mansart’s designs was considered especially functional, allowing for full use of the attic space when coupled with dormer windows. Because of his popularization of that form, that roof style came to bear his name. The mansard roof was revived extensively in French architecture constructed during the reign of Napoleon III (1852-1870), known as the Second French Empire. Where the contemporaneous Italianate style was part of the Romantic, Picturesque movement in architecture utilizing architectural styles of the past and focusing on nature, the Second Empire style was considered a modern style for its imitation of the latest French construction and a push toward urban living. As the style migrated through England to America, it retained the link to its French roots through its identification with the reign of Napoleon III. (Another, peculiarly American name for the style is the “General Grant style”, as the building type was at the height of its popularity after the Civil War and during his presidency.)
What makes the Gavis House so architecturally endearing, even in its dangerously dilapidated state? It is the last example of textbook Second Empire construction left in Winchester that has not been significantly altered or demolished. It was always a rare style locally, though other, original Second Empire style buildings once existed here. The other “high end” or typical examples of Second Empire style buildings in Winchester have been lost to demolition, including the Barton home on South Washington Street, the Winchester Milling Company on North Cameron Street, and the birthplace of Admiral Richard Byrd on Amherst Street.
The extreme rarity of the style (about 1% of buildings in the Winchester Historic District have Second Empire details, and most in a very modest expression) is coupled with the building’s landmark architectural potential. The building is one of a handful that received an “outstanding” rating in the 1976 architectural survey, indicating it is of such quality that it could be placed on the National Register of Historic Places through its architecture alone. This places the building on the same architectural footing as the Hexagon House and the Handley Library.
Perhaps that comparison in architectural significance – could you envision the Handley Library removed from our downtown streetscape? – goes a long way to explain why architectural historians and enthusiasts have always held a soft spot in their hearts 414 South Braddock Street. If the Taylor Hotel was our most famous building that needed attention, it would be fair to say the Gavis residence is the most architecturally outstanding threatened building in Winchester.
Album of Second Empire Style Buildings in Winchester’s Historic District
- 414 South Braddock Street, Aulick or Gavis Residence, Second Empire style, ca. 1881, only intact original example of the style left in Winchester
- 41 West Boscawen Street, commercial building remodeled to Second Empire style ca. 1900
- 2 North Cameron Street, the Kurtz Building, Second Empire style tower addition ca. 1870
- 112 North Cameron Street, O. M. Brown Residence, remodeled to Second Empire style ca. 1870
- 11 South Cameron Street, Second Empire influenced townhouse, ca. 1900
- 36 South Cameron Street, remodeled to Second Empire style ca. 1870
- 42-44 South Cameron Street, Second Empire influenced townhouse ca. 1896
- 14-16 South Loudoun Street, commercial building remodeled to Second Empire style ca. 1898
- 26-28 West Piccadilly Street, extensively altered Second Empire influenced residence, ca. 1905
- 132 North Washington Street, Second Empire style residence ca. 1880, altered
List and photographs compiled from 2011 Historic District Survey and Google Maps street view.
Friday Photos: Student Survey of Winchester, Early 1980s
This week in Friday Photos, PHW brings you a look back at the beginnings of the revitalization efforts downtown. These images were pulled from a slideshow labelled “Three Part Student Survey of Winchester.” The goal of the study appeared to have been suggestions for improving the downtown and making it a more attractive place to shop and visit. The images appear to date, for the most part, to the very early days of the walking mall.
This is a timely reminder of how much our downtown has improved upon showcasing the intrinsic historic charm of Old Town Winchester. If you have never seen images of the downtown from these very early days of the pedestrian mall, it can be hard to visualize just how much the space has evolved through the City’s infrastructure improvements and building owners’ efforts to restore their historic buildings. Please take some time to click through the photos this weekend for a dose of nostalgia, and let PHW know if you recognize any of the locations in the uncaptioned slides.
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| Three Part Student Survey of Winchester, Early 1980s |