"Moving into the future with an appreciation of the past"
| Volume 7, Number 3 |  (Previous Newsletters) |
Spring 2003 |
The museum is highly appreciative of anyone willing to lend a hand. You may have met a few of these people when stopping by for a visit. There are a few you may not have seen. They worked "behind the scenes", and this article will introduce a couple of them to you.Lately, you can find Dan "Poppy" Shaw wandering Halifax County with a camera in tow. He has been collecting a great deal of historical data about the county for inclusion onto the web pages of www.halifax.com. See for yourself all of the valuable research and fantastic photos that he, as web master, has included within the site. He is also responsible for the recently updated look to our museum web site. If you have not seen the transformation of our web site, please take a peek by visiting us at www.cstone.net/~sbhcm. Now a retiree from his job at Westinghouse/ABB, Dan considers the historical research that he does for the county just a hobby. Some of his other hobbies include golf, woodworking, gardening, golf, web design, stained glass making, and golf. Oh, did I mention that he loves playing golf? As if these hobbies were not enough, he is also quite the talented artist. A preferred subject matter for Dan to paint is the Southwestern Native Americans. His work is so impressive that we intend to display his paintings in August. With all of the research that Dan has done recently, you would think that he was born and reared right here in the county. His roots actually began around 1800 in Surry County, N.C. when his ancesters migrated by Conestoga wagon, eventually ending up in Tipton, Indiana. His educational background includes degrees from Purdue and George Washington University. He is a devoted husband and father and has been married to his wife Phyllis for 28 years. Dan has two sons, a daughter, and four grandchildren. 
Another behind-the-scenes volunteer we would like to introduce to you is Lawson Smith. Lawson, a native of the town of South Boston, recently returned to the area after receiving a degree from Radford University. Mondays through Fridays, you can often spot Lawson behind the wheel of the Smith Automotive NAPA pickup truck.
Lawson has been a great asset to the museum. He recently assisted with the relocation of the gift shop into its current space. He is responsible for the painted walls of the Assistant to the Director's office as well as the future research library. Furthermore, he has provided ongoing technical assistance with the computers. Besides volunteering at the museum, Lawson can also be credited for his previous assistance with the Little Theater's production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Anne Frank, The Glass Menagerie, and Driving Miss Daisy. He has worked hand in hand with Charles Devine in the operation of the stage lighting for each of the productions. When not working or volunteering, Lawson spends his free time just relaxing at home with his wife Andrea, dog - Madison, and two cats - Abby and McCloud. The museum heartily thanks both Lawson and Dan for their valuable assistance and support. There are other behind-the-scenes volunteers that we hope to applaud in future newsletters. I'm proud to be an American Both before and after the war began. I'll proudly wave the red, white and blue, And to our country I'll remain true. Many have suffered and been in pain, Don't let lives lost in vain. The time is now for us to unite, And show the world we're ready to fight. It's up to you to do your part, If American pride is deep in your heart. Ruthann P. Anderson Viroina March 23, 2003 
Look for Ruthann Anderson's new booklet, Poems About the Wild and Not So Wild, selling in the museum gift shop for $2.00. We Need: Office chair with rollers Local genealogy books & materials People interested in helping with displays (meetings Wed. at 10:00 a.m. or one evening a week.) Computer monitor Frances, one of our volunteers, has a loving heart and gives her time to so many. She dresses up for the holidays and visits nursing homes, the hospital and our museum spreading cheer and goodness. What a delight!   Our exhibits are truly a work of love. Each exhibit takes on its own character shaped by the different people and the personalities that mesh together during the creative process. To develop these displays it takes time, talent, team work and of course, money. Our spring fund raiser is specifically geared to raise money for a much needed permanent exhibit of Halifax County. To date, we have collected over $4,000 and hope to raise more for this excellent project. Thank you for your continued support. Marge The Collections Committee reports that information on the museum's collection is now being entered into an electronic database. The following items have been received: A collection of books: 1965 Inaugural Book for President L. B. Johnson (with inaugural ticket) 1966 Inaugural Book for Governor Mills E. Goodwill, Jr., of Virginia The Men in the Mansion (profiles of six Virginia governors) The Staunton River (2 copies) Other items: Two skin stretchers (used by trappers) Card table, work table and chairs A collection of World War 11 items: Gas can Water cans Stretcher Army cot Amy back pack 2. What weapon was known as the "David?" 3. Who were the "pecker woods?" 4. Who was known as "the sphinx of the Confederacy?" 5. What Union general, relieved of duty said. "I was always a friend of Southern rights but an enemy of South em wrongs?" Answers on page 4  Additional research is needed to build an exhibit based upon fact rather than rumor. Questions constantly surface concerning what content must be included in an exhibit. Which subjects should be included? What objects are available to illustrate a subject? How deep must the exhibit go into particular topics? Other questions arise on the manner in which the material should be presented. Which presentation will be more effective in holding the attention of the viewer? How are related events which cover great periods of time joined into a comprehensive story? While an exhibit of Halifax County history is a wonderful goal, getting it done takes time. The museum wants to make it factual, accurate, comprehensive, and educational. As we discovered in the Staunton River exhibit, an overview of the area was gained by a single visit. Many visitors desired a deeper understanding and came back several times to read and digest the story. I expect several visits to our county's history exhibit will be required for those seeking insights into our past. An appeal for donations toward the cost of this project was recently mailed. The design, research, and installation labor are all donated. Expenses will be incurred for supplies to build and light the display. There may be costs involved in obtaining materials to be displayed. The story of Halifax County will be presented in an attractive manner that is conducive to contemplation. Gerald T. Gilliam 
The staff and volunteers at the museum hear this comment often when visitors walk through the door and into the museum's new gift shop. A few local citizens have mentioned that they were unaware that we even have a
gift shop. Some visitors are just astounded by the many changes that have affected the shop within the past six months.The gift shop has almost doubled in size after having been moved into the museum's recently built addition. E. C. Lewis, Jr. Construction Company was responsible for a great deal of the project. A front portion of the addition was enclosed with wood studs and fire-rated sheet rock. A suspended ceiling was installed. An arched opening was built at the entranceway to the shop, as were a glass door and full-view window so that you may see inside before entering. Tommy Clay did all of the electrical work, Woicikowfski Tile & Specialties laid the ceramic tiling, and B & L Carpet & Tile installed the carpeting. 
Once the room neared completion, staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to paint the walls, hang slat board, move furnishings and inventory. Most of the work is completed, and the new gift shop is open for business. With the extra space available in the new room, Director Marge Holtman has been increasing orders for merchandise to
fill it. Furthermore, she has been working with many local artisans, with the hope of selling their arts and crafts
on consignment. We have begun selling the creative
work of David Perkins, Dani Cage, and Barbara Haney this year and hope to include a lot more.None of this could have been possible without financial support from our members and local citizens. We are grateful to everyone who assisted us in this endeavor. Please stop by and take a look for yourself. You will not be disappointed. Thank you, all! We have a great, new way to advertise and promote our wonderful facility. Fulton Conner has sponsored an attractive, wallet sized business card that depicts our museum and contains all of the pertinent museum information. Thanks again to Fulton and his generosity.   The new exhibit space is finished and in use. Thanks to Bill Snead (W.R. Snead Painting Company) for contributing a gift of painting the entire gallery. In the approaching months, we will showcase a variety of work. In May and June, the art wall will be filled with photos from the past for you to help identify the individuals in them. July will feature the work of Karen Bradley, August amateurs and September Dan Shaw. Valor, Sacrifice, and Honor The Paintings of Mort Kunstler Text by James I. Robertson, Jr. In conjunction with the museum's Civil War exhibit, The Blue & The Gray, and the latest film release Gods and Generals, we want to tell you about a compelling new book we have for sale in our gift shop. The Confederate Spirit, Valor, Sacrifice, and Honor, depicts the Confederate spirit through 88 spectacular paintings by Mort Kunstler and accompanying text by James I. Robertson, Jr. This is the story not of the Confederacy's chronology but of its people - leaders and commoners - who became its legends. Included are Lee, Longstreet, Morgan, Forrest, and others. It is the story not of the Confederacy's ideology but of its determination and spirit. It is a story of pride and romanticism that, according to James I. Robertson, Jr., "became the bridge by which North and South put America back together again." 
Mort Kunstler, considered one of America's greatest historical artists, has become well-known for the extraordinary authenticity and drama of his work. For
this book he created paintings that educate and enrich the viewer's understanding of one of the most important events in American history. He has had more than eleven one-man shows at the prestigious Hammer Galleries in New York City, as well as numerous exhibitions at museums including the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, the North Carolina Museum of History, and the Nassau County Museum of Art in New York. His work is sought by major art collectors and museums worldwide. Kunstler lives in Oyster Bay, New York.
James I. Robertson, Jr., is Alumni Distinguished Professor and Director of the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies at Virginia Tech. One of today's leading Civil War historians. he has received every major award given in the field of Civil War history. Robertson lives in Blacksburg, Virginia Both men recently collaborated on the book titled Gods and Generals, which recently became a major motion picture of the same name. You may find out more about Mort Kunstler by visiting his web site at www.mortkunstler.com. For more information about James I. Robertson, Jr., you may visit his web site at www.majbil.vt.edu.history/Robertson. written by Jean Wadington submitted by Jesse Meeler  The year was 1954 and we lived in York, Pennsylvania, with our daughter Nancy, nearly three, and her older sister. Thanksgiving was past and Christmas was fast approaching. Nancy could hardly contain her excitement because Santa was going to bring her "Tiny Tears," her dream doll, and the only thing she had asked for. Santa's helpers visited or called all the stores in York and nearby towns but alas, no Tiny Tears could be found. The stores were all sold out. Several listed other names of Santa's helpers in our York stores and promised to call them if new shipments arrived. A concentrated effort was made to interest Nancy in something other than Tiny Tears with no luck. Nancy was absolutely positive that Santa would bring her Tiny Tears. Santa's helpers called FAO Schwartz in New York City, probably the largest toy store in the USA. Luckily, the store had a Tiny Tears and promised to hold for us until December 23rd unless notified otherwise. Christmas was several days away and my wife and I made plans to drive to New York - a trip that would take twelve to fourteen hours. A day or so before we had planned to leave a local store called with the welcome news that they had a Tiny Tears for Nancy! Nancy's Christmas was a success and if Santa left anything more than Tiny Tears, a beaming Nancy did not notice. Nancy's Tiny Tears, showing the results of several years of intense loving and the ravages of nearly 50 years, will be in our upcoming doll exhibit. The museum has received the following queries from across the nation on local history and genealogy. If you can provide any answers, please let us know. * Is the N&W brick station at the end of Seymour Street the original station on the L&D railroad and does it still exist? * Is there a record of an 1802 warrant signed by William Faulkner ordering a sheriff to detain a slave convicted of attempted murder of George Carrington? * Location of a township that was reported to be in the southwest part of Halifax County, along Birch Creek circa the 1820 census. * WWI service records of John Archer Clark, born in Halifax County in 1894. * Picture of Meade Adams Irby, known for curing of bright tobacco. I . Sally Thompkins was given the rank of Captain by Jefferson Davis because of her able administration of the Robertson Hospital in Richmond 2. A steam-powered torpedo boat, a Confederate Navy innovation. 3. At the bottom of the South's economic ladder were two million or so impoverished whites who survived by hunting and fishing in the mountains or pine barrens where the soil and conditions were poor at best. 4. President Jefferson Davis who was both revered and scorned by Southerners. 5. General Benjamin Butler who ruled New Orleans with an iron hand, which earned him the nickname of the Beast. The Museum needs your help for our doll collection display that is scheduled to run from June 4th to September 7th. Included in the display will be doll houses, miniatures, doll strollers & carriages and other doll collectibles. Sept - Oct our exhibit, the Great Depression, will include room scenes from the era. If you have any items to include in the kitchen, living room or bedroom, please let us know. Please call the museum at 572-9200 for questions and making arrangements. The Staunton River exhibit was so outstanding that we have setup a modified version in our new exhibit space that will remain until the permanent Halifax County exhibit is built. The modified version doesn't include the batteau, the Model T Ford or the four rooms representative of the four centuries depicted in the exhibit. Thanks to a great group of workers; Andrew Bohanon, David Allen, David and Barbara Haney, Barbara and Bill Royster, Doug Powell, Carol Ray, Greg Gordon, Ned Strange Jr., Ned Strange Sr., Will Miller, Morgan Miller, Rich and Marge Holtman, Steve Chipps, Tom Gentry, Gerald Gilliam, Ralph Wileman, Lawson and Andrea Smith. Thanks to their work, the batteau and the car were readied for the return to their owners (David and Barbara Haney and Ned Stebbens and Mae McDannald respectively). The remaining exhibit was dismantled and set up in its new home. What remains is a down sized version that retains a fascinating history of the Staunton River and surrounding areas. January, February and March 2003 Following are museum supporters who made financial gifts as memorials or honorary tributes. We have sent an acknowledgement card to the supporter and other appropriate persons. Dorothy Strickland Martha B. Thompson Carlton Stevens Martha B. Thompson John T. Thompson Louise Slayton Tom Christerson Les and Jackie Powell Sue Oliver Dutron 3rd Wednesday Lunch Club Jan Robarr Norman G. Robarr Helen and John Lester Nelson B. King Tuesday Bridge Club Nelson B. (Nick) King Charles and Eloise Hedderly Nelson B. King and Thomas E. King Sr. Annette and John Moore Nelson B. King Louise Gilliam Oscar and Lucille Trent Henretta T. Band, Ph.D. Dr. William B. Harris Lois Harris Biggy Hunt Mr. and Mrs. John W. Anderson Anniversary Martha H. Lester Jean Church Louise Slayton . Many People have found deep satisfaction in making memorial contributions to our museum as thoughtful tributes to the memories of the deceased. Others find that special occasions are most appropriately commemorated through honorary gifts that provide support to the museum. When you make a tribute, we will send an acknowledgement to the appropriate person with your name and the purpose of the gift indicated. The amount of the gift will not be disclosed. You, as a donor, will be sent an official receipt for your tax-exempt contribution. "Partner" Support Program Aids the Museum 
Supporters have an opportunity to become "PARTNERS" in the day-to-day operation of the museum by becoming an "Inner Circle Partner" with a contribution of $500.00 or more or a "Roundtable Partner" with a contribution of $250.00 to $499.00. A reason to become a partner - the museum supports cultural enrichment in the county and is a facility open free to the public. Partners have a one-year membership, special recognition displayed in the museum, and special activities. "Partners" will be featured in the newsletter each quarter. For more information call 572-9200. Personal presentations are available.
Keeping In Touch ... Many former residents of the South Boston-Halifax County area like to stay in touch with happenings in their former home county area through the museum. Scores of former residents have stopped by the museum while visiting here and shared with us how much they look forward to every issue of the museum newsletter. They are the ones that have visited with us and given us their names and addresses. There are many more that would be thrilled to receive the newsletter but we don't have their names and addresses. You can help a friend keep in touch by giving us the name and address of family members, former neighbors, friends or colleagues that now live outside the county within the state or in some other state, we will send them the next issue of the newsletter. You would be surprised how many former residents from all over the country are maintaining regular contact with the museum. We are all very proud of our museum and it is something special that we can share with others. Officers 2002-2003 Gerald T. Gilliam, President Leslie Powell, Vice President Myrtle Cassada, Secretary Bob McCullough, Treasurer Marjorie Holtman, Director Andrea Smith, Assist. to Director Louise Slayton, Receptionist Gifts of Appreciated Securities The museum has established an agency account with Edward Jones Investments of South Boston for the convenience of contributors who wish to donate securities to the museum. There is an incentive to donate appreciated securities because the donor avoids the capital gains tax on the amount that the security has appreciated. Example: A security that cost only $100 but is now worth $1000 can be donated and the donor can show it as a $1000 donation. (Consult your tax advisor for individual applications.) For more information call 572-9200. |
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