May Events at PWCo Historic Sites

Prince William County Historic Preservation Division Sites are open for the season! 

Beginning Thursday, May 2^nd Brentsville Courthouse, Ben Lomond and Rippon Lodge open for the season.  Tours are from 11am-4pm; Thursday – Monday.  The sites are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  Please call the individual sites for specific information.  Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park provides guided tours on the 2^nd and 4^th weekend of every month beginning in May.   

May 4

Historic Preservation Talk and Hard Hat Tour of the Jail

1pm - 3pm; $15 per person, reservations required, not for children under 16

This program will introduce the participant to the idea of “historic preservation” and cover such topics as what makes a building worth saving, examples of saved buildings in the county, and why historic preservation is important, especially for the environment.  Visitors will have an opportunity to go inside the jail during the restoration process focusing on the masonry and if possible the archaeological side of preservation as well, ex., Dovetail.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 703-365-7895

May 9

Lecture: Doughboys off to the Great War

7pm; Free, donations accepted

Area historian, Glenn Hyatt, will present a history of the local men who joined the 2^nd regiment of the 29^th Infantry Division, a unit with linage going back to the Stonewall Brigade of Virginia during the Civil War.  Glen Hyatt, will trace this lineage of their service from the Civil War to WWI. 

Old Manassas Courthouse, 703-792-4754

May 10

Tour: Buckland During the Civil War

7pm; Free, donations accepted

Join Buckland resident David Blake, for a unique lecture and tour of historic Buckland. Dress for the weather, no pets please. Not appropriate for children under 12.  Registered attendees will receive confirmations with meeting details.  Space is limited. Call for reservations.

Historic Preservation 17674 Main Street, Dumfries, VA. 703-792-4754

May 11-12       

Mother's Day Tours at all Prince William County HPD Sites

11am - 4pm; $5 per person, MOTHERS FREE

In honor of Mother's Day, all mothers that visit a Prince William County Historic Preservation Site on Mother's Day weekend will experience a complimentary tour of the site.  If your mom likes history or some stories that would give television drama a run for their money, treat Mom to a visit of a historic site.  Both she and you will enjoy the visit!

Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 703-499-9812

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 703-365-7895

Ben Lomond Historic Site, 703-367-7872

May 11,12,25,26 and June 8,9,22,23

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park Guided Tours                                                     

11am - 3pm, tours leave on the hour, donations accepted                                             

Bristoe Station Battlefield staff and volunteers will provide guided tours of the battlefield. Learn about Camp Jones and the two battles that took place here in 1862 and 1863. Tours begin on the hour and depart from the kiosk in the parking lot on Iron Brigade Unit Avenue. Last tour at 3pm.  Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. No pets please. 

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, 703-366-3049

May 11 and May 25

Potomac Blockade Boat Tour

10:00 am - 1:00 pm, $30 per person, reservations required. 

Cruise along the Potomac River shoreline and view sites that were critical to the Confederate forces’ successful blockade ofWashington D.C. from September 1861 through March 1862. Local historians will discuss the significance of the Blockade and of the gun batteries and camps that supported the Confederate efforts. The cruise will include the preserved batteries at Freestone Point and Possum Nose, as well as Evansport and Shipping Point.  Tour includes lunch and departs from Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge. 

Call 703-792-4754 for reservations. 

May 16, 2013

Lecture:  Investigating a Historic House in Virginia

7pm, Free, donations accepted

Historian, Dr. Dennis Pogue, will give an engaging talk on the tools and methods that historians and architects use to look at historic houses to determine their age, use and their evolution over time.  Dr. Pogue will use his vast experience in working with private and public homes across the country to explain how looking at the history of home can unlock stories of the people who once called it home.  Investigating the history of a home gives us a window to the lives and social customs of our ancestors.

Ferlazzo Auditorium, 15941 Donald Curtis Dr, Woodbridge, VA. 703-792-4754

May 18

Scout Day

11am - 4pm

$10 per Scout

Calling all Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts!  Spend the day at Rippon Lodge and earn Letterboxer, Making Games or Playing the Past and Gardener.  The requirements for all four badges will be covered while you are here.  All Scouts will get a Rippon Lodge patch for their participation.  Reservations required.  Discounted registration for whole troops.

Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 703-499-9812

May 18

Sheep Shearing and Animal Husbandry Day at

Historic Brentsville

11am-3pm; $5 per person

During the 19^th century and early 20^th centuries, Brentsville and the surrounding areas were home to many farms and families raising sheep.  Wool was a significant resource and many farmers earned their living raising sheep along with feed crops.  Come learn the importance of sheep and animal husbandry in Prince William County.  Hands on activities include modern sheep shearing, carding wool, and simple spinning demonstrations.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 703-365-7895

May 18                                              

Garden Tea at the Ben Lomond Antique Rose

Garden                                              

1pm–3pm; $20 per person                              

Celebrate the arrival of spring by spending a wonderful afternoon in the antique rose garden at Ben Lomond enjoying historic tea.  Price of admission includes tea, light refreshments, and a special talk about roses and spring flowers in the largest antique rose garden in theWashington D.C. metro area.  Reservations required. Spaces are limited and will fill up fast.  The main house will be open to tours after tea.

Ben Lomond Historic Site, 703-367-7872

May 23

Lecture: Operation Market Garden

7pm; Free, donations accepted

On September 17, 1944 thousands of paratroopers descended from the sky behind enemy lines. Their goal: to secure to bridges across the rivers in Holland so that the Allied army could advance. If it went as planned, Operation Market Garden should have ended the war by Christmas 1944. Unfortunately this daring plan didn't have the expected outcome. Military historian, Ron Mayer will cover this flawed operation describing how, when, where and why the Operation failed.

Old Manassas Courthouse, 703-792-4754

May 25                                                          

Wildlife Walk at Bristoe Station Battlefield

9am – 11am, $5 per person     

Bristoe Station Battlefield is home to a complex meadow ecosystem.  Join outdoor experts on a guided walk of the battlefield.  Learn about the beneficial wildlife especially the birds and butterflies that call this ecosystem home.  Learn to identify the plants that these birds and butterflies need for food and shelter.  Bring binoculars. The tour departs from the kiosk in the parking lot at Iron Brigade Unit Aveand 10th Alabama Way.  Where comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather.  No pets please. 

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, 703-366-3049

To learn more about historic preservation in Prince William County or to become a volunteer please visit  PWHPF's website atwww.pwcgov.org/historicpreservation

Or call 703-792-4754 or email historicpreservation@pwcgov.org

Sunday's Obituary: Allen Herring

Richmond Times Dispatch - January 20, 1924

CONFEDERATE DIES AT AGE OF 94

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY VETERAN'S LONG CAREER ENDS.

FREDERICKSBURG, VA. Jan. 19. -- Allen Herring died at his home at Nokesville, Prince William County, Tuesday night at the ripe age of 94 years and six months.  He served in the Confederate Army and after its close took a prominent part in the affairs of this community.  Mr. Herring was married three times and is survived by eight children, fifty grandchildren and fifth-four great-grandchildren.  His children are Hastin, Judson, and Joseph Herring, of Nokesville; Mrs. Jennie Weaver, Mrs. Lucy Shaffer and Mrs. Mamie Forman, of Johnston, Pa.; Mrs. Florence Forman, of Washington; Mrs. Nettie Wood, of Nokesville.

[Henry Allen Herring is buried in Valley View Cemetery in Nokesville, Prince William County, Virginia.  The link to his memorial on Findagrave.com can be found here. ~cgl]

Sunday's Obituary: James Luck, Sr.

Richmond Times Dispatch - April 13, 1917

James Luck, Sr.  - Fredericksburg, Va., April 12. -- James Luck, Sr., a well known citizen of Prince William County, died at his home last night near Independent Hill.  He is survived by three sons, one of whom is Rev. Norman Luck, of Caroline County.

~~~~

James Luck, Sr. was originally buried in Belle Haven Church Cemetery but was later moved to National Memorial Park, Falls Church, Virginia when the U.S. Government took land in 1942 via eminent domain to expand Quantico Marine Base. ~cgl

April Events at PWCo Historic Sites

April 4, 2013

Lecture: 1^st Minnesota Actions in Prince William County

7pm; Free, donations accepted

Historian, James Owens, will present a detailed look into the 1^st Minnesota, focusing on the battle of 1^st Manassas in July of 1861 and the battle of Bristoe Station in October of 1863.

Old Manassas Courthouse, 9246 Lee Street, Manassas, VA. 703-792-4754

April 6, 2013                                                                                                             

Historic Myths Tour                                                                                                                     

 11am – 4pm; $5.00 per person, free for children under six                                                             

The mortgage button on the end of a stair-handrail, the whistle walk, and kitchens being built separate as a fire prevention measure.  If you’ve been to many museums chances are you’ve probably heard one of these myths at some point. In honor of the upcoming April’s Fools Day, join Ben Lomond staff on a humorous myth-busting tour of the site. Tours start on the hour with the last tour at 4 p.m.            

Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA. 703-367-7872

April 6, 2013                                                                                                                           

CWPT Annual Park Clean Up Day – Bristoe Station Battlefield                              

8am – 12pm; Join the staff at Bristoe Station Battlefield and the Civil War Preservation Trust at History for Park Day 2012. Park Day is a nationwide event that encourages Civil War enthusiasts to help maintain, restore and preserve Civil War sites through volunteerism. Come out and join us for a fun and rewarding day of work at Bristoe Battlefield. Projects will include litter pick up, cleaning cemeteries and trail maintenance throughout the 133-acre park. Wear sturdy work shoes, bring gloves and remember sunscreen. Tools and snacks will be provided. Meet in the parking lot off Iron Brigade Avenue. Please no pets. 

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, The parking lot is located off of Iron Brigade Unit Ave., Bristow, VA. 703-366-3049

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Historic Preservation Talk and Hard Hat Tour of the Jail (Sponsored by HPF)

1pm – 3pm; $15 per person, reservations required, not for children under 16

This program will introduce the participant to the idea of “historic preservation” and cover such topics as what makes a building worth saving, examples of saved buildings in the county, and why historic preservation is important, especially for the environment.  Visitors will have an opportunity to go inside the jail during the restoration process focusing on the masonry and if possible the archaeological side of preservation as well, ex., Dovetail.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895

April 6 and 20

Potomac Blockade Boat Tour

10am-1pm; $30 per person

Cruise along the Potomac River shoreline and view sites that were critical to the Confederate forces’ successful blockade ofWashington D.C. from September 1861 through March 1862. Local historians will discuss the significance of the Blockade and of the gun batteries and camps that supported the Confederate efforts. The cruise will include the preserved batteries at Freestone Point and Possum Nose, as well as Evansport and Shipping Point. Tour includes sandwiches and departs fromLeesylvania State Park in Woodbridge. 

Reservations Required Call 703-792-4754

April 11, 2013

Lecture: The Grey Ghost, John S. Mosby

7pm; Free, donations accepted

John S. Mosby formed the 43^rd Battalion Virginia Cavalry also known as Mosby’s Rangers in 1863. Author and historian, David Goetz, will present an overview of the units’ development and exploits throughout the Civil War and Mosby’s life after the war.  Copies of his latest book, Hell is Being a Republican in Virginia; will be available for purchase and signing. 

Old Manassas Courthouse, 9246 Lee Street, Manassas, VA. 703-792-4754

April 13-14, 2013

Muster Days

9am- 4pm; $5 per person, free for children under six

Join living historians as they interpret soldiers from the Army of Northern Virginia during the pivotal days in the spring of 1863.  Join soldiers as they camp, guard against enemy reconnaissance, and witness a large company drill in person!

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895

April 18, 2013

Lecture: William Howe

7pm; Free, donations accepted

Howe is best known for leading the British assault on the colonial forces in what we know as the battle of Bunker Hill and as the commander of British forces in America from 1776-1778. However, there is more to the life of this aristocratic soldier and his combat experiences than just the American Revolutionary War. This lecture will provide insight into Howe’s experiences in the French and Indian War, his guidance in helping the British Army develop light infantry tactics, as well as his involvement in the American Revolutionary War.

Kelly Leadership Center, Room 1101, 14715 Bristow Road, Independent Hill, VA.

April 20, 2013

Nature Trail Walk

1pm; $5 per person, free for children under six

Take a guided tour along the nature trails at Brentsville and learn about the plants and animals that call this part of Virginia home.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895

April 25, 2013

Lecture: The Tuskegee Airmen

7pm; Free, donations accepted

Jerry “Hawk” Burton, chairman of the East Coast Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc. will give a presentation on the history of the Tuskegee Airmen, an African American Army Air Corps Fighter and Bombardment Group of World War II.  The pioneering work of these airmen helped to pave the way for generations of African American’s in the United States military. 

Old Manassas Courthouse, 9246 Lee Street, Manassas, VA, 703-792-4754

Sunday's Obituary: Edwin Gaines

Alexandria Gazette – October 16, 1865

Mr. Edwin Gaines, a former well known citizen of Prince William Co., died suddenly, on Friday last, on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad cars, while on his way to his new home in Nelson county. To many of our citizens, Mr. Gaines was well acquainted, and numerous friends hwere will regret his death.

~ ~ ~ ~

Alexandria Gazette – November 6, 1858

Prince William County – The County Court for this county, Seymour Lynn Presiding Justice; Edwin Gaines, Edwin Nelson andn Levi C. Lynn, associate justices, commenced on Monday last. But few cases have been tried up to this time (Thursday morning).

Sunday's Obituary: Antoinette (Stoddard) Patterson

Dallas Morning News (Dallas, Texas) – January 5, 1931

Dallas Morning News
January 5, 1931

WOMAN DIES IN DALLAS WHERE SHE MET MATE AS A VISTOR IN '80s. Church Leader of Dallas Dies. Mrs. Ed M. Patterson Formerly Neighbor of Washingtons.

Mrs. Antoinette Stoddard Patterson, wife of the late Ed M. Patterson, pioneer landowner of Dallas, died Sunday at 4:40 a.m. At her home, 2821 Routh street, where she has lived for twenty-four years. She would have been 69 years old Jan. 30. The funeral service will be held at the home Monday at 10 a.m. With burial in Oakland Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Joe Barry, Randolph Paine, Carl Buerbaum, B. E. Julian, R. R. Simpson and Gene Woods.

Mrs. John woods of Monterrey, Mexico, Mrs. Patterson's only child, and Miss Johnetta Woods, her only grandchild, were with her when death occurred, following a long illness.

Here Since Eighties. Mrs. Patterson came to Dallas in the eighties to visit Mrs. Barney Gibbs, and met Edward Martin Patterson, to whom she was married in 1881. They lived in Dallas continuously thereafter, and both were closely identified with the development of the city. Mr. Patterson died June 3, 1929. Mrs. Patterson was active in the Episcopal Church, being a communicant in the Church of the Incarnation. She taught a Sunday school class there, and was a member of the choir when the church was a mission. Her father-in-law, Judge James M. Patterson, was one of the donors of land for the first Episcopal Church in Dallas which stood at the corner of Elm and Lamar streets.

Neighbors of Washingtons. Mrs. Patterson was born on a plantation in Prince William County, Virginia, Jan. 30, 1862, being the daughter of John Sargent Stoddard and Annie Eliza Plummer Sargent. She has often described her old home as adjoining Mount Vernon, and has told how the Stoddards and the Washingtons “took turns” having the snow cleared away so that they could attend church. Mrs. Patterson's maternal grandfather, Dr. Benjamin Plummer, fought in the War of 1812, and a maternal ancestor Col. Issac Ewell, native of England, served as a Colonel in the Revolutionary War.

Sunday's Obituary: Georgiana (Chapman) and Samuel R. Bleight

Philadelphia Public Ledger - December 8, 1852

In this city on the 7th inst., Dr. SAMUEL R. BLEIGHT, of Fauqueir county, Va.


Philadelphia Inquirer - August 18, 1910

BLEIGHT.  On the evening of August 12, 1910, at Hay Market, Prince William County, Va. GEORGIANNA A. BLEIGHT, widow of Samuel R. Bleight, in the 89th year of her age.

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Ironically, the following marriage was erroneously listed under "DIED" with the other obituaries of the day:

Daily Union (Washington DC) - February 16, 1846

In this city, on Thursday last, by the Rev. Mr. French, of the Episcopal Church, Dr. SAMUEL BLEIGHT, of Philadelphia, to Miss G. A. CHAPMAN, daughter of the late George Chapman, esq, of Thoroughfare, Virginia.

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According to findagrave.com, Georgiana Bleight is buried in Saint Paul's Episcopal Church in Haymarket, Virginia.  Her husband, Dr. Samuel R. Bleight, is buried in Christ Church Cemetery in Philadelphia, Pa.