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Can you help us identify
(click on photo for closer view)
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Virginia Tompkins on the right. Other is unidentified. From the Rorrer Collection
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Unidentified photo from the Rorrer Collection
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Benjamin Franklin Payne, Edward Spicer, Desmond Harding and two unidentified. From the Patrick Sullivan/Colvin Collection
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Anna Graube Alsop, unidentified boy with hat, Charles Atwood Alsop and Allene Alsop. From the Patrick Sullivan/Colvin Collection
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"The first air-conditioning in the city of Fredericksburg was at the Victoria Theatre, down on Caroline Street. In the real hot summer we loved to go to the movies. The fee was twenty-five cents and I had a dollar a week allowance and was able to get a date and take her to the movies on Friday night. That left me fifty cents and I went by Scotty's after the movie and for twenty cents we could get two hot dogs and two cokes. A nickel apiece. That left me a little bit more for Saturday night date and Sunday night date."
Waldo Beck
From the HFFI Oral History Collection.
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Quick Links...
Services:
The Center gladly provides research services. Please contact the Center for rates.
Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the first Saturday of each month, 9:00 a.m. to noon or by appointment.
Location:
900 Barton Street #111 Fredericksburg, VA 22401.
(540) 373-3704
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Click here to join the CRHC mailing list and stay up to date with what is happening at the Center!
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Message from the Chairman
The "Repast on the Rappahannock" fundraiser at Bill and Susan Beck's Pump House was a delightful affair. Sunny weather, good food, drink and company made for an enjoyable afternoon. Thanks to the sponsors and attendees for their support!
Barbara Barrett
CRHC Chairman
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Dog Mart - A Tradition
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Dog Mart Parade on Caroline St. in the 1950's.
HFFI Collection
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Dates:
1698 to 1776;
1927 to 1941;
1948 to Present
In 1698 settlers in the area that later became Fredericksburg and the Indians of Eastern Virginia declared a one-day truce. The day was for the sole purpose of giving the Indians the opportunity to trade gold nuggets, furs and produce for the settlers' prime English hunting dogs. This one-day truce continued until the Revolutionary War, when distrust between the settlers and the Indians stopped the tradition.
In 1927 the Dog Curb Mart as it was then called was revived by the Chamber of Commerce and held at the City Park (Hurkamp Park). It was scheduled for October to coincide with the start of hunting season and included representatives from the Indian Nation who would sell their crafts. The event soon gained national attention and in 1938 7,000 people and 641 dogs attended. In 1941 the Dog Mart was again stopped because of war.
In 1948 the Chamber of Commerce with the help of the Izaak Walton League revived the tradition. The main event was held at Maury Field after a parade that included marching bands, pups and people. Again the Indian Nation was an active participant.
The June 1951 National Geographic featured a 16-page article that included many photographs of this well-attended tradition. The article proclaimed the Dog Mart a tradition older than our nation. An estimated 15,000 people attended the 1950 event.
The Dog Mart moved to the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds in the 1970s then to a park owned by the Izaak Walton League in Spotsylvania County. It is still held each year in early October.
CRHC Archivist
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Volunteer News
We want to remind everyone that the Knox Tour (lead by our very own Beth Daly) will take place on October 11th. It will be a walking tour of their holdings mentioned in The Circle Unbroken: Civil War Letters of the Knox Family of Fredericksburg
(See following article about book launch).
Our Volunteers are a diverse and interesting group. They range in ages from eight to ninety-two, so we like to think that we have something for everyone. Have you ever thought of donating time in the interest of saving our history? You can e-mail or call the Center and set up an appointment. We have plenty of room for a few more dedicated volunteers.
CRHC Volunteer Coordinator
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A Simple Clothesline
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Volunteer Rollene McCormack came across a most interesting note from the Union Army
Signal Corps following the December 1862 Battle of Fredericksburg.
March 11th 1863
5.30 P.M.
Maj. Gen. Butterfield
Chief of Staff
General:
I have the honor to report that our signal in Fredericksburg has yesterday and to day shown, that the forces are moving from that vicinity. The signal does not denote which way they are moving whether inland or down the river.
[Drawing] A clothesline with one piece denotes that the forces in the vicinity of Fredericksburg are on the move. An empty line denotes that they have all gone away. Two pieces shows that they are in force as they have been since the fight. Three pieces that they are being reinforced.
One piece has been displayed all day yestarday [sic] and to day, till 4. P.M. when observer came away.
Respectfully
Your obedient servant
Jno. C. Babcock
Incidentally, Union Army Major General Daniel Butterfield was known for adapting the music for the bugle call "Taps" while in camp at Harrison's Landing, Virginia, in July 1862. It soon spread to other Union Army units and was also used by the Confederates.
Barb Davidson
CRHC Archivist
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Book Launch -
Celebrate With Us
The Heritage Center and Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. announce a book launch to promote the publication and sale of
The Circle Unbroken:
Civil War Letters of the Knox Family of Fredericksburg at the Kenmore Inn (former home of the Knox family), 1200 Princess Anne Street, Sunday, October 27, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
The book contains over 100 letters written by Knox family members between 1861 and 1865. It illuminates in vivid detail the wartime experiences of the family and local residents.
This event, hosted by Kenmore Inn owner, Rob Alling, is open to the public. Reservations are encouraged. RSVP to office@hffi.org.
Judy Chaimson
CRHC Archivist
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Welcome new members: Ms. Carolyn P. Russell, Ms. Cheryl Fields, Mr. T. Dougherty and Ms. Carolyn Van Der Jagt.
Our memberships support the important work done by the Center, including the purchase of archival boxes, folders, etc.
If you are able to become a CRHC member, please help us in our efforts to preserve our area's history. Just click on the Membership link under Quick Links on the left.
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Thank you for your support,
Central Rappahannock Heritage Center
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