INSIDE Deep Run Horse Show wraps up this Sunday > page 12
Volume 66 Number 24 • June 23, 2022
James River Batteau Festival 2022
Batteau hull
SO YOU WANT TO BUILD A BATTEAU
Photo by Diane Nickerson
Several massive trees were uprooted in the front yard of this Courthouse area home by a confirmed EF1 tornado on the evening of June 16.
Recovery goes on in wake of tornado strike
One pro’s advice? You’re going to need some oak, and some time — and probably some friends
No injuries reported but homeowners county-wide continue to remove debris
By Roslyn Ryan Editor
W
hen it comes to building a batteau—those long, flat wooden boats that once routinely plied the James and are now often viewed as charming reminders of the region’s historic ties to the mighty river—Ralph Smith could certainly be considered a reliable resource.
By Roslyn Ryan Editor
see Batteau > page 5
Photos courtesy of Ralph Smith
Background: A drawing of a batteau recovered during the excavation of the future James Center site in Richmond. Inset photo, top: the ribs of Ralph Smith’s batteau, the Anthony Rucker, seen during the construction process. Inset photo, bottom, the hull being completed.
Hundreds of Goochland residents are continuing to repair homes and remove debris this week after a confirmed EF1 tornado ripped through the county on the evening of June 16. According to county emergency management officials there have been no reports of injuries from the storm, which left approximately 3,700 residents without power. Virginia Department of Transportation and Dominion Energy worked through the night to clear road debris and restore power. see Storm > page 2