Explore Brunswick by Publications Press, Inc.

2011

EXPLORE COMPLIMENTARY - PLEASE TAKE ONE!

The Original Home of

Brunswick Stew

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, VA VISITOR & NEWCOMER GUIDE

explorebrunswickva.com

The Meherrin River

Lake Gaston

Lake Rawlings

Valentines Post Ofﬁce

Fishing on Poplar Creek

Discover the Potential... Itʼs Endless!

Bike Virginia

Fort Christanna

Brunswick Stew

Table of Contents Board of Supervisors....................................................3 Town of Alberta ..........................................................4 Town of Lawrenceville .................................................5 Real Story of Brunswick Stew......................................10 Town of Brodnax........................................................13 Brunswick County Tourism Association.........................15 Brunswick County Museum.........................................17 Taste of Brunswick Festival.........................................18 Jurassic Park in Brunswick County...............................20 A Native Son - Francis Wood.......................................22

elcome to the 2011 edition of Explore Brunswick County. Thank you so much for the many positive responses we received to last year’s magazine. It was very well received. We are building on last year’s success and think you will ﬁnd this edition even better. We also received some criticisms and some positive suggestions on how we could make the magazine even better. The Brunswick Chamber of Commerce and the Brunswick County/Lake Gaston Tourism Association used the magazine as a marketing tool. This magazine is again a partnership between Womack Publishing Company and the Brunswick County/ Lake Gaston Tourism Association. I want to thank Tom Childrey and Nancy Shell with the Brunswick TimesGazette, and Carrie Hazelwood for their hard work on this project. A big thank you goes to Bobby Conner with the tourism association for his help and suggestions. I would also like to thank William Ward Moseley, a Brunswick County native, for allowing us to use his painting of the Brunswick County Courthouse on the cover. It truly was a team effort and we know that a team

Sylvia Allen

Fort Christanna.........................................................26 Meherrin Regional Library..........................................28 Why We Call Brunswick County Home........................30 County Park At Great Creek.......................................32 The ArtBank.............................................................34 Valentines Post Ofﬁce................................................36 SVCC........................................................................38 Ghosts Of Brunswick..................................................40 CMH Cancer Care......................................................41 Lake Gaston.............................................................44

effort yields positive results. For one of the features this year we asked several people to share why they make Brunswick County their home and what they love about living here. That got me to thinking about why I love living in Dolphin, a quiet and friendly neighborhood. Just recently I saw three random acts of kindness that I think sometimes we take for granted. In the Food Lion parking lot a young lady asked an older lady if she needed help with her groceries. It is also the car that stops on Main Street to let a pedestrian pass. It is having car trouble and having a friend deliver a car for you to use, ﬁlled with gasoline (Thank you Sheriff Roberts). It is the person holding the door for you and speaking to you on the street. It is knowing your neighbor and knowing people in the restaurant who ask how your grandchildren are doing. It is letting your 10-year-old grandson walk from the Brunswick Times-Gazette ofﬁce to the Brunswick County Library on a Saturday morning knowing he will be safe. It is the kindness of people that we see every day that we sometimes take for granted. A good friend has been living in

Baretta Taylor Project Director

Editor

Tom Childrey

Sales Manager

Connecticut for ﬁve years and she and her husband are making plans to move back to Brunswick County or Southside Virginia. The reason? They haven’t made the friendships there that they made when they lived here and they miss it terribly. They enjoy the quiet of an evening on the patio just listening to the sounds of nature. They swear you can’t get glass of sweet ice tea “up there”. So they are moving back to the small town life that many of us consider very precious. Be sure to check out list of the 12 things everyone should do when they visit Brunswick County. I think you will be surprised at the many things Brunswick County has to offer, from historical sites like Fort Christanna to recreational attractions like Lake Rawlings and Lake Gaston. We have it all right here in our own backyard. Let’s share that message with others as we look to the future. Let us know what you think of this edition.

Sylvia Allen Editor

Carrie Hazelwood Page Design

Nancy Shell

Ofﬁce Manager

©2011 Womack Publishing Co., Inc Explore Brunswick • Volume 2 Issue 1 explorebrunswickva.com • P. O. Box 250, 213 Main Street, Lawrenceville, VA 23868 • (434) 848-2114 • news@brunswicktimes-gazette.com

Explore Brunswick • 2011

Welcome extended

The Brunswick County Board of Supervisors and County Administrator Charlette Woolridge welcome visitors and newcomers to Brunswick County. Points of interest include Fort Christanna, the Valentines Post Ofﬁce, Tobacco Heritage Trail in Lawrenceville, Historic Downtown Lawrenceville, Lake Rawlings, Saint Paul’s College, and Southside Virginia Community College. Don’t forget to sample some delicious Brunswick stew. There is so much to see. County Administrator Charlette Woolridge, left, Supervisor Robert Conner, Supervisor Bernard Jones, chair, Supervisor Barbara Jarrett Drummond, Supervisor Welton Tyler and Supervisor Marc Finney are shown.

Welcome from the Brunswick County Board of Supervisors

n behalf of the Brunswick County Board of Supervisors it is our pleasure to welcome you to Brunswick County and the second edition of Explore Brunswick. Brunswick County has many things to offer to its citizens and visitors. Our great educational system offers Kindergarten through grade 12, Southside Virginia Community College and Saint Paul’s College. Brunswick County’s secondary school system captured two state championships in 2011, Brunswick High School – AA Division 3 Basketball and Brunswick

Academy – state baseball. Brunswick County is a place where we beneﬁt from its unlimited opportunities, such as serene living, a secure neighborhood, and many cultural and historic activities to name a few. We have something for everyone. Again, we welcome you and enjoy Brunswick County. Bernard L. Jones, Sr. Chair Brunswick County Board of Supervisors. Explore Brunswick • 2011

Alberta poised for future growth

elcome to Alberta, this jewel of a small town located on Historic Route 1 right off Interstate 85 was founded in 1928 at the intersection of two major railroads. While the trains have been discontinued, we continue to preserve the quality of life experienced more than 80 years ago. Visitors can get the chance to watch one of our local civic groups make old fashioned Brunswick stew. This regional treat is cooked in a huge black, iron pot over an open flame for about 12 hours using handcut chicken and vegetables. You can also visit Daniel’s Auction where estate sales draw hundreds of people from Mayor of Alberta Melissa Parrish is shown standing in front of the new Alsurrounding areas. Items for sale range from antique guns berta Town Square which is part of the town’s revitalization efforts. to building supplies and are remodeling and, in some cases reThe new Meherrin River Regional held on Saturday, about twice building homes for our residents we will Jail which is a joint effort between a month. Should you have a medical be able to give about a fifth of the Town Brunswick, Dinwiddie and Mecklenburg problem, the two doctors, one dentist and a better quality of life and add pride in Counties, is moving forward with a start a group of dedicated medical staff can our close knit community. up date for the summer of 2012. This assist you at Southside Virginia Medical Alberta is home to Southside Virginia $53 million facility will initially employ Center. This million-dollar facility was Community College where a countywide about 250 people creating much-needed built a few years ago and offers a sliding festival is held each year; the Taste jobs for many in the area. Alberta scale for those on a fixed budget while of Brunswick Festival last year saw is in the process of upgrading its offering excellent one on one care. more than 8,000 attendees sample infrastructure to accommodate the Recently, the Town of Alberta received Brunswick stew made by more than growth that is envisioned for the facility a great boost through a Community 20 stew masters vying for cash prizes that is located across U. S. 1 from Development Block Grant that paid for and recognition. About 50 vendors, Colonial Downs. revitalization efforts that have seen two that sold everything from corn dogs to We welcome you to drive into Alberta, dozen business facades up-dated, created handcrafted baskets, delighted those who visit the newly remodeled Alberta a beautiful Town Square, a focal point came from far and wide to visit friends General Store, or just sit on the park for concerts and civic events and added and make new ones. bench at the post office, the hub of a vintage caboose that is in the process Colonial Downs has an off-track activity in Town. You might get the of being refurbished. Featured are new wagering center and restaurant in Town opportunity to strike up a conversation signage, new sidewalks, streetlights, park where several events are held including with a citizen who will regale you with benches and trash receptacles. poker tournaments, and a popular stories of the first steam engine to come Alberta is currently in the process comedy hour event with dinner theater into the area or the motel on the highway of rebuilding or remodeling about 30 entertainment. People travel from as far that featured Indian teepees as lodging. homes in a low to moderate income as Charlotte, N.C. to view the standing For more information, please contact area on Samford, Oak and North room only bid for the Triple Crown as Alberta Mayor, Melissa Parrish at the Streets. Improved drainage in the well as the Breeder’s Cup, one of the Town Municipal office, (434) 949-7443. area will eliminate periodic flooding most attended events of record. in low-lying areas of the project. By

Explore Brunswick • 2011

Welcome from Mayor of Lawrenceville Doug Pond

elcome to Lawrenceville. Our community is the County seat of Brunswick County and as such is the governmental, commercial, and cultural center of the area. Lawrenceville is centrally located to Southside Virginia and is a perfect community to locate a business that serves the region. The Town Council recently approved a package of business incentives and works closely with two real estate agents to match entrepreneurs with buildings. We have immediate access to business consultants who meet one on one with prospective businesses at no charge. When you visit Lawrenceville please stop by the Visitor Center in the lobby of the Municipal Building. The Visitor Center includes the ofﬁce of the Town and the Brunswick Chamber of Commerce staffed with good folks that can answer questions and provide information. The Town has several places to visit including Sonny Wholey Field (1934), Saint Paul’s College (1888), St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (1869), Courthouse Square, and Fort Christanna (1714). The Downtown is a designated Historic District and pending legislation will allow for upper level residential development in the near future. The Historic District also connects with the developing Tobacco Heritage Trail that is a segment of the national rails to trails movement. Check us out at www.lawrencevilleweb.com or on our Town of Lawrenceville Facebook page.

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Explore Brunswick • 2011

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people of

Brunswick Bryant L. Stith

A native of Brunswick County, Stith is a ten-year veteran of the National Basketball Association. He was educated in the Brunsw i c k County Public School system where he was a scholar and a leading athlete. Graduating as the valedictorian and the alltime leading scorer at Brunswick Senior High School, he continued his role as a student-athlete at the University of Virginia. After four years of study in Charlottesville, Stith graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and as the leading scorer in the University’s history. He was drafted by the Denver Nuggets as the thirteenth overall pick in 1992 and played with the team for eight years. He played one season with the Boston Celtics and ﬁnished his career in the NBA by signing a two-year contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Currently, Stith remains busy by serving as the Chairman of the Board of S.C.O.R.E. (Setting Children on the Road to Empowerment), Inc., a nonproﬁt organization serving the youth and families of Southside Virginia. Stith remains true to the game that he loved by serving as the head coach for the Brunswick High School Bulldogs. In three years, he has led his alma mater to three state championship appearances, winning the state title in 2011, and he has been named Virginia Preps AA Coach of the year three times. He and his wife Barbara reside in Lawrenceville with their four children.

Come visit our many historical, recreational and scenic places. We have something for everyone. Lake Gaston, County Park at Great Creek, Brunswick Lake, Brunswick County Museum, Fort Christanna, Valentines Post Ofﬁce, Gholson Bridge, Tobacco Heritage Trail, Sonny Wholey Memorial Park, Meherrin River a State Scenic River, Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail, Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail and the Civil War Trail.

Brunswick County/Lake Gaston Tourism Association 228 North Main Street Lawrenceville, Virginia 23868

434-848-6773, 1-866-STEWPOT stewpot@meckcom.net www.TourBrunswick.com

Explore Brunswick • 2011

Court records escape Civil War intact B

runswick County is one of a very few counties that did not loose any of its court records or books during the Civil War. While no major battles were fought in Brunswick County, groups of Union raiders would pass through the county searching for supplies. One particular raid passed through Lawrenceville in 1864. The Clerk of the Circuit and County Court of Brunswick at the time was Edward Randolph Turnbull. Mr. Turnbull had heard the raiders were coming through the area and just before he left the clerks office located in the courthouse, he placed his Masonic apron over the court books lying on an office table. After the raid, Mr. Turnbull returned to the courthouse where he found papers strewn all over the floor of the clerk’s office and ink poured over the papers. It looked as though all the records had been destroyed, but upon further examination, he found that the raiders had only damaged blank record books and other papers of no importance. The officer in charge of the raid according to local tradition was a Freemason and upon seeing the Masonic Apron, restrained his men from vandalizing the court books, leaving the records intact beginning with 1732 until the time of the raid. After a new clerks office (pictured here) was built in 1893 next to the courthouse, the court records were moved from the courthouse to their new home where all records through the present day are housed.

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Explore Brunswick • 2011

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Join the excitement of Kart racing at Brunswick Speedway Colonial Downs, off-track betting in Alberta 7. Peddle a Bike Go biking on any of Brunswick’s many scenic trails and roads 8. Learn some History Visit the Brunswick County Museum and Historical Society & the Fort Christanna Historical Site 9. Feel the Love Stop by the Valentines Virginia Post Ofﬁce 10. Catch a Show Attend the ArtBank’s annual season of musical performances and plays 11. Watch the Birds See many species of birds along the nature trails in Lawrenceville, Alberta and Brodnax 12. Relax and Enjoy Slow down, sit back and see all the sites Brunswick County has to offer Spend the night at Brunswick Mineral Springs B & B

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the real story of T

By Gay Neale

he name of Brunswick County has traveled all over the world with the popularity of its foremost product, Brunswick stew. A delicious blend of chicken and vegetables, the stew is simple to make and unforgettable in taste. Its origins go back to early days in the county, around 1828, when a hunting party gathered at Mount Donum, on the Nottoway in the northwestern end of the county, the home of Dr. Creed Haskins. Dr. Haskins took with them his cook, “Uncle” Jimmy Matthews, who was well known for his culinary skills. He was always along on the hunting expeditions. While the hunters went in search of game, Uncle Jimmy spent his time shooting the fat squirrels that abounded in the woods. He made a stew of them, and, so the legend says, butter, onions, stale bread and seasoning. Dr. Haskins, it was reported, added some brandy or Madeira to the pot on their return to ‘give the stew a flavor.” The hunters, who had had no luck finding game, were delighted with the concoction and asked for more when they finished. And on future hunting expeditions Uncle Jimmy was always asked to make his stew. Soon he was making it for picnics and public events with great pride and delight. Meade Haskins wrote down the original recipe in 1907. The family had kept the recipe and improved on it, but he contended that “Vegetables are not in the original Brunswick stew. Those who prefer vegetables add them after the stew is done, in their plates.” His recipe called for bacon to add some fat to the squirrel meat. After boiling with onions he added bread crumbs, butter, and salt and pepper at last. The pot should boil for four hours, and water should be added at intervals. John P. Mason claimed to have a recipe handed down to him by Dr. Creed Haskins which is similar to the one above except that over a pound of butter went into the mix and it should be “rich and highly seasoned” with both black and red pepper. While he said other meat

could be used, “Squirrels are best.” In the 1930s, Freeman F. Browder was renowned for his stew, and his recipe shows the evolution toward vegetables. By this time, in order to make a quantity, people were using the cast iron wash pots found in every back yard to make large batches. Browder’s recipe begins, “Scrub pot well.” He renders pork side meat for fat, braises the meat, then adds water, onions, tomatoes, butterbeans and corn. A final seasoning and the stew was perfection. Around that same time, Virginia S. Woodruff wrote her recipe out as a verse: First catch your chicken, clean and cut them And in an iron put you put them And water nearly to the top And in it salt and pepper drop. Boil slowly. Your tomatoes peel. Put in a shin or so of veal, And for the flavor, bear in mind A chunk of middling with the rind. Next some onions you throw in, The young and tender skin, And butterbeans do not forget; And what is more important yet The corn. But do not be too fast, For you must cut and add it last, For better than the flour you’ll find it’ll do To give some thickness to the stew. Some lemon peel cut very thin May now be added and stirred in, And ere it is taken from the fire Give it a dash of Worcestershire. And soon you will hear its praises ring. This is a dish fit for a king.

Mrs. Woodruff’s recipe will strike purists as slightly overdone with its veal, lemon peel and Worcestershire, but it demonstrates the evolution of the dish. The recipe has changed a bit through the years, some incorporating such vegetables as okra, celery or carrots. Potatoes are used extensively today. Since squirrels are harder to come by, chicken is the preferred meat incorporated in the more purist version. Some prefer ham or lamb, but others rule that out. Now it is a staple at large events, and many a fund-raiser depends Explore Brunswick • 2011

on profits from the stew. People in Brunswick often keep a few quarts in the freezer for unexpected guests, and it is even sold on-line through www. TheCinnamonCafe.com. Naturally, with such a fine delicacy, there are imitations. For a period of time, Brunswick, Georgia claimed to have invented the stew, but their inferior product was never of the caliber of the local stew. Dr. Edwin T. Williams in 1958 said, “It is very evident that our Georgia friends were misled by the coincidence in names.” In the 1980s, debate continued between the two Brunswicks to the extent that various stew-making teams competed in annual “Stew-Wars” between the towns. Trucks pulling stewpots went alternately from Brunswick County, Virginia, to Brunswick, Georgia and competition was stiff at intense “stew-offs.” While no one was declared final victor in these years, the Brunswick County cooks definitely felt superior. In 1991 Southern Living did an extensive story on the “Stew Wars” with recipes from both sides, including a truly heretic version out of Georgia with barbecue sauce in it! Today, acknowledged “stew-masters” in the county will be asked to make a stew for an occasion. They show up with giant pots, often made from cut-down propane tanks, and with built-in burners. These are mounted on trailers so they can be moved from one place to another, such as the annual trek to Richmond to make stew on the Capitol steps for the legislators on Brunswick Stew Day. Their crew of five or six stalwart assistants assembles and they begin the stew. It will bubble and boil all night, while the men in shifts stir it with canoe paddles. The waist-high pots are hard to stir once the stew begins to thicken, and it is not as easy as it seems. Recently, an annual county festival, called “Taste of Brunswick,” brings music, arts and crafts, activities for children, politicians, snow-cones and funnel cake merchants, and more to a happy throng. The chief attraction at this fest, however, is a stew-off with as many as 18 stew-masters and their teams, each in its own tent, making gallons of stew and selling out by noon to an eager

f brunswick stew

January 26 was Brunswick Stew Day at the General Assembly. Stewmaster David Tucker and the Red Oak Stew Crew cooked 85 gallons of stew on the grounds of the Capitol. Volunteers with the Brunswick County/Lake Gaston Tourism Association traveled in two vans provided by Southside Virginia Community College to serve the stew. Governor Bob McDonnell stopped by to greet the stew crew and volunteers as well as Delegate Tommy Wright, Delegate Roslyn Tyler, Senator Frank Ruff and Senator L. Louise Lucas. crowd. Lines form for the winners of the contest, but each stew-master has fans and the slight variations in taste (perhaps a whiff of woodsmoke, or maybe a bit more hot spice) add excitement. Today cooks make a pot of Brunswick stew for their families with a version of the old recipes, possibly using newfangled innovations such as crock-pots, microwaves and instant potatoes, but the stew is still much the same. And some probably, as Dr. Creed Haskins did, put a little brandy in it “for ﬂavor.” Whatever the variation, it is still the original Brunswick stew from Brunswick County, Virginia. Here is a recipe that feeds a family

and most nearly approaches the Platonic Ideal of Brunswick stew: 1 3 pound broiler-fryer 2 stalks celery 1 onion, quartered 7 (or more) cups of water 2 10-oz packages of frozen baby lima beans 3 10-oz packages of frozen whole kernel corn 1 Cup chopped onion 2 28-oz cans whole or diced tomatoes, undrained 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 3 T butter or margarine 1 T salt

1 1/2 t. pepper 1/2 to 1 t. red pepper 10 saltine crackers, crumbled Combine chicken, celery, onion and 5 C. water in crock pot or Dutch oven. Bring to boil and reduce heat, simmering 1 hour. Cool and remove chicken, celery and onion. Save broth in pot. Bone and peel chicken and dice. Add chicken and all other ingredients except saltines to pot. Simmer uncovered 4 1/2 hours (crock pot on low) until all is blended, adding water if necessary. Stir often. Crumble crackers and add, cooking 15 minutes more. Yield: 3 1/2 quarts.

Explore Brunswick • 2011

A Message from Sheriff Brian Roberts

elcome to Brunswick County! I hope that your visit is positive and safe. The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce is proud of its high standards of excellence and in 2007 was the 59th Law Enforcement Agency out of over 415 in Virginia to become accredited. In 2011, we successfully went through our 1st Re-accreditation and have continued to lead in Southside Virginia in technology, grant writing, crime deterrence and professional standards. As the Sheriff and a resident of Brunswick County, I understand the importance of keeping our county a safe and beautiful place to live. As “A Community Moving Forward,” we should all take a proactive approach to litter control and prevention. James Q. Wilson conducted a study in the early 1980’s titled “The Broken Windows Theory of Crime Causation”. His research concluded what we already know.

Junk, trash, and similar quality of life issues, if allowed to go unchecked, signal the criminal element that the community does not care and neither does its law enforcement officers. Once this occurs, the crime rate increases and our quality of life decreases. The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office cares, each year we successfully through the use of inmate labor, pick up over 10,000 bags of trash off of our highways and byways. Allowing litter to go unchecked not only diminishes the beauty of our great county, but also directly contributes to an increase in criminal activity. In order to achieve and maintain a safe and litter-free county, it takes a partnership with the Sheriff’s Office and the Community. As a member of our Brunswick community, I am personally asking everyone to do their part to keep our community a clean and safe place to visit and live.

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Brodnax: A uniquely charming and inviting Southern Virginia community

ecent and current revitalization efforts in Brodnax are resulting in an attractive yet functional makeover to the downtown area without detracting from the inherent charm of one of Southern Virginia’s most endearingand enduring-communities. With phase one of the revitalization already complete and the second and final phase targeted for completion later in 2011, things are shaping up quite nicely in the downtown area. Streetscape upgrades include the relocation of telephone lines from the more visible downtown throughway to the less visible rear portion of the Main Street area behind the structures lining one of the town’s busiest access points, in addition to the inclusion of attractive new lighting, benches, new trash receptacles and more. Improved handicappedaccessibility for the Brodnax Town Office is also included in phase two of the project. The improvements already in place have not only the town’s residents, but likewise visitors from near and far talking about the attractive and inviting community situated on Mecklenburg County’s easternmost and Brunswick County’s westernmost borders. Not far from the downtown area, the Tobacco Heritage Trail is already creating plenty of positive buzz within local communities as well as from visitors who are passionate about what the local leg of the trail will offer upon completion. With the five-mile segment of trail that connects La Crosse

Mayor of Brodnax Garland Baird invites you to visit the town and see all of the new and exciting work that is being done to revitalize the downtown area. He encourages everyone to take a stroll and enjoy the Tobacco Heritage Trail that runs through the heart of Brodnax. to Brodnax already up and functional, project planners and supporters continue to move forward on the Brodnax-toLawrenceville leg of the trail. Several key meetings are scheduled for the second half of 2011 that should ultimately advance the Brodnax-to-Lawrenceville portion of the trail further toward completion. Brodnax is blessed with community leaders that understand the importance of maintaining the town’s crucial link to its history-rich past while at the same time keeping an eye out for opportunities that will help ensure that it remains poised for positive future growth. Equally important to the town’s survival and ongoing vitality are the men, women and children who reside here, and who are at the heart and soul of what makes Brodnax a uniquely charming and inviting community that continues to shine as a small town with plenty of heart and arms open wide to a bright future. Explore Brunswick • 2011

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SPARC - Sponsoring Partnership and Revitalizing Communities The SPARC program provides below market rate for loans for first-time homebuyers through special allocations made to local housing groups. SPARC funding is intended to assist these housing groups in addressing Contact: Chris Stephenson critical housing needs facing their communities. (Allocations are made Executive Director annually on a competitive basis.) Interest rates are 1/2% to 1% below Tel. 434-247-9157 VHDA’s published First-time Homebuyer Program rates. Special income limits and criteria determined by the housing organization may apply. Virginia Individual Development Features: Accounts (VIDA) Program Downpayment based on specific program selected Ivest in Your Future Most First-time Homebuyer programs are eligible Personal Finances and Credit Stardard program qualifying applies Reports Authorization for resevation must be obtained by the specific SPARC housing organization.

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Explore Brunswick • 2011

The Original Home of Brunswick Stew and Much More W hile Brunswick County is known for its Brunswick Stew, made famous in 1828 by camp cook Uncle Jimmy Matthews, there is plenty more to see and do while visiting our scenic and historic county. Our people, our places and our spirit make Brunswick County a destination to see and experience. There is an abundance of historical, recreational and scenic opportunities for all ages. If you like history, visit the Fort Christanna Historical Site, established in 1714. There is interpretive signage describing various aspects of the fort’s history, a path around the original walls of the fort and nature trails. The Brunswick County Museum and Historical Society located on the historic courthouse square in Lawrenceville tells the story of the county’s rich history and has exhibits on Brunswick Stew, Fort Christanna, former Governor Albertis S. Harrison, Jr., St. Paul’s College and local farm life. Brunswick County is also part of the Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail. The self-guided tour has historically significant stops honoring African Americans, Native Americans and women concerning their roles in developing rights to be equally educated. The county has four stops on the forty-one stop trail, which includes St. Paul’s College, Christanna Campus of Southside Virginia Community College, Fort Christanna and the Hospital and School of the Good Shepard (Three Angels Inn). The Wilson-Kautz Raid, which is part of Lee’s Retreat and the Virginia Civil War Trails, has two stops located in Brunswick County. The stops are at Smoky Ordinary and Danieltown. If you are a nature lover, the Christanna Loop of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail provides visitors with a wide variety of native plants and animals for viewing. The trail has four stops in the county which includes Fort Christanna, County Park at Great Creek, County Pond and the hiking trail at the Christanna Campus of Southside Virginia Community College. Nature abounds while walking and enjoying the quiet, peaceful atmosphere of the Tobacco Heritage Trail from Lawrenceville to Brodnax. If you enjoy recreation, Brunswick County has a wide range of activities such as golfing, scuba diving at Lake Rawlings and paddling down the Meherrin, a State Scenic River. You can try your hand at catching the big one by fishing at County Park at Great Creak, County Pond or on Lake Gaston. Lake Gaston also offers the opportunity to enjoy boating, skiing or just relaxing and soaking up the sun. For the lover inside you, visit the Valentines Post Office. Located inside Wright’s General Merchandise, the post office is famous for it’s special Valentines Day postmark. Each year the post office receives thousands of Valentines from all over

the world to be postmarked with the one of a kind heart shaped stamp. For some, it has also become a sort of chapel of love with weddings taking place right in the store and post ofﬁce lobby. If a leisurely drive is more your pace, Brunswick County is home to three scenic Virginia Byways. Highway 903 (Hendricks Mill Road), Highway 626 (Robinson Ferry and Gasburg Road) and Highway 46 (Christanna Highway) provide a great opportunity to see scenes of local beauty, history, farm life and Brunswick County at its best. With our close proximity to Richmond, Raleigh and Tidewater, we have a lot to offer, whether you visit for a day, a weekend or stay for a lifetime. For more information please contact the Brunswick County/ Lake Gaston Tourism Association, 228, North Main Street, Suite B-100, Lawrenceville, Virginia 23868. Phone 434-8486773, 1-866-STEWPOT. Email: stewpot@meckcom.net or on the web: www.tourbrunswick.com.

Explore Brunswick • 2011

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Explore Brunswick • 2011

Brunswick County Museum and Historical Society

he Brunswick Museum and Historical Society, Inc. is located in the historic Courthouse Square in Lawrenceville, Virginia. The 501(c)(3) organization works to preserve and present the rich heritage and multi-faceted culture of Brunswick County and Southside Virginia. It strives to promote the history of Brunswick County through rotating exhibits at the museum and interesting lectures. The museum houses three distinct display rooms. Present exhibitions on loan at the museum include a 1948 silver communion set from Trinity St. Mark’s Church, historic photographs from Saint Paul’s College, memorabilia from local ﬁre and emergency services, and a Sons of Confederate Veterans display. Other exhibits include 4,000 year-old arrowheads and tomahawks in addition to an exhibit of Fort Christanna which, when established in 1714, was the

westernmost point of the British Empire. Community events sponsored by the Brunswick Museum & Historical Society, Inc. include a Luncheon Speaker Series and art programs for children. Newsletters are available through membership or at Brunswick County

Library, Saint Paul’s College Library, and Southside Virginia Community College (Alberta campus) Library. Admission is free and volunteer docents work in the museum MondayThursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information call (434) 848-0964.

Explore Brunswick • 2011

Taste of Brunswick Festival Entertaining, Educational and Exciting Annual Event

f you are looking for a festival that offers great food, fun and fellowship the Taste of Brunswick Festival held the second Saturday of October fills the bill. The festival is held on the grounds of Southside Virginia Community College - Christanna Campus – from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The festival is held rain or shine. There is no admission fee or parking fee. SVCC is located just off Interstate 85 at the intersection of Boydton Plank Road and Christanna Highway. One of the highlights of the festival is the Brunswick Stew Cook-off to name the World Champion stewmaster. A total of $1,500 in prize money will be awarded, $800 for first place, $400 for second place, $200 for third place and $100 for fourth place. Winners are announced at 1 p.m. Stew will be available by the bowl from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Quarts of stew will be available after 1 p.m. Entertainment in the past included bluegrass all day, the Butterbean Quartet, the Fort Lee Army Band, the Country Boys Gospel Singers, New Creation Gospel Singers, a children’s play about the history of Brunswick stew, Brunswick High School Chorus, a Confederate reenactment, horses, petting zoo, pony rides, rides for the kids, the SVCC Barrel Train, face painting, Civil War re-enactment, food vendors and so much more. There will be a car and tractor show. Vendors will be selling honey hives, Mary Kay Cosmetics, handmade jewelry, pet novelties, gift baskets and silk flowers, crochet items, seasonal gifts, ceramics, goat milk soap and other items, lemonade, woodcrafts and many other items. For more information about the Taste of Brunswick Festival visit www. tasteofbrunswickfestival.com or call (434) 949-0015.

The Taste of Brunswick Festival offers many activities for children but the main attraction for many is the delicious Brunswick stew which can be purchased by the bowl or by the quart.

Explore Brunswick • 2011

people of

Brunswick

Susan Clarke Schaar

Born and raised in Brunswick County, Susan Clarke Schaar began her distinguished career with the Virginia Senate Clerk’s ofﬁce in 1974 as an engrossing clerk, culminating in her election as Clerk of the Senate of Virginia in 1990, where she continues to serve with distinction and exceptional dedication. The Clerk of the Senate is elected by the Senate and serves as the chief administrative ofﬁcer. Schaar’s duties include overseeing the daily operations of the Senate, maintaining all Senate records, keeping the daily Journal, referring bills to committees, personnel management, information technology, and facilities management. She has also served on many state committees and commissions including, the Virginia Commission on Interstate Cooperation, the Virginia Legislative Support Commission, the Virginia Commission on Preservation of Capitol Square, the Virginia Capitol Foundation, the Governor’s Commission Honoring the American Indians of Virginia, the Governor’s Public Safety Memorial Commission and the Commemorative Commission to Honor the Contributions of the Women of Virginia As a graduate of the University of Richmond, Schaar has served as chair or vice chair on numerous committees of the American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries, as well as in leadership positions, including secretary-treasurer in the 1995-1996 term and president-elect, president, and immediate past president in consecutive terms in 1996-1999. She has been an active supporter of Brunswick Stew Day at the General Assembly, helping with the logistics for the annual event held on Capitol Square.

Welcome to BRUNSWICK COUNTY Get a REAL TASTE of Brunswick County by exploring our quaint, picturesque southern towns and communities… Visit our Lakes and Rivers including the Meherrin and Nottoway rivers and beautiful lakes of Gaston and Lake Rawlings… or simply explore our Rolling Green Countryside that includes our scenic walking trail…Visit our many historic sites such as Fort Christanna and Historic Valentines Post ofﬁce. YOU’LL FIND IT ALL IN BRUNSWICK COUNTY ! Spring Festival/Rotar 5-Miler Third Saturday in April

Chamber Sponsored Events: Halloween Parade October/Friday before Halloween

Annual Chamber Golf Tournament Last Wednesday in April

Christmas Parade First Friday Evening in December

Annual Chamber Picnic Second Wednesday in August

Santa Breakfast Saturday Morning Following the Christmas Parade

The Brunswick Chamber of Commerce 400 North Main St Lawrenceville, Virginia 23868 434-848-3154 brunschamber@lawrencevilleweb.com

Get a Taste of Brunswick is a registered trademark of the Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, Lawrenceville, Virginia @ Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, Lawrenceville, Virginia. All Rights Reserved Explore Brunswick • 2011

Jurassic Park in Brunswick County T

By Joe Lively

o the majority of visitors coming to Brunswick County for the first time, taste buds start drooling uncontrollably after catching the aroma drifting downwind from cooking pots offering The Original Brunswick Stew. You just gotta get you some! Walking the Fort Christanna Trail returns one to the period in our history when Virginia’s first governor, Governor Spotswood initiated the policy of peaceful coexistence and trade with Native Americans living on the adjacent banks of the Meherrin River. Be sure to take in the Brunswick County Museum in Lawrenceville and the quaint town buildings out of the 1940-50s time warp Of all the many attractants inviting whole families to a continuous diet of adventures, one is virtually unknown, but is quietly gaining attention. To get the best understanding, we need to travel back from 100 – 65 million years. Monsters roamed the land. Yes, dinosaurs like T-Rex and their smaller relatives. As these descendents changed their form and genetics to cope with post acropocroliphol condition. In one of the fastest growing eco-tourism industries, people with all different backgrounds are discovering bird species along the Tobacco Heritage Trail. Today, all birds are swift, secretive. The first assessment was done on May 28th of this year. Taken under non-ideal conditions near noon, 51 identified species were recorded. Members of the Margaret Watson Bird Club visited from Farmville, Va. Ideal habitat for breeding and a stopover bring in many tropical species that are rare elsewhere. Most pass through, some stay and fnd nesting sites. It wasn’t long before someone shouted, “Prothonitory rare Warbler.” Extremely and declining in population because of habitat destruction, these tiny yellow jewels. Many were sighted. OK birders, all you have to do is make your arrangements and go, Accommodations available.

Singing dinosaur?

Joe Lively photo

Normally secretive, this small creature dwells in shadows near water. A beautiful example of evolution from its fearsome dinosauran ancestors, Prothonotary warblers are always considered a real trophy sighting by seasoned birders and photographers. These tiny yellow jewels are seen frequently along the Tobacco Heritage Trail passing through Lawrenceville in the heart of Brunswick County, Va. Ideal habitat along this pristine natural trail attracts many rare bird species, but no living velociraptors (I don’t think).

Explore Brunswick • 2011

Bird watchers visit

Joe Lively photo

After a strong start, members from the Margaret Watson Bird Club try to locate secretive birds like the vividly colored Prothonotary warbler. They were successful and had a great time on this primitive, wildlife rich trail. Expect easy walking, lots of critters, two picnic tables and for that wilderness emergency – portable toilets.

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Explore Brunswick • 2011

A Native Son of Brunswick County I

By Francis Eugene Wood

have always been proud of my Brunswick heritage. I lived there just outside of Lawrenceville from 1954 until my family relocated to Farmville, Virginia in 1971. Dad worked for VEPCO then and a job promotion came along at the right time for him and our family. My older sister, Sandra, was entering college and little brother, Dwight, was still in grade school. Although I knew it was the best thing , I sure hated to leave. All my friends were there. All my childhood memories. But one’s life is made up of a labyrinth of paths and choosing a new course will often leave us with cherished memories. A few years ago when I was preparing the manuscript for Tackle Box Memories, a collection of outdoor adventures I had experienced while growing up in Brunswick County, I opened a page in Virginia Wildlife Magazine and was pleased to learn that the Meherrin River in Brunswick had been included in the Virginia Scenic River System. There was a photograph of then governor, Tim Kaine, signing the proclamation at a table set up on the Historic Gholson Bridge. Wow! That was my iron bridge over my river. You see, I had lived with my family in the gatehouse at Brunswick Plantation until I was nine years old when we moved into a new house in Lawrenceville Hills. So, I had crossed that bridge practically every day of my young life up to that point. And the river? Well, like so many other Brunswick natives, I thought of it as my own. Living there at the plantation, I grew up on it. I fished it with my dad, waded its shallows when I was small, and swam in it when I was older. I built log rafts and floated it with my friends. I camped in pup tents on its narrow sandy beaches. And even when we moved into “the hills” I walked and sometimes ran three miles through fields and forests to chase adventures along its banks. The lure of the river was

strong. I have often said that one third of my blood is made up of Meherrin River water. I sure did swallow enough of it. I still have a shoe box ﬁlled with Native American artifacts and shards of pottery that I found along the river banks and the shelves above it. Fort Christianna was not far from where I lived and I was fascinated with its history. I recall reading everything I could about this “Indian school” and standing beside the cannon under towering pines and trying to imagine the layout of the fort. My boy scout troop cleaned up the area during a weekend camp back in the mid 60s. I commend the efforts that have gone into

Francis Wood is an award-winning author of twenty two books. Many of his stories detail the rural upbringing he experienced in Brunswick County. He is a storyteller and lecturer. Francis is a veteran radio broadcaster of over forty years and is the General Manager of Colonial Broadcasting Company, Inc. Of Farmville and the current president of The Virginia Association of Broadcasters. Visit his website at http:// tipofthemoon.com and ﬁnd out more about this native son.

Explore Brunswick • 2011

making the site a destination for tourists to the area. An important historical site such as this should never be forgotten. When I lived there in the 50s and 60s Lawrenceville was the all-American town. There was a constant drone of activity. Life in our little town was good, just as it was in the other smaller villages throughout Brunswick County. I knew kids from everywhere. We went to school together, played little league baseball at the old ball park down the hill and met after school at the soda fountains at either Allen’s Drug Store or Daniel’s. If you got a booth you were special. I remember playing checkers in the window seat at the local barber shop while waiting for Johnny Carpenter to cut my hair. Wilson Elmore would do it if Johnny was too busy. I loved that little town. And I knew it well. I delivered newspapers from the seat of my bike for enough years that I learned all the streets and avenues. I can still retrace my morning paper route in my mind even after all these years. Dad knew it too. He drove me whenever the weather was bad. Aside from that it was three miles to town on my bike, the route, and then back home in time to get ready for school and catch the bus. The sound of an early morning dog barking in the distance reminds me of my paper route through the sleepy streets of Lawrenceville. Cold wind on my face evokes the same memories. And for the record...it never occurred to me that Brunswick Stew originated from any other place. I hope that small towns such as Lawrenceville and the surrounding villages throughout Brunswick County will survive the changing world around them. Oh, they can never again match the glory of years gone by. Our world has changed too much for that. But, perhaps they can stand as a reminder of what we once were and what we aspire to become again. Caring communities where everybody knows everybody, newcomers are welcomed, and children can play safely outside until it’s time to go home.

people of

Brunswick

James Solomon Russell

Despite being born into slavery in 1857 on the Hendrick estate in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, James Solomon Russell overcame great adversity to become founder of the St. Paul Normal School, now known as Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville. He lived with his mother, Armanda Russell, on the estate until after the Civil War, when his father, Solomon Russell, who lived on a nearby plantation in North Carolina, joined them. Life after the Civil War was not easy for the family trying to farm on their own and make a living. The young Russell received encouragement from his parents to get as much education as possible. He attended school when possible and showed remarkable ability. He was further encouraged to go to Hampton Normal and Industrial School. His parents worked hard to send their son to school. Even though he had to leave Hampton twice because of lack of funds, he continued to pursue his education. Russell had known from an early age that he wanted to be a priest. It was suggested that he visit Mrs. Pattie E. Buford of Lawrenceville, a white woman who was interested in missionary work in the black community. Mrs. Buford talked with the Bishop of Virginia, Francis M. Whittle, who arranged for Russell to attend the Theological Seminary of Virginia at St. Stephen’s Church, Petersburg. Russell was the first and only student in a new school for the education of colored clergymen at the Seminary. Russell was under the direct guidance of Rev. Giles Buckner Cooke, rector of St. Stephen’s Church and a former major in the Army of the Confederacy. He was ordained a deacon in 1882. That same year, he married Virginia Michigan Morgan, with whom he would have five children. Russell’s first assignment as a deacon was to Lawrenceville, Virginia, where he and his wife began a parish school in the vestry room of the newly created parish of St. Paul’s. In 1887 he was ordained to the priesthood, and a year later opened St. Paul’s Normal School with donated funds. James Solomon Russell died on March 28, 1935 in the President’s home on Saint Paul’s campus.

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Fort Christanna project: winner National award T

he Fort Christanna Site Development Committee has been presented the 2010 American Association for State and Local History Award of Merit for the work completed at the Fort Christanna Historical Site. The American Association for State and Local History Leadership in History Awards, now in its 65th year, is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history. Nathaniel Neblett, chairman of the Fort Christanna Site Development Committee, expressed appreciation to members of the committee for their hard work and dedication to the Fort Christanna project. “I am especially happy about receiving this award and we want the world to know what a big ﬁsh we landed. Tonight we present the award to you and thank you for your support,” Neblett said. Neblett thanked John Kincheloe, historical consultant, and his wife, Susan McClintock who were instrumental in Fort Christanna being considered for the award. They worked to put the application together and receiving the award would not have been possible without their hard work and dedication. Kincheloe serves as Media Specialist and Adjunct Instructor, American Indian History and Cultures at Meredith College in Raleigh, N.C. Kincheloe said in 2005 he came to the supervisors with a dream to develop the Fort Christanna site. He said it is important to tell the story of the fort and how the people interacted calling attention to Native Americans, colonists, traders and Governor Spotswood. Kincheloe said the fort was dedicated in April 2009 and the hope is for Fort Christanna to bring tourism dollars to Brunswick County. Tony Lynch with the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe said it was a great honor to be involved with the Fort Christanna project emphasizing how important it is for us not

to forget history. “You can’t say there is nothing to do in Brunswick County. Go to Fort Christanna. Our ancestors would be very proud. Keep up the good work. We are behind you 100 percent,” Lynch said. The Fort Christanna Site has been developed into an historical park, with a

new parking area, trails around the fort walls and to the Meherrin River, and interpretive signage. There is also a new outdoor learning center, made possible through the Garden Club of Virginia’s Common Wealth Award. A grant from the Virginia Tobacco Commission has provided a new information kiosk and highway signage on Interstate 85 and Highway 58. The site is also a stop on the Christanna Loop of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail, the Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail, and has been added to the Virginia State Transportation Map as a new point of interest. Governor Alexander Spotswood established the fort in 1714, along the Meherrin River, with the intention of establishing trade with the Native

Explore Brunswick • 2011

Americans and protecting settlers moving into the region. The fort was five sided with each side made of a palisade of split logs, 300 feet to a side. At each corner small bastion houses held a 1400 pound cannon. Stationed at the fort were 12 rangers under the command of Captian Robert Hicks. At its time, it was the first western fort in Virginia. With the Governor’s encouragement, several of the Siouan Indian tribes moved to Fort Christanna and banded together under the name Saponie. They built a village not far from the fort and over 200 Native Americans lived in the village. There was an Indian school located at the fort and Governor Spotswood paid from his own pocket to hire a teacher, Charles Griffin, to educate the Indian children who numbered as many as 100 at one time. In 1718, the legislature withdrew funding from the fort. Private owners attempted to run it but were not successful and by 1722 the fort was almost abandoned by the English. Indians continued to live there for many years but the buildings disintegrated and the wilderness took over again. In 1928 the Colonial Dames of Virginia bought 3.25 acres of land and a monument was placed on the grounds. That marker was a concrete block studded with arrowheads, which people vandalized. It was replaced by the present monument with cannon in the 1950s. In 1979-1981 an archeological dig on the site under the direction of Dr. Mary C. Beaudry affirmed the outlines of the palisade wall and provided some information about life there. In 2002-2004 archaeology led by Dr. Chris Stevenson showed much more about the trade and life of the people of the fort. The Brunswick County Board of Supervisors purchased the surrounding 25 acres of the site in early 2000 to further protect the site and began plans to develop the site into an historical park.

BRUNSWICK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEHERRIN DISTRICT/DISTRICT#1 Hon. Robert H. Conner P.O. Box 52 Ebony, Virginia 23845 434-636-2043 (H) 434-636-2521 (Fax)

POWELLTON DISTRICT/DISTRICT #2 Hon. Welton Tyler 639 Freeman Cross Road Freeman, Virginia 23856 434-634-3692 (H) 434-336-1785 (Fax)

RED OAK DISTRICT/DISTRICT #3 Hon. Bernard L. Jones, Sr. 1670 Lew Jones Road Alberta, Virginia 23821 434-676-3899 (H) 434-676-9119 (Fax)

STURGEON DISTRICT/DISTRICT #4 Hon. Marc L. Finney 440 Sturgeon Road Lawrenceville, Virginia 23868 434-848-9778 (H) 434-848-0598 (H-Fax)

TOTARO DISTRICT/DISTRICT #5 Hon. Barbara Jarrett Drummond 18618 Christanna Highway Lawrenceville, Virginia 23868 434-848-8597 (H) 434-848-2039 (Fax)

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR Charlette T. Woolridge P.O.Box 399 Lawrenceville, Virginia 23868 434-848-3107 (W) 434-848-0424 (Fax) Explore Brunswick • 2011

Meherin Regional Library: Much more than just books

runswick County Library offers a full range of traditional and high-tech library services, as a branch of Meherrin Regional Library System. The library’s interactive website and catalog are located at www.meherrinlib.org. The catalog provides full access to the collections of both libraries in Meherrin Regional Library System. Patrons may view their library account online, reserve materials, and even renew items they have already checked out. The website links local and global information for our viewers. Research and Reference, Medical Matters, Kid’s Spot, Teen Scene and Employment Avenues are just a sampling of the many links bringing opportunity and knowledge to patrons. Library links are updated regularly. New books, movies, and audio books come in each week. A wide variety of best-sellers, popular fiction, non-fiction, and terrific new books are always available for every library patron. Patron requests for specific books are welcomed and are filled as often as possible. The library also purchases movies, audio books on CD, DVD’s and PLAYAWAYs for a patron’s viewing and listening pleasure. The library’s music collection holds more than 600 items including a variety of popular, rock, classical, jazz, blues, children’s, and holiday music all on CD. �� Traditional walk-in and telephone �� service is available for reference and renewals. E-mail reference service �� is available at bcl@meherrinlib. �� org. Local History and genealogy �� inquiries are welcome. The Dr. �� William McCaddin Pritchett Local �� History and Genealogy Room contains a wealth of information on Southside �� Virginia as well as family histories. �� For the student, distance learner, or researcher an extensive database of periodical literature, newspapers, and full-text professional journals is available through Find It Virginia (www. 317 North Main Street, Ste. B (April 1, 2011) • Emporia, VA 23847 finditva.com) and is free to Virginia �� Public Libraries. Additional database Telephone: (434) 634-4830 • Fax: (434) 634-4870 �� learning opportunities are available �� www.careadvantageinc.com through Mango Languages, A-Z Explore Brunswick • 2011 28

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USA, A-Z World Travel, and Heritage Quest. The Brunswick County Library subscribes to over 70 magazines and newspapers, which may be borrowed. Special services for senior citizens and the visually impaired include a collection of large print and recorded books. Also available is a Magna-Sight machine which magniﬁes documents to make them easier to read. The library staff gives computer assistance as needed. Outreach Services offers shut in patrons library material selection, delivery and pick up services. Health Information and Advocacy at your library is a free health information service offered throughout the region. This program sponsored through a grant by the Tobacco Indemniﬁcation Fund and VCU Massey Cancer Center. Ms. Ann Wrenn, Health Information Specialist, is available to assist the community in

Area zip codes Alberta — 23821 Brodnax — 23920 Dolphin — 23843 Dundas — 23938 Ebony – 23845 Emporia — 23847 Freeman — 23856 Gasburg – 23857 Kenbridge — 23944 La Crosse — 23950 Lawrenceville — 23868 Rawlings — 23876 South Hill — 23970 Valentines – 23887 Warﬁeld — 23889 White Plains — 23893

gathering and understanding medical information. Ms. Wrenn can be reached for programs or individual information sessions by calling 434-594-4150. Children’s Services include a weekly preschool Storytime every Wednesday and Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Wonderful stories are shared using books, songs, felt board and movement activities during this special time. Storytime can be scheduled to visit classrooms or daycares. The children’s area has an interactive play and learn activity center, special computers, games, books, and a

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large barn. This year’s Summer Reading Program, Amazing Tales at the Library, kicks off July 7th with Krendl & Co. performing magic and comedy. Many programs, exhibits, performances, and prizes complement the theme all summer long. On August 4 the Summer Reading Program will conclude with a special “Reading Log Wrap Up Party” including a closing awards ceremony. Completed summer schedules are available now and registration began June.

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Explore Brunswick • 2011

Why we call Brunswick County home…

“No matter where Barbara and I lived during my time in the NBA, we always thought of Brunswick as home and always knew we would come back home to live. When I retired, we returned to the county to live and raise our children, Brandan, B.J., Bria and Brooke. We wanted to inspire other kids in the area to dream big, work hard and realize that their dreams can be achieved. Over the years, we gain positive knowledge on how to live and we wanted to share that information with others because you can’t take it with you when you are no longer here. Brunswick County is a great place to live and is important to our family.“ Bryant and Barbara Stith and family Lawrenceville

“I came to Brunswick 38 years ago to visit friends, and two days later had bought a farm and made plans to move. The people here were and are warm and welcoming. It is a very beautiful county, rich in history, and somehow the inroads of commercialism have passed it by. It has, to me, the perfect balance of country life within reach of cities, beaches, and mountains. My children have grown up here with advantages no city kid has. Brunswick, for all of us, is home. And I could go on and on...” Gay Neale Meredithville

“I came to Lawrenceville as a young blushing bride with my college sweetheart. Having met my husband, Wendell Freeman, while we were both students at Virginia State College. The town and county were beautiful, clean, peaceful and inviting. Thus, I became a resident in my husband’s hometown, sharing a home with him and my son. Having spent 50 plus years here, I have seen many positive changes. Living here has giving me the opportunity to share my talents and activism which include being an educator, piano instructor, church organist and volunteer with many organizations. I have found the people of this community to always be there for each other no matter what. I enjoy the slowpaced lifestyle and the community has enabled me to grow and become a pillow of strength.” Mildred Freeman Lawrenceville

Explore Brunswick • 2011

“I have lived here basically all my life. I call Brunswick County my home because this is where my family and friends are. In Brunswick I enjoy the rural setting versus an urban setting because I enjoy the slower pace of the quiet, friendly communities in this area. As an insurance agent I have more opportunities to meet friends and neighbors each day and feel I have helped each client. This is why I enjoy being active on the Lawrenceville Town Council and other civic organizations giving back to the community. To me Brunswick County is an ideal location between the two urban areas of Richmond and Raleigh and two major interstate highways. I live in the Town of Lawrenceville, have an ofﬁce in the town and enjoy the rural setting yet have the urban sprawl nearby. Brunswick County is a good place to call home.” Scott Martin Lawrenceville

BRUNSWICK INSURANCE AGENCY 233 Main Street Lawrenceville, VA 23868 Phone 434-848-2112 “When you grow weary of the fastpaced city life Alberta is the place to go. Seven years ago I returned to my hometown of Alberta. Some have asked why I moved back. The short answer is to be near my aging parents. The long answer is to ﬁnd comfort, peace, center myself, re-energize my mind, body and soul, visit family and neighbors and attend my home church. Oftentimes while away I returned to Alberta for visits. After which I always returned to the city feeling centered, energized and at peace. Having made the full circle journey, I have found more than I ever imagined.”

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Carla Martindale Alberta Explore Brunswick • 2011

County Park at Great Creek C

County Park at Great Creek Rules and Regulations The following activities are expressly prohibited on any property which constitutes the park area. Any violation of the rules will be prosecuted. 1. Consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages. 2. Operation of any vehicle on any part of the dam, spillway or property located below the dam. 3. Operation of any vehicle on any portion of the park except for roads and parking areas.

great place to hold family reunions, picnics and other functions. For more information or to reserve the park contact:

4. Walking or climbing on or across the dam, spillway or property located below the dam. 5. Swimming, bathing or wading in the impoundment. 6. Hunting or trapping. 7. Withdrawal of water from the impoundment. 8. Operating on the impoundment any boat or other vessel powered by gasoline engine unless such vessel is operated by an employee of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, the Sheriff’s Department or the Virginia State Police. 9. Littering 10. Being within the boundaries of the park at any time except for the period commencing one hour prior to sunrise and ending one hour after sunset. 11. Operating any vehicle at a speed in excess of ten (10) miles per hour. 12. Creating or maintaining an open ﬁre. County Park at Great Creek is a

Location…Location…Location

Brunswick County Administrator’s Ofﬁce 102 Tobacco Street, P. O. Box 399 Lawrenceville, Virginia 23868 (434) 848-3107

ALBERTA

ounty Park at Great Creek is located just off Christanna Highway on Park Place, northwest of Lawrenceville, the county seat. This park, which is owned by Brunswick County, is on the banks of Great Creek Reservoir, a 212 acre lake constructed between 1987 and 1993, primarily for flood control and is also used as a water supply. The park has many amenities for visitors and residents to enjoy. There are picnic shelters, restrooms, a playground, fishing pier and boat ramp available as well as athletic fields. There is parking available at both the boat ramp and picnic area. County Park at Great Creek is open daily from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. County Park at Great Creek is also one stop on the Christanna loop of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail. Many species of birds and other wildlife can be found at the park which introduces visitors to large areas of rolling, open fields and patches of woods in various stages of growth. The numerous tree lines support northern mockingbirds, which constantly harass the resident American kestrel and the occasional red-tailed hawk. At times, family groups of northern flickers, with their bright flight feathers and white rumps, pass through the area exploring all the trees for potential prey, and making quite a racket as they call back and forth to each other. Many species of butterflies and dragonflies can be found along the wetlands area adjacent to the boat ramp and parking area.

P.O. Box 157 136 W. First Avenue Alberta, VA 23821 Melissa B. Parrish, Mayor 434-949-7443 Ofﬁce www.albertava.com ��

Irene & Sue �� Explore Brunswick • 2011 ��

Fishing License Required for those persons 16 years of age or older. * The following are prohibited: - Swimming - Open Air Fires - Trotlines - Littering - Seining - Camping - Waterfowl Hunting - Fishing Tournaments Involving Prizes - Gasoline Outboard Motors Questions? Please Contact Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries P. O. Box 11104 Richmond, Virginia 23230

Explore Brunswick â&#x20AC;˘ 2011 201

Brunswick has a bargain in the performing arts with The ArtBank of Southside Virginia L

awrenceville and Brunswick County have more than one or two well-kept secrets. Looking for a great deal in live entertainment without driving to Richmond or beyond? Brunswick County, Lake Gaston area, and the surrounding localities have a bargain in concerts and the performing arts with The ArtBank of Southside Virginia. With its twenty-three year continuous record of presenting an annual series and over 280 programs, The ArtBank brings a variety of entertainment to ﬁt every taste in music, dance, theater, and more. The ArtBank’s well-kept secret has offered a broad spectrum of entertainment based in a selection from the wealth of performers found in Virginia. Performances have included world premiere performances presented by the Richmond Ballet and the Richmond Symphony. Every series highlights a variety of musical styles from country-bluegrass to opera and show tunes through classical, vocalists with a diversity of styles, live theater and dance, and always an evening that ends in getting hooked on the arts presented by The ArtBank. Performers previously presented include Theatre IV, Tommy Dorsey Band, Elegba Folklore Society, Allison Brown, American Shakespeare Center, Scott Ainslie, Tidewater Guitar Orchestra, Latin Ballet of Virginia, Robin & Linda Williams, Le Hotclub de Biglick, 7 Sopranos, Virginia Opera, Jonathan Romeo, IONA, J. Plunky Branch, Cephus & Wiggins, Virginia Company, Celtibillies, Theater Lime Kiln, Fat Ammons Band, and more. Brunswick County holds a wealth of a bargain with The ArtBank’s series. Founded in 1989, The ArtBank of Southside Virginia continues to promote, encourage, and support the arts and cultural events in Brunswick County and the surrounding areas for the enjoyment and education of its citizens. The

Hansel and Gretal ArtBank remains a totally volunteer 501 (c) (3) Organization. Programming receives support in part by Local Government Grants from Brunswick County and the Town of Lawrenceville through the Virginia Commission for the

Explore Brunswick • 2011

Arts, as well as several programs made possible through special funding by the United States Congress for the National Endowment for the Arts and the Virginia Commission for the Arts with additional support from the Virginia General

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19416 Carson Road Dinwiddie, VA 23847-0056 website : www.sec.coop

The Seven Sopranos Assembly. Event Sponsors, Supporters and Friends come from local businesses, civic organizations, Series ticket holders and Patrons. The non-proﬁt group continues the mission and offers a series ticket of ﬁve to six performances for less than $100.00 and individual tickets cost $10.00 or less for quality, professional concerts and shows. A family series

ticket remains one of the best deals in the area guaranteeing family-time and evenings of live entertainment for less than the cost of a movie or ballgame. Looking to keep the arts alive in Brunswick County and the surrounding area, consider becoming a patron or series ticket holder and contacting The ArtBank at P.O. Box 862, Lawrenceville,

Virginia 23868 or ABsouthsideVA@live. com. So why drive an hour or more when a trip to Lawrenceville can bring quality entertainment to the local stage? Looking for a bargain without leaving the area? It can be found in Lawrenceville, Virginia with The ArtBank of Southside Virginia.

people of

Brunswick

Cleo E. Powell

A native of Brunswick County, Judge Cleo E. Powell is the first African American Woman to serve on the Court of Appeals of Virginia. She was appointed in 2008 by then Governor Timothy M. Kaine. As a practicing lawyer, Powell represented management in labor and employment law. She also served as assistant attorney general for Virginia from 1986-1989 before she went on the bench in Chesterfield County and Colonial Heights, where she served in the general district and circuit courts. Powell holds a bachelor’s degree in American government and a law degree from the University of Virginia. She gives credit to a former teacher at Brunswick County High School for helping her form her interest in the legal profession. Her teacher arranged a meeting with several students, including Powell, to meet with Samuel L. Tucker at his Emporia office. Tucker was a legendary civil rights attorney and founding partner of the Hill, Tucker, Marsh law firm in Richmond. The meeting proved to be “personal, powerful and moving” for Powell, who several years later would enter University of Virginia, earning her undergraduate and law degree.

Explore Brunswick • 2011

With love from the Valentines Post Office P

eople send valentines cards from lots of places every year to the Valentines Post Office to be stamped with a special stamp of love. Postmaster Kathy Fajna usually receives the first batch of valentines in January and over the years she has received valentines from nearly every state. She said valentines have been mailed to many foreign countries including France, Belgium, England, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Germany and Scotland. Typically the Post Office postmarks over 25,000 valentines each year. Each valentine is hand stamped with a heart cachet in the upper left corner and the postmark is shaped like a valentine. Established in 1887, the Valentines, Virginia, Post Office was originally located in the Valentine Family Store, in the southern part of Brunswick County, and named after the first Postmaster, William Henry Valentine, who served in the small rural post office until his death in 1911. His wife, Emma Rawlings Valentine, took over the post from 1911 to 1914, and then was passed to son, Herbert E. Valentine, and then to another son, Lewis Valentine, who carried on the family tradition. In 1924, the post office was moved to Robert J. Clary’s store a mile down the road from the original location where he served as postmaster. After Mr. Clary’s retirement, William R. Wright became postmaster and designed the special valentines postmark. Through the efforts of Mr. Wright and his wife Francis, the postmark grew in popularity and has brought the community much notoriety. Many newspaper and magazine articles have been written and television news stories have covered the little post office in Valentines and its famous postmark. The 1995 Love Stamp was first issued by the United States Postal Service on February 1, 1995, at the Valentines Post

Office It hosted the official first-day-ofissue dedication ceremony for the stamp and postmarked 75,000 requests for firstday-of-issue postmark cancellations. Denise Evans followed Mr. Wright as postmaster and on June 10, 2007, Fajna was named postmaster and began serving on July 1. She has been with the United State Postal Service since 1993 and knew the former postmaster, the late Willie Wright. “I remember coming to the post office

when I was a kid and seeing Mr. Wright. I am enjoying meeting the people and carrying on this great tradition,” Fajna said. Over the years, the post office has hosted many weddings and countless other special events. Many local elementary school children have visited and mailed their cards directly through the post office. In 2006, the Post Office was an appropriate rest stop and hosted

Success Starts Here �� Get Direction in life...www.southside.edu 1-888-220-SVCC

Explore Brunswick • 2011

thousands of bikers on the Bike Virginia: Tour de Love. In 2008, the Virginia General Assembly through House Joint Resolution 27 gave special recognition to the post ofﬁce and community

of Valentines, designating February 14, 2008 and each succeeding year, as Valentines, Virginia Day in the Commonwealth. The last line of the resolution sums up best the meaning of the post ofﬁce to the community: The

citizens of Valentines, Virginia, are immensely proud of the role that the Valentines, Virginia, Post Ofﬁce provides in making Valentine’s Day a special day for countless children, families, romantics, and collectors.

Get that special postmark If you can’t make it to Valentines, but you’d like the special postmark on your Valentine’s cards, mail your addressed cards to the Valentines post ofﬁce in a large envelope. You can put stamps on each of the cards or enclose a check for the price of the stamps at 44 cents per card. Postmaster Kathy Fajna will hand-cancel the cards with the Valentines postmark and rubber-stamp each with a special red, heart-shaped seal. Mail your cards to:

Postmaster 23 Manning Drive Valentines, VA 23887

people of

Brunswick

Albertis S. Harrison, Jr.

Born on January 11, 1907 in Alberta, Virginia, Albertis S. Harrison, Jr. became the only Governor of Virginia during the 20th century to serve in all three branches of state government. He began his public and political career in 1931 when he was elected Commonwealth’s attorney for Brunswick County. He served in the U.S. Navy reserve during World War II and upon returning to the county was elected to the Virginia Senate where he served from 1948-1959. He was elected Attorney General of Virginia in 1959 where he served until 1961 when he was elected Governor. As Governor, he championed a system of state-supported technical schools that would become Virginia’s community college system. He worked to improve Virginia’s highway system and led the efforts for creating over 177,000 new jobs in the Commonwealth. He served as Governor until 1966. In 1967, Governor Mills Godwin named him to the Virginia Supreme Court where he served until his retirement in 1982. He lived out his retirement with his wife, the former Lacy Virginia Barkley, at his family farm “Saddletree” where he died on January 23, 1995.

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SVCC has only just begun at 41 L

ife begins at 40 and Southside Virginia Community College has been a part of many lives during the past four decades and one year. Be assured, the local community college has no plans for slowing down or stopping the momentum. With a headcount enrollment approaching 10,000 annually, Southside has grown and changed over the years. The college has a mission to touch the lives of all Southside Virginians and innovatively approaches this mission by adding classes, programs, services and partnering with area agencies to further its accessibility. A two year institution of higher education established as a part of the statewide system of community colleges created by the 1966 Virginia General Assembly, the college serves primarily the residents of the city of Emporia and the counties of Brunswick, Buckingham (partial), Charlotte, Cumberland, Greensville, Halifax (partial), Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, and Prince Edward. This represents an area of approximately 4,200 square miles. The college operates under the guidance of a local board, and is ﬁnanced primarily by tuition revenues and state funds, supplemented by contributions from the participating localities and federal funds. During a period from 1966 to 1968, a committee composed of local business, civic, industrial, and political leaders was appointed by the governing bodies of counties and cities in Region 20 for the purpose of promoting and establishing campuses where needed. In 1968, the plan for building the Christanna Campus of Southside Virginia Community College near Alberta, Virginia, was approved by the State Board for Community Colleges, and appropriations were made for its construction. The local advisory board for the college was established in July 1969. The Christanna Campus was opened in September 1970 with approximately 55,600 square feet located on over 100 acres. Due to the extremely large service area assigned to the college, the John H.

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Daniel Campus was opened in September 1971 near Keysville, Virginia, about 40 miles northwest of Alberta. The John H. Daniel facility is located on 98 acres with approximately 57,500 square feet. A Workforce Development Center was opened on each campus in 2001. These buildings are 14,095 square feet each. There are also Centers throughout the service region providing classes and services to the people. These include the Southside Virginia Education Center in Emporia, the Southside Virginia Higher Education Center in South Boston, the Estes Community Center in Chase City, the SVCC Occupational Technical Center in Blackstone, the Lake Country Advanced Knowledge Center in South Hill, and the Educational Advancement Center of the Cumberland Community Center in Cumberland. Just this year, the college also expanded its offerings

to include those at the Clarksville Enrichment Complex in Clarksville. And, the college offers classes at more than 50 sites throughout the region at any given time. Since 1983, Dr. John J. Cavan has directed the course of Southside as president. Under his leadership, the college has developed an Honors Program, maintained the largest dual enrollment program in the Commonwealth, opened the Middle College Program for high school dropouts at six sites, and started a Truck Driver Training School and Diesel Technician program. The college also houses the Governor’s School on its campuses, provides health care training for Nurse Aide, Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing and also now offers Fire Science and Emergency Medical Technician programs. Transfer agreements with 20 colleges in Virginia

offer an opportunity for students to obtain the ﬁrst two years of college at home and then transfer to college and universities throughout the state. The Old Dominion University Distant Learning sites housed on the college’s campuses also allow students to complete the baccalaureate, masters and even doctoral degrees without leaving the area. SVCC is a dynamic institution, always developing and changing to meet the new and challenging needs of a complex society. The college’s future is interwoven with the development of the community and services through the college are driven by the community and its needs. At 41, SVCC has only just begun. Success starts at Southside Virginia Community College. For more information, visit the website at www. southside.edu or call 1-888-220-SVCC.

Explore Brunswick • 2011

Ghosts of Brunswick By Gay W. Neale

ettlers began to drift into what is now Brunswick County in the early 1700s, looking for fresh land and new chances. Some ghosts were here when they came; others wandered in soon after. The focus for settling in this area in the very south of Virginia and halfway between the ocean and the mountains was the protection offered by a trading post and fort, called Fort Christanna, built in 1714, where there was also an Indian village to protect rag-tag remnants of scattered tribes. Today, young people claim these Indians still have an effect today. Near an Indian graveyard, not far from the location of the fort (now being developed as a historic site and park), is an iron bridge over the Meherrin River. If a car is driven over this bridge on a moonlit night, the young claim, it acts strange, stalls and even is mysteriously drawn backward. At the site of the fort itself, a white horse races through the woods and down the road, rearing and neighing at young lovers parked there. Some wonder if the horse will appear when the fort is transformed into a park. Later, in the 1800s, plantations dotted the countryside. In Brunswick, these were seldom pretentious places, but were the functional homes of working farmers. One ghost of this era, a woman who had died at Ellerslie, a large home east of Lawrenceville, would come at night, her silk skirts rustling. The inhabitants of the house would hear her ascend the stairs, and when they went up to check their children, they would find the bedclothes neatly tucked around each child with loving care. A child haunted Woodstock, an old place on Rt. 1 in Meredithville. It would stand outside a door, breathing in a raspy, gasping way, but when the door was opened, no one was there. Renovations to the upstairs of Woodstock chased this ghost away. Millville, home of the Lewis family in the early 1800s, in the Cochran area, was a place with a varied history. First a plantation home, then a hotel for travelers on Rt. 1, then a rather disrespectful place of business, it had seen many things. Before it was destroyed by fire in the 1980s, it harbored a spirit that would follow explorers through its vacant and abandoned rooms, closing doors behind them on the stillest days. Also in the mid-1800s, Edgar Allan Poe visited Brunswick County. He came for a festive weekend with his classmate at the University of Virginia, Thomas Goode Tucker. Young folks had gathered at Prestwood, the Tucker plantation in the northeast of Brunswick County in Warfield. Poe dismayed his hosts by not participating in the fox and squirrel hunting or the dances planned. He preferred to walk down the road to Rome, a nearby plantation, where he was fascinated by an old slave, Armitage, who told the most amazing stories involving voodoo, witchcraft and African magic. Ghosts were predominant in these tales, and Poe took notes and enjoyed them very much. He told his hosts that Armitage was by far the most interesting man he had ever met. Undoubtedly these African and Brunswick County ghosts led to the mysterious and nameless evils in Poe’s later stories. Animal ghosts, like the Christanna white horse, are frequent in Brunswick County lore. Oak Shades in Meredithville has, for years, had a white cat that not only goes through the door of the upstairs bedroom, but often hops on the bed and goes to sleep with a visitor. People who have never met or heard of the cat have experienced its presence. Mason’s Mill, an old meal and flour mill in Alberta, still in good shape with its lovely mill pond and dam, harbors the ghost of a dog, reported to be that of the miller and his family who died in some difficulty. The dog howls on occasion, and is known to roam the area night and day. Other ghosts have wandered through the homes of Brunswick. Who knows what persistence of the present will linger for future generations? Explore Brunswick • 2011 40

CMH Cancer Care: Serving those that need it most

ancer treatment has advanced by leaps and bounds over the last decade and Community Memorial Healthcenter’s (CMH) Cancer and Specialty Care Center has been on the front lines of the fight against cancer. From state-of- the- art services to Oncologists, CMH has the team, the skills, and the access to the technologies needed to help put cancer into remission. “It’s a comprehensive cancer center that’s close to home,” said Mary Hardin, the director of the Cancer and Specialty Care Center. Not to mention that with most cancer treatments, patients don’t want to have to travel more than an hour, battling traffic and high gas prices while facing the side effects of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. “You don’t have the distance to travel, and you have the accessibility of specialty doctors coming here to our rural area,” said Harding. As the service has grown, so have the needs of those utilizing the Cancer Center; hence the need for oncologists to be available to patients 80 percent of the time. “In the past, we would have an oncologist one day a week. Now we have someone here four days a week,” said Hardin. “In the future we’ll have an oncologist here every day.” Not having to travel out of town is another huge benefit to localized cancer treatment. Patients are able to meet with a friendly staff, have certified oncology and chemotherapy nurses care for them, and deal with warm, caring, compassionate people, all without having to travel hours away each day.

needed for many years.” Radiation therapy patients currently have to travel as far away as Henderson, Richmond and Raleigh for treatment. But with gas prices at record highs, some are unable to make it to their treatments. These patients that cannot afford to drive for their treatment sometimes have to make healthcare decisions based on their ﬁnancial situation. “This is going to open many doors for the patients that didn’t have any options before,” said Hardin. “I know of several patients in Lunenburg County who couldn’t afford to drive to South Hill to ride the van that takes patients CMH has also answered to Radiation the call for patients in need Therapy in of radiation therapy by Petersburg and submitting an application Richmond. to the state for a certiﬁcate Patients won’t of need for radiation have to make treatment center in South decisions Hill. While it will be about their months before the hospital health based on hears the results of their whether or not request, the possibilities they are able of having a state of the art, to make it to radiation therapy center Mary Hardin, RN, BSN OCN, is the treatments in Southside Virginia is in Richmond, the Director of the CMH Cancer & exhilarating. Petersburg, or The Radiation Center Specialty Care Center. Raleigh,” said would also provide Hardin. “We full time Radiation Oncologists so that are optimistic that our request will be patients can receive optimal treatment approved so that we can add this much plans. “That will complete our cancer needed service for our community.” program here,” said Hardin. “It is a huge service line that this community has Explore Brunswick • 2011 41

Let’s Cook With Chef Angie Since food has long been a symbol of hospitality in the South, even the simplest food when enjoyed with family and friends takes on a feeling of elegance and sophistication. Served indoors or out these recipes by Brunswick County resident and professional chef Angie East will be remembered by all.

Delicious Chicken Snaps Corn Pudding Jiffy Cheese Biscuits Chocolate Covered Strawberries Iced Tea or Lemonade

Delicious Chicken

Ingredients: 1 Whole broiler/fryer (for frying, grilling, broiling or baking) 1 Lemon cut in quarters 1 Tablespoon garlic salt or 1 tablespoon minced garlic and 1tablespoon salt Enough water to cover Directions: 1. Chicken sits overnight in lemon, garlic salt water. 2. Pat dry with paper towels-sprinkle black pepper over chicken. 3. Frying-Dredge in ﬂour or chicken breader. Heat oil 375 degrees in skillet and fry until internal temperature of chicken reaches 165 (this is for any method used to cook chicken). 4. Grill using charcoal or gas until done. 5. Broil until done. 6. Bake on 375 for 1 hour.

Snaps

1 pound string beans-canned, fresh or frozen seasoned to taste with ham hock or smoked turkey 1 Onion-peeled and chopped up 1Tablespoon minced garlic Salt and pepper to taste. Use chicken broth to cook snaps if you do not want to use ham hock or smoked turkey. Simmer in broth until tenderness desired. Fresh snaps out of the garden can be sautéed in vegetable oil or sesame oil and sliced fresh ginger along with the onions and garlic for a different taste.

Explore Brunswick • 2011

Corn Pudding

Serves 6 2 Cups corn 2 Large eggs (beaten) 2 Tablespoons ﬂour (all purpose) 1/2 Cup sugar 1 Tablespoon sugar 1 Tablespoons butter (melted) 1 Cup milk 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1. Combine ﬂour, sugar, salt and pepper in a bowl. 2. Whisk eggs and milk together. Add rest of ingredients together. 3. Bake 45 minutes at 375 in a casserole dish. Serve warm. Chef’s Tip: This recipe is a sweet corn pudding. For a more savory pudding decrease sugar and add chopped red, green, yellow, jalapeno peppers and chopped onions.

Jiffy Cheese Biscuits

20 biscuits Ingredients: 1/2 cup shortening (solid) 21/2 cups self-rising flour 1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese 3/4 cup milk Directions: Cut shortening into flour with pastry blender of 2 knives. Add cheese, and gradually stir in milk; knead lightly. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured board; roll to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into small biscuits. Place on a greased baking sheet, and bake at 425 for 10-12 minutes.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

3 dozen strawberries Strawberries are in season this time of year. This is a sweet and special treat for your family and friends. Ingredients: 6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped 4 ounces white chocolate, chopped 1 tablespoon shortening 36 large strawberries, washed and dried (dry with a paper towel or lint free kitchen towel) Preparation: Line baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper. In 1/2 quart saucepan, place bittersweet chocolate and heat until chocolate is completely melted, stirring occasionally. Dip strawberries halfway into chocolate and place on waxed paper. Chill in refrigerator until chocolate is set. In 1/2 quart saucepan, place white chocolate and shortening. Melt until smooth. Drizzle white chocolate over dark chocolate-covered strawberries. Chill about 30 minutes or until set. Strawberries can be refrigerated up to 6 hours.

Brunswick County Contacts Fire/Police/Rescue: 911

Commonwealth”s Attorney Lezlie S. Green Tel: (434) 848-3122 P.O. Box 797 Lawrenceville, VA 23868

Brunswick County Sheriff’s Department - Non-Emergency Sheriff Brian Roberts Tel: (434) 848-3133 120 E. Hicks St. Lawrenceville, VA 23868

Clerk of Circuit Court V. Earl Stanley, Jr., Clerk Tel: (434) 848-2215 Fax: 434) 848-4307 216 N. Main St. Lawrenceville, VA 23868

County Administrator’s Ofﬁce Charlette T. Woolridge, County Administrator Tel: (434) 848-3107 100 Tobacco Street, Room 102 P. O. Box 399 Lawrenceville, Virginia 23868

General District Court Kathy Clary, Clerk Tel: (434) 848-2315 202 N. Main St. Lawrenceville, VA 23868

Animal Control Department James Maclin, Animal Control Ofﬁcer Shelton Jones, Animal Control Ofﬁcer Tel: (434) 848-0912 595 Planters Rd. Lawrenceville, VA 23868 Building Inspector David Tucker Tel: (434) 848-2962 100 Tobacco Street, Room 102 P.O. Box 399 Lawrenceville, VA 23868 Planning Department Leslie Sullivan Tel: ( 434) 848-0882 100 Tobacco Street, Room 102 P. O. Box 399 Lawrenceville, Virginia 23868 Solid Waste Department Ella Ridley Tel: (434) 848-3562 107 Mallard Crossing Rd. Lawrenceville, VA 23868

Meherrin Regional Library Sarah A.P. Bulduc, Director Tel: (434) 848-2418 Fax: (434) 848-4786 133 W. Hicks Street Lawrenceville, VA 23868 Brunswick County Treasurer’s Ofﬁce Alice Carol Maitland, Treasurer Tel: 434-848-2512 228 North Main Street, Room 104 P. O. Box 130 Lawrenceville, Virginia 23868 Brunswick County Commissioner of Revenue Wanda Jones Beville, Commissioner of Revenue Tel: (434) 848-2313 228 North Main Street P. O. Box 669 Lawrenceville, Virginia 23868

USDA/Farm Service Agency Brunswick FSA Ofﬁce Peggy Lee Tel: (434) 848-2223 1727 Lawrenceville Plank Rd. Lawrenceville, VA 23868 Virginia Cooperative Extension Service Brunswick County Tel: ( 434) 848-2151 100-A Tobacco Street Lawrenceville, Virginia 23868 Brunswick County Department of Social Services Tel: (434) 848-2142 201 Sharp Street, Suite 100 Lawrenceville, Virginia 23868 Brunswick County Health Department Tel: (434) 848-2525 1632 Lawrenceville Plank Rd. Lawrenceville, VA 23868 Brunswick County Voter Registrar Barbara Y. Lewis Tel: (434 )848-4414 100 Tobacco Street, Room 103 Lawrenceville, Virginia

Brunswick County Public Schools Dr. Oliver W. Spencer, Jr., Superintendent 434-848-3138 1718 Farmers Field Road Lawrenceville, Virginia 23868 Brunswick County/Lake Gaston Tourism 434-848-6773 1-866-STEWPOT 228 North Main Street, Suite B-100 Lawrenceville, Virginia 23868 Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce Tel: (434) 848-3154 400 North Main Street Lawrenceville, Virginia 23868 Brunswick County Industrial Development Authority Tel: (434) 848-0248 116 West Hicks Street P. O. Box 48 Lawrenceville, Virginia 23868

Explore Brunswick • 2011

Lake Gaston: Fun in the Boating, Fishing and Relaxing

ake Gaston, which straddles the Virginia/North Carolina border between Interstates 95 and 85, is 34 miles in length, with approximately 350 miles of shoreline surrounding over 20,000 acres. The average depth of the lake is 45 feet with a maximum of 95 feet. It is the second lake in a series of three lakes resulting from dams built for hydroelectric power. Lake Gaston is fed by water from Kerr Lake to the west, and supplies water to Roanoke Rapids Lake downstream. The lake was built in the early 1960’s for flood control, hydroelectric power and recreation. A portion of Lake Gaston is located in Brunswick County along its southern border. Lake Gaston offers ideal facilities for fishing, hunting, camping, boating and an array of water sports. There are no horsepower restrictions on the lake. Lake Gaston is stocked with game fish which include striped bass or rockfish, large mouth bass, bream, crappies, and several other varieties of catfish and sunfish. There is a Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

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public boat launching ramp located just off Gasburg Road on Pea Hill Creek in Gasburg and another on Hendrick’s Mill Road at Poplar Creek just west of Ebony. Several marinas are located around the lake with one located on Hendrick’s Mill Road at Poplar Creek. Rental homes, from small cabins to larger homes that sleep six or more people, are available around the lake through the many real estate companies that serve the lake area. Camping is available at Lake Gaston Lodges and by membership at The Club, Lake Gaston Resort both located in Gasburg. Many restaurants are located on both the Virginia and North Carolina sides of the lake. They range from pizza and sub restaurants to elegant waterfront bistros. Local communities near the lake include Ebony and Gasburg in Virginia and Littleton and Norlina in North Carolina. Larger towns are in the outlying area and include Lawrenceville, South Hill, and Emporia in Virginia and Roanoke Rapids, Warrenton and Norlina in North Carolina. Within a little more than an hours drive are Raleigh and Rocky Mount in North Carolina and Petersburg and Richmond in Virginia. Come enjoy some boating, ﬁshing, sun and all the relaxation your heart body and soul desires on beautiful Lake Gaston.

Brunswick Mineral Springs Bed and Breakfast

Brunswick Mineral Springs Bed and Breakfast was built around 1785. Owners Dave and Nan Spears have owned the property for around 16 years and have made major improvements. Brunswick Mineral Springs is located near Lake Rawlings and Lake Gaston. Amenities include: Wi-Fi Internet, indoor heated salt-water swimming pool, wedding pavilion, picnic lunches, game room, ﬁreplace, exercise equipment and library. Tripadviser.com gave he establishment ﬁve stars. Brunswick Mineral Springs is located at 14910 Western Mill Road, Lawrenceville, Virginia. For more information visit www. brunswickmineralsprings. com

people of

Brunswick

Goronwy Owen

Goronwy Owen (1723-1769) was one of Wales’s most important poets of the eighteenth century and a master of the cynghanedd (described in the University of Wales dictionary as ‘a system of consonance or alliteration in a line of Welsh poetry in strict metre’). He was born in Wales and where he attended several schools. He was appointed a deacon in 1746 at which time he became headmaster of several different schools. In 1755 he moved to London where he worked for several years. In 1757 he accepted, with the consent of the Bishop of London, an appointment as headmaster of the grammar school attached to the college of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. His wife and one of his children died on the journey. He re-married in America but his second wife died within a few months. He lost his position in the school as a consequence of his excessive drinking in 1760. Owen spent his ﬁnal years as a parish parson in St. Andrew’s, Brunswick County where he lived on a tobacco and cotton plantation that he purchased the same year. In 1763, he married for the third time to Joan Simmonds. He died in Brunswick County in July 1769 and is buried near the home where he lived. A marker at St. Andrew’s Church in Lawrenceville memorializes his life and his importance to Welsh poetry.

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The new Lawrenceville Brunswick Airport terminal provides all of the amenities for pilots and passengers arriving in Brunswick County.

The Brunswick County Industrial Development Authority offers sites at two industrial parks located in the county. The ﬁrst is Brunswick Industrial Park located just east of Lawrenceville off Highway 58. The second is the I-85 Business Center Park located in Alberta. For more information about the parks call the IDA at (434) 848-0248 or visit www.bcida.org

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by the knowledge that student success requires a shared responsibility and cooperation by students, school personnel, parents and community. The Brunswick County School System consist of three elementary schools, a junior high and high school. Excellence is placed on academics and advanced placement courses and dual enrollment are offered for high school students.

Brunswick County Public Schools The mission of the Brunswick County Public School System is to provide an educational program and staff to help 21st century citizens achieve full development of their potential. In order to develop this potential, lifelong learning and critical thinking skills must be nurtured, and students will be prepared to meet the challenge of change in real-life situations. The fulﬁllment of this mission is guided

For More Information Contact: Brunswick County Public Schools 1718 Farmer’s Field Road, Lawrenceville, VA 23868 Phone: (434) 848-3138 www.brun.K12.va.us

Brunswick Academy Founded in 1964, Brunswick Academy is an independent, coeducational, day facility offering an Early

Learning Center for 3- and 4-year olds and Kindergarten through twelfth grade classes. Its goal is to instill aesthetic, moral, ethical, and democratic values to the young people that attend. For over four decades, Brunswick Academy has provided the students of Southside Virginia with quality education. B.A. affords its students experiences in responsibility, critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, creativity, leadership training, decision making, and communication skills. There is an emphasis on maintaining high standards of instruction for its students. Brunswick Academy is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) whose accreditation process has been approved by the Virginia Council for Private Education Committee on Accreditation as authorized by the Virginia State Board of Education. For More information please contact: Brunswick Academy 2100 Planters Road Lawrenceville, VA 23868 Phone: (434) 848-2220 www.brunswickacademy.com

Thank you to all of our advertisers B&W Timber .............................................. 29 Benchmark Community Bank .......................9 Brunswick Chamber of Commerce .............. 19 Brunswick County IDA ................................ 46 Brunswick Insurance Agency ...................... 31 Brunswick Lake Gaston Tourism Assoc ...........7 Brunswick Vet Clinic .................................. 38 Care Advantage ......................................... 28 Carl Wright’s Garage .................................. 31 Citizens Community Bank ........................... 12 Community Memorial Healthcenter ..............5 Lake Country Construction Inc. ................... 48 Lake Rawlings ........................................... 17

Parker Oil Company......................................8 Pecht Distributors ...................................... 21 Ricky’s Service Center ................................ 38 Saint Paul’s College ................................... 16 S. C. O. R. E ............................................... 14 Southside Electric Coop ............................. 34 Southside Virginia Community College ........ 36 The Blue Piano........................................... 32 The Powell Agency ..................................... 38 Town of Alberta ....................................... 32 Town of Lawrenceville..................................6 Virginia Urology ........................................ 23 Whitman Properties .................................. 29 Explore Brunswick • 2011

LAKE COUNTRY CONSTRUCTION, INC.

Systems and Site Built Construction and Remodeling

Call Us at: 434-636-4576 Residential Construction Specialist ��

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73 Dogwood Way, Bracey, VA • Visit Our Site: www.LakeCountryConst.com

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