Progress 2019

What you must experience in Western Tidewater

The Tidewater News

Progress 2019

February 24, 2019

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Kayak and fish the scenic Blackwater and Nottoway rivers. Enjoy live entertainment, visit one of our historical museums, or grab some fresh fruits and vegetables from one of our local farmer's markets. Snack on salty and sweet peanut treats produced right here in Franklin Southampton.

Stroll our charming small town streets and browse unique boutiques that offer a little something for everyone. We invite you to Escape to Tradition in Franklin Southampton!

Check out these upcoming Spring and Summer Events: April 13th- Down Home Day April 27th: Virginia’s Historic Garden Week in Franklin April 27th: Kick Off Event for Franklin Cruise In with a Vintage Festival and Automotive Swap Meet May 1st: Franklin Cruise In (every Wednesday through September 4th) May 4th: Artisan Market at Gallery 1606 (1st Saturday of the month, May-December) May 17th-19th: 8th Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe Knap-in Ancestors Gathering May 23rd: We Be Jammin' (every Thursday through August 29th) May 29th: Franklin's Market on Main (every Wednesday through September 4th) June 6th: Courtland Produce Auction (every Thursday through October 10th) July 6th: 25th Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe Green Corn Dance Powwow and Gathering August 7th-10th: Franklin Southampton County Fair Monthly: Main Event Comedy Club

Explore visitfranklinsouthamptonva.com for a listing of all upcoming events in the area.

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CONTENTS Fishing opportunities abound locally................................................. 6 Farmers markets provide flavorful bounty........................................ 8 Fred’s Retaurant remains ‘a Franklin tradition’ ............................... 10 Travel in the footsteps of a nation-changer ................................... 12 Experience life on the farm ................................................................. 14 County fairs celebrate agricultural heritage ................................... 16 Gallery 1606 cultivates artistry, craftsmanship .............................. 18 Relieve the region’s heritage .............................................................. 22 Mahone’s Tavern is for the present, future......................................26 Southampton County home to family-owned peanut stores ...28 Courtland business offers river tours via kayaking .......................34 Visiting old friends, making new ones .............................................38 Person’s UMC deeply connected to Southampton County .......42

Progress 2019

Tony Clark Publisher Stephen H. Cowles Staff Writer Stephen Faleski Staff Writer Kenya Smith Intern Ryan Outlaw Designer Loretta Lomax Designer Mitzi Lusk Advertising Director Michelle Gray Office Manager

What you must experience in Western Tidewater

February 24, 2019

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Fishing opportunities abound locally which he Brandon Lewis holds up the bass for er D. Ray toph Chris al annu the won an award at nament in Tour ng Fishi ip larsh Scho orial Mem close friend 2016. With him is John Barksdale, a for having won also Gunn n Kevi Ray. late of the raised for was 0 $,700 caught a large bass. Over . year that fund ip larsh the scho

Mary Ann Hancock at the display of fishing rods in Dail’s on Armory Drive, from where you can also obtain your tackle, acce ssories and necessary licenses.

story by Stephen H. Cowles

Where there’s a body of water — lakes, ponds, rivers or seas — there will be fish and fishermen, and Western Tidewater is no exception. Sometimes it seems that fishing is going on yearround in our area. One person who can speak to that is Jeff Turner. As the Blackwater Nottoway RiverGuard, he was asked to offer his input about the sport.

“This area is certainly blessed with an abundance of fishing opportunities. We have two great rivers, the Nottoway and Blackwater, both of which have Virginia State Scenic designation. There are also several lakes in the area including Airfield Lake near Wakefield and the Suffolk/ Norfolk lakes that have public access.

“The favorite times to fish in the rivers begin usually the end of February/beginning of March when the anadromous herring and shad begin their annual migration up into the rivers. After that, the white perch migrate up also and that keeps the fishing good through May. The indigenous fish species also about this time perk up. Largemouth bass, catfish, bream and chain pickerel can be taken in abundance.

“The fishing usually ebbs a little through the dog days of summer but starts to perk back up

mid-September. From then till the end of the year one can usually catch fish and the cycle begins again. It’s worth noting here that starting in mid-December the hardy and resolute fisherman can begin catching striped bass in the rivers also. They continue to bite right on through the first of the year and through herring/shad season.

“It’s easy enough to get a Virginia license to fish these days. One can go to most any local bait shop and obtain one. Dail’s Hardware and WalMart are two I can think of right here in Franklin. You can also go online to the VDGIF website and obtain one at https://www. dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/. There you can also research where the area’s boat ramps are, fishing/ boating regulations and a ton of other information concerning area fishing.”

Note: To contact Turner about this and river issues, email him at blknotkpr@earthlink.net ••• Mary Ann Hancock in the sporting goods section of Dail’s Hardware confirmed that the shop sells licenses, which is supported by the tackle and all the other accoutrements at her station. Behind the counter are large boxes holding crickets and minnows that can be used for bait.

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“We can do licenses pretty quick,” Hancock said about the process. A state license costs $23; $16 here in the county; $39.50 for a fresh and saltwater fishing combination; and $17.50 just for saltwater. A license is valid for a year from the day you buy it.

Usually around March, when shad and white perch come back in, is when Dail’s will see an influx of people coming in for licenses and equipment.

But that’s not the only time, of course.

“Some have already got their licenses — people fish year-long,” Hancock said. She noted also that different factors play into when people will be on the water, such as weather, time of day, season, rain and high a river might be at the time.

“Fish will start biting when the river drops,” she added.

Hancock knows of what she sells and speaks because she herself fishes

and hunts. Her husband got her interested in both activities, and she said she’s had successes in the past with fish and game.

••• Another opportunity to fish — and a rather unique one as well — is through the annual Christopher D. Ray Memorial Scholarship tournament, which has taken place each June.

The event is to remember the deputy who was killed in the line of duty on Aug. 29, 2009, just a few months after finishing his undergraduate degree in criminal justice at Radford University. The tournament began in 2010.

“There were few things that he [Ray] loved more than fishing on the Nottoway River,” said friend and foundation spokesman John Barksdale once said. “It was our vision to honor Christopher by

hosting a fishing tournament in early summer every year along the stretch of river he loved so dearly in Courtland.”

The next event will be on Saturday, June 15, at the Hercules landing off of General Thomas Highway.

For more information on the Christopher Ray Memorial Scholarship, contact Barksdale at 653-8341 or email jbarksdale@jlbpartners.com. To donate to the foundation, make checks payable to CDRMS Foundation, P.O. Box 382, Courtland, VA 23837.

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Farmers markets provide flavorful bounty story by Kenya Smith

were among the many kinds of Boxes of grape and cherry tomatoes produce available.

Bobby Varmette, right, watches as Tim Baker of Bubba and Baker’s Produce from Boykins writes a receipt.

Western Tidewater is well known for its agriculture, and with farmers markets, people can have an opportunity to enjoy some of the region’s best produce and goods. Customers can easily gain access to fresh locally grown products because these markets are in close proximity of where they live which reduces travel time.

Downtown Franklin is known for its plethora of small businesses ranging from shops and restaurants. From late May to early September, the farmer’s market, also known as Market on Main, is open every Wednesday evening and every Saturday morning to the public on Downtown Franklin’s Main Street. Attendees are given a huge selection of locally grown and raised products such as seafood, grass fed beef and pork, seasonal fruits and vegetable. People also can buy handmade products such as baked goods, rubs and seasonings, herb infused vinegars, goat’s milk soap and toiletries, gift baskets, and crochet items. There’s also concessions where people can buy freshly prepared foods such as

grilled hot dogs and sausages, french fries, wood fire oven pizzas, cold drinks and popcorn.

Karen Cobb, the market manager for Market on Main, wants the public to support the community by coming to Market on Main as well as encourage people to make healthy choices.

“We are trying to educate the public about where their food comes from and how its grown,” said Cobb. “We are also showing people the benefits of eating healthy.”

She also believes that farmers markets gives farmers and merchants the opportunity to sell their products. There are benefits for both the farmers and the customers. As people are becoming more conscious about their choice of foods, Farmers markets have become popular staples in American society.

With farmers markets, there is a long-lasting and personal bond between the farmers and the customers. With these ties, everyone from the farmer to the customer participates in making communities stronger.

At the Courtland Farmers Market on Agripark Drive, which is off U.S. Route 58, people can buy fresh local produce during their annual auctions that happen every Thursday from June to October. This market is directed to wholesale buyers such as store and restaurant owners, but

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with fellow vendor egrown Mushrooms from Sedley talks Jenny Nelson of Dave and Dee’s Hom brought are, from on Nels that s room Chuckatuck. The mush Skipp Cook of Rocking RC Pizza from chanterelles are behind them. left, oyster, shiitake and lion’s mane;

anyone can attend. It’s also a great place for people who enjoy canning or like to freeze fresh local produce.

The farmers market has been doing these auctions for more than 10 years, and the attendance of these auctions has been growing ever since. At the market, customers can purchase various produce such as summer squash, cucumbers, blackberries, peaches, flowers, corn, cabbage, green beans and so much more.

If you want to buy some of what the Courtland Farmers Market has to offer, there a few tips to follow: • You must have a legitimate tax number in order to be tax-exempt or pay sales tax.

• You must get a number before

bidding. Regular buyers can get a permanent number.

• All items are sold “as is, where is” and sales are final.

• Buyers must pay by cash or check before leaving unless Customers review what produce is available for their own markets, roadside stands or even restaurants. arrangements are made otherwise.

Not only do customers benefit Monica Marks, the manager of the auction, explains how Courtland from the market, they also make a Farmers Market is unique from the difference in the lives of the farmers majority of the farmers markets in who work hard to grow the crops.

“We service over 100 farmers in Virginia.

“We are one of two farmers markets local areas, and we just want the in the state of Virginia that does a public to come out and support the farming community.” produce auction,” she said.

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Fred’s Restaurant remains

‘a Franklin tradition’

story by Stephen Faleski

David Rabil, son of the late downtown Franklin icon and restauranteur Fred Rabil, essentially grew up in what was then his father’s restaurant on Main Street.

He and his brother, Frank, had lived in their family’s apartment on the second floor of the establishment until the early 1960s. David, who now owns Fred’s Restaurant, recalls getting up early Saturday mornings as a child to play baseball, and then working at Fred’s through lunch, hoping to earn enough money to see a movie at that afternoon’s matinee back when Franklin had a theater.

Now, the children and grandchildren of paper mill workers who David met in Fred’s as a child frequently come through his doors, making Fred’s truly “a Franklin tradition since 1945,” as is displayed on a banner outside.

When Fred first came to Franklin in the 1940s, it was to help his uncle with his bakery, David recalled. Fred took over the business in 1950, turning it into a combination arcade (with pinball A turkey club sandwich with fries at Fred’s

machines) and convenience store that sold hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue, tobacco products, beer, soft drinks and magazines.

Then, during the late 1960s, Fred remodeled the establishment, turning the bar area into a cafeteria.

During the late 1970s, he remodeled the adjacent room, which had housed pool tables, into a dining area.

Much like the city of Franklin itself, Fred’s has been no stranger to adversity over the decades, but has always managed to eventually recover. In 1984, a large kitchen fire necessitated a major renovation, which resulted in the second story being turned into a conference area, and an elevator being installed. This area was used for hosting wedding receptions and city groups for lunch. Then, in 1999, Hurricane Floyd flooded most of downtown Franklin, including Fred’s.

“We were closed for eight months after the flood,” David said.

When International Paper announced it would close its Franklin mill in 2009, “Things got a little tight for a while,” David said. But perhaps the most devastating loss to the Rabils’ family business occurred when Fred himself died in 2015.

“He spent pretty much every

David Rabil behind the bar at Fred’s.

day for 70 years here,” David said of his father. “He loved Franklin.”

In Fred’s obituary, published in The Tidewater News on March 25, 2015, it is stated that, “Those close to Fred Rabil would say that he is Franklin, Virginia.”

“If you compile a list of well-known people from Franklin, Fred would be at or among the top of the list,” Clyde Parker, a long-time friend of Fred’s, is quoted as having said at the time of Fred’s passing. “Anything that happened in the city — be it good or bad; the hurricane, the flood or the mill closing – Fred was always there.”

Despite the loss of Fred and the numerous other setbacks Franklin’s downtown community has endured over the years, on just about any day, one can still find diners seated at Fred’s bar and booths. In fact, the bar itself has a story behind it.

After Floyd, the Rabils needed to repair the front of the building. When they took off the damaged roof over

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the door, they discovered a Fred’s sign from the 1960s and decided to make the sign into the restaurant’s new bar top.

After Franklin High School’s art students helped clean and restore the sign, the

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Rabils installed it in the restaurant and allowed customers to sign it and write messages on it.

They then applied a final coat of epoxy, preserving those signatures and messages to this day.

The bar top in Fred’s is made from a sign for the restaurant from the 1960 s, discovered during the repairs that were made following Hurricane Floyd. Owner David Rabil allowed diners to leave messages on the bar top before applying a final coat of epoxy, preserving those signatures to this day.

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Travel in the footsteps of a nation-changer story by Kenya Smith

This is the logo that will be used for the Nat Turner Trail.

In August 1831, a slave lay minister by the name of Nat Turner began the notorious insurrection in Southampton County, starting at his master’s home.

Turner believed that he was called by God to help lead black slaves from bondage into freedom. As a result of his rebellion, 58 people, including men women and children, were killed. As a response, whites began to attack black slaves, most of whom had nothing to do with the event. As a result, close to 200 black men, women and children were killed. Later on, Turner would be captured and hanged in public.

His insurrection became one of the initiating events that led to the U.S. Civil War and to the end of slavery.

Today, people can travel back in time by touring the Nat Turner Trail by bus.

These occasional tours are provided by Rick Francis. The Southampton County Historical Society has been working for the past several years in establishing a walking/driving tour, complete with

logos and signage to explain the significance of each of the 19 chosen sites. Completion is expected as soon as handicap accessible sidewalks are made. The hope is to have it done by August this year. An app will later be created for smartphones and tablets.

The first destination of the tour is the Rebecca Vaughan House, which was the last home where Turner and his followers caused fatalities. It is named after a widow named Rebecca Vaughan, whose husband, Thomas, was a slave owner. She also had two sons and two daughters. The historical society’s president, Lynda Updike, shared the details about what happened at the house.

“The slaves that were involved in the revolt killed Rebecca’s two sons while they were approaching the house,” she stated.

Rebecca’s niece was killed in the yard by Turner’s followers.

“They then went inside the house and to the second floor where Rebecca Vaughan was on her knees to pray near an upstairs window and murdered her on the spot with an ax,” said Updike.

The tour will also include the 1834 courthouse on the same site as the 1798 courthouse where Turner was tried, as well as St. Luke’s Church, where a white mob gathered to end the slave rebellion. It will then pass the area where Turner was executed by hanging. Updike explained that the purpose for these tours is to make sure that visitors understand the facts behind the insurrection of 1831.

“We want to present the information that we give tourists as accurately as we can,” she said. “In these tours, we’ll have footnotes that lead to sources to make sure that we are providing the correct information because there is a lot of inaccurate information about what happened during Nate Turner’s rebellion.”

The tours usually take four hours, and the the cost is $50 in advance which includes lunch at Clarksbury Church and a opportunity to look at original courthouse documents from the trial of Nat Turner as well as the sword he wielded during the slave rebellion.

For more details about these tours, contact the Southampton County Historical Society at 654-6785.

This sketch of Nat Turner was done at the time of his trial, which took place in 1798 at the Southampton County Courthouse.

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n o e f i l e c n e i r e p Ex

the farm

story by Stephen Faleski

Prices for picking your own blueberr ies, collecting fresh eggs, and/or staying in the guest house are displayed on a tent outside during the summer months

The Dullases at their home.

When information technology professionals Paula and Arcel Dullas traded their city life in Norfolk for 10 acres of farmland in rural Southampton County, they hadn’t planned on starting a business. That “just kind of happened,” Paula said.

The couple had moved onto the property in February 2017 with the goal of growing most of their own food, to include raising chickens, which was impeded by the small size of their backyard in Norfolk. But when they discovered blueberries already growing on the land, they began inviting other people to their property to pick them. By November of that year, they had formally incorporated as Panda Homestead (P-AND-A for Paula and Arcel) as an agritourism operation, complete with a detached guest house where visitors can stay overnight to experience farm life.

Agritourism, as the word implies, is tourism that involves agriculture, and includes much more than just “u-pick” enterprises. What is becoming an increasingly popular vacation choice throughout the United States is exactly what the Dullases are now offering — a chance to spend multiple days and nights on a working farm.

The Dullases offer their guest house — which contains two bedrooms, one bathroom,

and can accommodate up to six people at a time — on Air BnB and farmstayus.com for up to $100 per night. A stay in the house includes a complimentary breakfast of bagels, cream cheese and coffee, as well as fresh eggs and blueberry jam from the farm.

The guest house also includes a large living room with a television and DVD player (but no cable and limited internet access), and a functioning kitchen where guests can prepare their own lunch and dinner.

“Agritourism has grown over the years, mainly due to the public wanting to know where their food and fiber comes from,” said Livvy Preisser, the Virginia Cooperative Extension’s agriculture agent for Isle of Wight County, which borders Southampton along the Blackwater River. “The average person is three or more generations removed from the farm, so they are wanting to know how farmers raise and care for their food.”

But the Dullases’ goal in opening their farm to guests goes beyond simply allowing them to watch a working farm in action.

They plan to eventually require a minimum number of nights so that guests have time to learn some homesteading techniques themselves.

“We want to teach people, ‘you can have this lifestyle, even in the city,’” Paula said.

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“We would like to teach the public to be more self-reliant, how to grow vegetables, raise animals,” Arcel added.

The couple also plans to eventually build another guest cabin on the property so that the farm can function more like a homesteading community, where guests can interact with each other. They also plan to try to tame some of their livestock so guests can handle them.

While on the subject of livestock,

Paula said that she and her husband do butcher some of the animals they raise for meat, as well as go hunting.

Arcel, she said, got two deer this season. On butchering, she said, “It’s not a pleasant experience, but we decided we’d rather do it than go to a store.”

Regardless of whether guests are just looking for an alternative to a hotel for the night or are interested in staying multiple nights to learn farming techniques, Paula advises all potential guests to book their stays well in advance if possible.

“We were booked to capacity in July through August [2018],” she said. “June is when we start getting busy.”

This year, Panda Homestead will accept guest house reservations from March through November. Those interested in

picking blueberries may wish to plan their trip for the first weekend in July, as that is when the berries typically ripen. The Dullases will also sell various products, such as eggs and pastureraised chicken, turkey and pork, May through November. They will post the availability of these on their Facebook page.

Panda Homestead is located at 23332 Felton Drive, one turn off of U.S. Route 58 between Capron and Drewryville. The Dullases can be reached at 434-658-0516, pandahomestead@gmail.com, or via their website, www.pandahomestead. com.

A list of farms in neighboring Isle of Wight County that are open to visitors can be found at: https://www. genuinesmithfieldva.com/visit-thefarms.html, though not all of these have lodging like the Dullases’ farm.

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County fairs celebrate agricultural heritage story by Kenya Smith

County fairs are good opportunities for the entire family to have some fun and to observe what makes the Western Tidewater region so special, its agricultural roots. These huge events usually consist of livestock shows and horticultural exhibits as well as rodeos and various contests. Attendees can also enjoy carnival rides, watch beauty pageants and talent shows and enjoy entertainment from various performers.

Since 1981, the FranklinSouthampton County Fair has attracted hundreds of people throughout the region. Glenn Joyner, the president of the Franklin-Southampton County Fair, said there’s a significant change in how many people are coming to the fair.

“The number of people that attend the fair grew 10 times more than what it was 38 years ago,” he said.

This year’s fair will be from Aug. 7-10 at the Southampton County Fairgrounds on New Market Road.

The event has various activities for the entire family such as carnival rides, live entertainment, 4-H exhibits that include goat, heifer, rabbit and poultry showings, horticultural contests, and the Miss Franklin-Southampton pageant.

While Joyner wants people to enjoy themselves at the fair, he also believes that the fair serves as a good learning experience.

“It’s educational for the kids,” he said. “They get to learn about the county’s agricultural background. In general, it’s all about good fellowship and fun.”

The amount to attend ranges from

$6 to $10 a day. Plus, 4-day tickets are $20 each. Children 6 and under can attend for free.

The Windsor area is the home of the Isle of Wight County Fair, which takes place every September. The county had its first fair in 1941, but in 1991, the newly formed fair committee re-established the fair, and it officially started in 1994 near the Isle of Wight County Courthouse. Then in 2004, Cody Thomas of Burdette with his father, Steve, whe n they brought in plants the fair was moved to the for the annual Field Crops, Horticult ure and Flowers/Plants exhibition for Fairgrounds at Heritage the Franklin-Southampton County Fair.

Park, also known as the Joel C. Bradshaw Fairgrounds, and went on a hiatus in 2007 in order to renovate the location. The fair re-opened in 2008 at the newly renovated Fairgrounds at Heritage Park.

The dates for this year’s fair is Sept. 12-15. Jenilee Hallman, the coordinator for the fair, explained that this year will be the fair’s 25th Anniversary which was supposed to be celebrated last year.

“The 25th anniversary was supposed to be last At last year’s Isle of Wight County Fair: Leighton Pulley, left, with his year, but due to Hurricane Grand Cham pion Breeding Stock. At right is Taylo r Cross with her Reserve Florence, we decided to Champion Breeding Stock. Fair Queen Hale igh Andrew holds up the banpostpone that celebration to ners. The judge is at far right. this year.”

At the Isle of Wight County Fair, monster truck rides, carnival rides and people can engage in various activities face painting. The fair also has Heritage such as pony rides, camel rides, competitions that consist of two

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fair for judging, and ribbons The season’s bounty is brought to the are awarded for exemplary produce.

as kickoffs for the fair.

“We have a truck and tractor pull on April 27 and another one on Sept.

8, the Saturday before the fair begins.”

The last kick off event is the annual Seafood Fest, which is held on the Wednesday before the fair begins.

For admissions, tickets for the seafood fest are $30 per person in advance or $35 per person at the gate.

Thursday night from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. is Carload Night, and people can bring their family or friends in one car and pay a $45 fee to enter and receive “all you can ride” wristbands for everyone in the vehicle. There is a limit of eight people per vehicle, and passengers must be legally seated. From Friday to Sunday, admissions are $10 for people ages 13 and older, $5 for military (must show Military ID), $5 for children ages 6 to 12 and it’s free for children ages 5 and under.

sections: arts & crafts and food.

For food, people can compete in various categories such as canned goods, baked goods and candy. Categories for arts & crafts include crocheting, painting, drawing, knitting, quilting, photography and many more. Then, there is the beauty pageant where young ladies compete to become Miss Isle of Wight County Fair.

Hallman shares why the Isle of Wight County Fair is a must go to event.

“I’m new to the county, and I feel that the fair is a good opportunity to learn about agriculture. Plus, it builds a sense of community and it’s a great place to have fun.”

Before the festivities begin, there are events that are held

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s e t a v i lt u c 6 0 6 1 y r e Gall

artistry, craftsmanship story by Stephen Faleski

On almost any day of the month, the small ranch house located at the corner of Southampton Parkway and Main Street in Capron would appear to be exactly that — a small, inconspicuous home.

Only on the first Saturday of each month from May through December is its true purpose revealed.

Since 2017, the house has

stands in Above: Kenny Williams of Capron dworkwoo his of front of a varied selection artiby s craft Hand t: Righ . ship sman ing craft is Trav ery), (pott tt sans such as Nathan Ellio Ann rly Beve or ms) (broo on Capr Covington of smaker Dhaliwal (photography). Below: Glas edstain red colo s fuse ins Boyk Shelly Stieh of objects. glass into attractive and whimsical

served as the site of Gallery 1606 and its outdoor Artisan Market, both of which provide a venue for local artists and crafters to exhibit and sell their creations.

“My avocation is kiln-fired pottery,” said Gallery 1606 owner Lynette Allston. “Through

my community involvements, which included being the president of the Rawls Museum in Courtland, I was aware of dozens of wood-turners, glass-makers, potters, quilt-makers, metal arts fabricators, pen-makers and craftspersons in the area who had no venue for displaying or selling their wares.”

While the gallery and market will provide free vendor space to any artist, regardless of ethnicity, residing within 150 miles of Capron, both have become a niche for Native American crafters, hence the name “Gallery 1606.” “‘1606’ was intended as a gentle reminder that there existed a vibrant indigenous community of traders, artists and farmers in this area of what is now Virginia, before any English colonists established the Jamestown Settlement in 1607,” said Allston, who in addition to being a smallbusiness owner, is chief of the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia.

According to her, each market draws between 15 to 22 artisans from all cultures, races, religions and political persuasions selling and sometimes demonstrating their work. Around five are active Nottoway tribal citizens. Regular vendors include soap-maker Donna Howell of Courtland, quilter Iola Lamison of Sedley, pen-maker Ed Depietro of Suffolk and woodworker Kenny Williams of Capron, among others.

Howell has been crafting

Progress 2019 • 19

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20 • Progress 2019

Welcome to Courtland

Progress 2019 • 21

handmade soaps using goats’ milk and essential oils and fragrances for four to five years. 2018 was her second year exhibiting at the Artisans Market.

“I have not missed one yet,” Howell said.

Lamison, who also exhibits at the Rawls Museum in Courtland, said she has been making quilts and other fabric art for 15 years.

“A lot of the designs I come up with are my own,” Lamison said. “I let the fabric speak to me.”

One vendor who is fairly new to the Artisans Market is Greg Campbell, a knife-maker from Richmond. He has been making knives for the past five years, and has exhibited at the market two or three times this past year.

“Cranking out 10 knives is about three months of work,” Campbell said.

There is also Shelly Stieh of Boykins, who makes lamps and other works of stained-glass from the shards discarded by other glass artists.

Inside the gallery, visitors will find pottery made by Allston and brooms made by Travis Covington of Capron.

Covington, a member of Tidewater Blacksmiths, started making the brooms to go with his fireplace sets. In addition to being a vendor at Gallery 1606, Covington also does demonstrations of his craft at the Southampton County Fair and the Southampton County Museum.

Allston clarified that, while Gallery 1606 enjoys a close relationship with the Nottoway tribe, there are no legal, financial or control ties between the two. The gallery is owned and funded entirely by Allston’s family-owned company: Turner Allston Preservation LLC. She and her husband, Allard, formed this company in 2011 for the purpose of acquiring and fixing up historic properties, the first of which

was the old brick Masonic lodge in Courtland. This building is now leased to the Nottoway tribe as the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia Interpretive Center & Community House.

The interpretive center, located adjacent to Gallery 1606, serves as a museum of Nottoway history, with the second floor used as a classroom for teaching Native American craft workshops.

The purpose of the classroom, according to Nottoway tribe member Denise Walters, is to help build skills such as beading and making traditional wood flutes, which have been lost over the years.

The workshops are mainly

December, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information, email gallery1606@gmail. com, or call 434-658-4454.

Editor’s note: An extended version of this article previously appeared in the Winter 2018 edition of Western Tidewater Living.

ing her Above: Donna Howell has been mak years, and to five past the for hand by s soap et for the has already participated in the mark Sedley of son Lami Iola Left: s. year past two at the sale and enjoys making quilts for show uses raff DeG Alice w: Belo et. seasonal mark ng other metal, bone and carved wood amo jewelry. materials to create her one-of-a-kind

offered to members of the Nottoway and other tribes, but occasionally some are offered to the public.

The gallery, market and community center are each open every first Saturday, May through

22 • Progress 2019

Relive the region’s heritage story by Stephen H. Cowles

People are forever curious about the past and how people lived centuries ago — decades even.

That’s how the annual Heritage Day in the Southampton Heritage Village and Agriculture and Forestry Museum serves both residents and out-of-town visitors by answering the interesting questions of how people lived once upon a time in Western Tidewater.

Some examples: • How was lumber for houses made? Crowds always gather around the sawmill demonstrations.

• Where did people get cornmeal? Bags of it are sold when the grist mill operates.

• How did people entertain themselves? Musicians come to perform on fiddles, guitars, double basses or banjoes playing songs that would have been on the Top 40 of yesteryear. You’ll usually find people

Bill Hancock makes his handcrafted dough bowls. A generation ago, dough bowls could be seen in every country kitchen for working up biscuit dough to feed hard-working farm families. Nearly everyone’s grandmother had one.

lined up around to see and hear them play.

• What did schools, barbershops, general stores and houses look Denise Wylodka weaves a chair seat using fiber rush, which she like? There is one of each has demonstrated at past Heritage Days . at the site for people to step inside, where they can see school desks, a Attendance peaked at about 1,800 barberchair, old-fashioned stoves, refrigerators and washing machines to 1,900 a few years ago, and now and living quarters. There’s also a it’s around 1,400 people. The Down church, which is often used by the Home Day draws in 500 give or take, Bryant said, adding that not all the historical society for meetings.

• How was farming done? Several craft vendors come in for that event.

To build and keep attendance examples of machinery used to keeping the event harvest peanuts, cotton and corn are requires interesting. set out.

“We’ve done that by adding new Someone for whom this event means a great deal is Anne Bryant, things ever year,” she said. “When Heritage Day first started there were chairman since 2003.

“The first Heritage Day was in no craft vendors or music. We try 1992 [The museum had opened in each year to have something the 1991.]. I got involved in 1996,” Bryant kids can do hands-on: Pump water, said. “Nancy Cogsdale hammer nails, use a pulley system. invited [my husband] They are tickled and get their parents H.B. and me to come to involved. Another big thing that has a meeting. I helped out brought in people are the model trains.” and the rest is history.”

New demonstrations added She continued.

“Once you’re there, include glass-blowing, another that you’re there. Overall, draws crowds. Pete Twisdale’s scale I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve met models of two former businesses people over there that I in downtown Franklin also catch otherwise wouldn’t have people’s eyes and gets them talking met. You get older folks about how it was made or their to reminisce. They or own experiences of going to those their grandparents will places.

Heritage Day is always on the remember things such as using washboards, second Saturday of each September, and younger people and this year it will be on Sept. 14 get to hear the stories.” rain or shine.

Progress 2019 • 23 The old music pavilion near the saw mill has been converted for lots of hands-on activities for kids. Bill Vick is showing his young cousin, Drake Creech, that he can easily lift at heavy bucket of sand using a rope and pulley.

Bill knows that kids love a “hands-on” experience.

“We’ve been fortunate that we’ve never been rained out for Heritage Day. Hurricanes Floyd and Isabel cancelled it ahead of time.

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The Southampton Heritage Village and Agriculture and Forestry Museum are located at 26315 Heritage Lane, Courtland. Call 653-9554 for more information.

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Farmers Bank is celebrating an important milestone this year — 100 years as a successful and growing community bank. Through this accomplishment we recognize it is the relationships we have built over the past century that makes our success truly special.

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26 • Progress 2019

s i n r e v a T ’s e n o h Ma for the present, future story by Stephen H. Cowles

If it weren’t for the Southampton County Courthouse, Mahone’s Tavern as we know it today likely would not exist. Thankfully, that’s not the case. The existence of the courthouse starting in the 1700s created an opportunity to provide lodging for residents of the 18th and 19th centuries. Residents of Western Tidewater needed not only to address legal matters or research valuable records, but also a place to stay in case the business at hand took longer than anticipated.

Henry Adams and Thomas Hunt are credited with building the tavern across the street in 1796. In addition to lodging and refreshment, it was a place for hearing the latest news, gossip or discussion of cases just heard or impending. From the site, there were also opportunity to witness executions.

Over the decades, the place changed hands and names, including Kello’s Tavern and then Vaughan’s Tavern. The present day name began in 1840 when the new proprietors, Fielding Jordan and Martha Drew Mahone, took ownership.

With them was their son, William, who would grow up to not only graduate from Virginia Military Institute, but also become a civil engineer, president of the Norfolk Petersburg Railroad Co. In the War Between the States, also known as the Civil War, he was commissioned as a lieutenant colonel of infantry troops.

Ownership passed on, and the tavern developed more into a hotel before becoming a private residence. One of those homeowners was E. Lucille Gillette, who had the place from 1939

William Mahone at the time of his service in the War Between the States.

Carol Sombrio, who was married to Woodie Watkinson, stands beside a large cutout of William Mahone. She recalled living at the house for a couple of years.

to 1953. After her, it became the home for Harwood Paige and Virginia Davis Watkinson — who was Gillette’s niece — and their children, Woodie, William, Wayne and Patti.

In early 2008, the Watkinsons put up a For Sale sign in front of their home, and that’s when the Urquhart-Gillette Camp No. 1471, Sons of Confederate Veterans come into the history. The Tidewater News reported on Sept. 7, 2008, that the members didn’t want the place to fall into disrepair or even in the hands of indifferent owners.

Concerned that the site could be neglected, torn down or even repurposed in a way that would interfere with the building’s historic status, the SCV stated it would buy the place. Instead, another group of concerned residents formed the company with the same intention — and ability — to buy it. In addition to restoration and maintenance, the foundation’s goals include educating the public about the tavern’s history as well as making it into a museum. A private benefactor made that happen.

Tours are available on the first floor only; there are liability issues that prevent visitors from going up the narrow stairs, though there’s nothing to see in the way of furnishings. The porch balcony no longer exists; it’s reduced to an ornament where the door was once used.

C. Earl Blythe, one of the three trustees, said of the place, “Mahone’s Tavern & Museum Inc. exists to preserve Mahone’s Tavern as a National Register of Historical Places property, to interpret

Progress 2019 • 27

the building, promote knowledge about William Mahone’s multi-faceted career as an educator, civil engineer, major general and statesman, to present Southampton County’s role in the War Between the States and to educate students and the general public about

the War’s impact on the county and to preservation or education opportunities, tell the story of the families who lived come to the site at 22341 Main St., in the historic property for over 200 Courtland, VA 23837. You can also visit www.mahonestavern.org. years.”

To learn more about the The Mahone’s Tavern & Museum toda tavern or how to help in its y. Noti ce how front has changed. The balcony has been redu ced to the ornamental one in the center, and the post supports are reduced from six to four.

, there was in the early 20th century. At one time This is how Mahone’s Tavern looked the hotel of part was h whic , door next the house a hyphen on the right connecting to it had become by then.

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28 • Progress 2019

Southampton County home to

family-owned peanut stores

story by Stephen Faleski Southampton County is home to no less than five mom-and-pop peanut stores, each selling its own brand of the salty, southern staple food.

Feridies, which is based out of Courtland and sells out of The Peanut Patch on U.S. Highway 58, began in 1973 when Bob Riddick and his twin brother, Bill, along with their wives Judy and Gaynelle, opened the original storefront on Main Street in Courtland. The original concept, according to Feridies’ website, was to have a furniture stripping business to refinish antiques.

Since this required an individual to be present every day to accept furniture, the brothers decided to open a gift shop as well in the turnof-the-20th-century building. Since Southampton County, at that time, was one of the world’s largest peanutproducing counties, the brothers chose to specialize in promoting and selling Virginia peanuts in the gift shop, and eventually, began cooking and selling their own brand. In 1994, The Peanut Patch moved from its Main Street location to U.S. Highway 58, where it remains to this day.

In the nearby village of Sedley, the Hubbard Peanut Company, better known as simply “Hubs,” has been going strong since the 1950s.

According to Hubs’ website, in 1954 Dot Hubbard, a young school teacher, quit her job to stay home and raise her growing family. But, wanting a little extra income and having grown up in peanut territory, she developed her own recipe and technique for cooking

Virginia peanuts, and a mail-order business was born.

E v e n t u a l l y, word of Dot’s peanuts spread from Sedley Patsy Marks, president of Belmont and it became Peanuts of Southampton, presents impossible for her a display of the family company’s to keep up with gourmet products. She took them to Fancy Food Show several years demand on her ago, and has participated in simiown. Then, her lar events over the years. husband, H.J., worked with local engineers to design and develop equipment that would help meet demand w i t h o u t compromising Dot’s standards of quality. The system he developed is still in place , right off today. ut Outlet at 19123 Rawlings Road Dora Gurganus of Gurganus Pean A few miles Highway 58W in Capron. down the highway from Courtland near the tiny peanuts retail. Sixteen years and three town of Capron is Gurganus Peanuts. expansions later, Gurganus now offers According to the company’s website, a variety of cooked and raw peanut the Gurganus family has been farming products, as well as candles, Virginia Virginia peanuts in Southampton hams and bacon, and an assortment County since 1951. The business of homemade crafts.

Also near Capron is Belmont itself began in 1990 when the family purchased a peanut buying station Peanuts. The Marks family, which to buy other area farmers’ peanuts. has grown Virginia peanuts for three Then, in 1991, Gurganus Peanut generations, began Belmont Peanuts Outlet opened and began selling in 1993 as a mail-order business.

U.S.

Progress 2019 • 29

In 2004, David Peck, originally of Wakefield, joined with Bob and Patsy Marks to create a facility on the Marks’ family farm to hand-cook and package their peanuts.

“I watched one of our peanut forefather’s cook peanuts when I was so little I had to stand on a stool to see over the top of the fryer,” Peck writes on Belmont’s website. “Back in those days he cooked the peanuts himself and taught a few of us along the way. One thing I can promise you, if a batch of peanuts came out of his fryer he was not happy with, the peanuts were sent to the garbage can. That is the same philosophy that Patsy, Robert, and I live by today. We are small enough that we cook every peanut by hand, just the way I was taught so many years ago. No automated equipment to cook our nuts, just one batch at time, plain and simple.”

Belmont now offers salted and unsalted cocktail peanuts, flavored peanuts, honey roasted and butter toasted peanuts, Peanut Squares, Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle, Choco-Covered Peanut Brittle, chocolate-covered peanut, and more, still by mail order.

South of U.S. 58 down General Thomas Highway is the town of Newsoms and two sites to buy peanuts: You can find them at Drake’s Shopping Mart at 22160 General Thomas Highway in Newsoms.

The other is Newsoms Peanut Shop. This particular store was born on a stovetop more than 30 years ago.

That’s when Charles and Nancy Bunn came up with the idea for what would ultimately become this internationally known store.

Both came from long-established farm families. Charles Bunn was also growing cantaloupes, cotton, peanuts, soybeans, sweet corn, tomatoes and watermelons.

In 1980 the Bunns started taking

Judy Riddick, left, and her sister-in-law, Gaynelle Riddick, in the original Peanut Patch.

Cho cola te-c over ed and unsalted are among the variety of peanuts processed

by Hubs.

their produce to summer markets as far away as Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach. Nancy Bunn remembered people would ask Charles why he didn’t sell peanuts.

Nancy had already learned to fry peanuts thanks to a friend from bridge club who shared the recipe, and so the Bunns decided to include some of Nancy’s own home-cooked and hand-packed peanuts at the markets, which proved popular. The business later moved from the Bunns’ home to

downtown Newsoms, and eventually to its current location just outside the town limits, which was built in 2006.

Charles and Nancy’s son, Blair Bunn, runs the business today with Paige Casper, who joined the business in 2007. Today, the store offers homecooked peanuts, peanut brittle, sugarcoated, pistachios, cashews, pecans, jumbo-in shell peanuts (raw, roasted, salted or spicy), raw almonds and peanut squares.

Stephen H. Cowles, staff writer, contributed to this story.

30 • Progress 2019

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34 • Progress 2019

Courtland business offers river tours via kayaking story by Stephen Faleski and Stephen H. Cowles

This picture, taken several years ago, kayak as he waits for the people with shows Marshall Rabil in the purple him. Behind is Dr. Mercer Neale, then headmaster at Southampton Academy. push a student into the water. The threeThe late Barry Nolf, left, readies to others behind them are more academy students, who were then part of an outdoor expedition club, which Toni Nolf said is how started the river tours got started.

kayaks for Wendy Barrera and Tim McCormick secures one of two ladder) of Suffolk. They came to nd behi en (hidd era her son Lance Barr r Guides on a Saturday afternoon Blackwater Outfitters/Nottoway Rive to get the kayaks.

In Southampton County, even those without any kayaking or canoeing skills can experience life on the Blackwater and Nottoway rivers, thanks to the efforts of Toni Nolf, owner of Blackwater Outfitters/ Nottoway River Guides.

The downtown Courtland business, formerly located in Franklin, sells and rents new and used kayaks and canoes, as well as accessories such as life preservers, bug repellent, fishing tackle and live bait. Repairs to dents can also be done, as well as installations for rigging and fishing poles. But tours are perhaps the biggest feature the business offers to customers.

The business also partners with Paul D. Camp Community College’s Kids’ College kayaking program, for ages 7-17.

“Our priority is getting them [people] in the river,” Nolf said when opening her Courtland location in 2013.

The business operates a shuttle service for kayakers, which transports kayakers’ vehicles from the launch point to the end point of the tour.

This way, their vehicles are waiting for them when they are finished kayaking.

As far back as late 2009, Nolf and her husband, the late Barry Nolf, had offered

guided kayak tours. The couple opened their first shop in downtown Franklin in the spring of 2011. Unfortunately, Barry became severely ill in the spring of 2012 and died in June of that year.

Working with Nolf to continue both the business and Barry’s memory is Tim McCormick.

Although he’s native of Tennessee, McCormick said he grew up around the area.

“I floated into this job,” he said. “It suits me.”

McCormick explained that as an environmental scientist he’s able to apply what he’s learned.

While giving tours, McCormick — who also has a background in botanicals — can point out rare plants and trees in the ecosystem.

“There’s always something to see,” he said.

Also on the team are Crystle Cline and Will Berryman, as well as Nolf’s son, Jacob, who is a senior at Southampton Academy. Berryman has begun negotiations with Smithfield Station, which operates a marina on the Pagan River in downtown Smithfield, and the Surry Seafood Company on Grays Creek in Surry County, to offer kayaking and river tours at those locations in addition to the Nottoway and Blackwater rivers.

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Progress 2019 • 37

children to senior citizens. Most are local, but some have brought their extended families from out of town.

The business has also worked with

and so the business had to cancel a few river tours for safety reasons.

“We still did a few pond trips,” Nolf said, explaining that Blackwater Outfitters’ insurance company restricts them to going out only when Kayaking with Diablo on r. the water temperature is 56 the Nottoway Rive degrees or above, also for safety purposes.

Blackwater Outfitters is currently closed for the winter. When the business reopens in March, hours will be 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. River trips are scheduled independently of these hours.

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38 • Progress 2019

, s d n e i r f ld o g n i t i s i V s e n o w e n making story by Kenya Smith

The Western Tidewater area is rich in history and in culture, and powwows are a good way for people to learn about some of the area’s history and culture. Deriving from the Narragansett word powwaw, which means “spiritual leader,” powwows are social gatherings held by different Native American communities. In popular culture, especially in older western movies, powwows are depicted as any gathering of Native Americans, such as among military personnel. However, if you talk to the chiefs of the two main tribes of Western Tidewater, you will discover that actual powwows are different from what is seen on the television screen.

“It’s a celebration of people coming together to share ideas and culture,” said Lynette Allston, the current chief of the Nottoway Tribe of Virginia.

“It’s the gathering of old friends and an opportunity to make new friends. It’s a time where we dance in a circle and worship the creator and to let people know that our culture is still alive,”

A dancer in her full regalia participates in the grand entry for the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) powwow.

said Walt “Red Hawk” Brown, who is the current chief of the Chereonhaka (Nottoway) Tribe.

Come to one of these powwows, and one will get to observe sacred native dances, enjoy some Native American food and learn about the Native American culture and the history of the Western Tidewater area.

The Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia ranges from Southampton County into Surry County and the Tidewater region. Their annual powwow takes place on the third Saturday and Sunday in the month of September at the Surry County Parks and Recreation Center.

Admissions are $5 for people ages 13 to adult, $3 for seniors 65 and older and children and free for children ages 3 and under and children ages 12 and under when accompanied by adult.

Chief Allston explained that the tribe’s first powwow was significant because it landed on the anniversary of an important event in American history.

“We had our first powwow in 2007, which was the 400th commemoration of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America. Because of this, we have our powwow in Surry, which is south of the James River.”

The Nottoway Powwow features inter-tribal dancing, vendors and crafts, community service tables with information from various agencies, a kid’s area, storytelling

on, center, is Nottoway Indian Chief Lynette Allst Elliott, left, and ie Arch f Chie t stan Assi by ed flank powwow in War Chief William Wright at a past ty.

Coun Surry

and a primitive weapon demonstration.

The Cheroenhaka Tribe hosts its powwows in Courtland which is part of Southampton County.

“We have been doing our annual powwow since 2002,” said Chief Brown.

Their first powwow took place at the Southampton County Agriculture and Forestry Museum, and they continued their celebration at the Southampton County Fair Grounds up to 2011.

In 2012, the tribe began hosting its powwow on their own tribal lands called Cattashowrock Town.

On the first Saturday in July, the tribe hosts the annual Green Corn Dance and Gathering. Admissions are usually $6 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-12 and seniors ages 65 and over, and it’s free for children age 5 and under. It features inter-tribal dancing, food such as Indian tacos, fish and jacks (fried hand pies), and arts and craft vendors.

Their other annual powwow is the Corn Harvest Powwow and School

Progress 2019 • 39

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Day, which is held in the first week of November. Admissions are still the same as for the Green Corn Dance and Gathering. Since November is set aside to celebrate National Native American Heritage Month, elementary school students, grades 2-5 and middle school students from different schools across the region have the opportunity to come out and tour the village, learn some Iroquoian words and phrases and watch demonstrators engage in beading, basket weaving, hide tanning, corn grinding and creating blow guns and hand drums.

The purpose for this powwow is to help students learn more about Native American history and culture in preparation for SOL testing.

Both chiefs hope that these powwows will make an impact in their communities.

“I want people to learn something new from attending the powwows, make new friends and just simply

Caroh “Water Blossom” Holly

speaks to second graders about have a good time,” Chief the life of Native Americans such Allston said. as those in the Cheroenhaka “I just hope that with (Nottoway) tribe. these powwows, people will learn and appreciate the cultures in this area.

Plus, I hope they would enjoy the festivities,” said Chief Brown.

If anyone is unable to attend a powwow, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about the history It will continue to be open twice and culture of Native Americans. The a week until the second weekend of Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia runs November.

The town is a replica of the Native a community house and interpretive Palisade Fort/Village, which features center, which is located in Capron.

“We host monthly workshops and long houses, a three sister’s garden, classes where people can learn how native flat cookers for smoking/drying to do arts and crafts such as bead fish, and Iroquoian corn thrashing work, quilting, flute making, wood booth and a dug-out canoe.

To learn more about these two tribes carving and basket weaving.”

Cattashowrock Town is also open of the Western Tidewater region, you to the tourists and the general public, can visit www.nottowayindians.org and beginning on the first day of Spring. www.cheroenhaka-nottoway.org.

42 • Progress 2019

Person’s UMC deeply connected

ty n u o C n to p m a th u o S to story by Stephen Faleski

left This Bible on display at the church was .

1898 to s date and , by a circuit rider

between 13 different churches in his charge.

In 1903, one year after a fire destroyed the original building, the current sanctuary was constructed.

Legend has it that the original sanctuary had been built on sacred Native American land, and that one day, worshippers had been standing around talking after a service when they saw a spark from the chimney of the wood-burning stove land on the roof, immediately igniting the shingles.

Surrounding the sanctuary is an area of land deeply connected to Southampton County’s Civil Warera past. Adjacent to the church is a veterans cemetery, where eight Confederate Civil War soldiers

Some people who made their way back to the Drewryville area for the 180th anniversary service at Person’s United Methodist Church this past October were in their 90s — old enough to remember the days when some parishioners would arrive by horse-and-buggy, or simply walk to church from their homes. Far fewer people in A past anniversary celebration at Pers on’s UMC. Southampton County owned cars at that time.

“My father had a horseand-buggy years back,” said the church’s treasurer, trustee and historian, Mark Person, whose family has been associated with the church for five generations. “My mother preferred the car.”

Person’s great-greatgrandfather, John Person, was a charter member of the parish when the original sanctuary was built in 1838.

At this time, the church’s original minister, the Rev. Joshua Leigh, was known as a “circuit rider” — referring to his riding on horseback

are buried, including Person’s great grandfather, Junius Person, who served with the volunteer “Rough and Ready” Guards. This unit was attached to the 3rd Virginia Infantry in Gen. James Kemper’s brigade, which was under Gen. George Pickett’s division in Gen. James Longstreet’s corps. A little over a mile away is Person’s Milpond, where Nat Turner — an enslaved African-American and preacher who led a rebellion in Southampton County — was baptized. Turner also baptized a white man, Etheldred Brantley, in the same pond on that same day.

Southampton County’s Francis family, from which Southampton County Clerk of Court Rick Francis is descended, is also connected with Person’s UMC and the Nat Turner

Progress 2019 • 43

rebellion. Junius’s wife was Anne Eliza Francis Person. Anne Eliza’s mother, Lavinia Francis, narrowly escaped becoming a victim of the slave revolt when one of her brother-in-law Salathiel Francis’s slaves, named Red Nelson, hid her in a closet.

On display inside the church are two Bibles, one estimated to date to 1898 that was left by a circuit-riding preacher, and the other dating to 1938, which was donated by former governor and Southampton County native Colgate Darden and his wife, Constance duPont Darden.

At its peak, the church regularly had congregations of over 100, but now attendance at services on the first and third Sundays of each month is usually around 10 people. Still, over 100 typically return for reunions like the one held last October.

Merle Monahan contributed to this story.

The gravesite of Junius Person, grea t-great-grandfather of current chur ch treasurer, trustee and historian Person. Junius was a Confederate Mark soldier in the volunteer “Rough and Ready” Guards. This unit was attac the 3rd Virginia Infantry. hed to

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