Western Tidewater Living Fall 2017

Western Tidewater

Living

Born in fire

Franklin Fire Department has grown with the City

On Broadway

The story of Franklin native Joseph Holland, acclaimed Broadway actor

Shipping out

Shirley Oliver and the members of American Military Missions send care packages to troops overseas in appreciation for their efforts.

FALL 2017 • vol. 8, no. 3

Sometimes the

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Western Tidewater

Living

Ahhhh, autumn at last. The intensity of summer heat has burned out and we’re now enjoying cooler days and crisp nights. It’s becoming an ideal time to brew a warm beverage, maybe wrap up in a light blanket, and curl up with this fall edition of Western Tidewater Living.

Our stories this issue feature the following: • Not everyone who serves this country through the military is a soldier who must always carry a gun. Courtland native William Mathis is an example of one who uses even more powerful tools. With a measuring tape, hammer and nails in hand, this Navyman helps to build up places where he’s stationed. At the time of the story, he was posted in another part of the world working to create a new school.

• Speaking of servicemen, Merle Monahan introduces you to a group of people in Windsor who give their support to those men and women overseas by creating care packages on a monthly basis. It’s a way of showing them that civilians appreciate their service.

• Clyde Parker, who also periodically contributes to this magazine, returns with a history of the Franklin Fire Department. It’s an agency that was truly born in the flames and has grown as the town became a city.

• There’s scary good fun to be had in Windsor with the annual haunted barn in October. What makes the thrills and chills even more worthwhile is that the profits from

introduction the entry fees will go to help Diamonds in the Rough Equine Rescue.

• Western Tidewater has a wealth of people who have contributed to the world in one way or another, and the late Joseph Holland was among those many gems. The Franklin native, practically born for the stage, became a prominent actor in his time in the mid-20th century. Holland performed in many prominent roles with fellow thespians Leslie Howard and Katharine Cornell. Of particular interest is his work with Orson Welles and the other famed Mercury Theatre Players of the late 1930s. His cousin Mac Edwards keeps Holland’s memory preserved with his story, as well as the contribution to the theatre archives in New York City.

As always, we have regular features, which include party pictures with many smiling faces in social situations.

There’s a new “Where am I,” and we’re quite pleased that the new “Who am I” attracted well over a dozen guesses.

A new picture awaits you to research.

The calendar features a listing of upcoming activities and events to enjoy this season.

As always, we welcome suggestions for story ideas. Call us at 562-3187.

Stephen H. Cowles Staff Writer Western Tidewater Living

western tidewater living

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contents fall 2017 Cover photograph

by Stephen H. Cowles

ON THE COVER: Left, Mark Carr, deputy chief since 1980 and right, Vince Holt, fire chief since 2002.

Western Tidewater

Living

Tony Clark Publisher Stephen H. Cowles Staff Writer Stephen Faleski Staff Writer Merle Monahan Contributing Writer Clyde Parker Contributing Writer Ryan Outlaw Lead Designer Loretta Lomax Designer Crystal Parker Designer Mitzi Lusk Advertising Director Sameerah Brown Advertising Representative Rachel Parker Advertising Representative

INSIDE THIS EDITION

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PARTY PIX

A feast, a fete and football fans of local high school teams kick-off this edition of Western Tidewater Living.

CATCHING UP WITH...

Courtland native, Builder 3rd Class William Mathis, helping build a new kindergarten school on the island of Ebeye in the Marshall Islands.

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Advertising rates and information available upon request to ads@tidewaternews.com.

Subscriptions are $20 annually in-state, $24 annually out of state and $30 annually overseas.

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who am I? We had 16 people to correctly identify the person featured for our inaugural Who am I? That person was Lizzie Mae Cutchin, a former librarian.

Her portrait can be found in the conference room just before entering the main room of the Ruth Camp Campbell Memorial Library in Franklin.

The plaque states: “Dedicated to the Memory of Lizzie Mae Cutchin,

who as Franklin’s librarian for nearly half a century, introduced generations of children to the wonderful world of books. Lizzie Mae Cutchin Donated by Summer 2017 Union Camp Corporation.”

ON BROADWAY

The story of Franklin native Joseph Holland, acclaimed Broadway actor, as told by his cousin, Mac Edwards.

BORN IN FIRE The Franklin Fire Department has evolved as the City has grown.

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The winner in the drawing was Kirby Kirkland of Annapolis, Maryland, and formerly of Sedley.

In this issue, we’ve a new personality.

Whoever can identify the person pictured here will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate.

So, if you know who this is, let us know. If you’re right, you could be a winner.

Email your answers to magazine@ tidewaternews.com.

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Tell us where our photographer took this photo and get a chance to win a gift certificate.

where am I? In each edition, our magazine staff provides a challenge of sorts for readers, testing how much of Western Tidewater they really know. We photograph a scene in Western Tidewater that is visible to motorists or pedestrians.

Whoever can identify the location pictured above will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate.

So, if you discover where this edition’s photo was taken, let us know. If you’re right, you could be a winner. Email your answers to magazine@tidewaternews.com

Donna Pope of Boykins correctly guessed that the picture Stephen H. Cowles took for the summer issue is at the jail in Courtland. To be precise, it’s one of the window coverings.

44 western tidewater living

Artisan Market

what to do First Saturdays Artisan Market: On Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2, this will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Gallery 1606, located at 18001 Southampton Parkway, the corner of Highway 58 and Main Street, Capron.

This is a free and open event of exhibitions and sales by local folks who make creative things: artisans and crafters with specialties in repurposed furniture, handcrafted pens, stained glass, oil paintings, Native American art, photography, herbal soaps, wearable art, jewelry, metal art, turned wood, crochet, candles, fabric creations, hand-built pottery and more. Reservations required for free vendor space. For more information, email gallery1606@ gmail.com or call Lynette Allston at 434-658-4454.

Fall Festival: The fun begins with the block party at Barrett’s Landing, 300 S. Main St., on Friday, Oct. 6, from 6 to 11 p.m. DJ Larry Williams of WFOS 88.7FM will provide music from 6 to 7:45 p.m., and The Pizazz Band will play from 8 to 11 p.m. General admission is $5; free for sponsors.

SHIPPING OUT

Shirley Oliver and the members of American Military Missions send care packages to troops overseas in appreciation for their efforts.

The restaurant showcase will be from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

The vendor street festival will be on Main Street and Second Avenue on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Arts and crafts, a classic car show and the Farmer’s Market will be featured. New this year will be “Kids on Main,” a children’s fun activity area that includes inflatables, concessions, Ice Cream Jim and many more children-focused activities and booths. Ocean Breeze Band will perform music. For more details, visit www.downtownfranklinva.org.

Boykins Pumpkin Fest: The seasonal favorite returns after a year’s absence on Saturday, Oct. 21. Plenty of activities and events for children as well as adults. For details, visit www.boykinsvirginia.com.

TUESDAY, OCT. 31

Pumpkin Fest

Tell us who is featured in this photograph and get a chance to win a gift certificate.

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Get out there and enjoy Western Tidewater!

Michelle Gray Office Manager Western Tidewater Living is published four times a year by Tidewater Publications, LLC P.O. Box 497, Franklin, VA 23851 757-562-3187

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Trick or Treat: Downtown businesses welcome little ghouls, ghosts and goblins into their shops for just one spooky night a year!

Parents can be assured that children will be able to collect plenty of candy in a safe environment. Volunteers and local police officer will be on hand to assist with street

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Check out some of the events and activities happening in the area this fall.

party pix

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Boykins Steak Feast Top left: Kelly Turner, left, with George and Yvette Brozzo and Bud Holt.

Top right: Ekandrea Miller-Cruz with Jonathan Cruz of Portsmouth.

Bottom left: Sarah and Buddy Savedge of Wakefield. Bottom right: Jacob and Shelly Draper came up from Conway, North Carolina.

This was their first steak feast courtesy of the Boykins Lions Club.

PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES

western tidewater living

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party pix

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New Branch Birthday and Retirement Dinner Top left: honoree Deaconess Drucilla Hicks, left, and Vallerie Ricks. Top right: In no set order, Sara Joy, Margaret Roberts, Helena Urquhart, Vera Baldwin and Martha Moore. Bottom left: William Holloway, left, and Earl Clark. Bottom right: From left are Elizabeth Newby from Ivor, Loraine Nicholes from Carrolton and Agusta Williams of Central Hill.

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Windsor High School Football Games Top: Linda Pulley and her son, Henry, cheer on his daughter, Madison, who is a Windsor High School cheerleader. Bottom left: Anthony Elder, Desirae Cox, Meydelyn Herrera, Dayana Herrera and Tayah Lewis brave the rain to cheer on the Dukes. All are Windsor High School students except for Desirae and Meydelyn, who graduated from WHS this past June. Bottom right: Steven and Ann Ashby break out their umbrella in the stands at Windsor High School. Their children play on Windsor’s football team.

PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES

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Isle of Wight Football Games Top: Ashlynne Bracy, left, Briana L., Kristoni Stone, Kami Davenport and Sydney Cortez brave the rain in the bleachers at an Isle of Wight Academy football game against Portsmouth Christian. Bracy is an IWA student. The rest are students at Portsmouth Christian. Bottom left: Barbara and Mark Luter cheer on their grandson, Joshua Hooker, who plays on IWA’s football team.

Bottom right: From left, Cheri Wilson, Aleas Wilson, Zane Hendricks and Bradley Davis watch Isle of Wight Academy Chargers take on Portsmouth Christian. Cheri is a teacher at IWA and the rest are IWA students.

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Southampton High School Football Games Top: From left are Ashley Rawlings and Harundia Ahkey and Shayia Eley, all sophomores, and BreNae’ Cross, a senior. Bottom left: Dorothy Jones of Capron, with two of her former students, Michael and Ashley Yeary of Courtland. Bottom right: Jordan Bowen and Dinae Jones, both freshmen, with Amy Bowden and second grader Ashlyn Bowden.

PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES

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who am I? We had 16 people to correctly identify the person featured for our inaugural Who am I? That person was Lizzie Mae Cutchin, a former librarian.

Her portrait can be found in the conference room just before entering the main room of the Ruth Camp Campbell Memorial Library in Franklin.

The plaque states: “Dedicated to the Memory of Lizzie Mae Cutchin,

who as Franklin’s librarian for nearly half a century, introduced generations of children to the wonderful world of books. Lizzie Mae Cutchin Donated by Summer 2017 Union Camp Corporation.”

The winner in the drawing was Kirby Kirkland of Annapolis, Maryland, and formerly of Sedley.

In this issue, we’ve a new personality.

Whoever can identify the person pictured here will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate.

So, if you know who this is, let us know. If you’re right, you could be a winner.

Email your answers to magazine@ tidewaternews.com.

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BU3 William Mathis braces the framework for a concrete column.

That’s part of a new school on the isle of Ebeye in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, which is located in the Pacific Ocean.

William Mathis T

The concrete framework for a new kindergarten school on the island of Ebeye has been completed.

story by Stephen Faleski

o say that life on the island of Ebeye is substantially different from the life Navy Seabee Builder 3rd Class William Mathis knew growing up in Southampton County, Virginia, would be an understatement. The Courtland native recalls the culture shock he experienced three months ago upon first arriving on the tiny atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, an independent nation in the Pacific Ocean.

“It's like a three-mile island, so you can travel it in no time at all, unlike Southampton,” Mathis said. “It's flat, and I can see across the entire place.”

He also noted the disparity in the standards of living on the island compared to that of the United States. The poverty level is high and many of the buildings on the island are broken down or rusted out, he said. This includes the island's public schools, which also have mold issues.

That's something Mathis is hoping to change. As a member of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion One, Mathis has been working to construct a brand new kindergarten school on the island from the ground up. His mission is part of the Navy's ongoing efforts to provide humanitarian assistance and build relations with the Marshallese people.

Their efforts have not gone unappreciated.

“When we walk on to the island, they're [the Marshallese children] ecstatic to see us,” Mathis said. “They give us fist bumps; they'll run at us, jump on us, they love it.”

Some of the locals are also working alongside Mathis and other builders and taking advantage of the oppor-

western tidewater living

tunity to learn a skilled trade. One in particular, a recent high school graduate named D.J., expressed to Mathis his interest in joining the Navy.

“I gave him an ASVAB book,” Mathis said.

The ASVAB is the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test, used by all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces to gauge recruits' qualifications and potential specialties. Mathis said that, in addition to working on building schools, his unit has been presenting to local high schoolers who have recently graduated or are about to graduate on what to expect in the military, to include the aptitude test.

This is Mathis' second deployment since joining the Navy in May 2014. Previously, he was stationed in Bahrain, another island nation in the Arabian Gulf. He is a 2012 graduate of Southampton High School.

“When I joined, I went to boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois,” he said. “From there to Mississippi for ASchool, our technical school, for six months of training to learn the basics of concrete work and walkway laying.”

He now lives in Gulfport, Mississippi, with his wife, Zoe, and expects to return there following the conclusion of his deployment in about another month.

He is the son of Jerry and Kendra Hannah, who still live in Southampton County. Both are also Navy veterans. 

Builder Third Class William Mathis, left, and local apprentice Junior Jibke place concrete into column formwork during a Naval Mobile Construction Battalion school building project on the island of Ebeye, Republic of the Marshall Islands.

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No mere supporting role: Franklin native [Editor's note: Actors and actresses of stage, screen and TV don't all come from New York or Hollywood. If you follow any of their careers, you are more likely to discover they arrived from considerably smaller cities or even towns. Joseph Holland from Franklin, Virginia, is one such person. Who, you might well ask, is Joseph Holland? That is a question best left answered to one who knew him well, his cousin, Mac Edwards, who also grew up in Franklin and is now retired in Sarasota, Florida.

Earlier this year, Edwards arranged for his cousin's legacy to be archived and preserved. But here is where he should begin the story.]

Joseph Holland was acclaimed Broadway actor

J

oseph Holland, who grew up in Franklin, Virginia, in the early 1900s*, was a Broadway actor known for his work with Orson Welles’ Mercury Theatre and with the famed actress Katharine Cornell.

His personal memorabilia were recently accepted by the Billy Rose Theatre Division of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, where it will be available to theatre researchers.

IN FRANKLIN Holland, who was the son of Joseph and Addie Channel Holland of Frank-

story by Mac Edwards

lin, was born there on Aug. 30, 1910.

His father was in the funeral and furniture business. His mother was part of Portsmouth’s Channel Furniture family.

Addie, who was the niece of Ella Cobb Camp and Paul D. Camp, was the governess for the Camp family for several decades. Camp was the founder of Camp Manufacturing Company, later called Union Camp Corporation.

Holland grew up in an ordinary white clapboard house on Fourth Avenue near the current Wright Funeral Home. It was about as far away from

western tidewater living

Joseph Holland's headshot as Julius Caesar in the Mercury Theatre's famous 1937-38 production of Shakespeare's play.

Photo courtesy of Mac Edwards

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Joseph Holland as Horatio, a friend to Hamlet, played by Leslie Howard. This was performed in autumn 1936 at the Imperial Theatre, according to the International Broadway Data Base.

Broadway sensibilities as you can get.

He graduated from Franklin High School and appeared in his first play, titled “Cousins,” during his senior year.

Holland knew from an early age — he called it “knee-high” in a 1930s Tidewater News article — that he was “born an actor saying ‘To be or not to be.’”

“I can never remember wanting seriously to do anything else,” he said.

IN RICHMOND AND LONDON Holland distinguished himself in dramatics while a student at the University of Richmond and studied under drama coach Emily Brown. Her encouragement had much to do with his determination to make acting his career.

He graduated from the university in 1932 and immediately sailed for Europe where he enrolled in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London.

“There I learned invaluable things about voice production and control,”

western tidewater living

he said in an article for the university’s Alumni Magazine.

He won the Royal Academy’s top prize — the Kendal — for his portrayal of the Rev. Patrick Bronte in the play “The Brontes.” He graduated from the Academy in 1934 and immediately settled in New York City.

ON BROADWAY Soon after he arrived in Manhattan, Holland joined the Katharine Cornell Company established by the Broadway actress. From there he moved from one Broadway play to another — nearly 20 in total.

He made his Broadway debut in her 1934 production of “Romeo and Juliet.”

He also appeared in Cornell’s productions of “Othello” and “Macbeth” before joining the cast of the new Broadway play “Parnell,” where he was recognized in a New York Times review for his

“spirited performance.”

In 1936, he joined Cornell for her critically acclaimed production of “Saint Joan.” The cast toured the nation to rave reviews. The New Yorker Magazine said: “It is Miss Cornell’s best and Shaw’s best and that brings us pretty close to the top in the theatre.”

Hollywood actor Leslie Howard — who was soon to star in the film “Gone with the Wind” — next signed Holland for his Broadway production of “Hamlet.” Variety said that Holland’s performance was one of the “finest seen in New York during the past two decades.”

Holland toured briefly with “Hamlet” before returning to Broadway in “The Masque of Kings.” He next joined Orson Welles to form the famed Mercury Theatre. Their first production was “Julius Caesar” with Holland playing the title role. [This ran from Nov. 11, 1937, to May 7, 1938.]

The Nazi-themed, scenery-less adaptation of “Caesar” played to critical and public acclaim. Welles thought Holland resembled Italy’s Mussolini and cast him in the title role of Caesar/Mussolini. The cast also included Welles [as Brutus] and Joseph Cotton [as Publius.]

Critics praised Holland saying he was a “full-bodied Caesar…alive and vital.”

John Mason Brown of The New York Post said: “…Holland’s Caesar is excellently conceived and excellently projected.”

“Caesar” is equally well known as the play where Welles stabbed Holland during a performance [Wednesday, April 6, 1938.] Welles had decided that a real knife worked better than a prop. This worked until that fateful evening. Holland was sidelined for a month. This added drama played out in newspapers and is still discussed in theatre circles.

After “Caesar,” Holland joined the

Orson Welles’ Brutus, far left, confronts Joseph Holland’s Julius Caesar when they and other members of the Mercury Theatre performed “Julius Caesar” beginning in November 1937. The play would continue through May 1938, but it was in April that Welles accidentally and severely stabbed Holland with a real sword.

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Joseph Holland and Katharine Cornell in “Saint John.”

Cornell production of “Herod and Mariamne.” It was not well received and closed on tour. This was followed by the leading role in the new play “Clean Beds” rumored to be written and produced by Mae West.

Holland next starred in the jazz musical variation of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” filled with such musical and theatre greats as Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong and Maxine Sullivan of the Andrews Sisters. Before serving in the Army during World War II, he appeared in the musical “The White Plume,” based on Cyrano de Bergerac and produced by the Shubert Organization.

WORLD WAR II INTERRUPTION

The reality of World War II set in for Holland in 1941. He joined the Army as a lieutenant and spent the next four years in Europe serving his country.

After the war, Holland never again regained his career’s momentum. He returned to Broadway in 1948 in Cornell’s hit production of “Antony and Cleopatra.” But it was not enough.

A series of minor roles followed in such plays as “The Show Off ” (written

by Grace Kelly’s uncle George), “Julius Caesar” (the Basil Rathbone version), “The Bad Seed” (with Patty McCormick creating the role she reprised in the film), “The Great Sebastians” (with the legendary team of Lunt and Fontanne) and “Small War on Murray Hill” (direct-

ed by Garson Kanin).

ON TOUR In 1948, Holland was selected by Broadway producer Margaret Webster for her year-long tour of “Macbeth” and “Hamlet” to colleges and schools across the United States. He played the title role in Macbeth and Claudius, King of Denmark in “Hamlet.” He received excellent reviews. One said: “Joseph Holland’s Macbeth was the best performance of that part that I have seen.”

A typed schedule of the tour was part of Holland’s memorabilia. It started in September and ended in April. Among the cities were Buffalo, New York; Kalamazoo, Michigan; Fargo, North Dako-

western tidewater living

ta; Columbus, Ohio; Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Little Rock, Arkansas; Austin, Texas; Marysville, California; Klamath Falls, Oregon; Laramie, Wyoming; Chickasha, Oklahoma; and Huntington, West Virginia.

IN HOLLYWOOD Holland moved to Hollywood in the late 1950s hoping to revive his career through film and television. He appeared in a number of television programs including “Ford Theatre,” “Robert Montgomery Presents,” “Schlitz Playhouse” and “Goodyear Theatre.” He also appeared in the television series “Bronco,” “Peter Gunn,” “Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” “The Millionaire” and “77 Sunset Strip.”

His final professional work was in the 1968 film “Rally Round the Flag, Boys” starring Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Joan Collins and Jack Carson.

You’ll note that he’s referenced in Richard Linklater’s 2009 film “Me and Orson Welles,” which is based on Robert Kaplow’s novel of the same name. However, the setting is the opening of “Julius Caesar.”

FINAL YEARS Holland and his life partner, Vincent Newton, with whom he lived for nearly 60 years from 1936 until his death in 1994, moved from Los Angeles to Santa Fe, New Mexico, in the late 1980s. It was here that he died of heart failure.

He was cremated and his ashes were scattered on the hill adjacent to their country home called Strawberry Hill in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, which was his retreat from Manhattan. Newton’s ashes were scattered on the same hill in 2006.

CONCLUSION I had heard stories about my actor cousin for many years while growing up

Mac Edwards, far right, with his cousin, Joseph Holland; his mother, Gladys; and Holland’s partner, Vincent Newton. Not pictured is Edward’s sister, Carolyn. This was taken during a trip in 1971 when Mac, his mother and sister went to Los Angels to visit Holland and Newton.

in Franklin. I had also heard about him when I attended the University of Richmond.

I finally met him in 1971 on a crosscountry trip to Los Angeles with my mother Gladys and sister Carolyn. I called him and he invited us for cocktails, and that was the start of a 25-year friendship. During the intervening years, we struck up a correspondence and visited each other probably a half dozen times. We frequently talked about his Broadway career, and in his deep baritone, he would said I was his “ultimate fan.”

Holland’s theatre memorabilia put into perspective an amazing career that shows a young talented man purposely moving toward his dream from a small Virginia farming town to significant recognition as a Shakespearean actor at the University of Richmond, at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London

and finally on Broadway and in Hollywood.

In truth, I didn’t comprehend the depth of his Broadway success until I took the time to sit down and look at it from start to finish. And I didn’t do that until I was ready to pack everything and send it to New York.

He pursued this dream for nearly 30 years and became part of theatre history.

I am proud — as a relative and as the “ultimate fan” — to document his journey for others to appreciate.

He had an amazing Broadway experience, and I felt like I relived it with him one more time. *According to the obituary in The New York Times, as well as both www.imdb. com, the International Movie Database, and www.ibdb.com, International Broadway Database, Holland is listed having been born on Aug. 30, 1910, and died on Dec. 28, 1994.

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City fire department began, of course, in fire story by Clyde Parker

It seems that any history of Franklin’s association with fire or fire departments dates back to Saturday night, Feb. 26, 1881.

For details of the conflagration, read this account carried by an extra-edition of the Franklin Gazette (forerunner to The Tidewater News), published the following Monday: “Saturday night, about 11:45 o’clock, while the inhabitants of our flourishing town were wrapped in sleep, fire broke out in the Cutchin building, on the east side of Main Street.

“The alarm given when the fire was discovered was by the Albemarle Steam Navigation Co.’s steamship ‘Chowan’, docked at nearby Franklin Wharf. The whistle blew constantly. The townspeople were aroused to a strong sense of danger.

The consternation which at first prevailed became wild and frightful when it was learned that the water supply was not sufficient to the ‘demon’. Unfortunately, the two water tanks of the Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad, nearby, a few days previously, had been emptied of water for repairs. And, the water pumps nearest the burning buildings became deranged

Top: At left is a 1938 fire truck and at right one from 1935. Bottom: In front is a 1920s firetruck put into service beginning in 1923. In back is the 1875 hand pumper, which was put to use in the late 1800s.

western tidewater living

and useless almost as soon as a line of buckets was formed between the pumps and the fire. There was little in the way of fire-fighting equipment other than human operated bucket brigades. Soon, the main buildings took fire. All hope of saving any part of the downtown was lost.”

A telegram went out to Portsmouth appealing for emergency equipment, but help arrived only around 8 o’clock on Sunday morning; the fire, by this time, had spent itself in the destruction of 43 buildings, including Barrett’s Hotel and

the Post Office.

Recovery, following the fire, was very slow-paced at first, but soon rebuilding of the business district began to pick up.

In response to the fire and the resulting huge financial loss to town merchants, undaunted, the Town Commission seized upon the opportunity to turn the disaster to advantage. On March 2, 1881, the Commissioners adopted an ordinance enjoining businessmen from replacing burned-out structures, and all future buildings erected on Franklin’s Main

Top: The handpump of the late 1800s as painted in a mural at Highground Services Inc., which was once the Franklin Electric Light Works and Pumping Station. Bottom: The fire truck of 1938, which was also once the Franklin Electric Light Works and Pumping Station.

Street and intersecting avenues, with material other than brick and/or stone.

Hearing of the town’s loss, an enterprising brick manufacturer, based in the Berkeley neighborhood of Norfolk County, next to the City of Norfolk, decided to relocate his company and its brick-making machinery to Franklin.

The brick factory was located on Franklin Street between Jackson Street and Gardner Street.

Sometime in the late 1800s, an old village fire engine (hand-pump), which was built in 1875, was purchased for $325.

It was operated by a group of men by pumping water, with an attached intake hose, from a horse-trough or other water source; and, with another attached outflow hose, a stream of water was directed to the fire.

FRANKLIN ELECTRIC LIGHT WORKS AND PUMPING STATION The property on which the FELW&PS was built was acquired, by the Town of Franklin, incrementally, from various property owners over a period of time extending from July 23, 1888. to March 23, 1906.

The original building that would later become the home of the Franklin Fire Department was built, in 1906, to house the FELW&PS. At that time, Franklin started generating its own electricity conveying it to residences and buildings throughout the town. It was also the intake point from the Blackwater River for the Franklin Municipal Water System.

The Fire Department was located in various Town locations from the late 1800s up to 1923. Town maps dated August 1912 and October 1917, both showed the Fire Department on First Avenue, in between the Old Town Hall and Roy Edwards’ Livery Stable.

A 1923 Sanborn map (“Franklin Electric Light Works & Pumping Station”) shows a building addition parallel to and west of the original building, putting the

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The Franklin Fire Department of 1947. In front, from left, are Chester G. Laine, Capt. M.O. Wagenbach, Herman Blythe, Chief C.H. Doughterty, Asst. Chief J.R. Howell, Lt. Conway Holland and Chris Carr; back, Maintenance Paul Rose, F.W. Wall Sr., Sam Powell, G.C. Duck, Randolph Fowler, Frank C. Whitley, Steve Malik, A.H. Gee, Virgil L. Derby, W.D. Johnson, Herman Harcum, Joseph O. Fowler and Lyn Howell.

complex more into Mechanic Street. This building addition was to become the new location for the Franklin Fire Department.

NOTE: A 1920s-era photograph shows the 1875 mechanical pumping machine and a motorized 1920s fire truck, presumably purchased about the same time, at the Mechanic Street location.

Incidentally, here is an excerpt from the minutes of the Aug. 25, 1930, meeting of Franklin Town Commission. (The Virginia State Library provided this information.): “Motion was passed to notify Utilities Engineering and Management Company of Charlotte, North Carolina, that the Town of Franklin is not interested in selling the FELP&PS.” As reported in the Aug. 25, 1930, edition of The Tidewater News, the newly organized associate Franklin Fire Department is petitioning the Franklin Town Commission for appropriation of funds to cover the cost of a 300-gallon triple combination pumper and extra salvage equipment, including brooms and other articles.

In 1937, a used 1935 model fire truck was purchased from the Navy in Norfolk.

During a Town Commission meeting on June 10, 1938, the Commissioners approved purchase of a new 1938 fire truck to supplement the present 1935 fire truck that was purchased from the Navy in 1937. The new truck will be a triple-combination type truck which will include a pumper, booster tank, and hose — in addition to 30-foot ladders. The truck would carry a booster tank of 150 gallons of water as well as a 500-gallon midships pump with 120 pounds of pressure.

As reported in the June 17, 1938, edition of The Tidewater News, contracts for Franklin’s new Ford fire truck were let to Virginia-Carolina Motors, Franklin Ford Dealer, for the chassis, and to Oren Fire Apparatus Co., Roanoke, Virginia, and Roanoke Welding and Equipment Co., for supplying and mounting the superstructure. The truck will be delivered during the latter part of July.

Here is an excerpt from the minutes of the Franklin Town Commission held on Dec. 12, 1938, as provided by the Vir-

ginia State Library: “Town Manager Mahaffey was instructed to make necessary arrangements with regard to combining employees at the Electric Light Plant with firemen of the Fire Department. This was done in order to maximize efficiency and obtain a second-class insurance rating for the Town.

Following is an excerpt from the minutes of the Jan. 8, 1951, Town of Franklin Council meeting: “The advantages to the town of the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department’s sponsoring an open house at their new and improved quarters in the Electric Light Plant were discussed.

Realizing the value of such a special day set aside for citizens to visit the firemen’s quarters, Council members authorized and directed that Friday, Jan. 19, 1951, be set aside as “Open House” at the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department.

In 1963, The Franklin Rescue Squad started occupying the property with a new building next to the old buildings.

In the latter part of 1979, a new public safety building was completed, donated

by Mrs. Willie Camp Younts, a Franklin

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native, residing in Atlanta, Georgia.

In January of 1980, the former Franklin Electric Light Works and Franklin Fire Department building was closed and was converted into a storage facility. Then, the Franklin Fire and Rescue Squad, along with the City of Franklin Police Department, took occupancy of the Willie Camp Younts Public Safety Building.

A few years following the 1999 flood, a new Courts and Police Department Building was erected on Pretlow Street.

When the Franklin Police Department exited from the Willie Camp Younts building to its new quarters, the Franklin Fire and Rescue Department and the City of Franklin Registrar, took over the entire building.

In October of 2014, the City of Franklin and Franklin-Southampton Economic Development Inc. announced that Highground Services Inc. was graduating from the Franklin Business Incubator and planned to revitalize a vacant building in downtown Franklin. The former Franklin Electric Light Works & Pumping Station building will take on a new life as a revitalized Franklin historic Structure and at the same time provide a location for a new business — providing a tremendous boost to the economy of Franklin.

“We are thrilled to be able to maintain our headquarters in the City of Franklin and, specifically, within the downtown area,” CEO Jim Strozier said when the announcement was made. With 65 employees and an annual payroll in excess of $3 million, Highground is one of the top 20 private employers in the City of Franklin.

To recognize the historic nature of the site and to symbolize the building’s former use, “Highground” recently had mural painted on the building’s south outer wall, showing the 1938 fire truck (on the left) and the 1875 mechanical fire-fighting unit (on the right).

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Above, left: This Western Electric Phone was used by the dispatcher to ring the special phones in the houses of volunteers. The dispatcher would ring the phones for the north or south side of town, depending on where the fire was located. Made in 1924, it was used from 1940 to 1960. Above, right: Franklin firefighters of yesteryear. In front, from left, are Jesse Harrison, Edward Beale Jr., Herbert Benton and B. “Woody” Faison; back, William E. Sykes, G.G. Brett, George King and Steve Malik.

C.H. Doughtery, fire chief from 1938-1963.

Jesse B. Harrison, fire chief in 1964.

James M. Wagenbach, fire chief from 1965-1998.

Dan Eggleston, fire chief from 1998-2002.

Vince Holt, fire chief beginning in 2002.

Mark Carr, deputy chief since 1980.

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MILITARY MISSIONS SEND PACKAGES TO DEPLOYED TROOPS [story by Merle Monahan] [photos by Stephen Faleski]

The first Friday in every month is a special day for a small group of volunteers in the Ivor community. On the designated Fridays, this dedicated group — all members of American Military Missions — gathers around 11 a.m. in the home of AMM Director Shirley Oliver to pack and mail “Care Packages” to our troops who are deployed overseas.

Sent to individuals in the service who are relatives, close friends or were recommended by a friend in the area, the packages contain an assortment of small items like peanut and raisin packets, canned fruits and meats, toiletries, dental products, razors and hard candy.

Claude Hardison “We try to and Shirley Oliver. send things that aren’t readily available to them,” Oliver said. “And the servicemen really enjoy receiving the packages — we get thank you

letters all the time.”

American Military Missions, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting our troops, was organized in 2005 by Sonja Hardison, now deceased. Hardison said several years ago that AMM came about because of the first package she sent to her grandson, who was stationed overseas.

“He told me that he shared the contents of his package with his buddies because they never received anything from home.”

“It broke my heart,” Hardison revealed. “I said to my husband, ‘Claud, we must do something for these young men. Why don’t we send more packages?’”

The Hardisons enlisted the help of friends and businesses, who agreed to donate items, as well as cash, to aid in sending packages to other servicemen and women. The project took hold and continued to grow. Thus, American Military Missions was born.

western tidewater living

Current director Oliver, said recently, “Sadly, Sonja passed away last year and her husband asked me to take over. I was happy to do it. I have the same compassion that Sonja had and I was honored to do this in memory of her and out of love and appreciation for all our troops.”

In getting started, Oliver and her husband, John, moved all of the materials used in packing and mailing from the Hardison’s garage to their own on Big Buck Lane.

They’ve outfitted the room with two long work tables and aligned containers, each holding a different kind of item, on the counters beside the walls.

When the packing day arrives, Oliver said, seven volunteers join her and her husband to pack and prepare the boxes for mailing.

“The five men do all the packing, while the four ladies take care of the paperwork,” Oliver said. She added that the paperwork includes several copies of forms listing the contents of each box and the names and addresses of the recipient, as a number of forms are needed when packages go through customs.

“In all it takes us a good hour to pack and then we have to load the boxes and bring them to the Ivor Post Office.”

“We mail 14 boxes at a cost of $17.35 each every month,” she went on. “Then we start all over again.”

Oliver stresses that all items mailed are donated by either individuals or businesses.

“When an individual doesn’t have time to buy the items we need, a cash donation is appreciated. We can then purchase the item.

“In fact, John and I make monthly trips to discount stores just to replenish our stock. The contents of each box, which costs $35.00, must always be the same.

Claude Hardison and James Stephenson tape up a box. In back is Keith Barrett.

Care packages included popcorn, candy, toothbrushes and other supplies.

The care packages are sealed and ready for delivery.

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Oliver noted that she is grateful to her volunteers, Keith Barrett, Marvin Pulley James Stephenson Claud Hardison and. of course, her husband, John, as well as Marilyn Forman, Peggy Lowe and Jane March for their dedicated service.

“We could not operate without them,” she said.

Oliver urges people who know of servicemen or women who have been deployed, to contact her at 804-3145795 so they can be added to the list to receive packages. For those contacting me,” she said, “there is one thing that is absolutely necessary — I must have a complete address and I must know exactly when their deployment is over.”

For individuals or businesses who wish to make donations, make checks payable to American Military Missions and mail to Shirley Oliver, P. O. Box 638, Windsor, VA 23487.

All donations go to AMM for purchasing items or shipping. Volunteers receive no compensation. 

From left, Claude Hardison, James Stephenson, Marvin Pulley and John Oliver tape the boxed care packages.

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Windsor's chamber of horrors story by Stephen Faleski

photos submitted by Lisen Ringer Behind a corrugated metal barn on a small farm on the outskirts of Windsor, sits a converted shipping crate, surrounded by a field of tall grass.

By day, the scene appears far from ominous, save for the fact that the crate has been painted flat black. But by nightfall on Oct. 13, the volunteers with Diamonds in the Rough Equine Rescue will have transformed it into Windsor’s very own chamber of horrors — better known as the rescue’s annual haunted barn.

The barn and the rescue are both located at Merry Oaks Stables, 19251 Bob White Road, Windsor.

According to Lisen Ringer, DITR’s treasurer, this will be the rescue’s sixth year doing a haunted barn, which has become the organization’s biggest annual fundraiser. Last year, they raised over $25,000 selling tickets to the exhibit, which covered their veterinary bills for the year.

She added that last year they averaged about

500 visitors each night, most of whom were from the Hampton Roads area.

“The haunted barn requires at least 30 to 50 volunteers to run each night it is open,” she said.

“This year we will partner with Smithfield High School’s band and some of the profits will go toward supporting the band.”

The haunted barn exhibit will open this year on Friday and Saturday nights beginning on Oct. 13, lasting from 8 to 11 p.m. Two weeks prior to opening, DITR’s volunteers will decorate the outside of the barn. Though the barn itself is a permanent fixture on the property, volunteers try to update and change it up each year.

The haunted barn’s website advises parents to use discretion when bringing children, as attendees are considered fair game for haunting the moment they enter the property.

“We are family-oriented, we don’t allow touching in the haunted barn, but we are scary,” Ringer said.

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40 western tidewater living All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the rescue, which became an official 501c3 nonprofit organization in 2011. Since that time, DITR has rescued over 500 horses and donkeys, most from animal seizures where they were found abused, starved and neglected.

“We also take in horses that owners can no longer afford to keep,” Ringer said. “We started a hay bank to help owners who are having a tough time by giving them hay in hopes they can work it out to keep their horses.

“We have several volunteers that work the horses and evaluate them. Our goal is to make the horse more adoptable by training and making them rideable, if they are able.

“We support ourselves by fundraisers and donations. We don’t receive any money from state or government. Depending on funds, we can have anywhere from 10 to 50 rescues at one time.”

Tickets to the haunted barn may be purchased by going to www.adoptditr.org/ annual-haunted-barn-and-hay-ride/. According to DITR’s website, tickets are $10 and may be purchased for the 8 to 9 p.m. time slot or the 9 to 10 p.m. time slot. Online ticket sales are available until 5 p.m. the night of the event, and gates will open at 7:30 p.m.

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where am I? In each edition, our magazine staff provides a challenge of sorts for readers, testing how much of Western Tidewater they really know. We photograph a scene in Western Tidewater that is visible to motorists or pedestrians.

Whoever can identify the location pictured above will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate.

So, if you discover where this edition’s photo was taken, let us know. If you’re right, you could be a winner. Email your answers to magazine@tidewaternews.com Get out there and enjoy Western Tidewater!

Donna Pope of Boykins correctly guessed that the picture Stephen H. Cowles took for the summer issue is at the jail in Courtland. To be precise, it’s one of the window coverings.

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Artisan Market

what to do First Saturdays Artisan Market: On Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2, this will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Gallery 1606, located at 18001 Southampton Parkway, the corner of Highway 58 and Main Street, Capron.

This is a free and open event of exhibitions and sales by local folks who make creative things: artisans and crafters with specialties in repurposed furniture, handcrafted pens, stained glass, oil paintings, Native American art, photography, herbal soaps, wearable art, jewelry, metal art, turned wood, crochet, candles, fabric creations, hand-built pottery and more. Reservations required for free vendor space. For more information, email gallery1606@ gmail.com or call Lynette Allston at 434-658-4454.

Fall Festival: The fun begins with the block party at Barrett’s Landing, 300 S. Main St., on Friday, Oct. 6, from 6 to 11 p.m. DJ Larry Williams of WFOS 88.7FM will provide music from 6 to 7:45 p.m., and The Pizazz Band will play from 8 to 11 p.m. General admission is $5; free for sponsors.

The restaurant showcase will be from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

The vendor street festival will be on Main Street and Second Avenue on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Arts and crafts, a classic car show and the Farmer’s Market will be featured. New this year will be “Kids on Main,” a children’s fun activity area that includes inflatables, concessions, Ice Cream Jim and many more children-focused activities and booths. Ocean Breeze Band will perform music. For more details, visit www.downtownfranklinva.org.

Boykins Pumpkin Fest: The seasonal favorite returns after a year’s absence on Saturday, Oct. 21. Plenty of activities and events for children as well as adults. For details, visit www.boykinsvirginia.com.

TUESDAY, OCT. 31

Pumpkin Fest

Trick or Treat: Downtown businesses welcome little ghouls, ghosts and goblins into their shops for just one spooky night a year!

Parents can be assured that children will be able to collect plenty of candy in a safe environment. Volunteers and local police officer will be on hand to assist with street

western tidewater living crossing. Paint those faces, put on those costumes and make your way for devilishly delicious treats! Admission is free to the public.

SUNDAY, NOV. 5 Virginia Fall Beach Music Festival: This will be at the Franklin-Southampton County Fairgrounds from 2 to 7 p.m. The doors open at 1 p.m.

MONDAY, NOV. 18 Christmas Open House: This annual event is presented by the Downtown Franklin Association and is particularly important this year as we make a concerted effort to promote and support our local businesses.

Now more than ever we must come together as a community to help ensure our future. Come downtown from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to enjoy the shopping and festivities while helping to stimulate our local economy. Free carriage rides from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.with validated coupons from participating businesses.

Candlelight Christmas Tour

SATURDAY, NOV. 25 Small Business Saturday: from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

THURSDAY, DEC. 7 DFA Elf Parade: The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Local children are invited to assemble in the parking lot of the Depot/Visitor’s Center to receive a genuine elf hat before walking with Santa and Mrs. Claus down Main Street to Barrett’s Landing Park. There they will find refreshments, listen to Christmas carols and view the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree. Admission is free to the public.

FRIDAY, DEC. 8 Franklin Community Christmas Parade: “Through the Eyes of a Child” will be this year’s theme. From 7 to 9 p.m., civic groups, bands, businesses, churches and participants from near and far march through Downtown Franklin while a multitude of spectators look on. Admission is free to the public. For more information, call 562-6900 or visit www.downtownfranklinva.org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 10 Candlelight Christmas Tour: Six houses in Franklin will be featured from 4 to 8:30 p.m.: Betsy Brantley, Chuck Gatten and Ray and Linda Smith, all on Meadow Lane; Dr.

Elf Parade

Aurelius Brantley on Clay Street; Bob and Beth Luck at The Village at Woods Edge; and David and Patti Rabil on Crescent Drive. Tickets cost $20 in advance and $25 the day of the tour. This event is being presented by the Franklin Garden Club, which is a member of the Garden Club of Virginia.

The Village will provide refreshments, which includes a complimentary glass of wine with each ticket. Tickets will become available at a variety of local community merchants and the Franklin-Southampton Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact Rabil at p.rabil@charter.net.

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