Western Tidewater
Living
A home at last
With the restoration largely complete, Brandon Cook's family moves in to former clinic
Family's roots shared
Hatfield family's extensive research made available to public WINTER 2019 • vol. 10, no. 4
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Where a
fun time out ay mea means staying o m close close to home. Where a
means staying close to home.
Who says you have to travel far or spend big to have a memorable evening? As a neighbor of The Village at says youy have to travel far or big to haveo a mem Edge, you’re welcome to join us spend for a delicious en WoodsWho meal at The Back Porch & Grille any time. Our charming The Village at Woods Edge, a fun time out is as simple as s on community is close tot everything you or a loved one charming everything youfloor could want is within r could want. Ourcommunity, residents enjoy spacious plans and s r e s restaurant-quality dining,dining along with top-notchamenities amenitiesand an a restaurant-quality to top-notch and an array of classes and events, offering engaging d e v engaging options to keep you feeling fulfilled. And best at Woods W Edge d dge Who says you options have to travel or spend big to have a memorable meal? When youof live at to far keep anyone feeling fulfilled. And best t e neighbors you already know and love, because Small h town charm. Engaging senior The living. Village at all, Woods a fun out is as simple as steppingwho out your front door. it’sEdge, close totime friends and neighbors already callInit’sthissituated charming community, everything you could what wantit’s is within reach, frommay spacious residences and Franklin because situated just twoinclude, miles from Sohome, noi matter your plans you’re stilt h s restaurant-quality diningdowntown. to top-notch amenities an array of classes events, offering historic So no and matter what yourand plans may lati n . engaging options to keepyou’re you feeling And best of all, it’s close to the friends and include, stillfulfiatlled. home in Franklin. W Woods Edge d dge
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Western Tidewater
Living
Waiting out the winter The end of one year and the start of the next are traditionally times for taking stock of one's accomplishments, failures and even misdeeds, and then to correct behavior by resolving to do better. Where the magazine is concerned, we can only acknowledge errors in storytelling and promise to do better. Meanwhile, we have a season ahead to both endure and enjoy. That being said, let's preview these winter choices. • The family that pulls together stays together. In the case of contributing writer Merle Monahan's feature, that would be the father-and-son teams of Dan and Garrett Billups of Wakefield, and Steven and Andrew Cox of Ivor. They are periodically involved in the antique tractor-pulling contests. Likely you have witnessed such events as regional county fairs. Find out how the families got involved and what keeps them pulling heavy equipment. • Speaking of fathers and sons, Rodney Hatfield of California was visiting his family this past Christmas and contacted us about a feature concerning family genealogy. He developed an interest in the topic through his father, Alfred. The latter of whom had been researching the Hatfields from way, way, way back when, even before the internet. Yes, that tool didn't always exist, contrary to what some might mistakenly believe. Rodney was inspired by the Brantley Association's work on indexing the vast number of names contained within courthouse deed books. Ken and volunteers catalogued them over the past nearly two years. Based on that, Rodney created a search database for the Hatfields. • Continuing in the history vein, Clyde Parker's extensive and tireless research has earned the Charles Street Gym in Franklin a place on the Virginia Landmarks Register. Located next to J.P. King Jr. Middle School, the site was actually part of the former Franklin High School. Though FHS has long since found a new venue, the gym is still used by the
introduction Broncos wrestling team and robotics group. Find out what Parker discovered and had to do to get this city treasure fully recognized. • Where Brandon Cook and the Raiford Clinic are concerned, the line from American poet Edgar Albert Guest is now fitting: “It takes a heap of living to make a house a home.â€? In last fall, Cook had completed the majority of restoration on the historic building in Sedley, and moved his wife, Morgan, and their son, Carter, into their new abode. They have begun what we hope for them will be decades of fulfilling contentment. See pictures of what the place looks like now compared to when he began work last winter. Cook's dedication is a tribute not only to his resolve and skills, but also the continuance of history in Southampton County. In addition to the article, there are plenty of party pictures from past activities and event. Of course we have the photo puzzles of “Who am Iâ€? and “Where am I.â€? Actually, you'll notice in the former there's a plurality of faces. I admit that I am quite pleased with myself for having come up with the challenge and the header. Send in your guesses to magazine@thetidewaternews.com and we'll pick a winner from the correct identifiers. This year, I hope to develop a new feature, which is about musicians and their music. Soloists, bands, choral and gospel groups. Your comments and suggestions for story ideas are always welcome. Contact my coworker and me at 562-3187 or email us: stephen.faleski@thetidewaternews.com stephen.cowles@thetidewaternews.com
western tidewater living
contents winter 2019
Cover photograph by Mitzi Lusk
ON THE COVER: Xxxx [Caption Missing from File]
Western Tidewater
Living
Tony Clark Publisher
INSIDE THIS EDITION
6
PARTY PIX
Ryan Outlaw Designer Loretta Lomax Designer
Western Tidewater Living is published four times a year by Tidewater Publications, LLC P.O. Box 497, Franklin, VA 23851 757-562-3187 Advertising rates and information available upon request to ads@thetidewaternews.com. Subscriptions are $20 annually in-state, $24 annually out of state and $30 annually overseas.
Check out some of the activities and events happening in the area this winter.
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 Â? Â? Â? Â?  Â
• Southampton Coun ty Adult Education • Happy Scrappers Quilt& Literacy Program: ing Group: Â? ƒ  • DIY Crafting:  • Job Search Assistance: Â? Â
Â? Â? • Mah Jong: • Family Movie After noon: Â? Â? „   • Storytime: Call 653-2821 or visit www.blackwaterlib. org for further details • Knitters Anonymous: and to register. Â? ƒ Ruth Campbell Memorial Branch, 280 N. College  Drive, Franklin Medicare Benefits Counseling:  € ‚
• Understanding Computer Basics: Â? ƒ
Call 562-4801 or visit
€  € � � �
western tidewater living
FAMILY'S ROOTS SHARED
PULLING TOGETHER
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BLACKWATER REGIONAL LIBRARY
• SoCo Knitters & Crocheters:
Mitzi Lusk Advertising Director Michelle Gray Office Manager
what to do Walter Cecil Rawls Branch, 22511 Main St., Courtland
Pre-K Storytime:
AT HOME AT LAST
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Toddler Story Time:
Stephen H. Cowles Staff Writer Stephen Faleski Staff Writer
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LANDMARK GYM
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Tell us where our photographer took this photo and get a chance to win $25.
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.
$25 gift certificate. If you know
Whoever can identify the location pictured here will be entered for a chance to win a
of this sharp-dressed gentleman
where this issue's photo was taken, let us know. If you're right, you could be a winner. Email your answers to magazine@tidewaternews.com. Alas, no one spotted the figurine strolling on the front porch of a house on Clay Street in Suffolk.
western tidewater living 47
who are we? Who are we to judge? This time, you are challenged to identify these 10 esteemed jurists of Southampton County. To help, the names are provided below, but you have to match the name with the number. Do we really need to tell you where to find the portraits? Just remember that if you research when court is in session, decorum is of the utmost importance. Whoever can correctly identify all — or at least most — will be entered for a chance to win $25. Email your answers to either magazine@thetidewaternews.com or editor@thetidewaternews.com.
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Names, Years Served E. Everett Bagnell, 1978-2000 Rodham Tulloss Delk Jr., 1993-2014 James C. Godwin, 1962-1992 John K. Hutton, 1940-1962 Roszell D. Hunter III, 1992-1993 James L. McLemore, 1907-1940 Westbrook J. Parker, 1986-2010 Robert R. Prentis, 1895-1907 George F. Whitley Jr., 1966-1977 Benjamin A. Williams Jr., 1977-1986 Rebecca Drake of Newsoms was chosen for having correctly guessed that the two men in the picture are Colgate Darden, left, and Gilbert Francis. Drake wrote: “Mr. Darden grew up in Southampton County on a farm between Hunterdale and Sedley. He
was well educated and became a lawyer before running for political office here in Virginia. He served as a state representative, then he served in the U.S. House of Representatives and he was also our governor. Mr. Francis was also a lawyer serving right here in Boykins, Virginia. He lived right outside of Boykins with his wife, Betty, and three sons, Gilbert, Rick and Jeffery. Mr. Francis also had farm land here in Southampton and his ancestors were most noted for living in one of the houses which Nat Turner attacked during the dark of night. Both men represented Southampton County well and both were approachable. Most any history in the county will run across one, if not both, of their names.�
47 Tell us who are these men in this photo and get a a chance of win $25.
party pix
6 western tidewater living
Breakfast with Santa Top left: Santa Claus hears what Leah Carmack, 9, of Windsor, has to say. Top right: Santa Claus holds Adam Brock, 7, on his lap. With them is Alex Brock, 9. Bottom left: Anthony Schiefer, center, with Noah, 10, and Nathan, 14. Bottom right: From left are Andrew Turner, Weston Turner, 4; Katie Turner and Ava Turner, 9. PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES
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party pix
Breakfast with Santa Top left: Santa Claus holds Holly Cook, 10, and Emma Ainsley, 7. WIth them in back are Sarah Ainsley, Susan Cook and John Cook, 16. Top right: Crystal Bowden, left, with Nancy Howell of Ivor. They brought Paisley Howell, 3, Gracie, 1 and Cody, 3 months. Bottom: Enjoying breakfast are, from left, Tahiahnek Deloatch with Nalea Pittman, 4 months old, and Claeigh Pittman, 6. Next to them are Maliya Collins, 6, and Maleta Collins. PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES
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party pix
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Business Expo 2019 Top left: From left are Brittany Vaniford, Ashley Covington and Lauren Sloan of the FranklinSouthampton Economic Development Inc. Middle left: Brody Rotzoll and Colleen Shinault came from The Bank of Southside Virginia to be at the expo. Middle right: Seba Walters, left, and NiJel Smith pose at their display for Coldwell Banker. Bottom left: Phyllis E. Speidell and John H. Shealley II brought copies of their book, "The Mill" to sell and autograph. Bottom right: From left are Justin Moore and Ray Solis of Franklin Chevrolet with one of the vehicles they were showing off for sale at the dealership. PHOTOS BY STEPHEN FALESKI
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party pix
Central Hill Hunt Club Right: Gene "Richard" Hertell Sr., who said he's been hunting "a long time," gets adjusted to an Action Trackchair provided by Freedom Hunters. With him is his son, "Virgil."
Left: Jonny and Stephanie Marshall of Windsor brought their children, Hailey, 5, and Levi, 4. PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES
western tidewater living
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party pix
Community Thanksgiving Top left: Jessie Blow, front, with Kamarre Hicks of J.P. King Jr. Middle School scoop ice into cups donated by the local Bojangles. Top right: In front, from left, are representatives of the Down the Middle Foundation Sabrina Lee and Treva Lee; back, Stephanie and Emma Cox, 4, Darnell "Bud" Lee Jr., and Natasha Rose. Bottom left: From left are Annie Ricks, Marcia Parker, Selina Smith, Tammy Stigh and Scott Evans. Bottom right: Jessica Reed and her daughter, Shannon Reed, who is in the third grade. PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES
western tidewater living
LOOKING FOR A BANK
WHO LISTENS? “How may I help you today?” – Lauren Acey, Windsor Assistant Branch Manager The personal approach to banking is what our customers and community members have come to expect for the past 100 years — proving that prompt and courteous service never goes out of style.
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party pix
Southampton Academy Thanksgiving Top left: Thanksgiving came a week early for the first grade students at Southampton Academy. Dressed as either Native Americans or Pilgrims, they enjoyed a meal after giving their presentation about the holiday to their parents and other relatives. Top right: Elizabeth Gizara with her mother, Sunshine. Bottom left: Little Native Americans and Pilgrims await their plates whilst others begin to eat their early Thankgiving meal. Bottom right: Lisa Skeeter shows part of the Native American tee-pee to Mollie Eubank, 1-1/2 years old. PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES
western tidewater living
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party pix Franklin Christmas Parade PHOTOS BY FRANK A. DAVIS
Parade spectators wave hello to the photographer.
Boy Scouts of Troop 17 carry the banner to announce the event.
The Marching Stampede is in fine form.
western tidewater living
Holland Baptist Church came from up Carrsville Highway to join the fun.
Young representatives of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.
Members of the Sgt. Jayton D. Patterson VFW Post 4411 and its Auxiliary greet the crowd.
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party pix Ivor Christmas Parade PHOTOS BY MERLE MONAHAN
Members of the Ivor Furniture Company wave to the parade spectators.
Vice mayor Tim Suhr and Mayor Tara Kea, who walked the parade route, pose for the camera.
Grand Marshall H. Massey Joyner, former mayor of Ivor, smiles at the crowd.
western tidewater living
The Southampton High School Marching Band brought music for the occasion.
The Hair Station brought Frosty the Snowman for all to see.
Dressed in ribbons and bells, horses come jingling all the way at the end of the parade.
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party pix Windsor Christmas Parade PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES
From left are Claire Parrish, 12; Kaylyn Gould, 14; Kasie White, 12; and Anne Etters, 17.
In front, from left, are Bryan Searcy with Liam, 2; NIcole Kempton holding Noah Searcy, 4; and Shelley Jones; back, Ergo Thomson, Marie and Steve Jones.
The Isle of Wight County 4-Hers brought a little bit more country to the parade.
western tidewater living
Even a snowman can get in shape for the holiday with Anytime Fitness.
Farmers Bank is celebrating its centennial this year, and a float in the parade is just the way to cap off that occasion.
Canines of K-9 Pawsibilites joined the event.
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what to do BLACKWATER REGIONAL LIBRARY
Walter Cecil Rawls Branch, 22511 Main St., Courtland Toddler Story Time: Pre-K Storytime: • SoCo Knitters & Crocheters:
 Â? Â? Â? Â?  Â
• Southampton Coun ty Adult Education • Happy Scrappers Quilt& Literacy Program: ing Group: Â? ƒ  • DIY Crafting:  • Job Search Assistance: Â? Â
Â? Â? • Mah Jong: • Family Movie After noon: Â? Â? „   • Storytime: Call 653-2821 or visit www.blackwaterlib. org for further details • Knitters Anonymous: and to register. Â? ƒ Ruth Campbell Memorial Branch, 280 N. College  Drive, Franklin Medicare Benefits Counseling:  € ‚
• Understanding Computer Basics: Â? ƒ
Call 562-4801 or visit
€  € � � �
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‚ Â? Â? € ƒ Â? Â? „ Â…  Â? † ƒ † Â?Â? Â? ‡Â? Â? ˆ Â? Â? Â
www.blackwaterlib.org for further details and to register.
• Hooks and Needles:  „ ‘ €  Windsor Branch, 18 Duke St. • Friends of the Library: ‘ • Adult Coloring Club: Â’  Â? ‘  … € † Â… ‡  ‡ ‰‰ ‡ €  ‡ “ ‡ ‡ Â
‡ ”  • Senior Services’ Medicare: „  Â? ˆ Â… ‰ ‡ Â…
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DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN ASSOCIATION • Memory Loss Support Group: Â… ‹ Â
 Š € Â
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A home at last With the restoration largely complete, Brandon Cook's family moves in to former clinic
story by Stephen H. Cowles photos by Mitzi Lusk
B
randon Cook, formerly of Courtland, has not only risen to the challenge he set for himself in January 2019, he has evidently surpassed himself. That's brightly evident while walking through what had become a dilapidated century-old-house. In better days many decades before, the building was better known in Southampton County as either the Raiford Clinic or, as it later expanded, the Raiford Hospital. The facility was named after its creator, the esteemed Dr. Rufus Livius Raiford of Sedley. As readers will recall from the summer and fall issues of this magazine, Cook's restoration efforts
€  � �  �  �
western tidewater living
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were documented in words and pictures. A few past images are included for comparison. Though he first stated about wanting to be done by July 1, that deadline got pushed to late September. Later in fall, though, is when Cook was ready to bring his wife, Morgan, and their son, Carter, to what has become their new home. Immediately on crossing the threshold of the front entrance the transformation is unmistakable. Where once the framework was exposed, now it's covered by Sheetrock and painted a clean white color. At left is the entrance to an open parlor flanked by stained-glass windows made by neighbor Debbie Ricks. One states 1900 and the other 2019. At right, wooden curlicues grace the new staircase. Above, a crystal chandelier sparkles in the sunlight that's coming from the second-story window where a Christmas tree has been set on an adjoining ledge. The hallway ahead leads to an open living room and dining area. Lush soft carpet is in front of a restored mantle place. The kitchen and bathrooms look like something one might see in a magazine or home improvement TV show. Morgan said that months ago she asked her husband, “What have you gotten yourself into?� During the recent tour, she gladly acknowledged, “I never it would turn it out to how it looks.� “I wanted to move here from the start,� he said. Persuaded that this is the place to be, the family began moving in the week before Thanksgiving. Cook also said the renovation process had been “a leaning curve,� that is, in some instances discover-
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ing what needed to be done as work progressed. Throughout the ground floor, a sea theme is evident in the decoration. “Marine life has kind of been my life. I'm a Navy veteran,� Cook said by way of explaining, and added he also has Reel Fishing Charters LLC, in which he's able to take small parties out on the ocean in Virginia Beach and Cape Hatteras, or the Chesapeake Bay on the Eastern Shore. Some examples of the nautical look: Atop the bottom newel post of the front-entrance staircase is a finial's a replica of one from the HMS Titanic; a bookshelf in Carter's room is shaped like a boat; and wedding and family photographs show the Cooks at the seaside. There are still finishing touches to be done here and there in places such as a firstfloor breezeway, an upstairs bathroom and the outside basement, the latter of which could become a future wine cellar. Cook stressed that he didn't do all this work by himself. By no means. In addition to his father, Sam Cook, he expressed his gratitude to his cousin, Dylan Draper, and Eric Navitsky, both of Quality Air Makers LLC; his uncle, David Power; Jamie Britt, who was especially helpful with installing Sheetrock; Chris Rice; Steven Crawford; Mickey Bracey; Casey Brinkley; Chris King with Strait Line Seamless Gutters; and Robert “Carolina� Gurley. “I couldn't have done it without them.�
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 � ƒ
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western tidewater living
He also expressed gratitude to for the stories and photos “making the house shine.� In addition to getting a new home, the Cooks have also gained new and welcoming neighbors, such as Nick Pittman and the aforementioned
Ricks. The Cooks have even found on their front porch sacks of fresh produce from other residents, grateful for the restoration. “Many people have come up and told me how much they appreciate what's been done.â€? ď ľ
 � €
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Family's roots shared
Family's extensive research made available to public story and photos by Stephen H. Cowles
western tidewater living Rodney Hatfield, with his with father, Alfred Lee, and Southampton County Clerk of Court Rick Francis in the court records room. The Hatfields presented a free online tool that enables researchers to seek out records in a county database.
A
father's interest in the family tree inspired a son to the extent that it ultimately yielded fruit in the form of an extensive database, which has been made available to the public for free. Earlier this month, Alfred Lee Hatfield, 82, was accompanied by a son, Rodney Hatfield, to the Southampton County Circuit Courthouse records room. There they presented to Clerk of Court Rick Francis an online tool that enables researchers to seek out records in a county database. (And yes, before you ask, father and son are distantly related to the West Virginia Hatfields of that notorious feud with the McCoys.) “My dad started looking into family history before the internet,� said Rodney, who had come to visit from California. In addition to talking to other family members and neighbors, Alfred also did research at their church, Black Creek Baptist, where much was learned through early records of the
Katherline Hatfield holding her infant son, Albert. Photo submitted by Rodney Hatfield
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Rodney Hatfield's paternal grandparents, Ashley and Katherline Hatfield, parents of Albert Hatfield. Photo submitted by Rodney Hatfield.
place. “I got more inquisitive back when I was a teen,” said Rodney, who had spent time with his grandparents way back when to learn more. “I'm glad I did.” Family research has naturally included Carol Faye Byrd, who is Alfred's wife. Her lineage goes back to a British parish. This past Father's Day, Rodney created the website, www.hatfieldroots. com, as a way to honor is father. In his introduction on the site, the son explains how family research became somewhat entangled with a different project: “The courthouse records were digitized by a private organization — the Brantley Association with the help of several local volunteers who did an amazing job of indexing all the records into summaries for each book of records the Courtland office has with them. (One million references). Although their work was a major feat — searching them online and comparing one book to the other records was cumbersome because they had no searchable feature. “I had had this challenge as well and on my own developed a searchable spreadsheet that references all the records into one place and developed it so I could record my own notes and find more information about my family, the communities history and expand my father's work of over 2,000 names in our family history to now over 40,000.” Informed by Rodney about the tool, Francis asked it might be donated, which has been done on the condition it be in Alfred's name and honor. So it was. At the website are instructions on downloading the free “Full Southampton VA Database.”
western tidewater living Photos at a corner window in the Southampton County Court House document the work that Ken Brantley did to index court books and make them available to the public.
This picture of Kenneth Brantley of the Brantley Association shows him at work in the Southampton County Courthouse photographing county records so that both pages can appear together. He and many other volunteers have indexed court books.
Carol Faye Byrd and Albert Lee Hatfield today. Photo submitted by Rodney Hatfield.
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38 western tidewater living As mentioned, a different group took upon itself to digitize court records. Another tab on the website details what ultimately became known as The Southampton Project. Kenneth Brantley, whose own family once lived in Southampton County, had contacted Frances in April 2008. “Eager to see this remarkable collection made available to researchers of the Brantley family as well as thousands of other researchers whose ancestry
had traversed the County, Mr. Brantley made a bold commitment. He agreed to digitize and, at least attempt, to facilitate through the Association the indexing of the entire court records there from 1749 through the early 1880s, under the condition that the county would (1) either display the records on a web site for no charge or (2) provide for the Brantley Association or its assignee the right to display the same.” Thankfully, Brantley has not had to
Albert and Carol Hatfield's children, Karen, Rodney, Duane and Donald. Not pictured is the sibling's stepsister, Juanita Vick of Franklin.
do all this on his own. Via a letter, he had contacted Southampton County Historical Society President Lynda Updike about the project. That was made public and attracted many volunteers to aid in research and indexing the court books. It should be stressed that no public money was used to fund the Brantley Association's work. “This will be available for generations to come,” said Francis.
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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.
$25 gift certificate. If you know
Whoever can identify the location pictured here will be entered for a chance to win a
of this sharp-dressed gentleman
where this issue's photo was taken, let us know. If you're right, you could be a winner. Email your answers to magazine@tidewaternews.com. Alas, no one spotted the figurine strolling on the front porch of a house on Clay Street in Suffolk.
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story by Merle Monahan
Above: Steven Cox and his son, Andrew, at a tractor-pulling competition in Fisherville. Below: Andrew Cox atop his John Deer tractor; father, Steven, is in front. They are at a tractor-pulling event in Chippokes State Park Surry
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F
riends Dan Billups of Wakefield and Steven Cox of Ivor always stressed to their sons, Garrett and Andrew, 14 and nine, respectively, to “do your best,” in whatever you aspire to do. Well, the boys did just that in October when they each picked up a first-place award for their participation in a sixmonth-long antique tractor-pulling contest. “We’re very proud of them,” said Billups, who along with Cox also took home a first-place trophy. “They did a good job.” All members of the Central Virginia Antique Tractor Pullers, the men and their sons have
traveled since April to different venues just to participate in the tractor-pulling events. This year alone they’ve covered events at Amelia, Powhatan, South Boston, Fishersville, Chippokes, the Isle of Wight County Fair and into Maryland. “The way this works,” Billups explained, “is that points earned at each event during the six months are saved and all calculated at the end to determine the winners. That’s when the awards are given out.” The two men, both born and raised on farms, became involved with tractor pulling around 2015,
Cox thinks. As the boys took an interest, Garrett two years ago and Andrew, one, the men began to teach them what they needed to know in order to participate. The first thing is that members of the tractor pullers all must own their own equipment. So Billups and Cox, as well as their sons each own their own tractors. The two men also own trailers on which the tractors are transported to and from the events. Of course, the tractors, which cannot be newer than the
From left, Garrett and Dan Billups hold up trophies they won in a past tractor pull competition. Photo submitted by Dan Billups.
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42 western tidewater living late 1950s, must have a name, so Billups named his International “Devil’s Den,” while Garrett’s International goes by “All Roosters Up.” Cox’s John Deere is named “Slow and Easy,” however, Andrew says his dad just bought him his John Deere and he hasn’t had time to name it yet. Aside from the main-
tenance of keeping the tractor in good shape, most tractor owners have weights on hand to be used in practice. “There are no youth divisions. Each person, young or old, pulls as much as he thinks he can,” said Cox. “The weight classes in a
pull are 3,250, 4,000, 4,500, 5,000 and 5,500 pounds,” Cox went on, “so your tractor must be ready. You’ve got to know what it’ll do.” He noted that he thinks the biggest obstacle in a pull is the condition
Kneeling are Dan Billups, left, and Steven Cox; standing, Garrett Billups, left, and Andrew Cox. All are holding their trophies.
Dan Billups participates in a tractor pull.
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of the track. “If it’s wet, like from rain, you’ve got trouble!” Both men believe tractor pulling is a good, wholesome ac-
Andrew Cox getting ready to drive his tractor.
Steven Cox on his tractor.
tivity for both adults and youth. “It’s like a big happy family,” said Billups. “You see the same people during
the entire summer. And after each pulling event is over, we all get together for a meal.”
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The Charles Street Gym in Franklin has been put on the Virginia Landmarks Register by the state Department of Historic Resources. Photo courtesy Virginia Department of Historic Resources
landmark gym story by Stephen H. Cowles
Clyde Parker does an inspection of the interior of the Charles Street Gym. The site has maintained its architectural integrity since it was built in 1935-1936. Photo submitted by Clyde Parker
T
he Charles Street Gym in Franklin has been recognized for its lasting value by the Department of Historic Resources and included as one of 16 places to merit listing on the Virginia Landmark Register in 2019. The approval came during a quarterly meeting on Dec. 12 in Richmond. Much of the work done to get the site on the list can be traced to Clyde Parker, a lifelong resident with an obviously strong interest in regional history. Seeing the three-step application process to completion — he began in 2016 – is both a source of price and relief to him. Parker met with a committee in Richmond that could make the recommendation to the VDHR. More discussion took place in Lynchburg at a different time. “The gym is among the historic structures here in Franklin,” Parker said in a
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The gym is used by the Franklin HIgh School Broncos' wrestling team and robotics program. Photo submitted by Clyde Parker.
recent interview. “We've lost so many of our historic structures in Franklin.” The application notes that the building is “one of the few historic public buildings remaining” in the city. The nomination form gives this description: The City of Franklin built the Charles Street Gym in 1935-36 with funds from a Public Works Administration (PWA) grant, which covered 45 percent of the construction costs, and a loan for the remaining costs from the Literary Fund of Virginia. An important component of the city’s public education history, the building provided Franklin high school students gym space for physical education, an industrial shop and an agricultural classroom in the rear. The PWA and state architect Raymond V. Long recommended the building’s Classical Revival design from plans drafted in 1935. An integral part of the city’s
Two of the six windows, which are original to the building. The have corbelled brick lintels and stone sills, according to the nomination form. Photo submitted by Clyde Parker
The flooing is the original maple wood. Photo submitted by Clyde Parker
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The front entrance features a decorative stone architrave that has what the nomination form notes a "slight Egyptian look." Photo submitted by Clyde Parker
high school complex, Franklin used the building from 1936 to 1966, after which the gymnasium space became a secondary recreational venue for community basketball … .” “I'm a graduate of Franklin High School and played football and used the gym,” he recalled. Parker added that the back part was used as an industrial arts shop and place for classes in agriculture. One of the factors that has aided the site to its new status is that the gym has kept its historic integrity. That is, there have been no major alterations to the facade or interior the detract from its look or function. Highground Services in Franklin did an evaluation and found it to be “pretty solid,” according to Parker. That includes the tiling, roof, floor and windows. The gym does need what he called some “cosmetic work,” but that's a separate issue. “We're in a much better position [to get money for such work],” he said. “We need to show strong community support. We have an opportunity to save the gym.” There had been a move about 20 years ago to tear down the site. Thankfully, people such as Lynda Updike of the Southampton County Historical Society and Teresa Beale of the Franklin Southampton Chamber of Commerce went to bat and argued for the site's preservation. It has since been regularly used by Franklin High School for its wrestling team and robotics program. The city also uses the back part for a maintenance shop and storage. Liz Burgess is another champion credited by Parker. “She is a strong advocate — very passionate. She stimulated me to get back involved.” There is the hope to install a plaque or erect a sign highlighting the gym's significance for all to see.
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who are we? Who are we to judge? This time, you are challenged to identify these 10 esteemed jurists of Southampton County. To help, the names are provided below, but you have to match the name with the number. Do we really need to tell you where to find the portraits? Just remember that if you research when court is in session, decorum is of the utmost importance. Whoever can correctly identify all — or at least most — will be entered for a chance to win $25. Email your answers to either magazine@thetidewaternews.com or editor@thetidewaternews.com.
Names, Years Served E. Everett Bagnell, 1978-2000 Rodham Tulloss Delk Jr., 1993-2014 James C. Godwin, 1962-1992 John K. Hutton, 1940-1962 Roszell D. Hunter III, 1992-1993 James L. McLemore, 1907-1940 Westbrook J. Parker, 1986-2010 Robert R. Prentis, 1895-1907 George F. Whitley Jr., 1966-1977 Benjamin A. Williams Jr., 1977-1986 Rebecca Drake of Newsoms was chosen for having correctly guessed that the two men in the picture are Colgate Darden, left, and Gilbert Francis. Drake wrote: “Mr. Darden grew up in Southampton County on a farm between Hunterdale and Sedley. He
was well educated and became a lawyer before running for political office here in Virginia. He served as a state representative, then he served in the U.S. House of Representatives and he was also our governor. Mr. Francis was also a lawyer serving right here in Boykins, Virginia. He lived right outside of Boykins with his wife, Betty, and three sons, Gilbert, Rick and Jeffery. Mr. Francis also had farm land here in Southampton and his ancestors were most noted for living in one of the houses which Nat Turner attacked during the dark of night. Both men represented Southampton County well and both were approachable. Most any history in the county will run across one, if not both, of their names.”
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