Regular attendees of our annual Antiques Appraisal event will be pleased to know that Mrs. Josephine Thrasher has returned to her full schedule and would welcome hearing from well-wishers. Should you wish to contact her, please contact Board Member Sarah Jane Brady at 1SJBrady@gmail.com.
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ANTIQUES APPRAISER CANCELLATION AND UPDATE
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SUMMER ACTIVITIES ON THE GREEN AND FREEMAN STORE
Visitors to the Town Green, located between Maple Avenue and the rear of the Freeman Store, are reminded that building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. When you run in to buy a soda or some candy, please take the time to appreciate that you are stepping back into another era, where an actual Storekeeper reaches into a glass display jar to pull out a candy stick or a jawbreaker, where you can explain to a child how a crank-operated, wall-mounted telephone works and where a family really did “live above the store.” Our “Roads To Rails To Trails:” exhibit continues through the summer months, as does a mini-exhibit on the War of 1812 and our Museum Rooms offer a look into the past with period decorations and displays.
The concert schedule for the Town Green offers something for everyone – blues, military bands and choruses, jazz, country, bluegrass, rock. Starting times are usually 6:30, music lovers are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets (but no alcohol and pets are discouraged). A full schedule of concerts is available on the Town website, www.viennava.gov
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FUN AT THE LITTLE LIBRARY – STORIES & SPRINKLERS RETURNS!
Who can resist the opportunity to become a kid again and dash through (or jump around in) a sprinkler on a hot summer day? Historic Vienna, Inc. and the Town of Vienna are offering a guilt-free opportunity to do just that – together with a story and some music at the Little Library. Children and parents can gather at the Little Library at 1 pm and at 1:30 have “sprinkler time” on the Town Green. There are picnic tables on the rear patio of the Freeman Store and shady lawn areas on the Green. Free, open to the public and appropriate for all ages. For information call 703 938 5187 or 255-6360.
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HISTORIC VIENNA, INC. Moves Forward with Oral History Project
Historic Vienna, Inc. has obtained the services of two interns, who will be with us for the summer months helping us to design a protocol for the collection of oral, video, and written histories of our long-time residents and implementing the project. Undergraduate Caroline Gardiner and grad student Virginia Harness will be working 300 and 350 hours, respectively, to review the material already in the HVI archives, identify interview subjects and begin the process of capturing and preserving their individual, unique, special memories of their own lives and the Town of Vienna.
There are probably few families who do not have some regret that they did not ask their older members to identify faces in photographs or to tell the story of how they came to move from another country or region or where that unusual family name originated. As within a family, it is these interwoven details which make our community what it is – how people decided to move here, what unlikely event propelled the choice of a career or an avocation that impacted neighbors or created a sports team or led to the planting of a garden enjoyed by all.
Obviously, our interns have only a limited time with us this summer but our expectation is that they will be able to move the project forward to a place where other HVI volunteers will be trained in the protocol and will continue to collect and appropriately archive these pieces of local history.
We have been encouraging our members and fellow citizens to make suggestions of persons (of any age!) who would make interesting interview subjects. Please continue to do so at 703 938 5187 to leave a message for Caroline or Virginia or email them at hvioralhistory.gmail.com
IN ADDITION TO THE INTERVIEWS DESCRIBED ABOVE, CAROLINE AND VIRGINIA ARE ALSO LOOKING FOR PHOTOGRAPHS OF VIENNA, TAKEN AT ANY TIME DURING THE 20TH CENTURY (ALL PHOTOS WILL BE SCANNED AND RETURNED). WE ARE PARTICULARLY INTERESTED IN PHOTOGRAPHS OF BUILDINGS, HOMES, STREET SCENES WHICH NO LONGER EXIST OR ARE SUBSTANTIALLY ALTERED, EXAMPLES WOULD INCLUDE THE SOUTHERN STATES (NOW NOODLES, CHIPOTLE, ET AL), THE MOVIE THEATER/BIKE SHOP, HAWTHORNE’S DRUG STORE/STARBUCKS, OR PETER PAN/PANERA. VIENNA HAS SEEN TREMENDOUS CHANGE OVER THE YEARS AND MORE CHANGE IS ON THE HORIZON – PLEASE HELP US PRESERVE A RECORD OF WHAT WAS AND THE PROGRESSION OF CHANGE IN OUR TOWN.
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The End of an Era – passing of Mayo Stuntz
Mayo S. Stuntz, Sr. (Aged 97)
Passed away on May 9, 2013. Born in Vienna, VA in 1915, attended Cornell University, served in the U.S.Army in the Pacific (Lt. Col, Ret.), had a 25 year career in the Central Intelligence Agency, and was a well-known local historian and co-author. Beloved husband of 66 years of Constance Pendleton Stuntz. Father of Anne (Brad Swanson), Reid (Linda), and Mayo Jr. (Elizabeth).Grandfather of Allison Schulte (Ben), James (Mollie O’Rourke), Katie, Joe (Michelle), Grace, Jay Swanson, Charles Swanson and Steve Swanson. Great Grandfather of Audrey Rose Schulte.
The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, May 15 from 2-4PM and from 6-8PM at the Money and King Funeral Home in Vienna, VA. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 16 at 1PM at the Vienna Presbyterian Church. Interment will be at 4PM at the Flint Hill Cemetery, Oakton, VA.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Vienna Presbyterian Church or Historic Vienna, Inc. in Vienna, VA.LOCAL HISTORIAN MAYO S. STUNTZ by Laine Hyde (Historic Vienna Inc. Secretary)
Among the small number of video histories collected by Historic Vienna, Inc. is a tape of a one-hour interview with Mayo Stuntz. Despite a career in government and private enterprises, Mayo – he was one of those “one name suffices to identify him” people – was usually known primarily as Historian. Together with his wife Connie, he produced numerous books on Vienna and other local subjects; primary among these was “This Was Vienna, Virginia: Facts and Photos,” considered an invaluable historical resource.
Mayo was born in the heart – the very heart – of the Town, in a home at the intersection of Old Courthouse Road and Maple Avenue. This would explain not only why in recent years a “Happy Birthday, Mayo” sign would appear in October in front of JiffyLube but also how he came to know from personal, life-long experience, the history of his home town. He was there. He went to Vienna Elementary, walking home for lunch. The family moved all the way to the edge of Vienna and he spent most of his life living in that home, eventually raising a new generation there. A list of “served on” would include the Fairfax History Commission and the little group which advised the Town on the restoration of the Freeman House and eventually became Historic Vienna, Inc. He lived to see the building listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. Throughout his life and most particularly in retirement, he was always willing – enthusiastically willing – to share his memories, his experience and his love of history with groups or individuals.
Mayo Stuntz died on May 9 at the age of 97. His contributions live on.
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War of 1812 Exhibit – Chesapeake Bay and Beyond
Historic Vienna, Inc. is pleased to offer our War of 1812 exhibit at the Freeman House! Suzanne Traut and Benny Vuong, two local volunteers who stepped forward to help Historic Vienna share history at the Freeman House, have completed an excellent display which deserves our attention. Learn how James and Dolley Madison fled from the city of Washington in August of 1814 and headed into Virginia to escape the advance by the British, who approached up the Chesapeake Bay and fought through Bladensburg, Maryland and then into Washington itself. You will find complete descriptions covering many aspects of this war that happened 200 years ago.
This exhibit has increased in size recently and there is much to learn by reading each panel and viewing the graphics. With so much happening during this period in our nation’s history, there is a perfect opportunity here for our emerging historians at our local schools to attend this exhibit and author their own understanding of this event into school projects for credit.
Signed copies of local author, Carole Herrick’s book “August 24, 1814: Washington in Flames” is available for sale in the Freeman Store. This book accurately describes the events surrounding the attack by the British on Washington and Carole has graciously allowed us to use two maps with descriptions from her book in this exhibit.
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“Roads to Rails to Trails” exhibit at Freeman Store and Museum!
Historic Vienna, Inc. is very excited to say that our new exhibit is open – “Roads to Rails to Trails,” at the Freeman Store, 131 Church Street, NE. The exhibit tells the story of the evolution of the railroad that ran through Vienna from 1855 to 1968, along the right of way now known as the Washington & Old Dominion Trail. The exhibit includes maps, photographs, models and dioramas, period artifacts and many descriptions telling the story of this trail and railroad line and is sure to be a hit with anyone who enjoys trains. Historic Vienna Inc. is very pleased to be sponsored by and working with the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority and the Friends of the W&OD Trail on this project.
The Freeman Store and Museum is open Wednesday thru Sunday from 12 to 4 pm. For more information call 703 938 5187 or visit www.historicviennainc.org.
Historic Vienna, Inc. is looking for photographs, drawings, artifacts or replicas of the railroads passing through Vienna, including the Alexandria, Loudoun and Hampshire RR and its successors. If you have any railroad-related items to loan to HVI for this exhibit please contact Mike Berger at (703) 938-3784 or smberg@erols.com.
Vienna Station W&OD 1909 – Photo courtesy of Library of Congress
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Farms and Village Homes in Fairfax County, Virginia January 1897 by O.E. Hine
The following text is an extract from a pamphlet entitled: Farms and Village Homes in Fairfax County – January 1897 - by O.E. Hine, Vienna, VA:
VIENNA
Vienna is a regularly laid out village of four hundred inhabitants, situated on the Washington & Ohio railroad, fifteen miles north from Alexandria, and about the same distance west from Washington. Is near the centre of the county on one of the most public roads leading to the city. It is incorporated under a most liberal charter, governed by nine councilmen, three of whom are elected annually by the people. Already a comprehensive system of improvements has been inaugurated, and from present indications is designed to improve into a beautiful village, and a considerable business and manufacturing centre.
Already it has a planing mill, two grist mills and two saw mills, two lime kilns, shoe and harness shop, meat market, stores, blacksmith and wagon shops, canning factory, &tc., &tc. White and colored schools are maintained here; the white a first-class graded school. It is connected with the county seat five miles distant by a stage twice a day; with Washington by four trains each way, and with the whole world by telegraph and an electric road has been chartered to this place. Is the centre of a fine dairy region, settled most entirely by northern farmers, many of whom are engaged in sending milk to the city. Over five hundred gallons are sent daily from this neighborhood, averaging the farmer at his door 7 ½ to 10 cents per gallon in summer and from 12 to 14 in winter.
Recently one hundred acres of high rolling land adjoining the station has been handsomely laid out in building lots, streets graded, sidewalks laid, and shade trees planted, making one of the most attractive subdivisions near the city. These lots average of $100 each to persons contemplating building, but none are offered to speculators who do not intend to build. A handsome map will be furnished on application.
Lots in Vienna
2 Acres. Seven room house in good condition; well at door, young orchard of peaches, apples and cherries, excellent garden land, stable and hen house. Situated one mile from station. Price $2,000.
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Vienna’s Oldest Tree Contest Finalists 1999
This is an interesting list of the oldest trees in our town from a contest in 1999. You will need to add 14 years to the dates below to make the age of the tree current for 2013. Are these trees still standing? How many other trees are in our town that are over 200 years old?
Vienna’s Oldest Tree Contest – FINALISTS – 1999
Location Species Diameter Est. Age
Rick German White Oak 63.69” 318 years
802 Margorie Lane, SE front yard
Debbie Sanner White Oak 54.14” 271 years?
803 Park Street, SE (double trunk)
beside house
Thomas Esterrich Pignut Hickory 41.4” 290 years?
121 Carter Ct. SW (double trunk)
Mrs. Lyons White Oak 51.91” 260 years?
602 Upham Place NW (multiple stems)
Front yard
Bill Shields White Oak 51.27” 256 years
311 Valeview Ct. NW back yard
George Haber White Oak 50” 250 years
441 Glyndon St. NE White Oak 49.86” 249 years
Back yard
Florence Roseborough White Oak 49.36” 247 years
117 Courthouse Rd. SW 121 Courthouse
Town R.O.W.
Meadow Lane Park White Oak 49” 245 years
Courthouse and Ware St. SW Right Field
Line Corner
Mary Helen Tucker White Oak 47.45” 237 years
432 Druid Hill Road NE front yard
Herb Lewis White Oak 47.13” 236 years
Navy Federal Credit Union First Entrance
Volleyball courts
Tom Dressler Copper Beech 49.36” 222 years?
234 Lawyers Rd.
Sam & Nazzi Weldy White Oak 45.22” 226 years
111 East Street NE Townhouse
back yard
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Richard C. Kirkland – Fighter Pilot – Mission Accomplished!
Local Vienna resident Richard C. Kirkland, WWII Fighter Pilot and Korean War MASH Helicopter Pilot, describes his life goals to fly planes, paint pictures and write books. RCK – “In the USA, anything is possible if you put your mind to it.” Richard has been Historic Vienna’s guest speaker in the past and was a participant in our successful “Vienna Remembers WWII” exhibit from a few years ago. Richard has recently published a new book titled “Wide Place in the Road” which is a terrific novel that blends a great love story that occurs during WWII.
You can learn a lot more about Richard at his website:
http://www.richardckirkland.com/
You can view a detailed inspirational video by seeing a video on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fI1IMmEngqI