New Historic Items
We have recently received two great additions to our collection. Vicky Brock Coultrip donated the model for the house at 921 Lee Street, known as the Sutton House. This model was actually made by David Nelson Sutton, Jr. when he was in school. In addition this house is one of the Sears homes of West Point.
Robert Ryczak donated a missal (Catholic Prayer Book) that was owned and used daily by Father Ceslaus Jakubowski (Father Jack). Be sure to stop in and see these great pieces of local history.
Claiborne Family
Dr. Linda Miller of Nevada has recently visited our museum. She is with the Continental Society Daughters of Indian Wars. She was doing research into Thomas Claiborne who was one of the sons of William Claiborne who founded Romancoke Plantation (now owned by the Olsson family). Thomas was killed in one of the wars with the Indians. Dr. Miller is going to place a medal on Thomas’s grave in Richmond and she is also going to give one of the medallions to HSWP. We will let you know when this is received.
West Point Historic Homes
In 1996, The National Register of Historic Places named downtown West Point as Historic, to include Kirby, Main, and Lee Streets from 1st Street to 13th Street. Most of the homes in this area are considered “historic.” The Historical Society of West Point is investigating having plaques made for the homes. We will sell these to the owners if they are interested. The plaques will be similar to this picture. You can visit our web site (https://hswpva.org/town-history/) to see the listing of included homes. Stay tuned for more on this project.
Crab Carnival
The museum will be open on October 5 for Crab Carnival. Please stop in to look around at our exhibits and learn more about our upcoming large exhibit expansion.
History Tidbit
One Last Look
We were so sorry to see this building demolished. From Sam Bland store to Riddles Pharmacy, this building held many memories for many of us. In the 1950s and 1960s, it was the heart of our town. RIP.
Odds and Ends
- Be sure to take part in our scavenger hunt when you visit the museum. It is fun and you could win a prize. Caroline Wesson was our first gift card winner.
- We will soon be ordering more memorial bricks. If you want to remember or honor someone with a brick go to this link, https://hswpva.org/memorial-bricks/
- HSWP had a table for the annual Night Out. We had some interesting “crime” items on display. If you missed it stop by the museum and see what we had.
- We will be sending out additional Untold Tales to members over the next few months. Another good reason to be a member of HSWP.
Expansion Plans
We are well under way with our major fundraising campaign in order to turn the “shed” behind our museum into exhibit space. Our plans are to refurbish and expand the current shed so that it will hold and display the old West Point fire pumper, the antique Model T truck from the Chelsea plantation, and several other large items that we now have in storage. We have been awarded a grant by the Cabell Foundation. It is a matching grant which means that we only get their help by matching funds that we can raise locally. Please, PLEASE consider helping us out with a financial donation for this major project. When donating, please mention that your donation is for construction. Thank you.
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