Times Dispatch, 1905, Capture Fleeing Convicts.

From the Richmond Times Dispatch, August, 31, 1905:

Clever work on the part of two citizens of Oregon Hill Tuesday afternoon prevented the escape of two convicts from the penitentiary. Lewis Oliver and Erasmus Cooley, both negroes, were with a gang of seven convicts employed in unloading a car at the foot of Sixth Street. Suddenly the two men broke away from the guard and started towards Oregon Hill. Messrs. E.R. Thomas and A.W. Blackburn captured Oliver, and Mr. A. E. Priddy was the man to stop the running of Cooley. The reward for the capture of a convict is $50, and this will be paid to the citizens who made the captures.

Byrd House Market Needs Musicians

The Byrd House Market needs musicians to play on Tuesdays any hour between 5 and 7 p.m. for the months of September or October. You can plug in on the BHM stage or be unplugged in the garden. You’re reward is bagfuls of fresh produce and meeting some of the finest people in Richmond — our shoppers! Bands are welcome to sell CDs or swag and have a hat out for tips. If you’re interested in playing a tuesday email Laura Morand Bailey at byrdhousemarket@gmail.com

Veggie Potluck/Documentary Thursday At WBCH

Veggie Potluck and a Documentary at the
William Byrd Community House

Thursday 9/3/09– 6pm Potluck, 7pm documentary
Hosts John Richmond and Caroline Cox

Documentary Maker Jen Lawhorne presents her work:
“Little Trip of a Dream,” a film about the stories of undocumented people in Richmond, the lives they left behind in Mexico and the reality of crossing the U.S./Mexico border.”

RSVP
Carolion1@yahoo.com
Please bring plates, cups and silverware to save landfill space.

Congressman Scott announces Health Care Community Forum

Speaking of local politicians, Church Hill People’s News has this announcement:

August 28, 2009
Congressman Scott announces Health Care Community Forum
Congressman Bobby Scott (VA 3rd District) will be holding a Richmond Health Care Community Forum on Thursday, September 3, from 7-8:30PM at the General Assembly Building. Congressman Scott will do a brief presentation on H.R. 3200, the America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009. Afterward the Congressman will take questions from the audience. This event is open to the public. Seating will be limited.

Richmond Health Care Community Forum
Thursday, September 3, 2009
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
General Assembly Building
House Room D
910 Capitol Street
Richmond, VA 23219

Meet & Greet With Incumbent McClellan on Wednesday

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Another flyer went around the neighborhood for “A Meet & Greet” with the 71st District incumbent Delegate Jennifer L. McClellan. Its happening this Wednesday from 6:30 pm to 8pm at the Finches’ house, 411 S. Cherry Street. Its described as a casual light food and drink mixer, no campaign contributions required. R.S.V.P. by Sept 1 to rosarf40@hotmail.com.

I wonder if her competition, Silver Persinger, will make it. Unfortunately, I doubt I will be able to make it due to prior commitments. I do have some questions for the Delegate though, questions that I have asked before…

Since she serves on the House Education Committee, can she encourage VCU to take a positive step for community relations?

As a Verizon attorney, can she make sure the neighborhood gets its fair share of service, including FIOS?

Since her main contributor is Dominion, what can she do to make sure Dominion utilizes more renewable energy vs. dirty coal?

I am sure other Oregon Hill residents and 71st constituents have questions. Please feel free to leave some in the comments below.

OHHIC Flyers

Oregon Hill residents may notice a yellow flyer in their mailbox this weekend. Its the reminder for the Oregon Hill Home Improvement Council‘s upcoming annual meeting on Sunday, Sept. 27. One of the topics of the meeting will be the status of the 600 block of S. Laurel development, and there will also be a discussion of making Oregon Hill an official City Old & Historic District. And yes, OHHIC is still looking for new home buyers, especially affordable first home buyers!

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Pardon me while I climb on the soap box a bit- OHHIC is not just the oldest and the only surviving neighborhood-based community development nonprofit left in Richmond, its also one of the few remaining nonprofits to still be under the control of a voting membership. In this day and age of greed and concentration of power, OHHIC stands as a true democratic community institution. Make sure you turn your membership application in and show up to vote for new OHHIC Board members.

A Mad-stone Here

From the Richmond Planet, August 29, 1896:

There is a mad-stone in Richmond and it is claimed that it will prevent hydrophobia. It seems that Henry Hammel, a colored man residing in Henrico County, was bitten by a mad dog, and the stone was secured from its owner Mr. John Fogarty of Oregon Hill for use upon him. It may be seen at the office of the Board of Health, Clerk Aurthor Mayo having charge of it.

The Gospel Wagon

From the Richmond Times Dispatch, August 27, 1901:

Services were held with the Gospel Wagon Sunday afternoon at Oregon Hill, at Eighth and Cary streets, and on Seventh and Franklin streets. They were conducted by Rev. G.F. Williams, who was aided by several speakers and a good company of singers. There were several requests for prayer and two professions of faith.

These newspaper archives have many reviews and announcements like this.