From Richmond Dispatch, May 13, 1885:
Beware Of The Flower Thieves
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Category Archives: history
The Old Tracks Re-appear
With street repaving taking place, the old electric trolley tracks are showing again here and there.
Pine Street ‘Heights’
This photo is of the eastern side of the 100 block of S.Pine Street. You can see on the northern end where a row house was sacrificed for an apartment building’s parking lot, but the remaining historic houses have been beautifully renovated.
Sadly, this block was separated from the rest of “the Hill” by the construction of 195, but it is still considered part of Oregon Hill neighborhood. Some wryly refer to the area north of the expressway as “the Oregon Hill Heights”.
What’s even sadder is the the City’s own Planning Commission has recently drawn its new ‘pattern book’ for the neighborhood without including “the Heights”, challenging the neighborhood’s defined borders and angering many residents.
This is seen as part of a long campaign to do away with this historic neighborhood, even if it means gradually chipping away, decade after decade. It’s the long battle of preservation.
Valentine-sponsored Walking Tours in April
The Valentine museum will be offering two Oregon Hill walking tours in April to explore the history of the neighborhood. They would love to have residents join us, share their stories, and learn some history! Tour tickets are $20 ($10 for Valentine members) and are now on sale via the museum website:
– April 13th at 10am — History Hounds Explore Oregon Hill Walking Tour – The Valentine Museum (dog-friendly tour in collaboration with the SPCA)
– April 19th at 10am — History of Oregon Hill Walking Tour – The Valentine Museum
All tours will begin at St. Andrews Episcopal Church.
Throwback Thursday: Belvidere Street
East side of Belvidere Street, in the early 1950’s. Photo from the collection of Mary Wingfield Scott.
Belvidere Aerial, Historic Photo
Former Oregon Hill resident/neighbor Tom Elliott forwarded this neat photo from the Valentine Museum that not only shows the Penitentiary but also the west side of Belvidere before it was demolished to widen the highway. The photo also show the construction of the RMA highway which tore through the 200 block of Oregon Hill.
Throwback Thursday: When Ethyl Corporation demolished the 700 block of S. Laurel
When Ethyl Corporation demolished the 700 block of S. Laurel.
Photo courtesy of William Pickett.
On May 19th: Homecoming on the Hill: A Historic Look at Oregon Hill from 1800 – 1960s
The Valentine museum is making a presentation at the Pine St.Church on May 19th regarding the history of the Oregon Hill neighborhood.
Homecoming on the Hill:
A Historic Look at Oregon Hill from 1800 – 1960s
Oregon Hill residents, past and present, are invited to join us for food, fellowship and fond memories. This event is geared to residents 60 -100+ years of age, but all are welcome.
Event Timing: May 19, 2024 | Worship 11am | Lunch and Program 12:30-3:00pm
Event Address: Pine St. Baptist Church | 400 S. Pine St. Richmond, VA 23220
Contact us at 804-644-0339.
Presentation from The Valentine Starts at 1 pm in the fellowship Hill – use Albemarle St entrance
Throwback Thursday: Paragon Pharmacy
William Pickett supplied this photo of the now gone Paragon Pharmacy (corner of Laurel and W.Cary). He had redone their signs at the time of the photo.
Capt. Peter Michie 1865 map
Capt Peter Michie 1865 map section. Monroe Park shown with arrow. Courtesy of Library of Congress.