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Category Archives: history
Weightlifting Yard
Bus, Troy & Billy, 1998
Prom, May 1965, WBCH
I already shared a link to the Times Dispatch’s photos of this year’s Open High prom, but here is a photo from a prom held at the William Byrd Community House back in 1965. This was posted to a FaceBook group called Oregon Hill Reunion Group. (Ed. note: I will probably be sharing more photos from there in the future for ‘Throwback Thursday’.)
Linda Hester, who contributed the photo, wrote:
In picture top is Hector Martinez, Linda Hester .Bottom left is Butch Neisz and Janie Ho. Bottom right is Beverly Overton and Tommy Clary.Such fun times growing up on the hill and going to the community house for all kinds of activities!!
The 700 Club
Neighbors and friends gather on a porch on the 700 block of S. Laurel in this old photograph from William Pickett.
The Show That Never Happened
Milkman On Pine
Carol Butler Gentry shared these photos and this description.
Came across these photos taken in 500 block S. Pine St. note the milkman’s truck that used to deliver milk on our front porch. The building in upper right side is now Mamma Zu’s.
Correspondent Of The Day- “Hoping developers blend new and old”
From today’s Times Dispatch…
Editor, Times-Dispatch:
It was with great interest that I recently read the news story about the protest by Oregon Hill residents over the planned development of the Paragon property on Cary Street.
Being a native of Richmond, Oregon Hill and the 600 block of Cary Street both hold a special place in my heart because my great-grandfather, Lewis Jacob, was born in the Jacob House in 1828. He lived with his brothers at various places in and around Oregon Hill and the early Fan during the 19th century.
Understandably, I was most disturbed — as were many others — to see the Jacob House moved in 1995 to its present location. However, in retrospect, the carefully planned addition of modern townhouses which developed behind it tastefully complemented its setting and today stands as a testament to a blending of the old with the new.
I sincerely hope that the developers of the Paragon property will take note that these buildings are living monuments to the people who made Richmond and that they have an opportunity to prove that the past can live with the present.
Robert J. Crouch.
Richmond.
Ordered To Camp, 1918
From March 28, 1918 Times Dispatch:
A Salute To William Rankin
On this week of St. Patrick’s Day, we tip our hats to Irishman William Rankin who exactly 141 years ago on this day on March 17, 1877 served as Chief Marshall of the St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Richmond.
According to his November 9, 1913 obituary in the Times Dispatch, William Rankin was a native of County Louth, Ireland, and “Because of his kindness and generosity to the poor, he was called by his associates, ‘St. Vincent de Paul.'” A photograph of Mr. Rankin appeared with his obituary, which at the time was an honor afforded only the most respected citizens.
We salute and respect the contributions that Mr. Rankin, who owned much of the 800 block of West Cary Street, made to our city and neighborhood. We appreciate the fine building that he constructed at 815 W. Cary (now Sweet Frogs).
While these landmarks remain, the history of Mr. Rankin and the Irish contributions to our great city will be remembered and appreciated.
800 Block Of W. Cary: Worthy Of Preservation, Worthy Of Your Attention
As part of the neighborhood campaign to save these buildings from demolition (and don’t forget the public demonstration planned for Sunday afternoon), neighbors have prepared a flyer that explains just some of the history and importance of these structures.
Note: If you have trouble reading or printing these, please try to download the pdf versions.