Historical Society to hold fundraiser
By Judy Tole/Special to the Rappahannock News
Tombstone to be returned to family plot
In an ever-changing world, cemeteries are one of the few landmarks that have permanence about them. And nothing is more emblematic of the sense of perpetual remembrance in a graveyard than its tombstones.
The ravages of time may alter engraved sentiments, but one expects the stones themselves to endure for the ages (okay, at least for some centuries) before they crumble into dust.
How would you feel, therefore, if the permanent marker over your final resting place inadvertently relocated to some other venue? Could be a bit unsettling, leaving the departed to wish that some future traveler might return the monument to its rightful place.
In a special event on Sunday, July 13 from 2-5 p.m., the Rappahannock Historical Society will fulfill one such wish at The Meadows, the home of John Fox and Beverly Sullivan, in Washington. Join us for an other-worldly experience, An Afternoon To Die For, that will focus on the importance of historic cemeteries and will feature the return of a misplaced tombstone to a family plot on the property.
In addition to tours of a portion of the historic home, the program will include:
n The lives of the residents of the Porter/Almond and Strother cemeteries on the property;
n Divining for Graves by Lory Payne;
n The Historical Societys Cemetery Project (over 500 sites already identified) by Misty Wright;
n Cemetery Identification & Cleaning by Wayne Baldwin;
n Tales Beyond The Grave, Rappahannock County ghost stories by various believers;
n The History of Mourning Clothes, Jewelry, etc. by Susan Williams;
n Debut of the RHS Blue Plaque Program, commemorative markers for historic homes (as well as ones that will become historic).A highlight of the afternoon will be the return of the tombstone of Ann Porter Almond with the Rev. Phil Bailey and a reflection on the lives of the Strother family at their cemetery by the Rev. Jenks Hobson. Music by Evergreen Shade and delectable finger foods will round out the event.
Nestled behind Main Street, at the foot of Porter Street, sits The Meadows, one of the oldest homes in Washington. This stately, historic home had its beginnings as a 1½-story log cabin built circa 1750. In the early 1800s the addition of a 2½-story weather boarded house created the grand residence that we know today. Probably named for the rolling hills that surround it, The Meadows exemplifies southern living at its best with its tasteful architectural design, comfort and history that spans centuries.
Divining technique
Lory Payne, using the centuries-old technique known as divining, has located several graves on the property. This process is somewhat similar to that used in dousing when looking for water, however in divining there also seems to be a spiritual element involved. It is thought that the magnetism of the earth creates energy fields that can be detected via special divining rods. Some individuals, such as Payne, are particularly attuned to these energy fields.
One of the graves that Payne has located is that of Ann Porter Almond. Ann, the daughter of William and Sarah Porter, was born in 1794 on the property that contained the home that was later named The Meadows. Ann married William Almond in 1842 at the age of 48 years. Shortly thereafter they became owners of The Meadows.
Ann Almond died in 1850 and was buried in the family cemetery. Some years ago, Ann Porter Almonds tombstone was removed from its original sight and given to the Washington Museum who donated it to RHS. The Sullivans graciously agreed to allow the historical society to return it to the Porter/Almond cemetery.
Judge James French Strother II purchased the property in 1872 and it remained in the Strother family until 1946. From the early 1800s, members of the Strother family have been involved in national and Virginia politics; and several were in the law profession in Rappahannock County and elsewhere. Evidence suggests that tombstones were removed from the Strother family graveyard and placed in the Culpeper Masonic Cemetery.
Historic cemeteries are irreplaceable landscapes and offer insight into the lives of the inhabitants. Over time, cemeteries are lost due to abandonment, apathy, encroachment, environmental factors, vandalism and theft. It is illegal in Virginia to destroy cemetery property.
The Rappahannock Historical Society Cemetery Project led by Misty Wright has thus far collected information on over 500 cemeteries and the residents of those cemeteries. Misty will talk about this project and the resources available at the society. Wayne Baldwin has spent much of his life identifying and clearing local cemeteries and will share his experiences and suggestions for cemetery preservation.
Mourning in the 19th century meant many things to the social fiber of the times. Colonial America focused on physical death with images of skulls and coffins. By the 1830s the interest was changed to the spiritual realm with symbols of angels and doves, becoming more about the living than the dead. Susan Williams will discuss and demonstrate clothing, jewelry, and other important aspects of mourning.
Ghost stories
Lots of folks enjoy being scared by a good ghost story. To accommodate this special pleasure, several local storytellers will relate their experiences with the far side during the afternoon.
The Historical Society is initiating the Blue Plaque Program, a new program that will make available very attractive building markers for both historic and modern buildings. This society fundraiser will allow residents to label their properties in a very unique fashion. Applications with description and requirements will be available on July 13.
Tickets to this event are on sale at the Rappahannock Historical Society at 328 Gay St., Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 11a.m. To 5 p.m. They are also available by mail, phone or at the event. Prices are $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Children 6-12 will be admitted for $10.
A Lone Star double bed quilt is being raffled with chances at $5 each.