#RichmondHistory

[danielajacques]

Ham House in Petersham although it gets its name from the neighbouring village. Built by Sir Thomas Vavasour, in the reign of James I, around 1610. Charles II visited the House on several occasions. #richmonduponthamesuk #richmond #richmonduponthames #richmondhistory #westlondon #discoverrichmond #richmondlondon #london #discoverlondon #richmondsurrey #ham #stuarthistory #thestuarts #londonarchitecture #londontourist #mysecretlondon #thingstodoinlondon #londonhistory #london #history #londonlife #visitlondon #londonist #historiclondon #londonbylondoners #oldlondon (at Ham House) https://www.instagram.com/p/CY4jC70oO4s/?utm_medium=tumblr

[weemsbotts]

You’re Invited: Celebrations & Recoveries in Dumfries, 1922-1923

By: Lisa Timmerman, Executive Director

Visiting Dumfries in 1922 and 1923 we find both celebrations and sickness in abundance! Bake a cake and light your candles as we meet the Dumfries “folk” about to make a wish.

The 1920s provided an interesting twist to the practice of birthday parties as children became more involved in the planning and parties transitioned from large and formal to more intimate and informal. Sweet sixteen parties became popular less expensive substitutions for debutante balls. 19th century birthday celebrations emphasized and taught social etiquette and manners, while 20th century parties became common as the Industrial Revolution helped reduce prices and made commodities more accessible and affordable. Historian Howard Chudacoff connected the rise of birthday celebrations to peoples’ growing awareness of the passing of time, as clocks, schedules, separation of age in schools, and other indicators all shaped Americans consciousness of the passing of time. This intimacy can be seen in Dumfries and the surrounding regions in newspapers societal happenings. As The Manassas Journal did not commonly report on the societal happenings of the black community, we checked the Richmond Planet, a black newspaper with full availability and accessibility online. A few of the “intimate” mentions:

The Manassas Journal, 03/03/1922:

Little Marion Reid, of near Dumfries, celebrated her seventh birthday Saturday last by entertaining a number of her little friends and school companions. Those present were little Muriel and Jenny May Dunbar, Margaret and Catherine Keys, Faith, Sylvia and Lavinia Kincheloe and Grace Abel. The little gentlemen present were Carlton Garrison, Winter Keys, Wade Dunbar, Ernest and Jack Reid. Games and music were enjoyed, then a huge birthday cake, decorated with candles, was cut and served, also lemonade and homemade fudge. We cannot blame the little folks from wishing birthdays did not have to come a year apart.

The Richmond Planet, 03/03/1922:

Mr. Charles H. Robinson of 215 E. Seventeenth Street Southside, was very agreeably surprised on last Tuesday night when a large number of friends gathered at his home to celebrate his birthday. The affair was staged by his madam and all the edibles of the season were served to the satisfaction of the inner man. A handsome present was given him by the Whist Club, which was presented in well chosen language by Mr. William Fox. Minor games were the chief amusement and all enjoyed themselves.

The Manassas Journal, 03/17/1922:

Mrs. Constance Waters celebrated her birthday by entertaining her many friends at her home Saturday night. After playing games, the guests were invited into the dining room, where the table was spread with many goodies.

Mrs. E.F. Keys celebrated her birthday Monday night by entertaining a number of her friends. Cards were played throughout the evening.

The Manassas Journal, 03/23/1923:

A delightful surprise party was given by Mrs. Anna Speake Saturday evening, it being the anniversary of her birthday. Among those present were: Mr. and Mrs. G.M. Ratcliffe, Mr. and Mrs. R.A. Waters, Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Sisson, Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Brawner, Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Garrison, Mr. and Mrs. R.S. Brawner, Mr. and Mrs. Elvan Keys, Mrs. W.S. Brawner, Miss Constance Waters, and Messrs. George Waters, Wilbur Brawner and little Miss Elizabeth Brawner. Mrs. Speake was very much surprised upon opening the dining room to find upon the table a birthday cake with candles.

The Richmond Planet, 03/24/1923:

Miss Harriet Hundley, 1115 4th Street, N.E. celebrated the thirty-sixth anniversary of her birth on March 7th from 5 to 8:30. Those present: Rev. W.W. Hicks and wife, Mrs. Helen Kidd, Mrs. L.J. White, Minnie White, Miss Ethel Johnson, Miss Mary Burks of Buchanan, Mrs. Richard Hayden, Miss Gertrude Smith and Mrs. Elsie Hundley. The affair was greatly enjoyed. (Roanoke Items)

Age was not a factor in these celebrations as both the young and old enjoyed games, birthday cakes, and/or time spent with friends and family in honor of their yearly passage of time. However, Mrs. Anna Speake was fortunate that her birthday was so well attended by friends and families. In 03/1923, Dumfries notably faced serious illnesses as reporters noted, “Dumfries hasn’t been asleep, she has had the flu.” Flu, complications from the flu, pneumonia, and other respiratory illnesses certainly visited yearly but it is notable the paper clarified why Dumfries was so “quiet” socially in March. The following societal notes demonstrate the spread of disease:

(Route 1, King’s Highway, in Dumfries, ca. 1927-1930)

The Manassas Journal, 03/16/1923:

We are glad to know Mrs. D.C. Cline who has been very ill for the past five weeks is now able to be up in her room. We hope she will soon be out, fully recovered.

Little Hilda and David Cline were also quite sick but are fully recovered now. Dr. D.C. Cline spent three days in bed suffering with a deep cold but is now about his work again.

We are glad to know that Mrs. William Milstead, who has been very ill with pneumonia for the past two weeks, is improving. She lost her infant son, James, just five weeks old. We extend to the family our sympathy through The Journal. Owing to the amount of sickness in Dumfries, friends were unable to help them as they would have liked to do.

Miss Irma King and her little brother, Grover, jr., have been quite ill but are better now.

The Manassas Journal, 03/23/1923:

Mr. John Tubbs, who has seen quite sick, is very much improved.

Mrs. Arthur Lovelace, who has been on the sick list, is somewhat better.

Mrs. Annie Merchant and her daughter, Violet, who have been on the sick list, are now improving.

By April 1923, the paper reported the return to “normal” operations as the town’s health status continued to improve. Dumfries certainly did not stay “asleep” for long as people continued to flock to the area during the 20th century.

Note: Ready to celebrate Spring? Join us on Sunday, 03/20, 10:00AM to discuss the origins of our Spring holidays along with neat folklore! Find your recipe cards and click here for more info and your free virtual ticket.

(Sources: The Manassas Journal, Volume XXVII, No. 42-44, 03/03/1922-03/17/1922 & The Manassas Journal, Volume XXVII, No. 44, 03/17/1922; The Manassas Journal, Volume XXVII, No. 42-47, 03/03/1923-04/06/1923 available via Prince William County Libraries: Bull Run Library, Relic; Dohery, Bill. Birthdays Without Pressure. University of Minnesota: College of Education & Human Science: Department of Family Social Science: Related Research, History of Birthdays, https://innovation.umn.edu/birthdays-without-pressure/related-research/; Pinsker, Joe. The Strange Origins of American Birthday Celebrations. The Atlantic, https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2021/11/history-birthday-celebrations/620585/; Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.), 03 Feb. 1923. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress. <https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84025841/1923-02-03/ed-1/seq-1/>; Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.), 24 March 1923. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84025841/1923-03-24/ed-1/seq-6/)

[bygonely]

Rare Historical Photos Of Old Richmond, Virginia From Late 19th And Early 20th Century

[okchristina]

My boy Tommy . . . 😨#thomasjefferson #jeffersonhotel #rva #richmond #rvahistory #richmondhistory #walkingaround #virginiahistory #statue #mainstreet (at Jefferson Hotel Richmond)

[allisongreenlee]

Maggie Walker lived a highly influential life and is remembered for many of her accomplishments. She was the first African American female to charter a bank and serve as it's President. She was a teacher who left a legacy.

This memorial site is a staple of Richmond,VA.

#maggiewalker #maggielwalker #historicalfigure #history #inspiration #influencer #culture #heritage #richmondhistory #virginiahistory #vahistory #richmond #richmondvirginia #richmondva #rva #rvaphoto #rvaphotography #cityscene #statue #memorial #bnw #bnw_captures #bnwphoto #bnw_of_our_world #blackandwhite #blackandwhitephoto #blackandwhitephotography #cityphotography #urbanexploration #urbanphotography

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Historic Richmond (@historic.richmond) on Oct 4, 2020 at 8:22am PDT

[rvaonwheels]

RVA way back when! #flashbackfriday #fbf #backintheday #rva #richmond #history #richmondhistory #rvahistory #trolley #rvatrolley #rvaonwheels

[carlsbailbonds-blog]

Tweeted

TOMORROW! #Free Admission and Holiday Crafts from around the world! @EastBayTimes @RMSI @roberthrogers1 @CityofRichmond @ArtsRichmond #museums #FridayFeeling #holidayseason http://pic.twitter.com/sxLU30rURI

— Richmond, CA History (@RichmondHistory) December 15, 2017

[thomasboylan]

The Egyptian Building. Richmond, Virginia. 1845. Undated, uncredited lithograph mid 1800s, courtesy VCU Dept. of Neurosurgery. #richmond #virginia #usa #ushistory #richmondhistory #historicarchitecture #visitrichmond #eliterva

[danielajacques]

Onslow Hall, Little Green. Historically several education institutions have resided at At Onslow Hall. From 1764 - to 1838 It was Richmond Academy, which the famous explorer Richard Francis Burton attended in to 1830s. After a fire it was rebuilt in 1857 whilst a Cavalry College and later it became a preparatory college for Sandhurst Military Academy. It is now headquarters for Barclays Corporate Banking. #richmonduponthamesuk #richmond #richmonduponthames #richmondhistory #westlondon #discoverrichmond #richmondlondon #london #discoverlondon #london #richmondsurrey #photography #richmondphotographer #londonhistory #richmondhistory #englishhistory #townhistory #richmondgreen #victorianhistory #londonbuildings #londonarchitecture (at Little Green Richmond) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRR4o1wnONx/?utm_medium=tumblr

[heatheraddley]

Byrd Park Pump House. #rva #richmond #richmondva #virginia #va #pumphouse #byrdpark #byrdparkpumphouse #exploration #reflection #old #oldpumphouse #history #richmondhistory #heatheraddleyphotography (at Bird Park Pump House)

[richmondmuseumofhistory-blog]

By Lexi Pandell I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t spend significant time in Richmond until I was a reporter there during grad school. The city…

[okchristina]

"The stairs" . . . #jeffersonhotel #rva #richmond #fancy #rvahistory #richmondhistory #maroon #elegant #oldsouthernmoney #classy #history #historicalplace #carpet #stairs (at Jefferson Hotel Richmond)

[allisongreenlee]

@hollywoodcem is actually known as a garden cemetery due to its rural garden style. It was built in 1847 and was built to serve as a peaceful escape from the bustling city life that surrounds.

#cemetery #historiccemeteries #historicgarden #cemeterystatues #memorial #monument #history #virginiahistory #richmondhistory #richmond #richmondva #richmondvirginia #explorevirginia #exploreva #visitva #visitrva #bnw #bnw_captures #bnw_of_our_world #blackandwhite #blackandwhitephotography #cemeteryphotography #rvamag #rvamagazine #rvahub #rvagrid #richmondlife #richmondliving #hollywoodcemetery

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Historic Richmond (@historic.richmond) on Oct 4, 2020 at 4:35pm PDT

[danielajacques]

Trophy Gates, Hampton Court Palace,1907. Mother and son day trip perhaps. #oldpostcard #hamptoncourtpalace #discoverrichmond #westlondon #palace #oldphotos #richmond #richmondriverside #richmondhistory #history (at Hampton Court Palace) https://www.instagram.com/p/CVGcwWgo3IP/?utm_medium=tumblr

[danielajacques]

1909 hand coloured postcard of Richmond Riverside. #discoverrichmond #westlondon #richmonduponthamesuk. #richmond #richmondriverside #richmondhistory #richmondhill #richmondlondon #london #richmondsurrey #shoplocal #richmondlife #londonpubs #lonfonart #richmondart #londonart #history #oldphotographs #oldpostcards #edwardianlondon #riverthames (at Richmond Riverside) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQx_54rHrpb/?utm_medium=tumblr

[okchristina]

Stained glass ceiling . . . #stainedglass #thejefferson #jeffersonhotel #rva #richmond #rvahistory #richmondhistory #virginiahistory #art #artstagram #pretty #light #glass (at Jefferson Hotel Richmond)