Nov/Dec. 2003 Down Home

DOWN HOME SERIES by Tucker McLaughlin Jr., Contributing Writer Again in the year 2003, we’re making our way around the region, each issue visiting a small town and meeting The Plains Strasburg some of the folks who make up 66 the heart of electric co-op country. Blue Grass On this year’s tenth Orange 95 Crisfield stop, we’ll be ... Charlottesville 64 81 64 White Stone Richmond Bedford Roanoke Grundy 81 460 95 South Boston 77 85 Zuni VICTOR NEWMAN PHOTO/VIRGINIAVICTOR INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY 2003 Down Home in SouthSouth BostonBoston and Halifax County From fine art to motorsports, this Southside Virginia community has something for everyone. f you read some headlines, it might The Prizery is a budding gem of vital appear that Halifax County and the artistic and cultural contributions in down- Itown of South Boston face irreversible town South Boston. Halifax County has two decline. excellent state parks — Staunton River State COURTESYPHOTO AND RECORD THE NEWS OF But Virginia’s fourth-largest county fea- Park, and the Staunton River Battlefield tures rewards for discriminating travelers, State Park, which is a joint venture between gracious hospitality, and underappreciated Halifax and Charlotte counties and part of historical sites. Virginia’s Civil War trails. Tamyra Vest, South Boston’s community development coordinator, says the town has recently seen interest in new restau- AMYRA VEST PHOTO T rants, specialty shops and entertainment businesses. The Staunton River Battlefield State Park recalls the heroism of the Civil War, and is part of the Wilson-Kautz Raid driv- ing tour. History buffs can relive June 25, 1864, when a Confederate army of old men and young boys stopped advancing Union The town of South Boston has enjoyed a renaissance. The downtown section is the commercial hub of Virginia’s fourth- largest county. 46 Cooperative Living/November-December 2003 TUCKER MCLAUGHLIN JR. PHOTO PHOTO COURTESYPHOTO AND RECORD THE NEWS OF Tourism is becoming increasingly important to the South Boston and Halifax County region, according to tourism director Linda Shepperd. Doug Powell, an eminent local historian, with the Virginia Cantaloupe Festival. The explained, “I found there was a story behind annual mid-July event honors the world- each name, and tried to collect as much of famous Halifax County cantaloupe. Virginia International Raceway has drawn that material and data as possible. I hope The county also features the Virgilina rave reviews from spectators and competi- someday to make it available to the public, Summerfest, the Scottsburg Fourth of July tors from all over the world. (Inset) Local so that people can not only see the names on Festival and the North Halifax Volunteer historian Doug Powell finds a story the memorial, but have a way to see the story Fire Department marathon. South Boston behind every name listed at the Halifax behind those names.” has several popular annual events, including County War Memorial. The South Boston-Halifax County the Holiday Living Show, the biennial Museum of Fine Arts and Prizery Art Show; the Southern Heritage History is worth a visit, with a Festival; and the C.H. Friend Antiques theme of “Moving into the Show. future, with an appreciation of The annual Noland Country Fair Day in the past.” May celebrates the restoration of an early You can enjoy the Halifax crossroads community at Providence. County Little Theater, which Art lovers will appreciate the eclectic offers its interpretation on rec- works of Bob Cage and his imaginative ognized plays and musicals. Sculpture Garden. Halifax County appreciates a Visitors can stroll through the tranquil, good (and safe) party, topped by picturesque historic Mountain Road district the delicious tastes associated in Halifax. The residences cover a range of TUCKER MCLAUGHLIN JR. PHOTO PHOTO COURTESYPHOTO AND RECORD THE NEWS OF Halifax Town Manager Carl Espy IV notes, “The pace of life is certainly relaxed, and especially if one enjoys the outdoors.” armies, winning the only battle fought on Halifax County soil. Their sacrifice, and the cost of freedom throughout the nation’s history, is celebrated at the majestic War Memorial in the town of Halifax. The memorial lists the names of all known Halifax County dead from military conflicts in U.S. history. The Prizery is a budding gem of vital artistic and cultural contributions in downtown South Boston. November-December 2003/www.co-opliving.com 47 ANDREA SMITH PHOTO There are a number of other choices, and the downtown business area also features a collec- If You Go... tion of shops and locally owned businesses, as the town seeks to carve out its own identity built he towns of South Boston and Halifax are around personalized service. There is also a vari- T “neighbors” more than ever, thanks to ety of hotels, with more on the way. boundary adjustments, with something priceless For more information, contact Tamyra Vest, in common. South Boston’s community development coordi- Both towns feature warm hospitality, an nator, at (434) 575-4209, or visit their Web site at excellent climate and surprisingly affordable [email protected]. attractions. The Halifax County Chamber of Com- Don’t miss the South Boston/Halifax merce, at 515 Broad Street, has valuable infor- County Museum of Fine Arts and History, mation about the attractions in the area. Nancy open to the public, free of charge, Wednesdays Pool, the local chamber president, has been help- through Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The ing out-of-towners for 23 years. The Chamber museum is also open on Sundays, from 2 to office can be reached at (434) 572-3085, or you 4:30 p.m. “Moving into the future, with an appreciation of the may surf the Web site at www.halifaxchamber.net. The museum features diverse exhibits, including past” is the theme of the South-Boston Halifax The Town of Halifax is undergoing an extensive works of the artist of the month. Another highlight is a County Museum of Fine Arts and History. renovation project, which calls for aesthetic improve- display on the origins and history of the scenic ments and other enhancements. Staunton River. The Prizery is a valuable addition to the area’s cul- Town Manager Carl Espy IV hopes to fashion a There is also a permanent exhibit on Bill Tuck, the tural and historic climate. $1.1-million streetscape and façade-improvement proj- only Halifax County native to be elected governor of Jeffrey Allison, coordinator of statewide programs ect to enhance the beauty of Main Street and the his- Virginia. Visitors can see the timeline of his life, visit with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, said, “The toric courthouse, which houses records dating back to his office, and view all of his memorabilia and awards. Prizery has the potential to act as a major cultural cen- the American Colonies. The museum features a series of framed, original carter for Southside Virginia. The opportunities for access The Courthouse, lovely at night, includes papers toons depicting the political career of the Southside to educational programming in the arts, combined with signed by Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. Virginia legend printed in the Richmond Times- the obvious positive impact on cultural tourism in the The newly dedicated War Memorial will also draw Dispatch. region make the Prizery a project that can only increase increasing interest in the town and local history in com- Another exhibit highlights life around the country in its benefits to Virginians in the years ahead.” ing years. store, and another remembers now-underwater Nelson For more information, call (434) 575-4249. There is also a very valuable resource for visi- Island, showing 300-year-old Native American artifacts. South Boston has a diverse assortment of shops tors to Halifax County and South Boston, provided Call the museum at (434) 572-9200 or visit the Web and restaurants in its historic downtown section. An out- by Dan Shaw. The information can be accessed on at www.halifax.com/museum. standing new addition is the Bistro 1888, featuring a the Web at www.halifax.com, with a link available Group tours are welcome. three-diamond rating (434-572-1888). for virtual tours. periods, from early 19th-century institution- and baseball tournaments. South Boston The present-day courthouse is a classical al buildings to Greek, Georgian and Colonial has the Mason Day, Jr., and C.H. Friend Greek Revival structure, built in 1839 by Revival, Queen Anne and Craftsman styles. baseball facilities. Halifax has a refur- Dabney Cosby, Sr., one of Thomas South Boston’s Washington Avenue bished Mary Bethune softball complex. Jefferson’s master builders, Town Manager homes feature an architectural range from The annual Halifax County-South Boston Carl Espy IV said. Victorian and Tudor to modern Arts and Sports Hall of Fame is a highlight of the The town has its own unique charm. Crafts styles. spring calendar. “The pace of life is certainly relaxed, and Halifax County has lovely plantation There are antique shops with unexpected especially if one enjoys the outdoors,” said homes, luring architectural and history buffs. discoveries. Bed-and-breakfast operations Espy. “The town of Halifax has a great River Road, once a major transportation offer serenity. small-town feel to it. It is still a village-qual- link, features historic homes, Carter’s Tavern Falkland Farms draws visitors from ity living place that has quaint shops. and the Brooklyn Tobacco Factory. across the nation to its bed-and- “Everything is within walking distance,” Recreational opportunities abound, from breakfast/hunting plantation. Espy commented. the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail, to NASCAR 2002 Daytona 500 champion Powell explained, “Halifax County has hunting, fishing, and horseback riding and Ward Burton is establishing a nature pre- some key historical attractions that can be a walking trails.

Load more