Singing Pines

The Fare Facs Gazette Editor: William Page Johnson, II Historic Fairfax City, Inc. The Newsletter of E-mail: Website:

"Preserving the Past. Protecting the Future." the Past. Protecting "Preserving

Karen Stevenson, President 10209 Main Street Fairfax, VA 22030 VA Fairfax,

Return Address - Inc. Historic Fairfax City, 1900, he completed his residence and named it Singing Pines. in Baltimore and attended Johns Hopkins University. After Baltimore for a while. Their son, Frank R. Ford, Jr., remained residence. still stands at 4018 Roberts Road, having been converted into a off of Roberts Road to a carriage house. The house suffered a stroke and died. Frank did not enjoy his new home for very long. In 1904, he Cashier of the newly created National Bank Fairfax. Sadly, was elected to the Fairfax Town Council. He was also appointed of the property provided direct access to Main Street. approximately 12-acres in 3 separate tracts and immediately began construction on a dwelling for his family. Historic Fairfax City, Inc. Sidney H. Williams Ellen R. Wigren Edward C. Trexler, Jr. Dolores B. Testerman Eleanor D. Schmidt Hon. John H. Rust, Jr. Pappas Michael A. Bradley S. Preiss David L. Meyer Hon. Wm. Page Johnson, II D. Lee Hubbard Michael D. Frasier Fabio Patricia A. Norma M. Darcey Carney Hildie A. Ann F. Adams Secretary Betsy K. Rutkowski Treasurer V Hon. John E. Petersen David L. Pumphrey President Karen M. Stevenson After Frank’s death, Barbara moved her children to Access to the new home was by means of a driveway The same year that Singing Pines was completed Frank "Fare Fac - Say Do" 5 A secondary driveway near the western boundary Executive Officers Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director 6 ice-Pres. Bigham of Baltimore, MD. Between 1895 and 1897, Frank purchased Virginia Lieutenant Governor, Joseph Edward Willard. He was married to Barbara Ford. He was also the brother of Confederate Spy, Antonia Ford, and uncle of Room, Boarding House and Nursing Home. In addition to a private residence, during its life, Singing Pines was also Tea on the west. Singing Pines was a large white frame structure completed in 1900. north. Sager Avenue on the south. Roberts Road east and Locust Street stands. It is also the name of neighborhood bounded by Main Street on It was located at 10185 Main Street, where the Fairfax Christian Church now oue5 su Volume 5, Issue 1 Frank R. Ford was the son of Fairfax merchant, Edward and Julia F. Pines was, and, to some extent still is today. of place you might want to visit. Well that is exactly what Singing tranquil breezes blowing through peaceful pine forests. The sort 4 Singing Pines was the home of Frank R. Ford family. Singing Pines. The very name conjures up images of soft Source: Virginia Room, Fairfax City Regional Library. Singing Pines. by William Page Johnson, II Singing Pines 10185 Main St., Fairfax,VA. 1955. Built 1900. Photo c. Continued on Page 4 Winter 2007 1,

3 In Volume 5, Issue 1 The Fair Facs Gazette Winter 2007 Volume 5, Issue 1 The Fair Facs Gazette Winter 2007

Fairfax, Virginia, January 2007- We would like to welcome our newest HFCI Board Greetings from the President-- Member, Mike Pappas. Mike and Cindy live in their Welcome New Members! beautifully restored home on the corner of Chain Bridge HFCI MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION/ I would like to wish all of you the Road and Stafford Street. This home will be one of the Jim & Chris Dear RENEWAL best for 2007. HFCI is planning a lot of homes open on this year’s Homes Tour on May 5th. Mike Bill Etue HISTORIC FAIRFAX CITY, INC. is a non-profit activities for 2007 and here are some is interested in working on HFCI’s Committee on corporation (501©(3) organization) events which you may wish to keep in Investigative Historic Properties. This Committee is Joanna Ormesher mind. responsible for looking at historic properties in the City which Marbea & Karl Tammaro might face demolition. Membership Classifications: HFCI is planning to host “walking The Board of Directors of HFCI extends a hearty welcome tours” of the City’s historical sites with volunteer Board Karen Stevenson to all new HFCI members. • Class A Individual Members as docents. Hildie Carney, Board Member, will ...... $25.00 organize these walking tours and help write the scripts along • Class A-1 Additional Household Member with Susan Gray from our Museum for these tours. Included ...... $10.00 in the scripts will be “ghost stories” and “tales” of past • Class B-1 Non-profit Organizations residents. If you have any “ghost stories” or stories of past ...... $35.00 city residents please contact [email protected] . These tours Getting To Know You • Class B-2 For profit Organizations will begin in the Spring. Look for the announcement on our ...... $50.00 website and in our Newsletter and make plans to join us on HFCI Board Member Eleanor "Ellie" D. Schmidt HISTORIC FAIRFAX CITY, INC. these tours for fun and information. Ellie Schmidt has been a very Do you want to know more about the history of Enclosed is my tax-deductible membership application active HFCI Board member for over three HFCI is planning its fifth Homes Tour to be held on where you live? and check made out to Historic Fairfax City Inc. for: May 5th. Six homes, in addition to the Gunnell House at years. She currently Chairs our Audit and $______Truro Church will be open for the Homes Tour. Please mark Nominating Committees. She recently JOIN HISTORIC FAIRFAX CITY, INC. your calendars now for this event. We will have tickets organized the semi-annual meeting featuring available at the Museum in March. Look for the Edward Bearss, Historian Emeritaus for the Name or Organization: announcement at the Museum. We are asking businesses National Park Service. In addition, she has Just what is available to you as a member of HFCI? to donate to our Homes Tour by placing ads in our brochure. also volunteered at the Fairfax Museum and Visitors Center Telephone #: Also, individuals may make a donation to the Homes Tour and has been a docent at Civil War Days at Blenheim and a A newsletter, 4 times a year announcing what is and be listed in our brochure. We are also asking businesses docent for our Homes Tour. happening with all HFCI projects and events Contact name: and individuals to donate items for our raffle. Please contact Emily Tarbox at [email protected] for information Ellie is a life long City of Fairfax resident and a 2 general meetings a year, affording you an e-mail: on donations and advertising. All proceeds to to HFCI. gradute of Fairfax High School. She received a BA from opportunity to meet and speak with people behind the University of Missouri. She lives in Country Club Hills the scenes working to maintain interest in the Address: and is Executive Vice-President of Cardinal Bank. The Ratcliffe Allison House is the City’s oldest history of Fairfax. historic site. If you would like a tour of this House on weekdays, please contact our Museum or ring the bell at Ellie has also been very active in other activites We are looking forward to having you join us. We need the RA House for a guided tour of this wonderful site. We and events in the City of Fairfax. She is a member of the Return to: Historic Fairfax City, Inc., and value your support. Together we will preserve the also plan on having this historic site open on the “walking Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club of Fairfax Attention: Membership Committee tours” of the city. Also, look for the RA House to be open (past President), the Independentce Day Celebration heritage that has been left to us. 10209 Main Street more for touring at special events this year. It wil be open Committee (former Chairman), Festiveal of Lights & Carols Fairfax, VA 22030 for the Chcocolate Lovers Festival. (former Chairman), the Downtown Fairfax Coaltion and The Board of Directors of the 2020 Committee and the Industrial Development Historic Fairfax City, Inc. -or- HFCI is planning on taking oral histories of some of Authority. our “senior” residents. Oral histories from senior residents Website: www.historicfairfax.org is invaluable and we would like to make a record of this Ellie’s interest in preservation has made her a E-mail: [email protected] information. If you would like to have HFCI talk to you valuable member to HFCI’s Board. We thank you Ellie for about an oral history please contact Karen Stevenson at all you do for HFCI and the City of Fairfax. HFCI is richer [email protected]. for having Ellie on our Board.

2 11 Volume 5, Issue 1 The Fair Facs Gazette Winter 2007 Volume 5, Issue 1 The Fair Facs Gazette Winter 2007

“Outrages committed by the “Grand left a perfect wreck or ruin. So with the furniture and Advertisements provisions of Mrs. Colonel John Millan. Here they exhibited June 3 “Soldiers in the Attic” Army” in Fairfax county. their fiendish purposes to the fullest extent, in the Walking Tour of Historic Blenheim demolishing of furniture, breaking up of crockery and 3610 Old Lee Hwy., Fairfax, Fairfax C. H., Va., July 6. glassware, stealing bacon, and killing sheep and other stock. 2 p.m.Fee: $5.00/Adults - $3.00/ To the Editors of the Dispatch: The residence of Col. James Thrift, now a Captain of Students. Virginia volunteers, was an object of their peculiar hatred. Though full details of our recent glorious victories October 28 “Tales from the Tombstones” Here a squad entered, and after searching for arms over the army of the so-called United States have been proceeded to break open drawers, steal coats, jewelry, Walking Tour of Fairfax City Cemetery. 2 p.m., Fee: $5.00/ given to the public, I have seen no published account of towels, liquors and bacon, destroy papers, looking glasses, Adults - $3.00/Students. the depredations committed by these Hessians on their and such things as would gratify their fiendish purposes, march and retreat through this county. To mention each leaving the house and yard strewn with the fragments of November 4 “Raids and Romance” individual case would fill space too great for your columns. their work. The likeness of Capt. Thrift, taken when a Walking Tour of Civil War Sites in Never in the annals of the world did an invading army Captain in the Mexican war, was stolen by them, but this Old Town Fairfax. 2 p.m., Fee: commit acts more horrible than did these hordes of the has since been restored to him, having been taken from $5.00/Adults - $3.00/Students. North. The house of Mr. Albert T. Willcoxon, a brick the haversack of one of the killed on the battlefield of the building recently erected and fitted up in handsome style, 21st. was entered by them, the window glass and sash almost entirely demolished, the doors torn from their hinges, the I forgot to mention that the residence of Capt. M.D. stair banister broken down, and the furniture not removed Ball, at the Court-House, was made subject to their split to pieces. So with the handsome residence of Thos. In spite of all of carnage and bloodshed of the Civil War, especial venom and vandalism. After destroying most of R. Love, Esq., adjoining the village. Embraced in his loss, his goods, the residue were put up at auction and sold for or perhaps because of it, there was always some humor. in addition, was a valuable law library, and the entire mere nominal prices — the piano for two dollars, and beds The following article appeared Baltimore American, April wearing apparel of himself and family. The law offices of for fifty cents. Nor did our merchants escape. The stores 2, 1861: Thomas J. Murray and Capt. Wm. H. Dulany were also of E.R. Ford and John R. Taylor suffered most. The loss entered, and the library and papers of each office of the former is estimated at $500, of the latter at $1,500. “A “Rebel” Relic. destroyed. But few houses in the village escaped their vandalism — furniture cut and split up, beds opened and I have thus hastily given a few of the cases along Among the papers found in the rebel camp at Centreville their contents scattered, mattresses stolen, wearing the line of march of the Hessians through this county, to was the following Will. apparel appropriated to their own use, whole sets of china give an idea of the sufferings and loss of our people, and broken to atoms, preserves and canned fruits taken or to exhibit to a Christian world the nature of the war being “My Will.—I, C.C. Wortenbaker, Adjutant of the destroyed, books stolen, papers torn up, groceries carried now waged by a so-called Christian President against a Nineteenth Regiment Virginia Volunteers, do hereby off, constitute the complaint of nearly every housekeeper, people who are acting on the defensive and fighting for bequeath this residence, with shovel and tongs andirons, not only in the village, but all along the line of march. the liberty of themselves, their families and firesides. No pictures, bolsters, shelf, pigeon holes, two barriers, four portion of our county, where a squad had time to reach sticks of wood, and crockery-ware, to the Adjutant of the The loss of Mr. Archer [Arthur] Broadwater will before called off by the fight and inglorious retreat, fall but little short of one thousand dollars. Every article first Yankee Regiment that occupies this camp, hoping soon escaped. All have suffered either in the loss of horses or of silver belonging to his family, and his family carriage, servants to pressed into their service. It is due, however, to meet him at sword’s length. Thereunto affixing my hand, were taken. So with the residence of Mr. Geo. Baily. Even to the slaves of this county to say that many, or a large this ____ day of ____, 186_. the tops of castors were taken, doubtless supposed to be proportion of them, have remained true and loyal to their “C.C. Wortenbaker, silver. In his house his side-board, covered with cut-glass, owners, in many instances preserving their property by Adjutant Nineteenth RegimentVirginia Volunteers.” was wantonly turned over in the floor and contents broken claiming it as their own. But for the servants of the writer to atoms. Nor were the widow and orphan suffered to of this, he would now be called to lament the loss of much Charles Wortenbaker is the son of the Librarian at the escape the fiendish and diabolical acts of these immaculate which to him is invaluable. They did all he could ask. University of Virginia, and although a dashing young man, followers of old Abe and Fuss and Feathers. The cottage will take care not to approach too near the sword of an residence of Mrs. Beckly was entered, every article of A Sufferer.” opponent.” furniture she owned broken and destroyed, and her home Source: The Daily Dispatch, August 9, 1861, Richmond, VA. 10 3 Volume 5, Issue 1 The Fair Facs Gazette Winter 2007 Volume 5, Issue 1 The Fair Facs Gazette Winter 2007

Singing Pines continued from pg. 1 Tea rooms were a phenomenon of early 20th Second Sunday Programs August 12 Jamestown Rediscovery earning his medical century America. They first made their appearance at the at the Talk and book signing by turn of the century and exploded across the country in the degree he had a long and Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center Beverly “Bly” Straube, Jamestown 1920s. Most were owned and operated by women. As distinguished career as a 10209 Main Street, Fairfax, VA Archaeologist and co-author of Neurologist with that such, they were cozy, festive, and inviting, places were Jamestown Rediscovery institution. women could gather to celebrate their new found Note: Unless noted, all programs begin at 2 p.m. at Fairfax independence and creativity. Sparked by the Suffragist Museum and Visitor Center, 10209 Main Street, Fairfax. September 9 “Fifty Years and Counting: Life In 1910, movement, Prohibition, and the rise of the automobile, tea Programs are free and include light refreshments. Call: 703-385- in Fairfax’s Suburbs” Barbara Ford returned rooms laid the groundwork for the modern small restaurant 8414. Roundtable discussion led by City of to Fairfax. She sold and forever changed the way America would dine out. Fairfax residents Singing Pines and moved January 14 “The Fairfax Story” and into a rented home.7 The The Lewis sisters quickly assimilated into Fairfax “Housing Suburbia” October 14 “Colonial Life along the new owners were society. They joined the Fairfax Garden Club, of which Curator’s gallery tours of these Potomac” Frederick W. & Millie L. organization both sisters eventually served as president. two exhibitions Talk by Brendon Hanafin, Richardson. “F.W.” Miss Adelaide, as she was known to Fairfax residents, Historic Preservation Chief, Richardson was then the was always in demand as a singer. She was, in fact, an February 11 Give Me Liberty Prince William County Dr. Frank Rodolph Ford, Jr. (1892-1970) Talk and book signing by Fairfax County Circuit Photo courtesy Alan M. Chesney Medical Archives, Johns Hopkins University Laura Elliott, Author November 11 “Remembering Their Service” Court Clerk.8 In 1920, Roundtable/Panel Discussion led by the Richardson’s sold Singing Pines to Adelaide G. and World War II Veterans. 9 March 11 Love and Death in Jamestown Mary L. Lewis. The two sisters would call Singing Pines Talk and book signing by home for the next 28 years. David Price, Author December 9 “Christmas in Camp” Living History with the 17th Virginia The Lewis sisters were originally from Lynchburg, April 15 “George Washington and the Infantry, Co., “Fairfax Rifles” VA. They had moved to Washington, DC to work for the Coming of the American 12 – 4 p.m. War Department during World War I. Shortly after moving Revolution” to Fairfax the two sisters opened the Singing Pines Tea Talk and book signing by Room in their new home. Dr. Peter Henriques, Author and Professor Emeritus, George Mason University Special Programs and Walking Tours 2007 May 13 “Kitty Barrett Pozer: A Joyful Gardener” March 17 Women’s History Day Exhibition Tour and Garden Walk, Ratcliffe–Allison House and Pozer 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Living history Garden, 10386 Main Street, Fairfax presentation: “Tea with Martha Washington,” gallery scavenger June 10 “The Civil War Defenses of hunts, hands-on activities, walking Washington” tour, and more. Free. Co- Talk by Wally Owen, Curator/ sponsored by the City of Fairfax Assistant Director, Fort Ward Commission for Women. Museum, Alexandria, VA March 18 “Fairfax Women Make July 8 “George Mason and History” The Fairfax Resolves” Walking Tour of Women’s History Talk by Dr. Robert Hawkes, Sites in Old Town Fairfax. 2 p.m., Professor Emeritus, Fee: $5.00/Adults - $3.00/Students. Plat of Singing Pines subdivision. Dedicated in 1949. Washington Post, January 17, 1937, p. S10. Source: Fairfax County Deed Book 730, Page 734. George Mason University 9 Continued on page 10 4 Continued on Page 5 Volume 5, Issue 1 The Fair Facs Gazette Winter 2007 Volume 5, Issue 1 The Fair Facs Gazette Winter 2007

Still, I wondered at the idea that, I, a small town Virginia History also tells us that Powhatan, who died in opera singer, having received classical training in both New 10 boy, could actually be related to a real Indian. 1620, was succeeded by his two brothers. First, York and Chicago. Of her singing, Fairfax resident, Anne Opitchupan (O-pitch-u-pän), who ruled only briefly, Farr Lewis, who has lived directly across the street for most Pocahontas was real too, of course, but she wasn’t followed by another brother, Opechancanough(O-pech- of her life, recalls: on TV. I am quite certain that at the time I preferred to be un-käno), who reigned for 20 years until he was murdered related to Daniel Boone or Davey Crockett. Real interest by a white settler in 1644. Family legend holds that “Miss Adelaide worked in in my possible Indian heritage would have to wait. Opechancanough , had “a lovely young daughter, the child Washington, DC. She was a of his old age, the Princess Nicketti – ‘she who sweeps talented Soprano. During the Such stories do tend to stick with you though. the dew from the flowers.’” If true, Nicketti would have warmer months, when people Could I actually be related to Pocahontas? As I grew been the niece of Powhatan and a first cousin of Pocahontas. drove around with their car older I developed a serious interest in history and windows down, you could hear genealogy. One thing every amateur genealogist knows is Nicketti allegedly married an Indian trader by the her singing wonderful operas as that your line of descent has to be documented. Birth, name of Hughes. Nicketti and Trader Hughes moved she drove to and from work – 11 marriage, death, and bible records, are all acceptable forms into what is now Amherst County, Virginia in the early quite unusual for Fairfax.” of original source documentation to prove ones lineage. 1700’s and established a trading post along the James River Deed transfers, pensions, etc. are as well. But what near mouth of Otter Creek. This location is north of Advertisement, C&P Telephone Directory, © 1960. happens when the written record doesn’t exist? In early Lynchburg and south of the Town of Glasgow, Virginia. 17th c. in Virginia there were virtually no records kept, or Evidently, Hughes and his trading post were real as they at least few that survive today. What does survive are a are referenced in early 18th century deed descriptions and Mary Lewis was a member of the Willing Workers few diaries and published accounts of the English colonists surveys of the area. One researcher has even identified Club, a women’s club formed in 1920’s and 1930’s to and, of course, the official records of The Virginia the possible location of the Hughes trading post from its sew and knit garments and to collect donated clothes, Company. stone chimney and foundations. blankets, quilts, and food. These items were distributed to needy families and orphanages. My personal research took me first to the oldest Nicketti and Trader Hughes had a daughter, Mary members of my family. They repeated the same story my Elizabeth Hughes who married Nathaniel Davis. The line In 1948, the Lewis’ sold Singing Pines to John & father told me. I soon uncovered written a reference to of Davis, and allied families, is fairly well documented from Rowena Leary who then sold it to Fairfax Enterprises, Inc. the story in the papers of my great-great-uncle, Dr. Joseph this point onward. in 1949.12 Fairfax Enterprises, Inc. was a real estate Eggleston, at the Virginia Historical Society. I was development corporation under the direction of company particularly encouraged by this find because Joseph While it was not that common for whites and president, Bennett W. King. In June 1949, Fairfax Eggleston was a scholarly man, having served as president Indians to intermarry, they certainly did so. Consider how Enterprises, Inc. subdivided the southern portion of the of both Virginia Tech and Hamden Sydney. Among his few women were living on the frontier. There are several Singing Pines property into 48 residential lots. The new papers was a genealogy chart written in his own hand in well documented cases of such marriages. Pocahontas subdivision, called Singing Pines, was surveyed by Fairfax very fine print. At the bottom of the chart was the following herself married Englishman John Rolfe in 1614 and returned Land Surveyor, Walter L. Ralph.13 Walters Court, in the reference: Trader Hughes m.(married) Princess Nicketti. to England with him. They had a son Thomas Rolfe, whose Singing Pines neighborhood is believed to have been named Subsequent research uncovered the legend and it source. descendants now number in the thousands. The legend of for him. It is often difficult to separate legend from fact because Nicketti and Trader Hughes is also apparently a very old facts are often woven into many legends. one. Virginia Governor John Floyd named one of his In March 1953, Fairfax Enterprises, Inc. sold Lot daughters, Nicketti Buchanan Floyd, after the original #1 of Singing Pines, which included the original house and Powhatan was the principle chief of the Virginia Nicketti. 4-acres, to Marguerite L. Saunders. In October 1953, Indians of tidewater Virginia. One of his daughters, by Marguerite and her husband, Theodore G. Saunders, one of his wives was Pocahontas. She was not the I have concluded that it is possible that I am purchased two adjoining lots, (#35 & #36), at 4020-21 Buckskin Barbie that Disney has made her out to be. In descended from Virginia Indians. But until proven it must Walters Court in the Singing Pines subdivision.14,15 In 1956, actuality, she was a bald, diminutive preteen, who wore remain a family legend. Marguerite purchased an additional lot (#34) at 4023 no clothing. Singing Pines subdivision advertisement, Walters Court.16 Washington Post, November 15, 1953, p. R7.

8 5 Continued on page 6 Volume 5, Issue 1 The Fair Facs Gazette Winter 2007 Volume 5, Issue 1 The Fair Facs Gazette Winter 2007

The Legend of Trader Hughes and Princess Nicketti

Fairfax Christian Church. (Looking S.E.) Site of Singing Pines c. 1900. Photo credit: Page Johnson 01/2007. Singing Pines Nursing Home, Interior view, c. 1955. Carolyn Saunders, daughter of owners, Ted & Marguerite Saunders, is the child seated on the couch. Source: Virginia Room, Fairfax City Regional Library. Endnotes 1 Fairfax County Deed Book V-5, Page 128, October 24, 1895. Theodore and Marguerite were originally from the 2 Fairfax County Deed Book X-5, Page 585, December 26, 1896. 3 Town of Hurricane, Putnam County, West Virginia. They Fairfax County Deed Book Y-5, Page 383, January 25, 1897. 4 Fairfax Herald, June 22, 1900, p. 3. had previously owned and operated the Mt. Shockey 5 Fairfax County Deed Book 730, Page 329, June 22, 1949. Nursing Home in Merrifield, VA. Immediately after 6 Washington Post, February 20, 1904, p. 9. purchasing Singing Pines they opened the Singing Pines 7 Fairfax Herald, March 11, 1910, p. 3. Pocahontas 1616. Engraving credit: Simon Van de Passe. Nursing Home in their new home. Ted Saunders converted 8 Fairfax County Deed Book F-7, Page 310, April 15, 1910. 9 the stone basement of the home into an apartment for his Fairfax County Deed Book O-8, Page 360, January 22, 1920. This year we, as Virginians and Americans, 10 Obituary of Adelaide Gernon Lewis. family, leaving the upper floors reserved for residents. On 200-year old Copper Beech, on the grounds of Fairfax Christian 11 Personal communication with Anne Farr Lewis, Nov. 30, 2006. celebrate the four hundredth anniversary of the settlement Church, is the largest known of its kind in Virginia. 12 of Jamestown – the first permanent English settlement in the very night in March of 1954 that Ted finished work on Photo credit: Rick Davis, Virginia Big Tree Program. Fairfax County Deed Book 624, Page 167, May 17, 1948. the apartment, he suffered a heart attack and died.17 13 Fairfax County Deed Book 730, Page 329, June 2, 1949. America. For generations, every child in America has Marguerite continued to operate the Nursing Home until continued to be used by the chuch but was was demolished 14 Fairfax County Deed Book 1121, Page 355, October 7, 1953. learned the story of this settlement and also of Pocahontas, 15 her death in November 1962. Singing Pines Nursing Home in approximately 1972. 21 Fairfax County Deed Book 1062, Page 297, March 31, 1953. Powhatan and Captain John Smith. When I learned this 16 Fairfax County Deed Book 1408, Page 154, February 7, 1956. closed shortly thereafter. To fill the void, ground was broken 17 Personal communication from Carolyn B. (Saunders) Powers, story in school my father told me we were directly related for the Fairfax Nursing Home the following year in August Until recently, there were vestiges of the Lewis’ January 15, 2007. to the legendary Pocahontas. Pocahontas! 1963.18 gardens in the rear of the church. A parking lot and 18 Fairfax City Times, August 15, 1963, p. 1. expanded driveway now occupy their former location.22 19 Fairfax County Will Book 81, Page 354, December 19, 1962. Family lore had bought this story down to my 20 Marguerite’s Will conveyed her home at 4023 Several ancient trees also dot the property. A huge Copper Fairfax County Deed Book 2395, Page 564, December 11, 1963, father and in turn to me. At the time, Daniel Boone and 21 Fairfax City Times, November 6, 1964, p. 2. Walters Court to her daughter, Carolyn Bibb Saunders. Beech, approximately two hundred years old, the largest 22 Personal communication with Merle Dowd, January 10, 2007. Davy Crockett were very popular with boys. These were Carolyn and her husband, Edward Powers, continue reside known of its species in Virginia, stands like sentinel along real frontiersmen who lived amongst real Indians. In the here today. Her Will also directed that her remaining Main Street near the driveway to the church. Another 1950s and 1960s, they were popularized on television property be sold. Accordingly, her executors sold the ancient tree is a one-hundred-year-old Cedar of Lebanon and in the movies. Each Sunday night, without fail, I would Singing Pines home and 4-acres to the Fairfax Christian that stands in the rear of the property among smaller cedars. sit down in front of our black and white television with my Church in December 1963.19, 20 coonskin cap on and watch old Dan’l have all sorts of In spite of the loss of the house and the many adventures, often involving Indians. Old Dan even had a The Fairfax Christian Church briefly met in the old changes that have occurred since, it is still a lovely setting trusty Indian friend, Mingo. It didn’t matter that Daniel house but found it in a serious state of disrepair and wholly and on a quiet day you can still hear the wind singing in the Boone and Davy Crockett were actually living in Kentucky unsuited to their needs. The current church sanctuary was pines. Common words, including moccasin, raccoon, hickory, and Tennessee, not Virginia, and that the Indians they erected and dedicated in November 1964. Singing Pines moose, chipmunk, and skunk are Virginia Indian words. encountered were Shawnees, not Virginia Paumnkeys.

6 7 Continued on page 8 Volume 5, Issue 1 The Fair Facs Gazette Winter 2007 Volume 5, Issue 1 The Fair Facs Gazette Winter 2007

The Legend of Trader Hughes and Princess Nicketti by William Page Johnson, II

Fairfax Christian Church. (Looking S.E.) Site of Singing Pines c. 1900. Photo credit: Page Johnson 01/2007. Singing Pines Nursing Home, Interior view, c. 1955. Carolyn Saunders, daughter of owners, Ted & Marguerite Saunders, is the child seated on the couch. Source: Virginia Room, Fairfax City Regional Library. Endnotes 1 Fairfax County Deed Book V-5, Page 128, October 24, 1895. Theodore and Marguerite were originally from the 2 Fairfax County Deed Book X-5, Page 585, December 26, 1896. 3 Town of Hurricane, Putnam County, West Virginia. They Fairfax County Deed Book Y-5, Page 383, January 25, 1897. 4 Fairfax Herald, June 22, 1900, p. 3. had previously owned and operated the Mt. Shockey 5 Fairfax County Deed Book 730, Page 329, June 22, 1949. Nursing Home in Merrifield, VA. Immediately after 6 Washington Post, February 20, 1904, p. 9. purchasing Singing Pines they opened the Singing Pines 7 Fairfax Herald, March 11, 1910, p. 3. Nursing Home in their new home. Ted Saunders converted 8 Fairfax County Deed Book F-7, Page 310, April 15, 1910. Pocahontas 1616. Engraving credit: Simon Van de Passe. 9 the stone basement of the home into an apartment for his Fairfax County Deed Book O-8, Page 360, January 22, 1920. This year we, as Virginians and Americans, 10 Obituary of Adelaide Gernon Lewis. family, leaving the upper floors reserved for residents. On 200-year old Copper Beech, on the grounds of Fairfax Christian 11 Personal communication with Anne Farr Lewis, Nov. 30, 2006. celebrate the four hundredth anniversary of the settlement Church, is the largest known of its kind in Virginia. 12 of Jamestown – the first permanent English settlement in the very night in March of 1954 that Ted finished work on Photo credit: Rick Davis, Virginia Big Tree Program. Fairfax County Deed Book 624, Page 167, May 17, 1948. the apartment, he suffered a heart attack and died.17 13 Fairfax County Deed Book 730, Page 329, June 2, 1949. America. For generations, every child in America has Marguerite continued to operate the Nursing Home until continued to be used by the chuch but was was demolished 14 Fairfax County Deed Book 1121, Page 355, October 7, 1953. learned the story of this settlement and also of Pocahontas, 15 her death in November 1962. Singing Pines Nursing Home in approximately 1972. 21 Fairfax County Deed Book 1062, Page 297, March 31, 1953. Powhatan and Captain John Smith. When I learned this 16 Fairfax County Deed Book 1408, Page 154, February 7, 1956. closed shortly thereafter. To fill the void, ground was broken 17 Personal communication from Carolyn B. (Saunders) Powers, story in school my father told me we were directly related for the Fairfax Nursing Home the following year in August Until recently, there were vestiges of the Lewis’ January 15, 2007. to the legendary Pocahontas. Pocahontas! 1963.18 gardens in the rear of the church. A parking lot and 18 Fairfax City Times, August 15, 1963, p. 1. expanded driveway now occupy their former location.22 19 Fairfax County Will Book 81, Page 354, December 19, 1962. Family lore had bought this story down to my 20 Marguerite’s Will conveyed her home at 4023 Several ancient trees also dot the property. A huge Copper Fairfax County Deed Book 2395, Page 564, December 11, 1963, father and in turn to me. At the time, Daniel Boone and 21 Fairfax City Times, November 6, 1964, p. 2. Walters Court to her daughter, Carolyn Bibb Saunders. Beech, approximately two hundred years old, the largest 22 Personal communication with Merle Dowd, January 10, 2007. Davy Crockett were very popular with boys. These were Carolyn and her husband, Edward Powers, continue reside known of its species in Virginia, stands like sentinel along real frontiersmen who lived amongst real Indians. In the here today. Her Will also directed that her remaining Main Street near the driveway to the church. Another 1950s and 1960s, they were popularized on television property be sold. Accordingly, her executors sold the ancient tree is a one-hundred-year-old Cedar of Lebanon and in the movies. Each Sunday night, without fail, I would Singing Pines home and 4-acres to the Fairfax Christian that stands in the rear of the property among smaller cedars. sit down in front of our black and white television with my Church in December 1963.19, 20 coonskin cap on and watch old Dan’l have all sorts of In spite of the loss of the house and the many adventures, often involving Indians. Old Dan even had a The Fairfax Christian Church briefly met in the old changes that have occurred since, it is still a lovely setting trusty Indian friend, Mingo. It didn’t matter that Daniel house but found it in a serious state of disrepair and wholly and on a quiet day you can still hear the wind singing in the Boone and Davy Crockett were actually living in Kentucky unsuited to their needs. The current church sanctuary was pines. Common words, including moccasin, raccoon, hickory, and Tennessee, not Virginia, and that the Indians they erected and dedicated in November 1964. Singing Pines moose, chipmunk, and skunk are Virginia Indian words. encountered were Shawnees, not Virginia Paumnkeys.

6 7 Continued on page 8 Volume 5, Issue 1 The Fair Facs Gazette Winter 2007 Volume 5, Issue 1 The Fair Facs Gazette Winter 2007

8 5 Continued on page 6 Volume 5, Issue 1 The Fair Facs Gazette Winter 2007 Volume 5, Issue 1 The Fair Facs Gazette Winter 2007

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