Historic Franconia Legacies Franconia Museum Inc. 6121 Franconia Road, Franconia, Virginia 22310 E-mail: [email protected] Web: franconiamuseum.org
Volume 15 Issue 1 Franconia Museum Spring 2016
Special points of interest:
In Memoriam — 1 Debbi Wilson
President’s Message 2
Hometown Bus Tour 3
In Loving Memory of 4 Debbi Wilson
Photos of Debbi 5
Iron Road of Franconia 6
Both Sides Tour 7
Marriage in the Museum 8
New Board Member 9
Baseball in Franconia 10
Baseball (continued) 11
Baseball (continued) 12
In Memoriam 13
In Memoriam 14
In Memoriam 15
In Memoriam 16
In Memoriam 17
Share Your Stories. 17 Help Needed.
2016 Current Friends 18
2016 Current Friends 19 In Memoriam
Museum Info 20 Debbi Wilson
Museum Vice President 1951—2016
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President’s Message ...
The old saying that you don’t realize how important someone is until they are gone is doubly true at the Franconia Museum. Debbi Wilson’s illness and subsequent death has turned my world upside down because I have always counted on Deb to tell me which way was up! That’s why this edition of the newsletter is a tad late. Frankly, I have a hard time putting words on paper in her ab- sence. Without Deb to prod me into meeting the deadline, I admit I have had a hard time getting back up to speed.
Having admitted that, I want to thank Jane Higham, Judy Hutchinson and Nathaniel Lee for their help in keeping the internal gears running for the Museum lately. Jane has made sure all of our memberships and contributors have been acknowledged, and Judy has taken over production of the newsletter as well as organizing the 2016 membership campaign. Nathaniel has assumed Deb’s role of handling our electronic outreach through our e-mail list and Facebook.
In addition, Judy is working on another volume of Franconia Remembers. Our schedule has been set back because of Deb’s loss. You can’t imagine how much work it has been to go through the materials Deb left behind and find exactly what we needed. Everything was there, in its special place. We just had to find it! Thanks to Judy for a yeoman’s job in that department.
Thanks to those of you who made a contribution to the Museum in Debbi Wilson’s honor. She specifically asked that she be remembered through your contribution. The Museum Board is hum- bled by your thoughtfulness on Deb’s behalf. As I mentioned in my eulogy at her memorial service, we are going to honor Deb with a special display at the Museum. She gave us the uniform she wore while working on AutoTrain years back, so we are going to display it at the Museum, along with her picture riding the rails between Lorton and Florida and back.
We are working on the next edition of our book series, Franconia Remembers, which will in- clude stories and pictures about Franconia families, as well as sports pictures from days gone by. If you haven’t submitted your old sports pictures, please do so as soon as possible. With these sub- missions, please provide identifications of the people in each picture and the year it was taken.
Drop by for a visit at the Museum on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Also, if you have any used books you would like to donate, we’d appreciate adding them to our collection to sell in order to raise funds for the Museum. If you like to read, you no doubt will find something interesting. Paperbacks are only 50 cents and hardbacks $1. There is a selection out in the lobby at all times the Government Center is open. Just put your donation in one of the envelopes we provide and slide it under the door. There is a bigger selection inside that you can browse through when we are open. Carl Sell
We would love to hear from you … If you would like to give us your comments or send us a word or two, please contact us by mail or email. Franconia Museum 6121 Franconia Road, Franconia, VA 22310 [email protected]
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Franconia Mueum Web Page Has Moved A Unique Opportunity For Franconia Museum Members
Visit Historic Belvale
Visit this incredible link to the mid-1700s, George Washington, And the birth of our Nation, right here in our community.
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Belvale, built in the mid-1700s, is located at 7001 Telegraph Road. It is owned by Steve and Donna Vermillion, who have graciously agreed to welcome members of the Franconia Museum for a tour inside the house. Belvale was owned by George Johnston, George Washington’s neighbor and legal advisor who also was a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. Belvale once adjoined Washington holdings at Mount Vernon.
(This visit will be part of the Museum’s annual Summer Tour, the details for which have not yet been finalized. This is an opportunity to sign up early and assure one of the limited spaces available for the tour of Belvale. The cost is $25 per person. Send your check to the Franconia Museum, 6121 Franconia Road, Franconia, VA 22310. Include your e-mail and phone number so we can
update you on the plans for the tour. Don’t delay. This is a limited opportunity first offered to members of the Franconia Museum.)
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In Loving Memory of Debbi Wilson
Eulogy from Memorial Service
I’m Carl Sell and I come to pay tribute to Debbi Wilson on behalf of myself, Davie and Joe Alexander and their daughters Sherri and Cathy, as well as the Franconia Museum. Davie and Joe couldn’t be here today, but they loved Deb like a third daughter. Their own daughters loved Deb like a big sister. Like Joe, I have great respect and admiration for Deb for her love of Franconia and the huge efforts she made to make our community a much better place. She followed in the footsteps of her adopted mother, Helen Wilson, Joe’s confidant, conscience and supporter during much of his tenure as Lee District Supervisor. In fact, first Helen and then Deb were with Joe for all the 32 years he served as Supervisor. Deb took over after her mother passed away. It was no surprise that things continued to run smoothly and efficiently.
As a youngster, Deb was a member of a local baton twirling group that performed at area parades. The highlight was the annual Franconia Volunteer Fire Department parade. Deb would perform with a group known as the Judyettes, who would lead off the parade. When the Judyettes finished, Deb would run back to the start, pick up an Alexander for Supervisor sign and march with the group supporting Joe. She also was the Alexander’s babysitter, remembering fondly that Joe always brought home a pizza from Rose Hill pizza on the nights she spent with the girls. Pizza was a delicacy back then, not like today when there seems to be a shop on every corner.
One of our cherished memories of the Wilsons is a picture of a very young Debbi and her little wheel- barrow helping her dad, Jim, move dirt for the footers he dug for the house the family built on Barry Road in Windsor Estates, just off Beulah Road. Helen’s streak of rugged individualism obviously rubbed off on Deb. Helen rode a Harley motorcycle from Indiana to Washington in 1941, and joined the Navy after World War II started. She later met Jim while working at the Torpedo Factory on the Potomac in Alexandria. He was a crane operator. They were married in 1943.
While living in a trailer park at Fairfax Circle, they befriended a young girl who had been living with a foster family. She moved in with the Wilsons, and later had a daughter named Debbi. Helen and Jim adopted Deb and she became a Wilson through and through. The family moved into the homemade house in Franco- nia and Deb attended Franconia Elementary, Mark Twain Intermediate and Edison High School. After school, she would work with her mother in Joe’s office, first in Groveton and later at the Franconia Government Cen- ter, just across the street from Alexander’s Franconia Hardware.
For a while, Deb worked as a hostess on the Auto Train, which ferried vacationers and their cars from Lorton to Florida. Some time back, she gave her Auto Train uniform to the Museum and it will become a per- manent display in her honor. Deb was one of the early supporters of the Museum and has been the Vice President for Administration the last five years. The title doesn’t tell the story, because Deb was the heart and soul of the Franconia Museum. Just like it was when I served as Joe’s Planning Commissioner, I had the good fortune to have a Wilson to make sure I remembered everything to do as president.
Probably only Deb and Joe and I recall that the site of this memorial service once was part of Lee Dis- trict. We remember the difficult zoning case and how hard everyone worked to make sure the church and school fit into the community. Since then, Lee District has shrunk in size but grown tremendously in popula- tion. Deb and her mother were involved in much of the activity that makes our community the great place in which to live that it is today.
The Board of the Museum is humbled by this memorial service for Debbi Wilson. We pledge to continue the progress she has helped us make. I promise to finish the list of chores she left for me. If you want to be close to Deb, visit our Museum. And, the Helen Wilson Community Room is right across the hall.
On behalf of Davie and Joe Alexander, I thank you for coming to remember our very special friend .
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Franconia Mueum Web Page Has Moved
As job superintendent, Debbi is helping her Dad with the footings for their new house.
Debbi with her Mom, Helen Wilson, long- time secretary to Joe Alexander. When Debbi’s Mom retired, Debbi replaced her in that job.
Debbi as a Judyette in 1963.
Debbi with Joe Alexander, her boss, but more importantly her second Dad (Debbi’s claim). Debbi & Ricky in 1996 Looks like they are completing another success- ful campaign. Page 6 Historic Franconia Legacies—Franconia Museum Inc.
NEW LOCAL HISTORY BOOK HOT OFF THE PRESS!
their land to the railroad company in 1871,
they earned the right to name the train station
built on their property. Thus, the Franconia
name began to symbolize more than just a
farm, but the community built around the
station. It would not be long before the name
of the road on which it sat changed also.
Thanks to the success of the train station, the
Old Fairfax Pike was renamed to Franconia
Road, and the name lives on.
Nathaniel Lee serves as a member of the
Franconia Museum’s Board of Directors, historian and museum docent. His family has “THE IRON ROAD OF FRANCONIA: lived in Franconia for three generations, A HISTORY OF THE RF&P RAILROAD watching the area transform from a farming IN FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA” community into a bustling suburb.
BY NATHANIEL LEE More Books Written By Board
Museum Board Member Nathaniel Lee has Members About Local History recently published a book on the history of the railroad that runs through the Franconia This Forgotten Land: community today. Copies of the book, “The Iron A Tour of Civil War Sites and Other Road of Franconia: A History of the RF&P Historical Landmarks South of Railroad in Fairfax County,” are available at the Alexandria, Virginia Franconia Museum or online at By Don Hakenson www.createspace.com/6190241.
This railroad was born in the era of the This Forgotten Land Vol. II legendary railroad tycoons, and its history Biographical Sketches of Confederate weaves a tale of political intrigue in the Veterans Buried in Alexandria, Virginia Reconstruction Era. With the world’s largest By Don Hakenson railroad, the Pennsylvania Railroad, on a quest for bigger markets and a transcontinental line, A Tour Guide and History of Col. John S. the small flag stops that served Franconia’s Mosby’s Combat Operations in farms and small neighborhoods had long been forgotten but for the efforts of people who walked Loudoun County, Virginia in the woods and recalled vague tales of trains By Don Hakenson and Charles V. Mauro stopping there long ago. Get your copy today by contacting The name “Franconia” exists to this day Don at 703- 971- 4984 thanks to the railroad station. In 1859, [email protected] Frankhonia was just a 191-acre farmstead operated by the Fowle family. When they sold Page 7 Historic Franconia Legacies—Franconia Museum Inc.
BOTH SIDES TOUR: CHECKING THE HOOF PRINTS IN HANOVER
. At the May meeting of the Franconia Museum Board of Directors, Vice President for History Don Hakenson presented a check for $500, the latest contribution earned from the Museum’s sponsorship of the semi-annual Both Sides Civil War Tours. Since 2009, the Museum has received $4,400 from the tours.
The April 2016 tour followed Confederate Major General Jeb Stuart’s route to Gettysburg, starting at Rowser’s Ford on the Potomac in Montgomery County. More than 50 riders enjoyed stops in Rockville, Maryland, Westminster, Maryland, Hanover, Pennsylvania, and Hunterstown, Pennsylvania. The tour ended at the East Cavalry Field outside of Gettysburg where Stuart battled Union cavalry on July 3, 1863.
Hakenson, Carl Sell and Ben Trittipoe served as tour guides. There was a special stop at a church near Littlestown, Pennsylvania to visit the grave of Private Edmund Sell of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, who was killed by Mosby’s guerrillas at Stephenson’s Depot just north of Winchester, Virginia, on November 16, 1864. Carl Sell learned about his distant cousin while preparing for the tour. Edmund Sell’s gravestone says he was “killed by Mosby’s Guerrillas.” Mosby wasn’t there, but he organized the expedition as part of his disruption of Union activity in the
Shenandoah Valley. The Rangers attacked a Union group that was ferrying messages to the command in Winchester.
Sell prepared an information booklet on Private Sell and the incident of his death with help from Hakenson, an acknowledged expert on Mosby. Don also conducts twice yearly Mosby Tours in June and September. In addition to his work with the Franconia Museum, Don is heavily involved with the Stuart-Mosby Historical Society. Trittipoe is the president of the Society. The group recently raised $40,000 to refurbish Stuart’s statue on Monument Avenue in Richmond. The Franconia Museum was one of the contributors.
The next Both Sides Tour will take place this coming October. Again, the destination will be Gettysburg to visit a new museum at the Lutheran Seminary, as well as sites of cavalry battles at Big Round Top in Fairfield, Pennsylvania, and Monterrey Pass at South Mountain at the Mason-Dixon Line. The all-day bus tour also includes lunch.
To be sure you receive information about the tours, contact Don at [email protected] or 703-971-4984.
Tour guides Ben Trittipoe, Carl Sell and Don Hakenson check the spot where George Armstrong Custer, who had just been promoted to Brigadier General, tethered his horse on June 30, 1863 in Hano- ver, Pennsylvania. The spot is marked by golden horseshoes! The tree on which the horse was tethered is marked with a star. This was one of the interesting spots visited by the Both Sides Tour on April 30 as the group followed Jeb Stuart's route through Maryland
and Pennsylvania to Gettysburg.
Photo by Bill Kamenjar
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MUSEUM BOARD MEMBER GETS MARRIED AT THE MUSEUM By Carl Sell
When Franconia Museum Board member members Carl Sell, Don Hakenson, Phyllis Joseph “Sonny” Wright announced he planned Ford, and Cary Nalls chipped in with lunch. to marry a Franconia girl, his colleagues asked Board member Nathaniel Lee helped with the where and when the ceremony would be held setup. Board member Jane Higham provided so they could attend. Sonny said he didn’t the punch bowl, and Museum friend Ken Curry rightly know. “Why not right here?” was the took the pictures. Nalls Produce provided the response. floral centerpiece and flowers for the bride.
So, Sonny and Mearle Stanley Lamb were Linda Nichols and Connie Beatty from married at the Franconia Museum on Rose Hill arranged and served the spread. Wednesday, June 10, 2015. Franconia native Connie had never met Sonny and Mearle be- Charlie W. Wood, Senior Pastor at Mt. Calvary fore, but she cried anyway! Linda Waller, an Community Church, conducted the service. Don aide to Supervisor Jeff McKay, said it was a Hakenson, the Museum’s Vice President for “beautiful event” that almost brought her to History, escorted the bride. Sonny’s brother-in- tears. law, Andy Anderson from Rocky Mount, VA, was the best man. Charlie Wood and Terry Lee Sonny and Mearle live in Fredericksburg. Ryan provided their talents to serenade the He remains on the Museum Board so both can happy couple. It was the second marriage for keep up with things in their hometown. both.
The bride grew up on Fleet Drive, right around the corner from Beulah Street and Franconia Road. She went to Franconia Elementary School and Annandale High School. Her father, Wallace Stanley, was a carpenter, and her mother, Ruby, managed the home and raised eight children. Mearle had five brothers and two sisters.
Sonny lived in several places in Franconia and knows the area like the back of his hand. His father, Joseph McKinley Wright, was active in the Franconia Fire Department and worked at Fort Belvoir. His mother was Helen Elizabeth. Sonny had three sisters. He was active in the fire department and served in the Navy.
Among those who attended were Mearle’s sister, Pauline Stanley Cleveland, and sister-in- law, Ann Wallace Stanley, and Sonny’s sister, Pastor Charlie Wood of Mount Calvary Com- Jeanne Wright Anderson. Friends in munity Church on Beulah Street (left) reads attendance included Board members Margie from the Bible during the wedding ceremony of Simms, Judy Hutchinson, Joyce Young, and Joseph (Sonny) Wright and Merle Stanley Bob Young. Also on hand were Jimmy Lamb, held on June 10 at the Franconia Woodard, Edian Norris and Bobby Higham. Museum. Sonny's Best Man, brother-in-law The Museum provided the wedding cake. Board Andy Anderson, is on the right. Page 9 Historic Franconia Legacies—Franconia Museum Inc.
MARY SMITH — NEW BOARD MEMBER
Members of the Museum Board who are friends with Mary have been pestering her to join them in guiding the day-to-day operations for some time. After retiring from her job on 15 November 2015, at what is now CVS in Spring- field, she finally relented. She had worked there for 50 years. It was People’s Drug Store when Mary started back in the day. Like many familiar names of the past, People’s is long gone, but the store survived under new ownership.
Although still working, Mary attended most all of the Museum events, and has been on each of the sixteen Civil War Both Sides Tours, as well as each History Day sponsored by the Museum.
The Franconia Volunteer Fire Department There are few people currently associated has a special place in Mary’s heart because of with the Franconia Museum who have as deep her father. Woodie worked as a mechanic for roots to the area as Mary Smith, who recently Holmes Bakery and volunteered at the firehouse joined the Board of Directors. Others such as for a number of years before Fairfax County de- Margaret Welch, Donald Walker and Marge cided to hire full-time firefighters to augment vol- Tharpe serve as senior advisors to help Mary unteers because of a growing population. As a give the rest of the board a history lesson when youngster, Mary spent much of her time with her needed. dad at the firehouse because Woodie shifted
Mary’s father, Woodie, was the first paid from the role of paid employee to volunteer when he wasn’t actually working. fireman at the Franconia Volunteer Fire Depart- ment. Her mother, Mary Evelyn Broders Smith, In 1960, Mary was the Franconia Fire was a teacher at Franconia Elementary School. Department Popularity Queen for the annual Both of her parents’ families have deep roots in parade and carnival celebration, raising more Franconia. Woodie’s ancestors once farmed at than $2,000 in contributions as residents voted Clermont and lived at historic Ashland, which by donating their spare change. still stands today on Walhaven Drive. The Brod- ers owned land near what is now Springfield Mary has seen Franconia and the fire- Mall, and lived in the house that stood at Fran- house grow tremendously during her lifetime. conia Road and Commerce Street where the From the little two-bay firehouse where the gov- Sunrise Assisted Living facility is now located. ernment center stands today, to the huge facility around the corner on Beulah Street, the fire- Mary Smith grew up in Franconia. She house remains a focal point for the community. attended Franconia Elementary, and graduated Volunteers paid for the buildings and equipment from Lee High School in 1963, just a month be- over the years, including most of the equipment fore her father died. In those days, the Smiths in the new county-owned facility in Kingstowne. lived in the first house on the left past the rail- Volume VII of the Museum’s Franconia Remem- road tracks, going toward Springfield. Mary and bers book series is about the history of the fire her mother moved to Rose Hill in 1970, and department, and it includes a chapter featuring Mary has been there ever since. Her mother Mary and her father. died in 1985. Page 10 Historic Franconia Legacies—Franconia Museum Inc.
BASEBALL IN FRANCONIA
Roger Able, Carl Sell and John Bloyer. No, Carl didn’t play for the Senators! He was a sportswriter for The Star and played in exhibition contests before Senators’ games for Press teams against Radio-TV and Hollywood All-Star teams. Roger and John played for Carl in the Pioneer League. They both graduated from Edison. They also helped out with pre-game chores for the Senators.
Carlton “Moe” Kersey, Senators Manager Gil Hodges, and Thomas “Buddy” Blake. Moe lived in Sun- ny Ridge and Buddy in Rose Hill. They played baseball for Carl Sell in the Pioneer League, and both graduated from Edison. Carl took players to the Senators games, and they would get to know many players. Hodges was an 8-time major league All-Star selection while with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Historic Franconia Legacies—Franconia Museum Inc. Page 11
BASEBALL IN FRANCONIA — continued
R
Roger Able pitching in the first Pioneer League game on the ballfield at what is now Clermont Park, across from Ridgeview on Franconia Road. It was built by Mike Lester in uniform, and his players, coaches, managers, and parents on land younger brother Marty at the FYA that was owned by Virginia Concrete. field, now Clermont Park.
Franconia Pioneer Optimists, 1966-67 FYA team. Coach Paul Lester is in the center, in the green shirt.. Behind him in glasses is Randy Cassada, son of Harold Cassada (sponsor). Mike Lester is in lower right, in glasses.
Are you in this photo or do you know any of the other team mem- bers shown here? Do you have photos of Franconia teams you are willing to share with the Muse- um? We plan to include an ex- tensive section of sports photos in our next issue of “Franconia Remembers.” If you have photos or information we can use, please contact the Museum. Page 12 Historic Franconia Legacies—Franconia Museum Inc.
BASEBALL IN FRANCONIA - continued
Hayfield All-Stars Baseball Team at the Virginia Hills Ball Fields near Kings Highway.
District Manager: Carl Sell.
Players from left to right are: Gary Guy, Jim Bearden, Ronnie Banks, William Watson.
1953 Franconia Elementary School Baseball Team Row 1—Barry Knight (Pitcher), Billy Billington (Captain), Wayne Heflin (2d Base), Bradley Rogers (Pitcher) Row 2—Bill Higham (3d Base), Mr. Coppage (Coach), Wallace Burdett (Catcher), Charlie Sutherland (Center), Jimmy Gibson (Rt Field), Tommy Lytle (1st Base), David Gallian (Lft Field), Joe Piatt (Shortstop), John Swite (Center) Historic Franconia Legacies—Franconia Museum Inc. Page 13
In Memoriam
WILLIAM “BILL” FLAMMER, SR. July 19, 1938—February 4, 2016
including the Ronald Reagan Building in downtown Washington. On September 11, 2001, Bill was doing electrical work on a high rise building in the Ballston area of Arlington and witnessed the terrorists crash the airliner into the Pentagon.
He continued to play and sing with Valli Rae alongside some of the elites of country music. They were main attractions on their own, and rarely turned down a chance to perform. If you were a fan of country music back in the day, you no doubt saw Bill and Valli Rae when they performed at such local venues as the Village Barn and Hillbilly Heaven. Recently, he brought his band, Smooth Country, to the Mount Vernon High School Alumni picnic to entertain some of his old William (Bill) Flammer, Sr., always attributed his friends. success to the hard work ethic he learned from his parents while growing up in Franconia. According to his son, Bill, Jr., he particularly credited the life lessons he learned at the Franconia Volunteer Fire Department as the cornerstones of his careers.
Bill became a master electrician and accomplished musician. He earned his master electrician’s license in the early 1960s, and had a successful business for many years. He taught himself to play the steel guitar, bass, dobro and rhythm guitar. Bill and his wife, Valli Rae, performed with many of the greats of country music such as Patsy Cline, Roy Clark, Emmylou Harris, Conway Twitty, Faron Young, Donna Dixon, and many others. Always the perfectionist, Bill was an avid bowler who sought the perfect game. He achieved it in 1997. Bill passed away at age 77 on February 4, 2016. The Flammers lived on Burnett Street in He and Valli Rae lived in Colonial Beach, Virginia. In Franconia. Bill’s father, also named William, worked for addition to Valli Rae, Bill is Atlantic Research. His mother, Katherine, was a survived by sons Darryl member of the Gorham family from Franconia. In fact, Flammer and Bill Flammer, Jr., her brother, Howard, and his wife, Ethel, named their as well as a sister, Lorraine, daughter Katherine in her honor. and numerous grandchildren. He was preceded in death by Bill attended Franconia Elementary School and his parents, and his two Annandale High School. After two years with the daughters, Audre and Kimmy. United States Army in Germany (1959-1961), Bill Services were held at the Oak remained overseas for the rest of the decade, playing Grove Baptist Church in with bands all over Europe. He returned to the United Colonial Beach. Bill was buried States and set up an electrical contracting business in next to his daughter, Audre, in Fort Washington, Maryland, and worked on many of Trinity Memorial Gardens in the big construction projects in the Washington area, Waldorf, Maryland. Page 14 Historic Franconia Legacies—Franconia Museum Inc.
In Memoriam … continued
Joe’s paid occupations ranged from rocket science JOSEPH EDWARD KING to song and dance. He managed restaurants, worked February 5, 1955—April 22, 2016 in QA for Atlantic Research Corporation and IBM, and was an entrepreneur in catering, hospitality and event management businesses.
Joe was raised Catholic, and was a nondenomina- tional Christian who appreciated God’s creation. He enjoyed the outdoors and cared for animals, both wild and domestic. He is also survived by Gracie the cat. His enthusiasm for life and all that he did was compel- ling. He had a passion for people, and cultivated last- ing friendships from many different walks of life. He was well loved and will be missed by many.
MARJORIE SIMPSON MILLER April 8, 1948—February 29, 2016 Joseph Edward King, age 61, passed away on Friday, 22 April 2016, at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, VA. He is survived by his wife Laurie; Marjorie Simpson Miller was born April 8, 1948, two children, Sarah Elizabeth Merzlak (Jonathan) and spent her entire life in Franconia, VA. She attend- and Joseph Matthew King; one granddaughter, ed Franconia Elementary, Washington Irving Interme- Shenandoah Joelle Merzlak (born 22 April 2016); his diate, and Edison High Schools. Marjorie’s family was siblings, James H. and Bonnie L. King (David Ortiz); well known in Franconia. Her mother, Margaret, and a multitude of close family and friends. Mr. King worked for many years in the High’s Dairy Store on was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph H. Franconia Road. Her husband, Barry, and his family and Nancy L. King. were also well known in the community. They were long-time Franconia residents, and Barry’s father ran Mr. King was born in Arlington, VA, on 5 February the IGA on Beulah Road for a number of years. 1955, and was raised in Franconia, VA. Drawn to the beauty and history of Fauquier County, he raised Marjorie died suddenly in her home on 29 February his family in Hume, where he remained until taken by 2016. She is survived by her 3 sons, Barry Miller, the Lord. Tracey Miller and Henry Miller (Kristen), and her 5 cherished grandchildren, Jaden, Chase, Samantha, The King family was heavily involved in school, Ethan, and Lilly. She was preceded in death by her community, and youth sports activity in Franconia. husband, Barry Nolan Miller, her brother, Donald Jr., Joe attended Franconia Elementary School, and his and her parents, Donald Sr. and Margaret Simpson. mother was also the secretary there. He graduated
from Edison High School in 1973. Both parents were
involved in the Franconia Youth Association where Joe played football and baseball. He was a lifelong fan of ACC basketball.
Joe’s meticulous genealogical research led him back through our nation’s history beyond the Revolu- tion. He was a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and had a keen interest in US and Virginia History, political science and current events. He was an accomplished musician who enjoyed playing tra- ditional US music with and for others. He played guitar, mandolin, and upright bass well, and enjoyed some banjo and piano. He performed in musical theatre.
Page 15 Historic Franconia Legacies—Franconia Museum Inc.
In Memoriam … continued
PEGGY ANN UHLER BONNER Edison High School Alumni March 22, 2016
Andrew Sloan Adrian Bennett April 23, 2016 April 9, 2016 Class of 1981 Class of 1980
Peggy Ann Uhler Bonner grew up on Valley View Drive in Franconia, VA. She attended Franconia Elementary and Washington Irving Intermediate Schools, and graduated from Edison High School in 1965. Her family was very active in the community, especially the Franconia Fire Department.
Peggy’s father, Robert Uhler, and some of his neighbors on Valley View Drive were instrumental in initiating the formation of the Franconia Fire Depart- ment. He is named as one of the men in the original charter of May 6, 1935. The original firehouse was Ernest A. Phillips Dana May Rodda built by most of the original volunteers. In the 1950s, March 30, 2016 April 6, 2016 it was necessary to provide a new bay on each side Class of 1966 Class of 1983 of the existing firehouse. Most of the carpentry work was again done by volunteers, including Peggy’s older brother Roland “Bobby” Uhler. Peggy’s moth- er, Mrs. Lottie Uhler, was a member-at-large of the Executive Committee of the Ladies Auxiliary.
Peggy had retired as an administrative assistant at Fort Belvoir. On March 22, 2016, at the age of 68, she passed away at her home in Fredericksburg, VA. She is survived by her husband, Henry L. Bon- ner; son Clinton Bonner and his wife, Jaime, and their children, Mikayla Bonner and Lily Bonner; daughter Jacquelyn Bishop and her children, Emma Bishop and Quinn Bishop; brother Roland “Bobby” Lee H. Warren III Wesley Snow Uhler; and nephew Jason Uhler. Private services August 25, 2015 November 11, 2015 Class of 1980 Class of 1976 were held at Quantico National Cemetery.
Page 16 Historic Franconia Legacies—Franconia Museum Inc.
In Memoriam … continued
Edison High School Alumni Edison High School Alumni continued continued
Barry N. Brogan Thomas Chambers Penny Thompson Theodore Rybicki February 4, 2016 November 18, 2015 March 4, 2016 November 25, 2015
Class of 1977 Class of 1970 Class of 1968 Class of 1965
Barry Ratcliff Jean Pearson Vivian A. Lacy Mildred Potter February 24, 2016 March 8, 2016 February 27, 2016 December 9, 2015 Class of 1972 Class of 1972 Class of 1965 Class of 1969
Cathy A. Maust Jamaal Paul Deborah Dean Jacqueline Foster March 15, 2016 April 2016 October 9, 2015 October 28, 2015 Class of 1969 Class of 2008 Class of 1969 Class of 1981 Page 17 Historic Franconia Legacies—Franconia Museum Inc.
In Memoriam … continued Share Your Stories …
Edison High School Alumni continued Everyone has a story to tell and we want to hear yours! If you are inter- ested in sharing your stories with us,
please email us at
The Franconia Museum is also look- ing for artifacts, photos, and maps (gifts or loans) to be used in future
Rochelle Mapes exhibits. Franconia Museum, Inc. is Keri E. Fields November 20, 2015 November 13, 2015 a 501 ( c) ( 3 ) private community Class of 1965 Class of 2011 based not-for-profit organization.
Joseph Bose Carla Moravitz October 31, 2015 October 27, 2015 Class of 2013 Class of 1990
Patricia Conley William Dowling Volunteers Needed April 26, 2016 July 6, 2015 Call To See What Help We Need Class of 1965 Class of 1965 Carl Sell at 703-971-4716 Don Hakenson at 703-971-4984 Page 18 Historic Franconia Legacies—Franconia Museum Inc.
2016 Franconia Current Friends
Sandra Ackley Nancy Lee & Bill Higham Karen Perkins Royall Nancy Anwyll Jane Hilder Robert Scrimshaw Daniel & Julie Baker Georgia & Terry Hill Beth Seitzinger Betty Barnett Sue & Gary Hotto Karen & Margaret Seitzinger Ruth “Connie” Beatty Richard W. Jefferies Sharon & Jeff Sheldon Mr. & Mrs. G. J. Bierer Elizabeth D. Johnson Bob Sherman Stephanie Breeden Mike Kalis Marjorie Simms Virginia Bresnahan Lynda Kandul Ronald & Kris Simms Suzanne Briar Barbara Keck Mary Evelyn Smith Ruby Calkins Gene & Audrey Kelley Walter E. Smith Therese Chaplin Ed & Rosemary Kley Doug & Suzi Stanton Floyd & Renae Cline Gordon Kromberg Richard Stone Margaret Cooke Fred & Laura Landon Carolyn Banks Summers Kennon Cooksey Aimee Lee Jean Felix & Tim Sullivan David A. Cruden Gary & Kandi Lee Kathryn Ogden Talbert Kathy Dakon Milton & Dianne Lee Robert & Nancy Talbert Richard J. DiBuono Oliver & Julia Lee Thomas Thomas Stephen & Holly Dougherty Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Levine Edward Trexler John Faith, Sr. Loren Family Robert Uhler Tim & Joy Fleming Lewis & Winifred Lyles Brenda Walton Norma Galloway Barbara MacDonald Robert “Bob” Warwick Charles “Chuck” Garbers Robert & Elnora Markle Kathy Weaver Lawrence & Dianne Brown Gilley Helen McClary Woody “Sonny” Wise Lynne Haas Gomez Edna Mitchell Jim & Peggi Woodard Ethel Gorham Patricia Nilson Joyce & Bob Young Renee Grebe Dick Orndorff Michael Hahn Bill & Cassie Parker Mary Hakenson Larry & Marge Peard
Geraldine Harlow Robert Pearson Stan Harrison Arlene Perkins Non Profit Friends John W. Haskins Nisar Qamruddin Mary Lou Henry Michael & Virginia Rauer James & Nita Jones Marlene Herrling James C. Rice Bonny Dyer Jones Jennifer Higham Erin Rogers Kathleen Shaw
Our apologies if we missed your name … please let us know and we will add you to the next publication!
Page 19 Historic Franconia Legacies—Franconia Museum Inc.
Franconia Museum Friends
Business Founding Friends Founding Friends Business Founding Friends Both Sides Tours - Carl Sell Olander & Carolyn Banks, Sr. Both Sides & Don Tours Hakenson - Carl Sell Kaplan, Inc. Sky Phillips Beaven & Don Hakenson Lindner Family Foundation Daniel & Marcia Brown Kaplan, Inc. MosbyLindner Tours Family - Don Foundation Hakenson Shirley Dove Davis & Gregg Dudding Gregg & Debbie Dudding ShermanMosby PropertiesTours - Don - Steve Hakenson Sherman Lynn Fitzgerald & GreggSheehy Dudding Ford Phyllis Walker Ford Sherman Properties - Steve Sherman Paul & Johna Gagnon LifetimeSheehy Friends Ford Clemens S. Gailliot Jr. Peter Gentieu Honorable Joseph "Joe" & "Davie" Alexander LifetimeVikki S. Friends Beaty Don & Carol Hakenson Lawrence & Stephanie Bianco Bob Heittman (In Memory Of) Honorable JosephJohn "Joe" Briar, & III"Davie" Alexander Andy & Jane Higham CharlotteVikki S. BrownBeaty Hon. Gladys Keating (In Memory Of) LawrenceThomas & &Stephanie Peggy Brown Bianco Dan & Rita Kuntz JohnBill CookeBriar, III Sue Patterson BobCharlotte & Peggy Brown Cooke Betty & Arthur Nalls (In Memory Of) ThomasKenneth & Peggy Curry Brown Fairfax County Historical Commission Brother & Ruby Schurtz (In Memory Of) Bill Cooke Daniel Everett Simms Charlie Fenimore BobAnn & Marie Peggy Gardner Cooke Everett (Tom) Simms, Jr. Kenneth Curry Don & Jacqueline Walker Judy Tharpe Hutchinson FairfaxLaurel County Grove Historical Baptist ChurchCommission Homer & Ruth Glover Weller HonorableCharlie Fenimore Jeff McKay AnnBob Marie& Marcia Gardner Moon Judy TharpeCary Nalls Hutchinson Lifetime Business Friends William Poppe Laurel Grove Baptist Church Tom Sachs Dove Heating & Air Conditioning Honorable Jeff McKay BobBernice & Marcia Schurtz Moon Jefferson Funeral Chapel Honorable Mark Sickles Cary Nalls Robert Daniel (Danny) Simms WilliamJean Starry Poppe Event Sponsors MarjorieBonnie Bagget Ruetenik Tharpe DonnaTom Poppe Sachs-Wagner Both Sides Tours – Carl Sell & Don Hakenson Mary ElizabethBernice (Mary Jane Schurtz Simms) Whitaker Dove Heating & Air Conditioning HonorableHelen MarkR. Wise Sickles Five Star Carpet Robert DanielRon (Danny)Wise Simms Laurel Grove School Association Jean Starry Mosby Tours – Don Hakenson & Gregg Dudding Our apologyMarjorie if we Baggett missed Tharpe your name … Nalls Produce please let Donnaus know Poppe and - Wagnerwe will add you Sherman Properties – Steve Sherman Mary Elizabethto the (Marynext publication! Jane Simms) Whitaker Gregory Wilson Business Friends Helen R. Wise Ron Wise
Fairfax County History Commission Our apologies if we missed your name … Hayfield Citizens Association please let us know and we will add you James Rice, Attorney to the next publication!
Page 20 Historic Franconia Legacies—Franconia Museum Inc.
We’re on the Web! www.franconiamuseum.org
*** We Are Open ***
2016 Board Of Directors: Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday - Saturday President: Carl Sell (Pub Co-Editor) 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. VP for Administration: Vacant VP for Education: Contact us at [email protected]
Phyllis Walker-Ford VP for Historical Activities: and set up a time with Carl Sell, Don Don Hakenson (Pub Co-Editor) Hakenson, or one of the other Board
Secretary: Members, and tell them your story of Judy Hutchinson your Franconia remembrances. Treasurer: Jane Higham
Directors:
Carol Hakenson Nathaniel Lee REMEMBER WHEN … Cary Nalls Steve Sherman Margie Simms Mary Smith
Sonny Wright Bob Young
Joyce Young Special Advisor
Jim Cox Senior Advisors: Marge Tharpe
Don Walker Margaret Welch Honorary Directors:
Congressman Jim Moran Delegate Mark Sickles
Supervisor Jeff McKay
Honorable Gladys Keating Honorable Joe Alexander Honorable Dana Kauffman Past Board Members
Delores Comer Debbie Dudding Gregg Dudding Johna Gagnon
Bob Heittman Dan Kuntz Rita Kuntz Andy Higham Jenee Lindner Marcia Moon Betty Nalls Sue Patterson Edith Sprouse Christine Tollefson Franconia Museum Ribbon Cutting – March 25, 2006 Jacqueline Walker .Debbi Wilson Left to right: Johna Gagnon, Debbi Wilson, Sue Patterson, Jac Walker, Brad Center, Dana Kauffman, Phyllis Walker Ford Webmaster: Jim Sapp FRANCONIA. . .FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS Newsletter Editor: Judy Hutchinson