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Online Submitted Public Comments for the June 23, 2020 Regular Meeting of the Winchester Common Council

Submissions Received (Online and Directly to Staff) As-Of 5:00PM on 6/23/20

Name: Don Warren

Address: 516 Fairmont Ave. (and 39 W Jubal Early Dr.) (22601)

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments: Regarding the possibility of renaming Jubal Early Drive; Poll the businesses that such a change would affect. See what they think. It is easy to dictate change, but even easier to overlook the ramifications and trickle down effects that such a change can cause. Please don’t do so without asking those who will be directly affected and become financially obligated by such a change. The cost to businesses will not be small... especially amid the massive lull most businesses have experienced due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Replacing all letterhead, checks, deposit slips, business cards for multiple employees, print advertising, and everything else containing the business’ address can cost a small fortune. Not to mention the labor expense involved in notifying all the business contacts. As for my personal opinion, I don’t believe in shoving history under the rug. Keeping the names of these historical figures in the public eye serves to tell the story of our past, and how we as a people have evolved.

Name: Thomas Earl Hickman

Address: 157 Lambden Ave. (22601)

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments: I do not support changing the name of Jubal Early Dr., removing historical statues, or similar actions that seek to deny Winchester's rich historical heritage. Doing so does not change the history, but it weakens our understanding of it.

Name: Lynn Dale

Address: Whittier Ave.

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments: First off, the strategic plan cited seems a stretch as far as citing Goal IV (transparency, efficiency, innovation) as directly correlating to this resolution of the Mayor’s and City Council. Getting to the issue of this resolution to rename Jubal Early, Abrams Creek Pkwy makes the most sense given the geography described. IF Goal IV IS to apply to this issue, then let’s promote a culture of EFFICIENCY by so naming a road that runs between one Abrams Creek bridge and another bridge over Abrams Creek, and that is in proximity to Abrams Creek Preserve. Let’s be EFFICIENT in identifying a road by its location. As well, it shows an EFFICIENCY in communicating directions to others as Abrams Creek and Abrams Creek Preserve are relatable reference points. Let’s also be INNOVATIVE by NOT playing pseudo-politics. Let’s be TRANSPARENTLY striving for unity over

Public Comments for the June 23, 2020 Meeting of the Winchester Common Council

Page 2 of 14 devisiveness. Why assuage the emotions for some by deliberately antagonizing the feelings of others on this subject. If there is to be a name change, which appears to be inevitable, then why take steps to remove offense from one population only to give offense to another population. The debate of rightness or wrongness - the discussion of varying ideals, allegiances, and priorities aside - how about truly aiming for cohesiveness by NOT playing into controversy regardless of which side of the controversy one would be coming down on. If INNOVATIVE TRANSPARENCY is with intent for a best case scenario for ALL Winchester residents, then let’s NOT just swap numbers as to which residents are being provoked by the current road name in choosing the new road name. What is the history behind the naming of Abrams? If it’s historically controversial, then opt for Winchester Pkwy. If the naming of Winchester is likewise controversial, then new suggestions need to be sought out. Truly, are you looking to knit residents together or provide an unnecessary divisive element in this city? Let’s be different and lessen where we can, playing into an agenda narrative of disenfranchisement. Let’s thoughtfully and responsibly take steps aside of hostility. Healthy race relations do not pit one against another. Rather, it is to forge an environment where there is less conflict and greater harmony. Less conflict. Not different conflict. Less.

Name: Marilyn Rae Heath

Address: 221 Roszel Rd. (22601)

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments: Renaming Jubal Early Drive:

To the Honorable Winchester City Council Members:

My husband, Peter Johnson, and I, though not southern by birth or upbringing, ARE FIRMLY AGAINST REVISING HISTORY to current popular misconceptions and values. History should be true and factual. The cultural belief system ot each time period should also be considered. We need to learn from history, not extinguish it. As they say, if you do not know your history you will tend to repeat it. Where we were educated, the mid-west and west, we were taught that the Civil War was mostly started as a state's rights issue that incorporated slavery. Just because Winchester happens to be in the south (on the side that lost the war which, thereby, freed the slaves) and has quite an astonishing and admirable civil war history, especially having changed hands over 75 times, does not mean we should take away all that significance from public view due to some present day people being offended by it. The statues, names on buildings and street signs, and other honors given to these people at an earlier time was done to honor the person (or event) for many good and admirable accomplishments and traits. WE CANNOT TAKE OUR PRESENT DAY SECULAR CULTURAL VALUES AND IMPOSE THEM ON A TIME PERIOD LONG AGO. Much has changed over the years that have helped all races of color. We are all one race, just different shades of tan. There is more to be done, but that is mostly done by working on relationships with each other, really sharing our hearts and thoughts, and working on things that need adjustment. It is time to get rid of the hatred and division in our country and communities and come together as a united front to preserve the freedoms and history of our nation. Values and things like hatred are often taught and passed down from generation to generation. We should not fall prey to victimhood mentality and infringe on others with differences of opinion. Taking away America's proud heritage, the good and the bad, leads only to a nation without an identity or freedoms and opens us to a socialistic Marxist existence which will doom us. Why do you think other people from other nations want to live in America-the home of the free?

Public Comments for the June 23, 2020 Meeting of the Winchester Common Council

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It appears that this is a knee-jerk reaction due to an uproar over the slavery issue. All sides and thoughts should be addressed such as slavery has been around for thousands of years (not just black people enslaved and during the Civil War time period there were black slave owners as well), confusion over the slogan "black lives matter" (don't all lives matter?) and the Marxist organization Black Lives Matter, and other issues like the fact there is a high abortion rate of blacks so why do not unborn black babies matter?? The list goes on and on. Time to get back to the real crux of the matter-it is all a heart issue. What do you expect from a morally declining Godless world?

So count us as a LOUD AND STRONG 'NO CHANGE' TO RENAMING JUBAL EARLY DRIVE OR ANY OTHER PRESENT DAY CIVIL WAR RELATED ENTITY. The same goes for removing or "hiding" them, such as memorials, elsewhere. We should tell the true facts of our history, warts and all. All are teachable moments.

Name: Robert Patton

Address: 1352 Ramseur Ln. (22601)

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments: As a homeowner in Winchester, I strongly urge keeping the street name (Jubal Early) as is. History should be appreciated, not rewritten, especially in its time context.

Additionally, the cost of signage change plus the cost and stress of address change for property owners (homes/business) is incalculable without any appreciable benefit.

KEEP the name!

Name: Taylor Floyd Finley V

Address: 3172 Valley Pike (22602)

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments: This comment is in regards to the discussion of the renaming of Jubal Early Drive. In light of recent events and with a man such as Early , why not replace the street name with a great African-American man with strong ties in the Winchester community? Taylor Floyd Finley, worked as one of the black communities only practicing dentist starting back in 1928. He was born in Winchester and stayed here his entire life while being a teacher and running a recreational center. One of his grandsons Donald Finley, Sr. was the first African-American man elected into Winchester City Council. And his son Donald Finley, Jr. is a well-respected and known police officer for Winchester. Many of Taylor’s decedents still live here in the Winchester area. Here is a link to the Taylor Finley Memorial with more information, that is in Winchester that you may have already seen before in our great city : https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=96111 This suggestion isn’t simply an African-American related to the civil rights movement like some others. But one based on a man who had strong ties to the community, so much so he spent his life here and wanted to make it a better place despite the likely hardships he faced through discrimination/segregation at that time in history. This choice I feel would move away from the subject of the civil war, which is a very touchy subject, and turn it towards great people who helped make this city the way it is today.

Public Comments for the June 23, 2020 Meeting of the Winchester Common Council

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Name: Sharon C. Stern

Address: 717 S. Stewart St. (22601)

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments: I am not in favor of changing the name of Jubal Early Drive! If you change that street name how many others are next? Leave all the names as they are. Can't believe you would let a small group of people to open this can of worms. Those who forget history are bound to repeat it.

Name: Carolyn Frye

Address: 111 W. North Ave.

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments: I understand that there is an item on the agenda to consider renaming Jubal Early Drive. It is premature at best to consider renaming this roadway. Erasing history does not undo what has been done in the past. No one alive today has owned slaves or condones slavery. This was a terrible practice in the past, but to view everything through our politically correct vision of the 21st century and try to eliminate what happened in the 19th century is not possible. Renaming Jubal Early will cause more division, not heal wounds. A better response to what is going on nationwide is to actually make a positive impact on the lives of others, no matter what their skin color. Tearing down statues and renaming streets, military bases and buildings may make some people feel better, but it does nothing to repair the brokenness in our society. What does repair that is providing support to people in minority neighborhoods who are living in high crime areas. Repair involves school choice, better police practices, and support for minority-owned businesses. Rioting and destruction tears down. We need to build up. So NO. Do not rename Jubal Early Drive. Again, if you want to truly help the African American community, act in a positive way to lift up those who need assistance. Renaming a street or a building is an empty symbol that accomplishes nothing but more division.

Name: Lacey Harris

Address: 821 Thomas Ct. #35 (22601)

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments: Does Jubal early have to be renamed after another person? I am totally in favor of renaming, but all of the alternative options are people. After reading numerous comments on Facebook I just feel like names can be controversial.

Public Comments for the June 23, 2020 Meeting of the Winchester Common Council

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Name: Barbara E. White

Address: 232 Hackberry Dr. Stephens City (22655)

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments: The renaming of Jubal Early. I feel as a resident of Winchester, that changing this name will create more problems in the future. I think the costs are going to be ridiculous for the business. This will not end if you do it. They will push harder meaning everyone behind this to rename our town because of Winchester guns. We have more powerful things to focus on right now! The list of income due to COVID 19. The drugs, destruction and hatred. Why do t we focus as a community and help our North End if town and clean and beautify it so people who have nothing can feel proud to come home. Let’s use the funds wisely for once. Bowing to sudden whims is stupid. If Thoth don’t like it let them move South. All races. I believe we are all one with God and people need to start thinking that way!

Name: Crystal D. Wilson

Address: 2948 Sorrell Ct.

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments: I vote in favor of changing the name of Jubal Early Drive. I saw a recommendation of Loving Ave after the biracial couple who paved the way in and I liked that idea.

Name: Danielle Bostick

Address: 1893 Clayton Ridge Dr. (22601)

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments: Winchester tells its story through signage, street names, monuments, historic sites... and, of course, through the people who live here. Any changes to Jubal Early should be informed by heavy citizen input and be part of a larger strategy to convey Winchester's values and history in a cohesive way. I was also disappointed not to see a cost for this change in the agenda packet. Businesses on Jubal Early will need to update items with their address (and, obviously, take the time to update their address with vendors and customers). It is important to consider the financial impact of such a change (will the city have grants/funds to offset this cost?). Given that only one name mentioned in the agenda item is someone who lives in Winchester, it is important to solicit feedback from the public in a coordinated, deliberate way. And, it is important to have a broader strategy for monuments/ street names/ etc. within our city. Citizen involvement in this process from start to finish is critical.

Who compiled the list of names? What individuals provided feedback? To whom did the city reach out in compiling these suggestions? What community groups were consulted?

I hope to see an agenda item about ways to contextualize the Confederate monument on our pedestrian mall.

Public Comments for the June 23, 2020 Meeting of the Winchester Common Council

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Name: Jennifer Kauten Burke

Address: 2091 Cidermill Ln. (22601)

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments: I have not seen or heard any information as to a why Winchester is planning on removing the name Jubal Early from road signage. Was there a public complaint with proper legal documents and signatures provided or was this just a conversation between a few people? Have the businesses been notified and given a say? If not, take a poll and see how much of a financial burden this could place on the many small businesses that are along this road. Winchester could lose precious revenue to frederick county because of this. Let’s make this a community choice, and have the citizens vote on this issue.

Name: Evania Sempeles

Address: 331 Woodbine Rd. Clear Brook (22624)

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments: On the renaming of Jubal Early Drive:

I second the suggestion of renaming this road after Dr. Sara Winifred Brown. It is a shame that I had not heard of Dr. Brown before this proposal.

She grew up in Winchester at a time of extreme political unrest and, despite this, she managed to defy society's expectations of black women. Not only was she academically brilliant, she proved her selfishness by volunteering her talent as a physician to US service members and flooding victims. Dr. Brown should be revered by our community for her bravery and perseverance.

To not acknowledge this Winchester native's achievements erases the city's rich, diverse history. We mustn't forget that the story of Winchester does not end on the battlefield.

Name: Pamela Isaacson

Address: 307 Beechcroft Rd. (22601)

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments: I feel that if a name is removed due to Confederacy relations then it should not be named for any other race or nationality. Since things are being removed for their connection to "white" why should "black" be enforced or any other race? Neutrality would be best and no arguements or offended feelings.

Public Comments for the June 23, 2020 Meeting of the Winchester Common Council

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Name: Dayton T. Uphold

Address: 130 Brunswick Rd. Stephens City (22655)

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments: My comments are related to the resolution before the council to rename Jubal Early Drive.

First, I thank you all for giving a moment to "speak" before the council. I am aware that I am not a Winchester resident, but I would like to put my "2 cents" in.

I believe that we should rename Jubal Early Drive in honor of Winchester's most well-known resident, . Currently, yes, the town does have a road named for Patsy Cline, but it goes from Pleasant Valley Road to the Mall. In my opinion (and I've lived here since 1992), I've always felt that that was a dishonor and disrespectful to her. We should do one better and name a road for her that stretches three-quarters of the City of Winchester.

The "old" Patsy Cline Boulevard could be renamed "Mall Drive" which is used on the other side of Apple Blossom Mall beside Perkins and the US50/US522/I-81 interchange.

Patsy not only sang some of country music's most-known songs with "Crazy" and "Walkin' After Midnight", but put Winchester on the map in the late 50s and early 60s. Now people flock to the Patsy Cline House and the Patsy Cline Theater at John Handley High School for the annual "Patsy Cline Classic". This is someone the City of Winchester is clearly proud of and we would be more than proud to have in place than Early.

As most know, Jubal Early was a Confederate general in the Civil War, commanding divisions under Generals Stonewall Jackson and Richard Ewell. After the Confederacy lost the war, Early fled the US, going to Mexico, Cuba, and Canada. He returned to the country he fought against, proudly calling himself "unrepentant rebel".

Early would go on to give speeches on "The Lost Cause of the Confederacy". An ideology and a rhetoric that the Confederacy's cause was a just one and more disgustingly, a heroic one.

The Lost Cause minimizes or denies outright the central role of slavery in the buildup to and outbreak of The Civil War. That denial is still heard today. If you ask people on the street, some will not be able to "slavery" was the real cause because that rhetoric has permeated our national way of thinking, even our teaching.

The rhetoric of The Lost Cause continued into the 1950s and 1960s through the Civil Rights Movement. It fueled us as a nation to build these prominent Confederate monuments, which are now rightly being torn down city by city, name roads after them, name schools after them, and more.

We should not celebrate someone whose dangerous, hate-filled words have perverted their way into the national interpretation of our history. Not only our history, but the history of the black people.

We should celebrate someone who gives us enjoyment with each play of "Walkin'" or heartbreak with "Leavin' on Your Mind" or "She's Got You" and "I Fall to Pieces" and real pride when we hear "Crazy". That's someone who lived here in Winchester, was proud to be from here, worked here in Winchester, and is laid to rest not far from Winchester's city limits.

I ask the City Council to consider renaming Jubal Early Drive to Patsy Cline Drive and denounce Jubal Early's place in the history of Winchester once and for all. Thank you all for your time.

Public Comments for the June 23, 2020 Meeting of the Winchester Common Council

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Name: Thomas Morris Fabrizio IV

Address: 221 Fox Dr. (22601)

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments: If Jubal Early is not going to be the name of the road anymore. Why don’t we not make it about race or any historic person? In an effort to avoid any backlash or further issues regarding race, maybe we should name the road after a bird or a flower? Magnolia drive?

Name: Jason C. Murray

Address: 716 S. Washington St. (22601)

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments (Submitted to Staff Directly): Ladies and Gentlemen,

Attached is a list of signatories to an online petition to rename Jubal Early Drive. [Document submitted to Council]

Jubal Early is perhaps the most egregious figure to be venerated in public in Winchester.

Additionally, it is fully within the city’s power to rename Jubal Early Drive.

Consider that Jubal Early was a confederate general who fled the country in cowardice to hide in Canada after the civil war until he and other confederate traitors were pardoned by President Andrew Johnson in 1869 as part of our failed reconstruction. More important, he was an unrepentant advocate for white supremacy until he died. He wholeheartedly believed that God had decreed that “the inferior race should be kept in a state of subordination” and furthermore that slavery was good for the “Barbarous natives of Africa” because it kept them “In a civilized and Christianized condition”. Furthermore, his writings are critical in establishing the false Southern narrative that the South fought a noble war against Northern aggression. His works are indeed among those that form the very foundation of Lost Cause ideology and he is among that racist ideology’s chief architects. This is the very same ideology that is the basis for Jim Crow and continues even today to poison our country with its modern evolution into structurally racist policies and the false narrative that the Civil War was about states’ rights.

It amazes me how many folks will say they are not racist, but consider it "historical remembrance" when a street is named in honor of a someone whose life’s work was to keep Black folks enslaved in one way or another. Jubal Early did this first as a slave owner, then as a confederate general, and finally as an architect of the philosophy underlying Jim Crow and the legacy of the racism it has preserved. Never mind that there is nothing historical about a street commemorated in my lifetime as opposition to the civil rights movement. I can only assume that anyone who thinks it’s appropriate to have a street named after Jubal Early either agrees with Jubal Early's racist philosophy or is somehow still too indifferent to care. The thing is, that when you do nothing, you are actually picking a side. Doing nothing on this issue is exactly what the racists need so that future generations can continue to unknowingly internalize acceptance of white supremacist ideals in public spaces. Indeed, silence is violence.

Public Comments for the June 23, 2020 Meeting of the Winchester Common Council

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Lastly, I would like to say a few words about Lost Cause propagandist organizations like the Sons of Confederate Veterans and the Daughters of the Confederacy who will oppose any move to rename Jubal Early Drive.

These lost cause propagandists don't put up monuments or name streets to commemorate history. They do so as an information warfare campaign that has been waged since 1865 to control the narrative and falsely portray traitor-racists like Jubal Early as heroic figures. They seek to add legitimacy to white supremacy and create support for racist policies and ideas in our society for generations to come. It might seem trivial, but as long as we have widespread public veneration of racists, we will also have folks whose polluted world view - one in which Early is a hero - lead them to craft and support structurally racist policies that result in oppression, racial violence, and even lynching without consequence.

Lost Cause propaganda also has another purpose. It is intended to terrorize Black citizens and their allies. It is intended to demonstrate the continuing dominance of white supremacist ideas. It is intended to convey that it is white racists who have the power in this country and that they always will. It seeks to imply that all struggle for equality and fairness is pointless. This is wholly unacceptable. That said, why is one of the busiest streets in Winchester still named for this racist traitor?

Jubal Early Drive needs to be renamed so that we are not honoring one of the most overt white supremacists in our national history.

Please do the right thing.

Thank You Respectfully,

Jason C. Murray Winchester City Resident 716 S. Washington Street

Name: Jeff L. Chamberlin

Address: 1716 Brandon Dr. (22601)

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments (Submitted to Staff Directly): Please consider the name Isaac Parkins Parkway. Parkins was a town pioneer, member of Burgesses, Quaker leader, member of the vestry, built first first mill in Winchester, and owned the land all along Jubal Early drive. Upper Abrams Creek was originally named Parkin's Mill Run. He built what was probably the first stone house in Winchester prior to 1740. It was located at 409 Jubal Early Dr. His family is buried in the old Quaker cem. behind the Hertz office. His daughter Rachel and her husband had Abram's Delight built. He was a road overseer responsible for many of our earliest roads... Consider honoring him with one of his own.

Thank You, Jeff L. Chamberlin 1716 Brandon Drive

Public Comments for the June 23, 2020 Meeting of the Winchester Common Council

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Name: Steven W. Morrison

Address: Not Provided

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments (Submitted to Staff Directly): Greetings,

I am writing to you regarding Jubal Early Parkway. Should the city be willing to accept suggestions for its renaming, I would like to nominate an early Winchester founding family, Isaac Parkins and his wife Mary. My wife is a descendant of Isaac's principal heir and in the past few years, we've done extensive research on the family. Much has been written in local histories about Isaac and Mary. We fact checked these claims and find most to be credible.

Isaac Parkins was one the area's earliest families, receiving two patents in 1735. Jubal Early Parkway parallels one parcel and according to local historians, A. Nicholas Powers and Jeff Chamberlain, the road lies adjacent to their house which was named “Friendly Grove.” Parkins constructed mills along Abrams Creek, with two grist and a sawmill. From this, he supplied planks for the first Frederick County Courthouse (a 40' x 40' log structure on the current site). Parkins was an early justice for Frederick County, and once the Town of Winchester was platted was named one of the Towns’ first commissioners. He served in the Virginia House of Burgess for a short time before the French and Indian War. Parkins served as a County Militia Captain from March 1753 thru Sept. 1761. He also elected to the 2nd Frederick Parrish, serving a vestryman from Aug 1752 for a period. Some of his lessor community duties included acting as a road overseer, tithe collector, estate administrator, and guardian. Local histories indicate that Parkins was a Quaker (member of the Religious Society of Friends), but I have uncovered information which contradicts that. This is why his wife Mary deserves equal consideration.

Isaac and Mary Booth were most likely married in New Castle, Delaware around 1722 or 1723. Mary was a birthright Quaker, having been born of a Quaker mother and father. By 1725 Isaac and Mary moved to Cecil County, where Mary engaged with the local Quaker meeting. Alexander Ross was a member of that same meeting. Quaker records show that Isaac and Mary had 14 children. After Mary died, Isaac is believed to have fathered three other children by two additional wives. Members of the Parkins and Hollingsworth families are believed to be buried in a small burial ground just behind the Hertz rental car store, also along the parkway. Unfortunately, Mary's religion did not believe in headstones until sometime later, so there are few. Quaker records indicate that one of the first Quaker weddings in the community occurred at the Parkin's home in Dec 1734. Meetings for worship were also reported there. Families are a product of their time, and records show that Isaac owned enslaved persons after Mary's death. It was not until after Isaac’s death in 1774, that the Quaker Yearly Meeting for the Winchester area prohibited all slave holding by its members.

Early male settlers often lay claim to the term 'founding fathers', but their wives shared the same struggles and hardships, so they must not be overlooked. This is why Isaac and Mary Parkins both deserve consideration for a renamed parkway which traverses their property, and lies adjacent to both the family graveyard and their former homesite.

Please contact me if I can assist in an official nomination process in any way.

Best, Steven W. Morrison

Public Comments for the June 23, 2020 Meeting of the Winchester Common Council

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Name: Gerald Caffrey

Address: 202 Rebecca Dr. (22602)

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments: Denying our history by eliminating references to Jubal Early is the wrong thing to do. However, I can understand the concerns about naming a major local roadway after a Confederate General who was a White Supremicist. Most of us are familiar with the work and sacrifice of Dr. King. We are not as familiar with Dr. Sara Winifred Brown , Thomas Laws or Spottswood Pole. These unknown examples of triumph over racism should be highlighted, especially since they all have a direct connection to Winchester. I think we need an extension to one of our local museums that go into detail of our history from beginning to present day that is inclusive of all, not just war heroes. We need to include the scientists, industrialists, teachers, explorers, Etc. as well as the Revolutionary and Civil war eras.

Name: Patricia Jackson

Address: 1344 Ramseur Ln. (22601)

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments: My comment is in response to the proposal to change the name of Jubal Early Drive. My concern revolves around the removal of the history of Winchester. This rush to change a name, or any other historical reference should be considered carefully. History, whether either positive or negative, is the life blood of a community. This history is part of the development of fledgling society. Historical ‘roots’ are the road map to growth and development of a city, town, a community. Slavery was truly a scar on humanity. Winchester sits squarely in the middle of the history of the Civil War. As a resident if Winchester, my plea is for both sides of this concern to come together and consider the alternative. The Council should consider deep discussion on the subject, before committing to any change. Winchester needs to reflect on the future and the past, with kindness and consideration of heritage and community. Submitted by Patricia Jackson, City resident

Name: Elisabet Michaelsen

Address: 1851 Melvor Ln. (22601)

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments: I would respectfully suggest that Jubal Early Drive be renamed after Thomas Laws. A plaque in his memory is already in Winchester, as he was instrumental in providing information to the Union to chase away Jubal Early from our town. It was also remarkable that Mr. Laws, an enslaved person, cooperated with a female Quaker in his resistance endeavours. Thank you for your attention.

Public Comments for the June 23, 2020 Meeting of the Winchester Common Council

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Name: Darlene Walker

Address: Not provided

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments (Delivered to Council Directly): In light of past events involving the mistreatment of my ancestors due to slavery, discrimination, inequality across the board, racism, etc., I feel that having public venues named after someone who played a major role in the aforementioned disparities is a slap in my face. Years ago, I spoke before the Council about having to see the Confederate flag on my windshield every time I got into my car. That was another slap in the face, and for the longest time, I didn’t display it- that is, until my parked car was ticketed. Shame on me! It was satisfying when a new decal was eventually created before discontinuing them altogether.

I’m wondering how many names were in the mix before Jubal Early became the chosen one. Were any of them names of someone who stood for justice, equality, and humanity? Some people say we’re being too sensitive about everything these days. I say, walk in my shoes and then tell me how you feel! For far too long, we’ve been complacent about these subtle reminders of “back in the day” treatment of our ancestors, not to mention present day situations. It’s 2020- time for a change! That change should include the renaming of Jubal Early to one that doesn’t depict oppression, discrimination, and racism.

Respectfully submitted,

Darlene Walker

Afterthought: Are there any plans for a Hitler Highway, Street, or Avenue? I certainly hope not!

Name: Deb Himelright

Address: 717 Sterling Dr. (22601)

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments: I would like to respectfully request that Howard Walker's name be considered for any potential name change to Jubal Early Drive. Please see his tragic story at theunrulyhistorian.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/mockingbird-project.pdf. This information was gathered by Shenandoah University graduate students and published in 2014. Walker was a 26-year-old black man arrested on March 8, 1944 for an alleged rape in Winchester the evening before. He was coerced into confession by threats of lynching. His trial and sentencing occurred 10 days after his arrest. An FBI report was completed the day before his trial, and it is not likely it was in the hands of officials or the court on the day of his trial. The FBI could not confirm that any rape had occurred or that Walker had ever been at the scene of the alleged crime. His accuser testified in the judge's chambers, and Walker was not present. Walker was sentenced to death in the electric chair. After his execution, his family was not allowed to claim his body for a decent burial. It most likely went to MCV for use as a medical cadaver (remanded to the Anatomical Board).

This is one of the most grievous miscarriages of justice to have occurred in our town or in our country (or ever in the world). No justice can be given to this man now. His life cannot be given back. It is far too late for due process. What can be given to him at this point is dignity and respect. What can be given to our town is at

Public Comments for the June 23, 2020 Meeting of the Winchester Common Council

Page 13 of 14 least the recognition that his innocent life did matter. When I have used these materials in conjunction with the To Kill a Mockingbird unit, I have had sophomores cry because something like this happened in their town.

I would also like to respectfully request that, if a portrait of Judge Burr P. Harrison (who also served in Congress as a representative from this area) is hanging on any civic properties in Winchester, Virginia, that it be taken down immediately.

Thank you for your consideration, Deb Himelright

Name: Paul Keyton

Address: 121 S. Cameron St. (22601)

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments: This is in regards to the proposal to change the name of Jubal Early Drive. I oppose this and any other request to slowly erase our city’s history and heritage. I’m not going to get out the crop and beat the issue of erasing and destroying history to death however, this one decision could open up ramifications that lead to more and more. As we see daily, Those that push for these changes will come back for more, fiending like a junkie. Then what? Washington, Indian alley, perhaps they can find fault with John Handley, Charles Rouss or others who enriched this town. So leave it alone!!

Name: Mark Stickley

Address: 324 Whitlock Ave. (22601)

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments: I would like to offer my opinion on the renaming of Jubal Early drive. I am unequivocally opposed to this idea, primarily for two reasons: first off, where will this end? Certainly not with Jubal Early. What about Mosby St.? What about Stonewall Jackson's Museum or George Washington's Museum? Could there be a skeleton in the closet of John Handley? There is no logical end to this mad rush to whitewash history. Secondly, we should take heed of Edmund Burke's admonishment that those who forget history are doomed to repeat it (I am paraphrasing). While Jubal Early (and many other men of yesteryear) may have had his flaws so do we. I shutter to think that generations from now will uncover 'uncomfortable' truths about any of us, even if those truths are perfectly acceptable today. We should not judge history by a relative standard that is ever-changing. I would also like to offer a personal anecdote: I live one block from Sheridan Ave. It was General Jubal Early who stood between General Philip Sheridan and many southerners like my ancestors. After Early's loss to Sheridan in the Battle of Cedar Creek, Sheridan's union army ransacked the 'breadbasket of the confederacy' (the Shenandoah Valley), stealing horses and livestock for transportation and food and burning fields and barns. My ancestors, who had a farm on the north end of Strasburg adjacent to Cedar Creek, lost their livelihood and all their livestock. They restarted life with a broken down horse that was discarded by the Union Army. I do not wish to rename Sheridan Ave. But this northern general proved himself a terrorist against civilians at the war's end. Will his legacy be questioned? Do not change the name of Jubal Early Dr. Regards, Mark Stickley

Public Comments for the June 23, 2020 Meeting of the Winchester Common Council

Page 14 of 14

Name: Larry Lamar Yates

Address: 678 Berryville Ave. (22601)

Comments Related to Public Hearing? No

Comments: In the 1990s your predecessors on this Council made a sloppy decision in naming a road. One part of that sloppy decision was accepting the recommendation of Jubal Early's name. Jubal Early, in his postwar career of almost three decades, was one of the more despicable people of his time. He used the Rebel uniform and the proceeds of a crooked lottery to support himself financially in the work of posthumously undermining Robert Lee's dignity and promoting a racist Jim Crow system, using Lost Cause lies about history. He hypocritically hid behind Robert Lee's life of piety and morality while living precisely the opposite life. I chose every one of those harsh words carefully, and with the ability to document every single one. Choosing Jubal Early was a bad choice, and it hasn't gotten better.

The other mistake your predecessors on Council made back then was to make the decision quickly, without serious community involvement. I made an alternative proposal on this issue 7 years ago, suggesting that the author of Winchester's Juneteenth, Robert Milroy, be honored. I think it was a reasonable proposal. But more than I want to see my choice selected, I would really like to see the community involved in this decision. And I would especially like to see the young people, who are going to live with this, involved. I would like to suggest the council appoint a commission, with heavy representation from young people, not necessarily just voters, and of older people who work with young people, and give them a deadline of 3-4 months to come back to you with not just a couple of names for the road, but with well thought out reasons for those names.

There are a lot of great suggestions for names here tonight that I could support. But I am asking you to have the patience to let a discussion happen, to engage our young people, and to allow our community values, looking to the future, to inform a final decision.

Public Comments for the June 23, 2020 Meeting of the Winchester Common Council