Newsletter of the

Eastern Shore of Virginia

Historical SocietyVolume 6 Issue 2

December 2012 Eastern Shore Historical Society Newsletter 1

Message from the DirectorThe great thing about history is that we are all a part of it… and the great thing about the Historical Society is that

through the programs we are offering in 2013, there will always be something new to learn, something for every-one. And, that never gets old.

In the upcoming months, we are going to start digging into our past with an exciting research project under our very own roof; the reorganization and cataloging of our extensive archives and collections. I just have this feeling that it is going to be a daily adventure as we go through each document, picture, archival box, and drawer. We are all anxious to put our (gloved) hands on these hidden treasures in our collection, to make it more accessible to the public, and to bring to light the pieces we will need to acquire in the future in order to better interpret our past. As I mentioned in our Annual Fund appeal letter, we have a great story to tell, and getting it heard makes me excited about the work we have ahead. I have high expectations that we will be re-discovering so much about ourselves in this process. The ultimate goal is to build a stronger organization from the inside out. Cecil Turner, Ann Nock, Jean Mihalyka, Norma Barnes, Valena Gibb, and Mills Wehner started this project years ago, and it is time we finish. My ten year old son actually introduced a concept to me that I would like to share with you. He told me that the secret to getting through a day in the fourth grade is to make work play. He is not always the strongest student, but he’s got a point here. It applies to everyday life and it will particularly apply to the archives and collections project. I would love to invite any of you interested in helping throughout the process to join along. Call us to volunteer. It is going to be happy work, I mean-play, and I can hardly wait.

We also know that our members are curious and in-spired by life in general, and bringing life under this roof while accentuating our collections is just part of the fun. Our calendar is full of a stimulating mix for the intel-lectually curious and the light at heart. For example, we are looking forward to the Dennis Custis winter lecture series in January with the same fervent anticipation as our Second Friday art show with Barnaby Conrad in March. We have children’s programs built into the calendar along with a continuation of our Lunch and Lecture Series. We are organizing several exhibits from our collection for

display in the Spring, and we are even being loaned an exhibit on the archaeology discoveries recently made in Makemie Park by the Francis Makemie Society, including a 17th century five carat blue gem stone. In 2013, we are determined to make our history relevant in some way to each of our members, to touch as many people on the Shore as possible. I find, the more we share, the more we learn, the stronger we become as a community, and the more fun we have together.

Remember, Ker Place is open to all of you. Whether you are interested in volunteering, becoming a docent, participating in one of our programs, or using the house for one of your own private events, our history belongs to us all- We are all a part of it. Have a beautiful holiday, a merry Christmas, and a bright new year. I hope to see you soon.

My very warmest regards, Jenny Barker

Ker Place

Onancock, Vawww.kerplace.org (757) 787-8012

Photos by www.freshlywed.com

Ad.indd 1 11/27/2012 3:42:34 PM

Calendar of events

2 Eastern Shore Historical Society Newsletter December 2012

JanuarysaMMI’s Clubhouse (Saturday’s in Jan. & Feb., 9:30 – 11 AM) The Education Programs for 2013 begin with a new children’s circle for winter weekends. On Saturday, January 5, 2013 SAMMI’s Clubhouse (Stories And More Mysterious Imaginings) will be open to all youngsters aged 4-10 where stories, plays, and games from around the world are planned. Parents can drop off their children in safe hands. The Winter Clubhouse will run every Saturday in January and February. FREE admission for all children. Call to reserve a space. second friday: Ballroom dancing for Beginners (Friday, January 11th 6– 8 PM) Interested in learning the basic steps of the Waltz, the Fox Trot, or the Cha Cha? Do you need to brush up on your old skills you feel you have forgotten? Bring your dancing shoes and get your groove on at Ker Place. Partners are suggested but not required. All experience levels are encouraged to come. The cost is $5 per person for members and $10 per person for non-members. Please call to reserve your place. (And yes, cocktails are available.) The dennis Custis lecture series (Tues. Evenings: Jan.22nd & 29th; Feb. 5th &12th 7:00 PM) Retired school teacher and local historian, Dennis Custis is best known for captivating his students with antidotal details from the past that make you feel as if you were really there. Dennis will continue his winter lecture series on Eastern Shore History with the 20th Century. Free admission to Historical Society members. $5 for non members. Onancock Baptist Church. Please call in advance.feBruarylunch & lecture. From that Time unto this Season. (Wednesday, February 6th 11:30 AM – 1 PM) Interested in Clocks? Craftsmanship? Congenial Conversation? Please join us in the foyer at Ker Place for our first Lunch & Lecture in 2013 with Dr. Harry Holcomb. An avid clock historian and collector, Dr. Holcomb will speak about the history and care of the tall case clock. Admission for the lunch and lecture is $15 for members. $20 for non-members. Call to reserve a spot by January 25th. Space is limited. north street Market Presents: The Cheap Wine Event at Ker Place. (Sat., Feb. 9th 6-9 PM) Shake off the winter chill with a night of cheap wine and warm hors d’ oeuvres at Ker Place. North Street Market is hosting this notorious party another year with an interesting twist in the works. The theme of the evening is being closely guarded. Jenny and Steve are still scheming, but you can only imagine what this duo is planning. Keep your eyes open for more information, but save the date now. When tickets go on sale sign up right away, this event will be sold out. teddy Bear tea & Instrument Petting Zoo (Sat., Feb. 16th 1-3 PM) As Part of the 2013 Amine Kellam Music Series, The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will come back to Ker Place for another special concert and story- telling hour just for families. Children and adults can enjoy listening to classic stories

accompanied to beautiful music in the intimate setting of Ker Place. Children can touch and play the precious instruments these musicians use. Sponsorships available. Free Admission.spy Camp (Sat., Febr. 23rd 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) Why Spy? Come to the Civil War Spy Camp at Ker Place! Code cracking computers, night vision goggles, cell phones, fast cars with GPS, electronic listening devices, pre-packaged food, bottled water, weather- proof clothing and smart bombs – none of these were available to the brave men, women and children who served as spies during the American Civil War. Ingenuity, resourcefulness, imagination and courage were the tools of these fascinating Americans. The Civil War Spy Camp will introduce mid -19th century espionage tradecraft, including the making and use of invisible ink; the creation of communication codes; and traveling behind enemy lines. If you are between 8 and 12 years of age, you may qualify to go on a mission to get vital information to your contact. Spy Camp hours will be from 9 – 5 P.M. and the fee is $15.00. Call 757-787-8012 if you wish to accept this challenge. “Logic will get you from A to Z; imagination will get you everywhere.” docent training (Monday, February 25th 10AM- 12N) The Historical Society is on the hunt for a few good men, women, young ladies, and gentlemen to become new docents at Ker Place. Our Docents volunteer four hours a month and the only qualification needed is a passion for interacting with the public. If you are interested, give us a call at 787-8012. MarChlunch & lecture 2: The Inspiration behind the Paintings. (Wednesday, March 6, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM) Join us for lunch and discover the secret inspirations behind artist Barnaby Conrad’s work and be able to be one of the first to see his show being installed at Ker Place for the month of March. Admission for the lunch and presentation is $15 for members. $20 for non-members. Call to reserve a spot by February 22nd. Space is limited.second friday: Art Show with Barnaby Conrad (Friday, March 8, 6:00 – 9:00 PM) Spend your Friday night gazing at fascinating paintings with artist Barnaby Conrad. On display at Ker Place will be a collection of Barnaby’s paintings inspired by the natural beauty of trout, fig trees, blue crabs and more. Come get lost in the wonderful colorful world of Barnaby Conrad’s art. All paintings will be available for sale and admission is free.annual Meeting: A Night at the Museum (Wednesday, March 20th 5:30-8:30 PM) Come to Opening Night at Ker Place and preview the year’s newest exhibits. Sip wine and saunter through the house to see the progress being made in our archives and collections rooms. Then, join us for a home cooked meal at the Market Street Methodist Church. The annual report will be given by Susan Stinson, new board members will be voted on, and a special guest lecturer will speak. Call to make a reservation now.

EDUCATESpies, Blockade Runners, and Secessionists on the Shore in 1863

SPY KIDS and Civil War Enthusiasts, see what author Kellee Blake is reporting to us about the social climate on the Eastern Shore of Virginia 150 years ago. Call to enroll a child in our Civil War Spy Camp coming up in February and be sure to keep your eyes open as the East-ern Shore of Virginia Historical Society presents another lecture in its Civil War Lecture Series with Kellee Blake this June.

Kellee Blake reports: The Eastern Shore’s blockade runners “are having a high holiday, and the secession-ists growing saucy,” grumbled Union General Robert Schenck in 1863. He was right. The canoes of Virginia’s Eastern Shore deftly slipped back and forth across the bay to Northumberland, Mathews, and other Western Shore counties as part of a complex aquahighway system bound for Richmond. On the land, clandestine supply arteries carried goods and munitions from points north, south, and distant east to waiting water transport across the Bay.

Who was willing to run the blockade and why? Was it money? Patriotism? Both? Were they “serving” the Con-federacy in lieu of uniformed action? Shielding another from inculpation? Whatever their reasons, the contra-band activity reached its zenith in the summer months of 1863 when nearly all of the Shore’s occupying troops, commanded by General Henry Hayes Lockwood, were called away to fight at Gettysburg.

Though far away, the Battle of Gettysburg would fall hard on the Shore. At least one Shoreman was killed and others wounded fighting for the Confederacy. On the Union side, many of Lockwood’s Maryland sol-diers battled against their neighbors, schoolmates, even brothers at Gettysburg. The death and destruction were overwhelming in the thick July heat; fury and bitterness would return to the Shore with these men.

During the three day battle, Henry Lockwood dis-tinguished himself at Culp’s Hill, then briefly served at Harper’s Ferry before returning to the Shore, “the flesh-pots of Egypt.” By now, Lockwood’s heart was greatly hardened against the Shorespeople and he determined they would more fully share in “the burden of this war.” The once conciliatory general now proclaimed the Shore to be a place of no “real” loyalty as he declared the block-ade running would end. Lockwood and Schenck but-tressed their coast guard and established a new paid net-work of spies and informants. Who were they?

Meanwhile, the Confederate demand for men and goods was exponentially increasing. Soldiers wrote to families on the Shore of their colleagues’ suffering for want of neces-sities. Even General Robert E. Lee called for the Shore’s continuing help in conveying, “goods from Maryland or Accomac, as it is to our benefit, and furnishes necessary articles to soldiers and citizens.” How would they answer his call? Find out the rest of the story with us.

Join us for the 4th annualdennis Custis - lecture series

starting January 22, 2013

Call us today to reserve your spot in history

December 2012 Eastern Shore Historical Society Newsletter 3

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society invites you to join in on the fun at

Stories, Plays and Games from around the world. Free Admission. Please call to Reservce Space

Every Saturday in January & February9:30 - 11:00 AM

PrEsErvE

A meaningful collaboration we are looking forward to in 2013 was initiated by a generous offer made by the Eastern Shore’s branch of the Sons of the Confederacy, also known as General Wise’s Refugees. In November, ‘The Refugees’ voted on a new initiative to assist the Historical Society in some of our future Civil War educational programs and to help us maintain the Wise Fam-ily Cemetery located in Chessonessex. This arrangement strength-ens their mission’s relevancy and supports our own goals. It is a win win for everyone.

A Mystery SolvedRecently, we uncovered a story in our files about the

shutters on Ker Place while preparing for the move of our archives next month. Mrs. Anne Nock had written the following committee report twenty years ago which outlines in vivid detail not only the beginnings of what she jovially calls, “the shutter saga,” but an example of the types of materials we can expect to find through our archives project.

From the desk of Mrs. Anne Nock: In 1992, House Committee Chairman for the Historical Society, Law-son Cantrell announced his priorities to members of the committee at our first meeting. “One of the first things we need to do is clean out the basement! No telling what we’ll find down there.” None of us questioned Lawson. He meant business. He spoke authoritatively. “We’ll begin next Wednesday at 2 0’clock… in work clothes. Meeting adjourned!” Thus began the shutter saga… though we didn’t know it at the time.

For almost two centuries, the Ker Place basement had been the handy repository for whatever its inhabitants tossed away. As spacious as the house itself, the base-ment was crammed full of rift-raft, junk, furniture, old paint, odds and ends of building supplies--you name it—things were stacked up and thrown around everywhere. Here we were in 1992, working like Trojans as we sorted through the debris.

One of the most exciting finds was a pile of window shutters made when Ker Place was built. And next to them , was a stack of newer ones with adjustable lou-vers that would have been made in the 1880’s; probably installed by Dr. George W. Powell soon after he pur-chased the property in 1875. Lawson’s eyes danced as he inspected the well-preserved find. “Well, what do you think men? Should we hang them? Lawson,” quipped K. Needels, “Please try to remember to whom you are

speaking!” It was true that two of the hardest work-ing members of Lawson’s committee were Kay Needels and Florence Mears, neither of whom had any difficulty keeping up with committeemen Ace Seybolt, Carl Sand-ers and Curt Roos.

E.S. of VA Historical Society members are well aware that the work on an old house requires a great deal of forethought and study. Lawson rose to the occasion with his new find. Upon determining it would be proper to install exterior shutters on the house, he investigated comparable prices and advantages of purchasing new shutters or repairing the old ones. Careful study revealed that the old shutters were repairable and were superior to anything that could be purchased new today.

Meanwhile, Miss Anna Mae Scott uncovered a valu-able bit of history on her own back porch during the same summer that threw light on the shutter story. Upon looking at scraps of paper in a bag she had stashed away for safekeeping some 25 years earlier, Miss Scott came upon a receipt signed by John Shepherd Ker for work done between 1799 and 1801 by his blacksmith, Levin Townsend. Carefully enumerated by the black-smith were “putting shouse on horse, pinting and strap-ping ploughs, mending ox chains, wheal box, bolts, key for lock, making 70 prs of hinges, and making 65 prs of hinges.” It was these two final entries that interested Lawson and his committee.

Exterior shutters on Ker’s new house would have re-quired exactly 70 pairs of hinges. It can be assumed that the 70 pairs were affixed to Ker’s windows. Good businessman that he was, Ker probably sold the other 65 pairs. Interestingly, although Ker’s bill from Townsend totaled £10.8.3, Ker paid Townsend only £2.1.1.71/2 after deductions were mad for rent, a gallon of brandy, some linen and an overcharge for making the hinges.

A New Collaboration

4 Eastern Shore Historical Society Newsletter December 2012

InErPrETTouch with your Eyes: New Exhibits

This winter, items from the Historical Society collection will be used for several new exhibits for display at Ker Place and at the Northampton Branch PVA’s newly renovated space at the 1899 courthouse in Eastville. However, the Historical Society’s Exhibit’s committee will be working with the Francis Makemie Society to install a new exhibit at Ker Place that will showcase items recently found at the Francis Makemie Park.

Come to

Ker PlaCe gift shoP

for presents and goodies during the holidays.

all members receive 40% offuntil the end of the year!

Help Us. . . Help You This Holiday Season

The Holiday shopping season is here! Why deal with the crowds? We are excited to save you money while helping you make a differ-ence right from the comfort of your home. The Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society is now a member of ShopForMuseums.com which allows you to donate to us at no cost to you. All that is required of you is to go to www.shopformuseums.com find us and start shop-ping at the stores you usually shop at on-line. There is a wide variety of stores and some of the stores on the list are SEARS Amazon.com, Harry & David and many more. Remem-ber to use ShopforMuseums.com each time you are shopping online for the Holidays. You might even snag an awesome deal for yourself. So get shopping and spread the Holiday Cheer.

December 2012 Eastern Shore Historical Society Newsletter 5

6 Eastern Shore Historical Society Newsletter December 2012

The eastern shore of virginiahistorical society

MeMBers of the BoardDrummond Ayres (2012)Bill Bagwell (2013)Susie Brown (2013)Ellie Cackowski (2013)Dennis Custis (2013)Ralph Dodd (2013)Caleb Fowler (2012)Edward Fowler 2015)Linda Gayle (2012)MJ Golibart (2012)Susan Henderson (2013)Jody Hopkins (2012)Rick Hubbard (2014)Lucius Kellam IV (2012)Thomas Rayfield (2013)Robin Rinaca (2014)Betsy Seybolt (2012)Diane Stewart (2013)Susan Stinson, President (2014)Norman Thibodeaux (2014)Wendy Walker (2014)J. Wayne Willams (2015)Shannon Wecoat (2015)*Ridgway Dunton *Mrs. E. Polk Kellam*Honorary Members

staffJenny Barker - Executive Director

Dawn Byrd - Membership and Archives

Kristen Schaffer - Bookkeeper

Brittany Haywood -Events and Marketing

Randy Stuart -Education

Eastern Shore of VirginiaHistorical Society69 Market StreetOnancock, VA 23417(757) 787-8012www.kerplace.org

Looking AheadThere are many ways to participate in the future and vibrancy of this

organization. Consider making a gift that will cost you nothing during your life. There are many ways to contribute, and we would love to speak to you more about the possibilities of making the Historical Society a part of your legacy when you plan your estate. We can help guide you through the several options that make the most sense to you and your family. Contact Jenny Barker by phone 757-787-8012 or email at www.keplace.org.

The Perfect GiftYou already know that joining the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical

Society is the best way to get connected to your community here on the Eastern Shore. But, have you thought of giving a membership to a friend, neighbor or family member as a gift at Christmas?? With new lecture series, workshops, concerts, and children’s activities, membership to The Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society is a gift that keeps on giving through-out the year. And, the best thing is that it fits everyone!

Connect your loved ones to the pulse of this very special community with a membership to the Historical Society. Let them discover that there is a whole world of opportunities that await behind our doors…

Members Receive:• Free admission to the Ker Place museum Headquarters of the Society…including all lectures and new exhibits.• Be the first to get invitations to special events. • Stay up to date with our quarterly Society Newsletter.• Receive a “members only” rate when you host your next wedding, birthday party or celebration here at Ker Place. • Save 10% in the Museum Gift Shop. The perfect place to find that unique item you’ve been looking for.

MAKIN’ HISTORY

Name _________________________________

Address ________________________________

______________________________________

Email: _________________________________

Phone: ________________________________

Amount/Membership Level ________________

_____ Please find my check enclosed

_____ Visa/Mastercard Exp. Date ___________

CC# ___________________________

CID# _________________

Membership levels

Student - $5.00

Teacher/Researcher - $15.00

Individual - $35.00

Family - $50.00

Friend - $100.00

Sustaining - $250.00

Patron - $500.00

Benefactor - $1000

President’s Message from Susan Stinson:

December 2012 Eastern Shore Historical Society Newsletter 7

Memories linger of the wonderful weekend many of us spent enjoying the activities surrounding the 2012 Decorative Arts Symposium, “Living a Modern Life with History.” Congratulations and expressions of deep ap-preciation go out to Jenny, Kristin, Dawn, Brittany and Randy, our terrific team at Ker Place, as well as to the planning committee, presenters, vendors, and formida-ble volunteers who attended to every detail by extend-ing their own brand of hospitality to our visitors. Finally, to those who purchased tickets and attended this world class event; thank you, thank you, thank you.

Not a moment was wasted from the early morning symposium registration on Friday until the last word from Chip Callaway on Sunday at noon. Gracious hom-eowners kicked off the weekend by opening their diverse habitats, all of which demonstrated interests in architec-ture, furnishings, and personal collections while intro-ducing our guests to the inescapable presence of history on the Eastern Shore.

It is impossible for me to capture images of each sym-posium presentation but I can start with the letter “A” (art and absinthe!) I know more about mortar than I ever expected to, I saw magnificent historic wallpapers, and I learned about using environmentally friendly materials in construction and renovation projects. We heard the latest on Chinese export porcelain, beautiful examples of which grace numerable local homes. The presentation on living with antiques urged us to buy what we love and use them. As a result of the session on creating a comfort-able home, I spent the days following the symposium go-

ing from room to room in my house and asking myself, “What would Alessandra Branca do with this room?” Not to be overlooked was the somewhat unexpected treat of being able to chat with nationally known experts while partying at historic Vaux Hall Saturday evening. Only one question remains: What can Jenny and crew possibly do in the future to top this?

Our Strategic Planning and Budgeting Committee have met for several lengthy meetings recently in order to finalize our 2013 budget. The budget is ambitious and not without risk. However, we continue to implement the Strategic Plan that was, you will remember, unanimously endorsed by our Board last July. We have increased staff at a time when many organizations are cutting staff. This action acknowledges the acute shortage of volunteers who can commit long hours of volunteer service to any orga-nization, not just ours. And it speaks to our good fortune that we are able to employ such exceptional people.

In an effort to expand access to our archives, the “East-ern Shore Room,” on the second floor at Ker Place, will be repurposed. The intention is to move our archives in there and to create a space for research and storage. We are constantly challenged to find room for archiving. This move will allow us to seriously recruit someone, perhaps an intern, to catalog our collection. Change frequently involves sacrifice and I am grateful to members of the Ex-hibition Committee for their willingness to reformulate the exhibition concept at Ker Place. In the future, we will present smaller and more frequent exhibitions through-out the house.

We’ll work to build your trust and con-fidence in the society. We’ll try to dem-onstrate social responsibility by going “green” wherever possible and by support-ing our neighbors in a constructive way when we can. Going forward, I hope the changes we are making will enhance your historical society experience.

Before closing, I’d like to extend my sympathy to the family of Joanna Snyder, who was an energetic member of the Soci-ety for many years. Joanna took a leader-ship role within the Society and was never shy about offering her advice on matters related to our work.

Thank you for your support and best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Symposium 2012

EastErn shorE of Virginia historical sociEtyPo Box 179onancock, Virginia 23417

return service requested

PRST STDU.S. Postage Paid

Non-ProfitOrganization

PERMiT NO. 30Onancock, VA

23417

Goings On… There are more programs & events on the horizon we do not want you to miss.

Card/ GaMe Party & BrunCh (Tuesday, January 15th 11AM) The Eastern Shore Chapter of the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution will be hosting brunch and cards at Ker Place. With a cash bar and cash prizes you will want to support their scholarship fund for Eastern Shore graduating seniors. $20 per person. Call Diana Wyatt at 442-4148 for more details.

anCestry WorkshoP (Saturday, March 9th & 16th - 10:00AM - 3:00PM) We are bringing back genius genealogist M. K. Miles to lead you through the process of researching your ancestry. The cost will be $35 for members and $50 for non-members. Please call to sign up.

ClassICal MusIC at ker PlaCe (Friday, April 26th 7- 8:30PM) The Virginia Symphony Orchestra is performing at Ker Place in celebration of The Garden Club of Virginia’s 80th Anniversary. Since 1929, the Historic Garden Tour has funded more than 40 restorations that improve a vital segment of Virginia’s land-scape, including the grounds at Ker Place. $20 admission. Cocktails & refreshments will be available. (The house & grounds will be open all day on April 27th for Historic Garden Tour 9AM- 5PM.)

an enChanted evenInG: our annual BenefIt. (Saturday, June 15th) The location is still being decided upon, but the date is set. You will not want to miss the most elegant party of the year that sup-ports our great cause. Mark Your Calendar Now.