Tag: Teas

Fire At the Boiler Plant at Teas

September 26, 2025 Admin No Comments

On Saturday, June 14, 1930, around midnight, a fire broke out in the Boiler Plant, part of the Teas Extract Plant. The fire was suspected to be arson, according to local newspaper coverage. The flames were first spotted by Robert Griffitts, who reported the fire, but by then, it was too late to save anything. The interior of the building was completely gutted by the time it was discovered. Witnesses reported that flames shot up the old smoke stack, which towered over Teas at 150 feet tall, and out from the top. At the time, the damage was considered minimal because the company had already planned to demolish the old building and sell the brick. After the fire, the walls remained standing, and the brickwork was undamaged. Mr. T. J. Maxwell reported that the total loss would amount to $300. In the aftermath, the Teas Extract Plant was demolished, and the 150-foot smoke stack was brought down with dynamite. Spectators gathered to watch, describing the explosion as reminiscent of a Fourth of July celebration. Such events were a rare sight in the area.

Communities, Extract Plant, Griffitts, Industry, Teas

Teas School

January 12, 2025January 13, 2025 Admin

Teas School: A Glimpse into the Past and the Struggles of Rural Education In the early 1900s, the small town of Teas, Virginia, was a thriving community born from the success of the Extract Plant, which had been established around 1910. The plant’s superintendent, Mr. W. H. Teas, lent his name to the town, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the area’s history. As the plant grew, so did the community, and with that came the creation of company housing, a post office, a commissary, and more. One of the most significant establishments was the Teas School, which became a central institution for local children. The school operated through the 1950s, and some say it possibly remained in service into the very early 1960s. During its years of operation, however, it became clear that the conditions at Teas School were far from ideal. A newspaper article published in March of 1954 in the Smyth County News sheds light on the challenges faced by the school and its students during this period. This “tell-all” piece was part of a series focusing on rural schools in the county and aimed to highlight the dire circumstances at Teas School. The article, titled “Bleak Conditions at Teas School,” painted a bleak picture of the school’s state. The article emphasized that the lunch period for students was a “sad time” due to the inadequate equipment available. The kitchen only had running water when the basin in the hall was not in use, and hot water for washing dishes and other equipment had to be heated on a stove. The building itself was in a state of disrepair, with the exterior missing underpinning, a loose gutter that allowed snow and water to drip onto the steps, and railings around the porch completely absent. The lack of proper doors, broken windows, and deteriorating plaster made the school a cold and uncomfortable place for children to learn. The conditions inside the classrooms were equally concerning. Desks were old double seaters requiring students sit two to a seat, and some were seated too close to the stove, while others sat in areas that were too far from it to stay warm. There was only one light in each room, and the overall atmosphere was not conducive to learning. In fact, the article noted that the school’s environment was so challenging that it was hindering the students’ ability to receive a proper education. The author of the article, whose identity remains unknown, clearly intended to bring attention to the serious shortcomings at Teas School and maybe even embellish them a bit. It is unclear why Teas School did not receive funds or repairs over those years it was in service. The article’s detailed descriptions of the physical problems, along with the poor educational conditions, demonstrated just how much the community and its children were suffering by this time. By the 1960s, the inevitable conclusion was reached: Teas School was abandoned, and its students and teacher were transferred to Sugar Grove School, where better conditions awaited them. Looking back on the history of Teas School is a reminder of the resilience of rural communities and the challenges they faced in providing education to their children. While the conditions at Teas School were far from ideal, the spirit of the community and its efforts to keep the school going speaks to the importance of education, even in the most difficult circumstances. Today, Teas School may be a distant memory, but its story is a vital part of the Rye Valley’s history. The building that served for decades as Teas School was finally torn down sometime in the early 2000s. Most who attended Teas School have fond memories of their time there and their teachers and unlike the description of the article, seemed to have very happy memories of school there and then later at Sugar Grove. We do not have a lot of information about the students or teachers at Teas School It was a small two room school. We have several photos shared on this article from Lucille Kinkade’s collection. She taught there for several years before moving to Sugar Grove School along with a Mrs. Slemp during the 50s. If you have additional information or stories about Teas School, please comment on the article. Photos of Teas School Through The years photos of Teas School before it was torn down Photos of Teas School before it was torn down Photos of Teas School Before it was torn down Mrs. Lucille Kinkade, Teacher at Teas School and Sugar Grove School Lucille Kinkade’s painting of Teas School Teas School Class Photos at Teas School Students at Teas School Conditions 1952 Continued Conditions 1952 Continued Conditions at Teas School 1952 Ruth Slemp, Teacher

Communities, Education, Teas, Teas School

From Sugar Grove To The American Red Cross National Capital Region

December 21, 2024 Admin No Comments

Preface: This article will not be written by the editor of the site but rather its original author through the transcription of her original notes. The following comes to us from Janelle Hamric (1916-2022), a lifelong resident of Sugar Grove. Through her writings, we will now learn the full story of how Sugar Grove attained national recognition and played a notable role in the history of the country during WWI and then gained national recognition nearly one hundred years later. Donna (Hamm) Keesling’s Quilt 1918 “From the back roads of my mind…” Each Red Cross (small) joining the quilt represented a .10 cent donation. After the signing of “Armistice” on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month 1918, the war which began in 1914 was over. Mama embroidered a “Gold Star” on any name of a serviceman’s square who had been lost in action. When my grandparents F. Jackson and Emma (Phipps) Hamm decided to sell their property at auction, including the mill they built, now known as the Hamm Roberts Mill, and move to Rising Sun, MD, chances were sold on the quilt at mama’s request and proceeds added to the Quilt Fund. Aunt Lora Hutton, her sister, had the lucky number! She said “I would like to let it go to the highest bidder.” Grandfather bought the quilt and gave it to mama. Presently, I am the “Keeper” but it will be placed in the Smyth County Museum at a later date. Total amount collected for The Red Cross was $111.50 (In mama’s writing on the back of the quilt) The same buying power today would be $1868.65. My mother died at age 57 and we wondered what other things she could have done. She “loved her neighbors as herself” and was a dedicated Christian. I displayed the quilt for Elizabeth Church and the Ruritan Club November 4, 2013. Red Cross (Cont.) Mama thought the child who remained home the longest should have the quilt. My brother, Dean who lived in California had claim to the quilt. I kept it for several years and on his last visit here, I insisted he should take it with him. Two years ago, my brother realized his failing health and sent the quilt back to me UPS knowing it would find its rightful place in a museum. I am now the sole survivor of four siblings and “keeper” of the quilt. November 20. 2015 a letter was sent to Mrs. Hamric from the American Red Cross National Capital Region thanking her for her donation of her mother’s quilt. It went on to say “The quilt was on display at the Annual Salute to Service Gala in Washington DC. It served as the centerpiece in an exhibit celebrating the long history of support the American Red Cross has provided our men and women in the military. Over 700 guests were present for this event including US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter.” This letter further went on to say that given the historical importance and age of the quilt, a textile expert had been engaged from the Corcoran Gallery of Art to ensure proper preservation of this quilt. It also specified that it was believed that this quilt was part of a larger national fundraising effort for the war in 1918 and further research would be done for additional examples across the country. Sugar Grove’s Red Cross quilt serves as the centerpiece for this exhibit.

Communities, Families, Hamm, History, Keesling, Mill, Sugar Grove, Teas, WWI

The Smyth County Almshouse at Teas

December 2, 2024December 2, 2024 Admin No Comments

In 1874, the Smyth County Board of Supervisors purchased 274 acres from John M. Williams in the Rye Valley. This land was purchased to create an almshouse or poor farm in this part of the county. The Sheriff was ordered to collect 18 3/4 cents from every taxable person for the support of the almshouse. The Smyth County Almshouse is established in 1874 near Teas, Virginia on present day Slabtown road. Mr. Will Keesling was listed as a superintendent of the poor house at one time and Mr. Samuel Wilkinson is listed as superintendent on the 1910 census and his wife, Jennie Wilkinson is listed as housekeeper. During the Civil War and following the war, most of the men had gone to serve and were either killed or returned home with injuries that left them unable to work. This was one basis of establishing these almshouses. The poorhouses population was more narrowly defined during the twentieth century when social welfare legislation such as workman’s compensation, unemployment, benefits and social security began to provide a rudimentary safety net for people who would previously have been pauperized by such circumstances. Eventually the poorhouses evolved almost exclusively into nursing homes for dependent elderly people . But poorhouses left orphanages, general hospitals and mental hospitals for which they had provided the prototype as their heritage system that such people in institutions would provide the opportunity to reform them and cure them of bad. habits and character defects that were assumed to be the cause of their poverty. This as they soon found out was not the case. Often the poorhouse was located on the grounds of a poor farm, on which able-bodied Residents were required to work, Such farms were common in the United States in the 19th and early 20th century. A poorhouse could even be part of the same economic complex as a prison farm. and other penal, or charitable public institutions. Poor farms were county or town run. Residences where paupers (mainly elderly and disabled people) who were supported at public expense. The farms declined in use after the Social Security Act took effect in 1935, with them disappearing completely by about 1950. Most were working farms that produced at least some of the produce, grain, and livestock they consumed. Residents were expected to provide labor to the extent their health would allow, both in the fields and in providing and housekeeping and care for other residents. Rules were strict and accommodations minimal. The photo at the top of this article was taken many years after the poorhouse closed. It met the basic needs of people who did not have anywhere else to turn. They were given a roof over their head , a bed for sleeping and three meals a day during the late 1800s and early 1900s. In 1910, a census document lists the following as Inmates at the poor farm at Teas: Robert Harris, 35 Bettie Harris, 30 Guess Colin, 89 Leander Walls, 83 Mary Hogston, 67 Dollie McGee, 46 Ivans Willard, 6 Neoma Ranels, 80 Maud Marshall, 52 Mary Losson, 41 Mary Pickle, 35 Corrill Crutchfield, 20 The poor farm was sold in 1914. By 1927, Smyth County had joined others in the establishment of a district home in Pulaski. During the days of the almshouse in Smyth County, there were reportedly about 1200 people who were dependent on the county. There were multiple poor farms around the county during this time. Special thanks to the research of Donald Harrington for some of the details of this article. Without his work and his family’s contribution to this article, we would not have a photo of the Poor Farm house or much of the information that has been presented here.

Cedar Springs, Communities, Families, History, Keesling, Poor Farm, Teas, Williams

The Life of Mary Pickle: Part 2

December 2, 2024December 2, 2024 Admin No Comments

Introduction to Part 2 Mary Pickle lived in the Teas community for the majority of her life, yet little was known about her at the time the original article, The Life of Mary Pickle: From Smyth County Almshouse to Teas, Virginia, was published. The piece offered only a few facts and a photograph that did not reveal her face. Recently, however, additional details have emerged through newly found research conducted by Donald Harrington, which further illuminate her story. Jennie Shinault Williams Jennie Shinault Williams was born on August 22, 1855. Her husband, John Williams, was born on December 15, 1838, and passed away on November 22, 1910, ten years after Martha came to live with them. After his death, Jennie was left to support herself and Martha, the young girl whom John’s brother had entrusted to their care. The family resided in a large, two-story house near the river in Teas, Virginia. John Williams, a medical doctor who served in the Civil War, was injured by a bullet in his leg, which left him with a permanent limp. After her husband’s passing, Jennie needed a reliable source of income to cover living expenses, taxes, and the everyday necessities of life. A new industry had emerged in the community, bringing many workers in need of housing. With a large house and extra rooms available, Jennie decided to take in boarders and provide meals. This decision added to her workload, shared with Martha, but it was a practical way to sustain their household. As part of her efforts, Jennie approached the superintendent of the Smyth County Poorhouse to inquire about taking in a resident to help with the chores and farm work in exchange for their upkeep. The superintendent agreed, and three young people were sent to live with Jennie and Martha. One of these was a boy named Ed Godfrey. He stayed with the Williams family for a time before finding work at the nearby Extract plant. Later, Ed married Zenna Rector, a local girl, and moved to Northfork, West Virginia. He returned to visit Jennie on occasion and kept in touch through letters. Another young person who came to live with Jennie was Emma Osborn. She eventually married John Wilkerson, who ran a small country store about three miles from Sugar Grove, on Cedar Springs Road. Jennie married three times in her life. Her second husband was Alonzo Greear from Grant, Virginia, in Grayson County, and her third husband was Robert Young, from Troutdale. Throughout her three marriages, Mary Pickle remained a constant presence in Jennie’s household, either as a guest or as a helper. This explains her continued residence with Jennie, even as her family grew and changed. Mary stayed with Jennie until Jennie’s health began to decline, at which point they moved in with Martha, who was married and had her own family. Mary Pickle came to live with Jennie and Martha. She had a learning disability and was unable to support herself. She did not know her parents or where or when she was born. Mary was about 15 or 16 years old when she joined the Williams household. She was diligent about keeping the house clean, although she never learned to cook. She loved washing dishes and would gather eggs from the hen house in the afternoon. Mary also took the kitchen scraps to the hogs. One year, they had an unusually large hog, and Mary told the family that it was as big as a “hippo totus.” A willing worker, Mary did whatever was asked of her. Like many farm families, they kept milk cows, so it was necessary for someone to churn the sour cream into butter—a task Mary took on. Mary, like many women of the time, wore a bonnet and apron, both made by someone else. She was very particular about her bonnet and apron and insisted on wearing them all the time. Mary stayed with Jennie until Jennie’s health began to decline. By then, Martha had married Roy Griffitts and had a family of her own. Martha, however, could not turn away her old friend Mary. She welcomed her into her home, where Mary lived until her death. Although Mary never learned to read or write, she had a basic understanding of money and took great pride in the small amount she was given, often showing it off to others. However, she was not able to go to a store or make purchases on her own. Mary was a hardworking and pleasant person to be around. She helped with the family garden and contributed in many ways. She passed away in 1951 and was buried in the Teas Cemetery. Martha purchased a headstone and had it placed on her grave. The photo at the top of the article shows a younger Mary Pickle. This photo was contributed from those collected by Donald Harrington in his research. Additionally, much of the information in this article was transcribed from his original writings.

Communities, Families, Griffitts, Harrington, Poor Farm, Pugh, Stories, Teas, Williams

We Are The Maple Leafs: 70+ years of yearbooks

November 17, 2024 Admin No Comments

The Sugar Grove School yearbooks are more than just annual reflections of school life; they are a window into the past, offering a snapshot of the community, the students, and the evolving culture of the region. Now, thanks to the digital collection available on Archive.org, these yearbooks are preserved and accessible for generations to come. Covering more than seven decades of history, this collection includes the nearly complete Sugar Grove High School yearbooks from 1949 to 1969, and is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of the school, its alumni, or the wider Smyth County area. The digital collection, which spans from 1949 to the present day, is a treasure trove of memories, showcasing not only the changes in the student body but also in the school’s academic and extracurricular activities. Through these yearbooks, you can trace the evolution of Sugar Grove High School, Middle School and Elementary School Grades—how fashion, social dynamics, and even the physical school buildings changed over time. The yearbooks contain candid photos, class portraits, sports team pictures, and more, each telling a story of youth, growth, and the passage of time. But the collection goes beyond the yearbooks themselves. A variety of supplemental materials are also available for browsing, including the “Gathering of the Maple Leafs,” a special publication from the 1990 reunion that brings together the memories and stories of former students, Maple Leaf Murmurs, The Buzzer and more! This reunion publication offers a deeper look into the lives of those who once walked the halls of Sugar Grove, sharing their experiences and reflections as they reconnect with their school days as well as a treasure trove of other data pertaining mostly to the high school. Other related materials, such as Dr. Mauck’s History of Education of Smyth County Schools, also form part of this rich collection, providing context and historical background for those interested in the educational history of the area. The digitization of these materials ensures that the stories and memories contained within them will not be lost to time. Whether you are an alum looking to relive memories of your high school years, a researcher interested in the history of education, or a local history enthusiast, this collection offers a valuable resource. It allows visitors to explore the full breadth of Sugar Grove School’s history, from its earliest days to the present, and offers a unique opportunity to engage with the past in a way that is both convenient and immersive. You can access the entire digital collection through Archive.org at https://archive.org/details/@regionalgirl. With each yearbook and document available for browsing, it is a fascinating journey through more than 70 years of local history and school tradition. The Sugar Grove School Yearbooks Collection is more than just a series of images; it is a living history of the students, teachers, and community that shaped the school and its legacy. Whether you are revisiting fond memories or discovering the past for the first time, this collection is a vital part of preserving the history of Sugar Grove School and the people who made it what it is today. The Sugar Grove School yearbooks collection is a vibrant testament to the rich history of the school and its community, but it’s far from complete. We’re constantly working to expand this digital archive, and we need your help! If you have old school newsletters, photos, or other memorabilia that hasn’t yet been digitized, we would love to include them in the collection. Your contributions can make a huge difference in preserving the stories, memories, and history of Sugar Grove School for future generations. By sharing your items, you help enrich the archive and ensure that the experiences of past students, teachers, and community members are not forgotten. Whether it’s a snapshot of a long-lost event, a class photo from years ago, or any other piece of school history, we want to hear from you! To contribute, simply visit our Contact page and get in touch. Together, we can make sure that the legacy of Sugar Grove School lives on for years to come. If you are an alumni of Sugar Grove School, please consider joining the group here. All members verified.

Communities, Education, Resources, Sugar Grove, Sugar Grove School, Teas, Uncategorized

The Life of Mary Pickle: From Smyth County Almshouse to Teas, Virginia

November 14, 2024December 3, 2024 Admin No Comments

The Life of Mary Pickle: From Smyth County Almshouse to Teas, Virginia The story of Mary Pickle, a woman who lived much of her life in the care of others, is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those who found themselves on the margins of society in the early20th century. Born in 1875, Mary’s life took a path shaped by circumstance, moving from household to household, and ultimately finding a final resting place in the small community of Teas, Virginia. Early Years and the Smyth County Almshouse Mary Pickle’s early years are shrouded in mystery. The precise date of her birth is unknown, and records of her parents are scant, leading some to believe she may have been an orphan. By 1900, at the age of 15, Mary was already contributing to a household as a “servant.” The U.S. Census for that year lists her as a servant in the home of Thomas Gardner in the Marion District, an indication that she was working to support herself at a young age. By 1910, Mary was 35 years old and found living in a very different setting—at the Smyth County Almshouse, also known as the Poor Farm. Located on Slabtown Road near the community of Teas, the almshouse was a place of refuge for those in need, providing food, shelter, and care to the poor, elderly, and infirm. The 1910 census records Mary as an “inmate” of the almshouse, indicating that she had fallen on hard times by this point in her life. It is also noted that she was single at the time, though little else is known about her personal circumstances. A New Life in Teas By 1940, when Mary was in her mid-60s, she had moved from the almshouse to the home of Martha Griffitts in Teas, Virginia, where she was listed as a “lodger” in the U.S. Census. According to a handwritten history by Lucille Kinkade, Mary lived with the Griffitts family for several years, likely providing domestic help in exchange for room and board. In fact, it was in this home that Mary would spend the final years of her life. Mary’s relationship with the Griffitts family was close, and by the time of her death in 1951, Martha Griffitts was listed as the informant on her death certificate. The certificate reveals that Mary had been suffering from a heart condition for several years before her passing. She died at the age of approximately 80, of a coronary, in the Griffitts household in Teas. Although Mary had never married and had no known children, she appears to have been a part of the Griffitts household in her later years, possibly acting as a housekeeper for Martha and her family. A Life Remembered Mary Pickle was buried in the Pugh Cemetery in Teas, Virginia, a small resting place in the rural community where she spent her final years. Despite her years of service to others and the hardship she endured, Mary’s life is remembered as one of quiet resilience, marked by the kindness of those who took her in. The exact details of Mary Pickle’s early life remain unclear—her parentage is unknown, and there are no surviving records of her childhood or family. However, the records that do exist offer a glimpse into the life of a woman who navigated difficult circumstances with an enduring strength. From her time at the Smyth County Almshouse to her years as a lodger in Teas, Mary’s story is emblematic of the many forgotten lives that shaped the fabric of rural Virginia during a time of great social and economic change. Mary Pickle’s death in 1951 marks the end of a chapter in the history of the Smyth County Almshouse and the community of Teas, Virginia—a community where, even in times of need, the bonds of family and neighborly care could offer a semblance of comfort and home. Her life, though humble and filled with hardship, remains an important part of the local history, a reminder of the forgotten stories of those who lived in the shadows of larger societal narratives. Read Part 2 Here

Communities, Families, Griffitts, Poor Farm, Pugh, Stories, Teas

The Connection Between The Morgan Cemetery and Ridgelawn Cemetery

September 11, 2024September 14, 2024 Admin 3 Comments

In the charming community of Teas, a very old and historic cemetery stands quietly on a hilltop, enveloped by the tranquil beauty of farmland and lush pastures. It silently surveys the small community from its elevated perch. If you’re not from the area, you might not even notice it, as it’s nestled away from the usual routes and seldom frequented these days. For those who know where to look, the taller gravestones rise against the distant horizon, meeting the skyline. Nestled off the beaten path, Morgan Cemetery is a hidden gem, albeit somewhat challenging, location for those who wish to pay their respects. The cemetery, with its tranquil setting, might escape the notice of those who aren’t specifically searching for it. Yet, it holds a wealth of local history, serving as a final resting place for many early Teas, Sugar Grove and Rye Valley residents, including several members of the Calhoun family. (Article about the Morgan Cemetery coming soon.) Morgan Cemetery’s seclusion adds to its charm but also presents practical challenges. Its inaccessibility makes it a place that requires intention and effort to visit, which perhaps contributes to the depth of its historical significance for those who do make the journey. You can hike up the hill but beware of the bull. The best way up is a 4 wheel drive with the permission of the farmer. As the communities of Teas and Sugar Grove grew, so did the need for a more accessible cemetery. Enter Ridgelawn Cemetery—a project that came to fruition with the purchase of land from one of the Calhoun brothers, either Emory or Ellis (I’m not sure which at this time but will update when I get that information). This acquisition marked a significant shift, not just in terms of land ownership but in how the community would manage its historical and memorial locations. This new location provided much easier access to the burial sites of loved ones. This purchase took place sometime in the 50s along with the building of the new Wharf Hill UMC building. There was a little known fact about the transaction of this land. It contained a small separate parcel located in the top corner where the Calhouns would make a family cemetery of their own which would later become part of Ridgelawn Cemetery. It is within this general area that our story focuses. Several graves in this area of the cemetery are of notable interest, including those of James Thompson Calhoun, , and George Washington Calhoun. These graves were originally part of the Morgan Cemetery before being relocated to Ridgelawn Cemetery by one of the Calhoun brothers for easier access and maintenance. As Ridgelawn Cemetery was established in the1950s, this section was incorporated into the larger cemetery and is now managed by Wharf Hill UMC. We have found death certificates for two of the relocated individuals that list their original interments as “Teas” and “Morgan.” Unfortunately, we were unable to locate information for the third grave. The gravestones, many of which are from the early 20th century, stand as poignant reminders of a bygone era. They bridge the gap between Morgan Cemetery’s historical significance and Ridgelawn Cemetery’s modern role. For visitors, this family plot at Ridgelawn offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the passage of time and the ways in which communities adapt while maintaining their historical roots. As you visit Ridgelawn Cemetery and stand before the Calhoun family plot, it’s important to consider the journey these stones have made. From the secluded, picturesque Morgan Cemetery atop the hill to their new home in a more accessible location, these gravestones serve as a physical manifestation of the family’s enduring presence and the community’s commitment to preserving its history. These stones are among the oldest in the Ridgelawn Cemetery. While Morgan Cemetery may be difficult to access, its hidden nature adds to its mystique and historical charm. It stands as a testament to the past, reflecting an earlier chapter of community history. Ridgelawn Cemetery, with its modern amenities and enhanced accessibility, offers a space where history and the present intersect, ensuring that all residents are honored and memorialized. In navigating these spaces, we connect with the stories and lives of those who came before us, bridging eras and maintaining a continuity that enriches our understanding of both local history and the evolving landscape of community memory. Cemeteries are a very important part of local histories across the planet and can serve as information sources for many purposes. With this in mine, I was thrilled to find out that Elizabeth UMC recently took on care of the Morgan Cemetery which will most assuredly preserve it for many generations to come. If you would like to see the Morgan Cemetery on the horizon, stand with your back facing the mill and look straight across the way up on the ridge in the distance. You should see the tall Williams stone and a few others against the sky. (The Williams stone is the tall one on the left side of the featured image. ) Nancy Calhoun Contributed the following on this post: I understand that my great uncle, Ellis Calhoun, was instrumental in establishing Ridgelawn and in moving family graves. My grandfather, Emory Calhoun, was the oldest Calhoun brother in the family of James Thompson “Thomp” and Sarah Elizabeth “Sally” Blankenbeckler Calhoun. He moved to Oklahoma in 1909 with his wife, Sarah Cathrine “Kate” Scott and their newborn son, Howard Calhoun. He made yearly visits “home” and stayed involved in various matters, including church. My great uncle, Ted Calhoun, gave us a tour of the new cemetery when we visited in the 60s. He related how a younger brother died young and had a coffin with a glass top. When it was dug up for the move, a perfect little soldier was visible under the glass since he had been buried in a military uniform. As they watch, he turned to dust and disappeared. Calhoun Grave Marker which was relocated Death Certificate.,…

Calhoun, Cemeteries, Churches, Communities, Elizabeth UMC, Families, History, Methodist, Morgan, Mysteries, Ridgelawn, Stories, Sugar Grove, Teas, Uncategorized, Wharf Hill

The Big 1955 Flood

August 14, 2024August 14, 2024 Admin No Comments

In March 1955, several consecutive issues of the Smyth County News reported on a significant weather event that caused severe flooding across Smyth County. Both Sugar Grove and Marion experienced substantial flooding, which was covered in different newspaper issues. In Sugar Grove, the flooding resulted in part from the failure of two settling bin dams associated with a manganese mining operation in Rye Valley. According to the paper, the bins were used in connection with this mining operation, located about 2 miles from the Sugar Grove Water Company’s springs and reservoir. The dam failure left Sugar Grove residents without water from Friday to Sunday, flooding the company’s water sources. In Marion, a subsequent article in the Smyth County News provided a more detailed account of the flooding. It reported that heavy rains over several weeks led to the reemergence of Keller’s Pond on Park Boulevard, which had been a local landmark. The flooding caused around 3 feet of water to cover the road and a significant portion of the parking area at the drive-in theater, halting its operations. The new lake, dubbed “Hungry Father Lake” by local children, became a notable feature of the event. Town engineer Tom Ritter worked tirelessly to remove the floodwater and reopen the heavily traveled Route 16. Traffic was redirected through Staley, Rhea, and Wassona Park while the town deployed two 500-gallon-per-minute pumps to manage the situation. Initially, water was pumped into a sinkhole near the original lake, but officials later redirected the flow to Staley Street after complaints of water entering residents’ basements. The ditch along Route 11 proved too small to handle the volume. The pumping operation cost the town approximately $50 per day, equivalent to around $600 per day in 2024. Ritter noted that draining the lake, which formed naturally from runoff from Radio Hill and Wassona Park, was impossible. Plans were made to survey and raise the road level once the water was removed. Longtime residents recall the lake as a persistent feature, with Crockett Gwyn, who moved to Marion in January 1914, noting that it was as large then as it is now. Given the scale of the flooding in Marion, it’s likely that Sugar Grove and surrounding areas experienced similar, though less-publicized, impacts. Residents who remember the event confirm that the water in Sugar Grove reached about 3 feet in some places. Jack Taylor, a local who was a child at the time, recalls the water reaching over the porch of my grandfather’s house on Teas Road (The Sherman Combs, Sr. House) where the porch is in fact about 3 feet from the ground. Photographs from a similar flood in the 1970s show comparable inundation in the area, with boat rescues needed to evacuate people trapped in their homes. The manganese mining operation was situated between Sugar Grove and the current Pat Jennings Visitor Center, with the ridge between them standing approximately 3,400 feet in elevation. ———– Sources: Smyth County News & Marion Democrat March 1955 Jack Taylor 1899 Smyth County Map, Chas R. Boyd, Geologist David Rutherford

Communities, Lead Mines, Sugar Grove, Teas

Jenkin, Uriah, & Joseph Williams

May 3, 2024September 21, 2024 Admin

Jenkin, Uriah, & Joseph Jenkin and Uriah were among the earliest white settlers in the Rye Valley of Montgomery County, Virginia. They established their home at the headwaters of the South Fork of the Holston River. Initially part of Fincastle County and then Washington County by 1775, the jurisdiction shifted to Montgomery County around 1785. Subsequently, the Rye Valley became Wythe County in 1790 and Smyth County in 1832. Jenkin, along with his brother Joseph and their families, settled in the Rye Valley near present-day Teas, Virginia. Documented in the “Record of Certificates of Commissioners of Washington and Montgomery Counties, 1767-1788,” Jinkin Williams claimed 400 acres in Washington County and 200 acres on Staileys Creek in 1775 and 1772, respectively. Jenkin’s presence is noted in the 1782 Washington County Tax List and subsequent Montgomery and Wythe County Tax Lists. He was listed as having 1 tithe, 5 horses, and 7 cattle. Notable entries include Jenkin Williams receiving a treasury warrant for 100 acres encompassing the falls of Stailey’s Creek in 1787 and subsequent assignments to Absalom Cox and Michael Branstrater. Further land transactions involving Jenkin Williams and other settlers were recorded in Wythe County Survey Books, including entries for Doctor Thomas Rustin in 1796 and Henry Vice in 1799. These transactions delineate the expansion of settlement in the region, particularly along the Holston River and Cripple Creek. References for Samuel Williams and a land grant can be found at Library of Virginia here. Several of the Williams family are buried in the historic Morgan Cemetery. ——- Williams, Samuel Jr. Land Grant 31 October 1826. N.p., 1826. Print.

Genaology, Williams Genaology