Ashland 150 News
Train Day attracts record crowds November 13, 2008 By Bill Doran (Herald Progress). The sixth annual Train Day on the Tracks took place last Saturday. The weather looked a little grim the first part of the morning, but by the time the event kicked off the sun was shining bright. About 2,500 people showed up for this year's event. This was almost double what the attendance was in past years.
Past, present and future of Town represented at big birthday bash October 23, 2008 By BILL DORAN (Herald-Progress) Over 2,000 people filled the stands last Saturday to celebrate the Town of Ashland's sesquicentennial. The event at Day Field on the Randolph-Macon College campus was attended by past, present and even future residents of the Town they call "The Center of the Universe."
Town, its residents celebrate 150th-birthday party continues for those at the 'center of the universe' Sunday, October 19, 2008 (By ROBIN FARMER TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER) On a sunny but breezy fall afternoon, hundreds gathered on the Randolph-Macon College campus to celebrate Ashland's 150th birthday. Current and former residents as well as visitors with ties to the town and curious guests mixed for hours of entertainment, which included a 90-minute ceremony on the football field yesterday. There, marching bands performed, children sang "Ashland, Ashland" and a special Ukrop's cake featuring edible photos of signature places was presented. Among the special guests were a 6-week-old baby and a 103-year-old woman -- the youngest and oldest residents of this family-friendly town of about 7,000.
Ashland celebrates 150 years
October 20, 2008 - (By Melody
Kinser MECHANICSVILLE LOCAL) Excitement, entertainment, enthusiasm and
mystery -- that's how the Town of Ashland celebrated its 150th birthday on
Saturday. Excitement, entertainment, enthusiasm and mystery—that’s how
the Town of Ashland celebrated its 150th birthday on Saturday.
View Photo Gallery
"Happy
Birthday, dear Ashland": On Saturday, the town will
throw a community party to mark 150 years
Sun, Oct 12, 2008 - (By
HOLLY PRESTIDEG TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER) You only turn 150 once. The
town of Ashland is celebrating a milestone birthday Saturday -- actually,
the birthday was in February -- with a big party involving 150 birthday
cakes, the all-county marching band, live music throughout the day on
Randolph-Macon College's campus, and activities that trace the roots of this
train station and college town. Longtime residents rattle off town history
like it's second nature. But for the rest of us, here are a few things you
may not have known about The Center of the Universe...
Ashland cultivates
trees and memories 150th anniversary of town includes planting and
photo-story project
Jul 20, 2008 - (By JANET
CAGGIANO TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER) The battle between the bulldozer and
the trees is becoming all too familiar to Carolyn Peart. And the bulldozing
is winning. As more subdivisions are developed in Ashland, she fears the
destruction will continue. That's why she was thrilled with the creation of
PLANT 150, a town project that is encouraging residents to plant 150 trees
throughout the town in celebration this year of Ashland's 150th
anniversary...
Ashland's history seen through its architecture
Thursday, May 29, 2008 (Bill
Doran, Herald Progress) - As part of the Ashland Branch of the Pamunky
Regional Library's continuing series on Ashland's 150th anniversary, Rosanne
Shalf, author and historian, presented the Town's history as seen through
its architecture. "This past February, Ashland turned 150 years old," said
Shalf. "This is a wonderful year to celebrate Ashland's history...
Cycling the Rails in Ashland
May 13, 2008 (Angela Woodford, Mechanicsville Local)
- “We wanted a ride that would appeal to not
only cyclists, but to people who just want to get out and ride, such as kids
and families,” said Clunker Cruise organizer Joel Street, who came up with
the idea as a way for his business Cobblestone Bicycles to join in
anniversary festivities...
Spirited Ashland
old-timers josh during special photo shoot Image to be used in book
celebrating the 150th anniversary of the town
May 02, 2008 (Reed Williams,
Richmond Times Dispatch) - Organizer Susan Tucker stood before the crowd of
Ashland old-timers, giving instructions through a megaphone and holding a
water bottle above her head with the other hand. "Frances," Tucker jokingly
scolded Frances Macmurdo Stebbins, an 83-year Ashland resident who was
talking to some women on the bleachers as they waited to have their picture
taken. Stebbins hadn't been listening to Tucker...
Council declares April 26 Arbor Day
April 17, 2008 (Bill Doran, Herald
Progress) At the April 1 Town Council Meeting, Mayor Faye Prichard
proclaimed April 26 as Ashland Arbor Day. The proclamation read, in part,
"The Town of Ashland is committed to an ongoing process of renewal,
improvement and beautification achieved through the planting of trees and
recognizes the positive effect trees have in our community."
Ashland's newspaper history recounted
March 27, 2008 (Bill
Doran, Herald Progress) - Many readers of the
Herald-Progress fondly remember the Pace family years, some even remember
the Watkins years. Although the history books claim an 1881 birth date for
the H-P, the first Ashland newspaper can be traced back to 1872. Greg
Glassner, the editor of the Herald-Progress, gave a talk March 20 at the
Richard S. Gillis, Jr./Ashland Branch of the Pamunkey Regional Library on
the history of newspapers in Ashland...
Make sure your family and business are in the Yearbook
March 27, 2008 (contributed
to the Herald-Progress) - The deadline for inclusion in
the Ashland 150th Anniversary Yearbook is April 1. Placing stories and
photos in the book is free and a purchase of a yearbook is not necessary to
be included...
Plant a tree to celebrate Ashland's 150th birthday
March 20, 2008 (Bill Doran, Herald-Progress) - The Ashland Sesquicentennial
year is more than a series of celebratory parties. It also involves
beautifying the Town. One such project is the Plant 150 project. The goal of
the project is to sell and plant 150 trees in Ashland...
Railroad Run VIDEO
March 15, 2008 (Dave Klisz)
- Check out this VIDEO from Dave Klisz!
The 30th running of the Ashland Railroad Run was a grand success. More
than 500 folks came out to run or walk.
Ashland yearbook
committee hard at work
March 13, 2008 (Bill
Doran, Herald-Progress) - Not a week goes by that there
isn't something to do with Ashland's 150th anniversary. What many people
don't realize is the number of people involved in the planning and
production of these events. One example of this is the Ashland Yearbook
Committee. Members of the Ashland Yearbook Committee meet to review
submissions, which are due April 1...
Town's Oral History project shaping up
March 6, 2008 (Bill
Doran, Herald Progress) - Activities for the Town's
sesquicentennial are growing week by week. The oral history committee is
made up of some of the Town's top historians and researchers. Dale Talley,
committee chair, is an author of many publications and books dealing with
Ashland's history...
Hanover Idols hopefuls display a wealth of talent
February 21, 2008 (Bill
Doran, Herald Progress) -
Over 200 people were in attendance at the sold-out Hanover Idols
Competition. The entertainment was out of this world and almost every style
of music was represented from rock, to country, to show tunes...
Hanover chooses its 2008 Idols
February 19, 2008 (Mechanicsville
Local) -
On Sunday night at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center in Ashland,
new Hanover Idols were crowned before a packed and enthusiastic audience...
Ashland will turn 150 this year
February 18, 2008 (Melodie
Martin, Richmond Times Dispatch) - As the town of Ashland turns
150 this year, residents will celebrate how much has not changed since the
turn of the last century...
Sesquicentennial Oral History project launched
February 14, 2008 (Bill
Doran, Herald Progress) - The Oral History Committee
for the 150th Anniversary of Ashland met for the first time on Feb. 5. Its
goal is to videotape citizens telling stories about life in Ashland today
and in the past to build a resource for future generations to look back and
see how Ashland once was...
Black history program rocks R-MC stage
February 12, 2008 (Ken
Odor, Mechanicsville Local) - An overflow crowd at Randolph-Macon
College’s Blackwell Auditorium enjoyed a rousing celebration of black
history last weekend...
Black History in
Story and Song at Blackwell Feb. 8-9
February 7, 2008 - Jerome
Bridges, a nationally acclaimed African-American historical actor and
interpreter will appear at Blackwell Auditorium at Randolph-Macon College in
Ashland at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 8 and 9...
Town anniversary's main event
February 7, 2008 (Bill
Doran, Herald Progress) - Ashland residents are used to great community parties and
events. For the upcoming 150th anniversary main event they will be blown
away...
Mechanicsville artist captures spirit of mankind in
his woodcuts
January 31, 2008 (Rick
Hebert, Herald Progress) - Dennis Winston is an artist who lives in Hanover
County and crafts woodcuts that many people find deeply moving. It is said
that Winston's woodcuts "capture the strength and spirit of mankind." In an
upcoming public event, "Black History in Story and Song," his artwork...
Hanover Idol prospects
sing for shot at title
January 31, 2008 (Bill Doran, Herald Progress) -
Auditions for the second annual Hanover Idol
competition was held last Sunday. About 50 hopefuls have signed up for their
chance to become the next Idol...
Local woman researches the 'other' Ashlands
January 24, 2008 (Bill Doran, Herald Progress) -
Betty
Carol Stevenson started researching all of the Ashlands in the United States
10 years ago. She originally started her research for a presentation for the
Ashland Women's Club. Betty Carol Stevenson with map marked to show Ashlands
in the nation...
RMC honors Martin Luther
King Jr. with award to long-time associate
January 22, 2008 (Amy Condra, Mechanicsville Local) -
Last week Randolph-Macon College celebrated the birthday of
slain civil-rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by honoring Wyatt Tee
Walker, who served as King’s executive assistant and the first full-time
executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference...
Randolph-Macon College honors colleague of King
Rev. Wyatt T. Walker was King's chief of staff, SCLC
executive director
January 16, 2008 (Cynthia McMullen, Richmond Times Dispatch)-
Had he lived, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would have
turned 79 yesterday. The Rev. Wyatt T. Walker, King's chief of staff, will
turn 79 in August. They were close in age but even closer in their
unrelenting pursuit of a vision...
Black History in Story and Song
January 4, 2008 - On February 8 and 9, 2008, at 7:30 p.m.,
Jerome Bridges, a nationally acclaimed African-American historical actor and
interpreter will appear at Blackwell Auditorium at Randolph-Macon College in
Ashland to tell first person stories ...
Hanover Idol
Auditions start Jan. 27
December 31, 2007 (Ken
Odor, Mechanicsville Local)-
Do you like to sing in the shower? Ever done a little
Karaoke? If so, you might want to sign up for the second season of the
Hanover Idol competition...
Ashland Gears Up for 150th Anniversary
December 6, 2007 (Bill Doran, Herald Progress)-
The planners of the Jamestown 400th anniversary thought
they had something special. Also special will be Ashland's
sesquicentennial in 2008...
Ashland
Officials Perplexed Over Lost Time Capsule
November 21, 2007 (Chris Dovi, Style Weekly)-
On the
eve of its 150th anniversary, the town of Ashland has lost its memory — and
is looking for a little help digging it up. Town leaders organizing the town
sesquicentennial celebrations planned for 2008 are furrowing their brows
trying to recall where they buried a time capsule full of memories way back
in the mist-shrouded past — 1983 to be exact — hopefully in time for next
year’s event...
Ashland's Show Displays Sense of Community Others
Could Use
March 22, 2007 (Ray McAllister, Richmond Times
Dispatch) - The Ashland Musical Variety Show, let's be
honest, is shamelessly manipulative. It trots out children and
families and even the flag for a feel- good night that could have been at
home in the 1950s...
SPECIAL SECTION: EXPLORING ASHLAND (March 24, 2006)
A Railroad Town
March
24, 2006 (Clarke Bustard, Richmond Times Dispatch) - First, the train. Then,
the resort. Finally, the town. That's the short story of Ashland, a town
that owes its existence to a railroad and whose character still is defined
by the trains that run through its center. The Richmond, Fredericksburg and
Potomac Railroad Co. - the RF&P - purchased 457 acres in central Hanover
County and completed a 20- mile rail line to the site in 1836...
Ashland a bike crossroads
March 24, 2006 (Michael Paul
Williams, Richmond Times Dispatch) - When it comes to cycling in America, all
roads lead to Ashland. This college town sits at the only intersection of
the nation's two bikeways: Interstate Bicycle Routes 1 and 76. Route 1
stretches from Astoria, Ore., to Yorktown, while Route 76 runs from Calais,
Maine, to Key West, Fla...
A small town puts big heart into its events: Even amid
a crowd, the sense of community will shine through
March 24, 2006 (Gary Robertson,
Richmond Times Dispatch) - For many who don't know Ashland, it's just a
whistle stop on the railroad. But for those who live there, it's a little
community knitted together by sidewalks, the common interests of small-town
life and a series of parades, festivals and get-togethers. Mary Claire
Coster is one of the dabs of glue holding the community together. Over more
than 20 years, she has helped coordinate the Ashland Strawberry Faire. It is
held every June, usually the first Saturday, and this year will celebrate
its 25th anniversary...
An
actress's appearance had Ashland all atwitter
March 24, 2006 (Larry Hall, Richmond
Times Dispatch) - Katharine Hepburn was every inch the glamorous and gracious
movie star when she visited Ashland in 1938. Her Feb. 3 tour of Randolph-
Macon College, her father's alma mater, took the town by surprise and won
her new fans...
Where clients often are friends
March 24, 2006 (Joan Tupponce,
Richmond Times Dispatch) Cathy Waldrop not only knows her customers at Cross
Bros. Inc. by name, she knows what day of the week they shop for groceries.
"If they don't show up on the day they normally come in," she said, "we call
them to see if they are all right." The neighborhood grocer has been in
business in Ashland since 1912 - Waldrop and members of her family bought
the store in 1973...
Fury fades, for most part
March 24, 2006 (Julian Benbow,
Richmond Times Dispatch) Maybe the camera crews and the large police
presence made it seem worse than it was. Nearly three years after the
arrival of Ashland's Wal-Mart punctuated a firestorm that included Town
Council debates, protests and a down-with-Wal-Mart documentary film, there
are lots of cars in the discount retailer's parking lot.
R-MC gives itself points for size
March 24, 2006 (Dena Sloan, Richmond
Times Dispatch) Located in a state with several well-respected public
universities, Randolph-Macon College, a small, private liberal-arts college
in Ashland, finds itself competing for students in a tough market. So
Randolph-Macon markets itself in a way that the University of Virginia,
Virginia Tech and the College of William and Mary can't: playing up its
small size. Randolph-Macon enrolls about 1,100 students, which officials say
allows the school to focus on creating close connections between professors
and students...
Town has a lot to offer residents
March 24, 2006 (Joan Tupponce,
Richmond Times Dispatch) No one loves a parade more than Anthony Keitt. Each
year, he and his wife stake out their perfect spot for both Ashland's Old
Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration and Olde Time Parade. "I enjoy the fact
that these parades are a gathering for many members of the community," said
Keitt, an Ashland resident. "One of the nice things about the Fourth of July
parade is that you can bring your dog and walk along in the parade. Any
other place, you might say to yourself, 'This is corny,' but in Ashland, it
just fits."
Ashland is a tiny magnet for a giant range of music /
Town and surroundings play host to Beethoven, bluegrass, folk and blues
March 24, 2006 (Clark Bustard
Tupponce, Richmond Times Dispatch) In a metro area with about 1 million
residents, a town with a population under 7,000 may seem an unlikely
cultural center. Ashland and nearby points, however, form one of the most
active performing- arts scenes in central Virginia. The Ashland
Theater, Hanover Arts and Activities Center and several of the town's
nightspots are magnets for bluegrass, folk, blues, gospel and other kinds of
acoustic music...
Ample options for the appetite / From family
restaurants to franchises, it's a town where choices abound
March 24, 2006 (Louise Seals,
Richmond Times Dispatch) Small Ashland offers a big array of dining choices,
from fast- food franchises to personality-laden local spots, from
inexpensive meals to fine dining. If you want a quick, familiar meal,
choose one of the almost 20 franchise restaurants, ranging from Applebee's
and Arby's to Waffle House and Wendy's. But, oh, what you'll miss if
you don't sample Ashland's own restaurants! Beware: Several close on Sunday
and some on Monday, so call...
It's not always Andy's Mayberry / Quiet town changes quickly when traffic
and visitors descend
March 24, 2006 (Gordon Hickey,
Richmond Times Dispatch) Ashland is a small town with a major crossroads
that can morph into gridlock when there's so much as a fender bender on
nearby Interstate 95. It's also a stopover for thousands of people visiting
nearby attractions and even serves as a kind of bed-and-breakfast for race-
goers. It's a small town with a relatively large police force, but
considering its important position in the center of central Virginia, a
police force of 23 doesn't seem extravagant...
They're true to the school / Alumni, boosters and
residents say it's the only game in town
March 24, 2006 (Paul Woody, Richmond
Times Dispatch) Virginia Street in Ashland buzzes with activity. Children
and adults are coming and going constantly, and one of the places many of
the Virginia Street residents go on a regular basis is 4 miles west. The
denizens of Virginia Street, and other parts of Ashland, are quite taken
with the athletic activities they find on the fields and courts of Patrick
Henry High School...