Throughout 2008, Ashland, Virginia, will be commemorating its 150th anniversary
with many celebratory events and activities. Residents, organizations and businesses
are encouraged to create new events or build upon existing ones and let us know about them.

This special anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate Ashland’s history and heritage and to foster a sense of pride in our community.  Join us as we celebrate the contributions of the individuals and organizations that make up the Town’s diverse community.  2008 is our year to promote and celebrate inclusiveness, community leadership and positive contributions to the Town and its quality of life.  We look forward to celebrating Ashland’s 150th birthday with you!  - Rob Stiles, President, Team 150

upcoming events

November 23, 2008 - Ashland Olde Time Holiday Parade.  Start your holiday season with some hometown merriment. The Parade starts at Thompson Street and ends at John Gandy Elementary School. Organized by the Ashland Kiwanis Club, free. Route 54 & Henry Street, 2:30pm. (804) 798-7134.

December 4 -  "Remembering Ashland" program at the Richard S. Gillis Library.  Sponsored by the Pamunkey Regional Library.  Join your friends and neighbors as they gather to share stories about growing up or living in Ashland. A video made from the the Little League celebration of the Ashland mural (in Town Hall) was also be shown. The Friends of the Library will be providing refreshments. 7:00pm.  804-798-4072

December 7, 2008 - Central Virginia Masterworks Chorale Holiday Concert. This acclaimed event will feature Bach’s Magnificat and other wonderful selections to put you in the holiday spirit. William Gorton conducts, with players from the Richmond Symphony, $ Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, two performances: 2:30 and 7:00pm. (804) 368-7276. For news and ticket information, visit www.cvamc.org.

December 13, 2008 - Santa Train.  Holiday fun and a train ride too. Bring the kids for a train ride, games and holiday fun with Santa. Tickets sold in advance, $. Leaves from the Ashland Train Station, 9:00am–6:30pm. (804) 798-0330. www.traintowntoyandhobby.com.

2008-2058 TIME CAPSULE
On October 18, 2008, as part of the Ashland 150th Birthday Celebration, a time capsule will be dedicated and on December 31, 2008, put away for reopening in 50 years. The time capsule will contain items of interest from today’s Ashland that will give future generations a sense of Ashland in the year 2008.

Please contact Ragan Phillips at 798-9721 rtphil204@aol.com or Phyllis Theroux at 798-3429 ptashland@aol.com with any ideas for the Ashland 2008 -2058 Time Capsule.

150 T-Shirts, Hats & tote bags for sale!
Contact Vedys Mills at TSI (804) 798-7677 or vedys@tsipromotionals.com

ashland 150 news

HALL OF FAME  The Ashland citizens chosen for the Hall of Fame were unveiled at the 150th Grand Birthday Celebration on October 18, 2008.  To see photos with descriptions, CLICK HERE.

WALL OF FAME  Brooks Berry, Charlie Boschen, Chloe Bowen, Dr. Henry and Mamie Carter, Patty Cash, Horace R. and Mollie W. M. Claiborne, Richard Courtney, Jim and Elizabeth Cox and more...CLICK HERE for the entire list recorded on October 18, 2008.

Click Here to see PHOTOS OF ASHLAND'S 150 CELEBRATION (courtesy of www.TownHound.com)

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

Commemorative Anniversary Posters
Train Town Toy & Hobby is selling the Anniversary posters at a reduced price of $5.00.  Proceeds to go to the Ashland Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Call Jim Donlin for more information 798-0330.

You may pick up the smaller posters for free at the Welcome Center. 

Ashland Yearbook

It's official.  The Ashland Yearbook is now $65.00.  Checks may be made payable to "Ashland Yearbook" and mailed to Susan Tucker at 718 S Center St, Ashland VA 23005.  CLICK HERE to download an Ashland Yearbook Order Form.

honorary chairs

Robert Lindgren, President of RMC and Faye Prichard, Ashland Town Mayor.