Ashland's 150th Birthday-News

Ashland 150 News

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

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.

"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 woodcutsJanuary 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...