River Roadsters’ Trip
“Answer at Once”
Luray, VA
Tuesday, October 23
With the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Public Park Condemnation Act of 1928, the state surveyed for and acquired three thousand tracts of land that would become the Shenandoah National Park. The Commonwealth condemned the homes of five hundred families so that their land could be “donated” to the federal government. This prompted residents to write letters to the National Park and Government to negotiate their rights. In 2009, Virginia Tech Professor, Katina Powell, pulled these letters out of the Shenandoah National Park archives and composed a book consisting of these letters entitled, Answer at Once: Letter of Mountain Families in Shenandoah National Park, 1934-1938. This book shows that these mountain families, often considered illiterate and lawless, prove themselves otherwise in this poignant collection of letters. Katina Powell will join you today to tell of her inspiration behind the publishing of her book.
You’ll spend the morning at the new Luray Valley Museum, which presents an intriguing and thorough presentation of early Shenandoah Valley Culture. The museum displays items in chronological delivery from pre-contact Native peoples to life in the bustling 1920’s. Enjoy a guided tour here, followed by a buffet lunch at the Mimslyn Inn located in Luray. You’ll be in a private dining room where, after lunch, Katina will discuss the book. Enjoy a leisurely trip home with beautiful fall vistas in every direction. A stop will be made the Shenandoah Heritage Farmer’s Market outside of Harrisonburg for some fall goodies to take home!
Cost per person: $89
Payment due by October 5
Departure:
Chippenham Hospital at 7:00 a.m.
River Road Church at 7:30 a.m.
Return:
Chippenham Hospital at 6:30 p.m.
River Road Church at 7:00 p.m.
Please Make Your Check Payable to and Mail to:
Eunice Wolford
12001 Wexwood Drive
Richmond, VA 23236
(804) 794-4651
Please call Eunice with your reservation.
Cancellations made within seven (7) business days of departure are “Non-Refundable.” In addition, no refund for motorcoach cost within four weeks of departure date.