The Avoca Clarion - Avoca Museum
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Av o c a M u s e um and Historical Society Spring
2020
The Avoca Clarion Inside This Issue
Museum Opening Day
Mother’s Day Tea
Wine Festival
Christmas at Avoca
Volunteer Thanks
Message from the Director
2019 Calendar
Members’ Picnic Invitation
AVOCA MUSEUM WELCOMES ITS NEW EVENTS COORDINATOR Derby Day
Avoca Museum’s news Events Coordinator really
isn’t “new” at all. While she has recently been
On May 2nd from 4pm-8pm,
hired to that specific role, Sarah Jones Peed has Avoca will be hosting its first
been involved at Avoca Museum for five years – annual Derby Day! Tickets will
first as an intern, then as a volunteer, and now as an be $25. There will be food, a
employee. cash bar, a hat competition, and
Sarah is from Forest, VA and is a graduate of so much more. Don’t forget to
Jefferson Forest High School, so she is no stranger mark your calendars and get
to local history. She holds a bachelor’s degree from your Derby outfits ready for this
Liberty University (major of history and minor exciting event!
of cinematic arts) and a master’s degree from the
same institution (M.A. History). In addition to
her host of duties at Avoca, Sarah is an adjunct
history professor. It is rare that someone with such
a background in history decides to delve into the
field of historic site administration, but here she is
and we are most thankful. Sarah was one of nine
candidates to compete for the position. Avoca
Museum Personnel Committee Chair Janet West
said of Sarah, “Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge to us not only as a historian, but also as
an events coordinator. She was heavily involved with anniversary events at Appomattox
Court House National Historical Park and National D-Day Memorial. When asked what
she likes best about Avoca, she sighs, thinks a few seconds, and says, “What I like most
about it is that it feels like home. I’m quite comfortable here and I love telling the story
about it.”
Sarah is a happy newlywed. She married Lucas Peed, a fellow history student, last
October. Lucas is also a friend of Avoca Museum and our readers might recognize him
from superior performances he provided at Night at the Museum Lantern Tours. Lucas is
also a M.A. graduate of Liberty University’s History program and is currently employed
at Old City Cemetery in Lynchburg.
Warmest of welcomes to you, Sarah! You will find that the volunteers at this museum
are second to none. We know that you will likewise feel very welcome with them, too.
Sarah replaces Seisha Scott Cunningham, who accepted a full-time position at University
of Lynchburg in December. Seisha, we wish you the best in your new position.
This edition of the Volunteer Spotlight will recognize two recently departed friends of Avoca Museum, Patricia
McLaughlin and Dolores Drumheller. Thank you, Pat and Dodie, for your numerous years of dedicated and faithful
service to Avoca Museum. Your legacy at this museum will be felt for many years to come.
Volunteer Spotlight : Pat Rankin McLaughlin Mother’s Day Tea
Patricia “Pat” Rankin McLaughlin was from the Roanoke area Avoca Museum’s popular
and was married to Dan McLaughlin for almost 50 years. She
was also a longtime elementary school teacher and member of Mother’s Day Tea event will
Altavista’s First Baptist Church. She served her community as a take place from 1:30 to 4:30
member of her church’s handbell choir and as a member at Avoca
Museum. Pat was often seen here at Avoca as she volunteered in p.m. on Sunday, May 10.
the museum’s Gift Shop and she took loving care of the site’s The event includes tea and
gardens. Pat is remembered by our volunteers as someone who refreshments, self-guided
was always cheerful and had a kind word for everybody. Four
months before her passing on February 19, Avoca Museum tours of the house and
recognized her with the Sustained Service Award at October’s outbuildings, and live music
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. Pat McLaughlin - in addition on the piano. All mothers
to being a volunteer – was also a generous donor and member.
Executive Director Michael Hudson said of her, “Pat left a and children ages 5 and
permanent, positive mark on Avoca Museum and she will be younger are admitted free.
greatly missed.” Tickets for all others are $5
and can be purchased in the
Volunteer Spotlight : Dodie Drumheller visitor center on the day of
the event. We hope to see
Dolores “Dodie” Drumheller served Avoca Museum for
many years as a volunteer in our Gift Shop and at various you there!
special events in addition to being a longtime member. She
was a retired employee of The Lane Company and was the
wife of the late “Coach” Harold Drumheller. In addition to
volunteering at the museum, she had many interests such
as bridge, reading, helping at DAWN, assisted with several
initiatives at Altavista Presbyterian Church, and serving at
Altavista’s YMCA. Dodie was a delight to work with and the
hospitality she showed to visitors did much to advance the
cause of Avoca Museum. Board of Directors President Joan
Woodson recalled, “Delores was an upbeat, personable soul.
She obviously loved her life and was eager to share it with
everyone with whom she came into contact.” Dolores passed
away on February 22 after a breif illness and will likewise be
greatly missed.
Mystery Artifacts
Did you guess what the Mystery Artifact featured in the Winter, 2019 newsletter is? If you
guessed that it was the underside of a Model 1917 Brodie helmet from World War I, then you
were right! The Brodie helmet is commonly referred to as a “Doughboy” helmet by our 21st-
century contemporaries, but that term can be misleading. While that term was used by American
soldiers who used them during World War I, the helmet is actually an innovation of the British
government. These surplus helmets were provided to soldiers of the American Expeditionary
Force who were “over there” in France at war with the Central Powers of Austria-Hungary,
Germany, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire. (By the way, it wasn’t unusual for American
soldiers to be issued weaponry and uniform parts that were supplied by their French and British
allies.) Soldiers wearing this steel, leather lined helmet jokingly referred to them as “battle
bowlers”. This particular helmet was issued to Pvt. John Board of Lynch Station, Virginia and
is on long-term loan to Avoca Museum by the Board Family.
The next Mystery Artifact is a recent acquisition. Okay, well, it’s not much of a mystery as to
what it is, but the mystery lies in how it was used. Can you guess its original purpose and what
kind of direct connection this brick had to an important chapter in Avoca’s history?
(Hint: It wasn’t used in the construction of a dwelling, outbuilding, business, or office.)
Opening Day features a special lecture by author Virginia Johnson
Avoca’s 2020 Museum Opening Day event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, and will be followed by a lecture by
author Virginia C. Johnson. During the lecture Ms. Johnson will explain how stage lines, stagecoaches, and taverns played a crucial role
in the economic development of eighteenth and nineteenth century Virginia. Ms. Johnson will be signing copies of her book, Virginia
by Stagecoach, afterwards (cash only, please). Ms. Johnson is the Digital Services Librarian in Fredericksburg where she works as the
lead content writer for the regional history page of the library’s website. She graduated with a Bachelor of arts in anthropology from the
College of William and Mary and a Master of Arts degree in library and information science from the University of Maryland at College
Park. Ms. Johnson is also a member of Beta Phi Mu international honor society for library and information studies. He other works
include Virginia Horse Racing: Triumphs of the Turf, for which she was a co-author. Museum Opening Day will also feature self-guided
tours of the mansion and grounds, light refreshments, living history demonstrations, and special exhibits. Admission to this event is free.
Avoca Museum will be opened for tours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from April 6 through the end of
October. For a list of museum closings due to weddings, private tours and other events, visit www.avocamuseum.org.
Corporate sponsors needed for 20th annual wine festival Make plans to attend
Avoca’s 21th annual Harvest Jubilee and Wine Festival is in need of corporate
sponsors. The event, held the last Saturday of September (Sept. 26, 2020),
Members’ Potluck Picnic
will feature wineries, a beer tent, musical entertainment, craft vendors, a bake If you’ve never attended the annual Member’s
Potluck Picnic, we encourage you to join us this
sale and tours of the historic Avoca mansion. Sponsorship benefits include year! It is a wonderful time of fellowship and
the following: company name placed on one of three banners (Gold, Silver or laughter. This year’s event, held at 6 p.m. on
Bronze), tickets to the event, and the option to have a booth which can be used Tuesday, Aug. 11, will feature Altavista’s popular
to dispense business information or simply to entertain co-workers or family One Stop fried chicken as well as side dishes
and desserts brought to the picnic by individual
members. For more information about event sponsorship for the wine festival or museum members. If the temperature is too hot,
any of the museum’s annual or special events, call Executive Director Michael the event will be held inside the air-conditioned
Hudson at (434) 369-1076 or email avocamuseums@embarqmail.com. Avoca house. To RSVP for this event, call (434)
369-1076, leaving a message if necessary.
What Kind of History Will You Leave Behind?
On Saturday February 29th, Royal Shiree shared a dramatic telling of the accomplishments of African Americans throughout
American history. This was an enriching program in which she asked “what will you leave behind?” What an important concept
for all generations to ask themselves. If there is one thing we can learn from history, it is that it remembers the good, the bad, and
the ugly. Royal’s posed question should cause us all to think about what we are leaving behind as a memory for future generations
and that we should strive to leave a positive of a story to serve as an example. Royal also stressed the importance of education
and teaching history to our children in a balanced way, so that the mistakes of past generations may be corrected. Remember, to
pursue history, is to pursue the truth. The overall theme of the presentation was that to study history is to seek the truth.
Phi Alpha Theta Soiree
On February 15th Liberty University’s Phi Alpha Theta
chapter hosted a historical themed party here at Avoca.
The theme was Titanic, and everyone came dressed in
their best Edwardian costumes adding to the elegance
of the house. There were games, door prizes, and
delicious food. The lively atmosphere transported the
house back to its golden days and it was surely a party
the Fauntleroys’ would have been proud of. The group
plans to volunteer later in the spring to paint the fences.
Individual Sustaining
Members James and Phyllis Higginbotham
Mr. Donald Holland
Avoca Associate
($25) ($50) Michael Hudson ($500)
Joseph Humphrey
Joyce B. Albiston Dr. and Mrs. John Arnold Ross & Krystina Johnson Ralph and Rita English
Ann Andrews Thomas Sherman Bell Mrs. Anne Jones Lacy and Audrey Powell
Debbie Bonnett Pamela Board Leon Jones John Robbins
Joyce Brandt Coley, Eubank & Company, P.C. Ed Wildrick & Jo Kelley Quintus Wade
Mrs. Lucy Burgess Ronald and Peggy Dearing Mike and Johnna Kinlaw Agency
Landon, Jr. & Nila Lane
The Bob Childress Family
Ms. Virginia S. Clark
Sherman & Mildred Dearing
Alfred and Jennifer Dearing Clyde J. Lee Avoca Fellow
Ms. Anastasia Cowan
George and Carol Day
Tom and Judy Fauntleroy
Ed and Myra Frazier
Gary & Christine Loomis
Mr. Charles Lynch
($1,000 +)
Mrs. Dolores Drumheller Stuart and Lyndia Goodwin Sally McLaughlin First National Bank
Mrs. Nancy Edwards Audrey Holstad & Phyllis J. Herndon Ms. Frances Merryman Dr. Francis and Virginia Carter
Bill and Sue Ferguson Ken & Rhonda Hudson Carrie and John Nolan Douglas and Beverley Dalton, Jr.
Ronnie Gross Archer & Billy Hunt Paul and Cathy O’Callaghan Carma G. Fauntleroy
Mr. Chad Hilkemeier Donald and Lynne Huskey Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Pratt Mr. Tod Winston
Mrs. Barbara Jastrebsky Brenda Justice Raymond and Linda Rice
Mrs. Ina Midkiff Peggy & Richard Kent Frank & Rebecca Rogers Rogers
Ms. Patricia Patton Jonathan Lee Jack and Alline Ritzer
Mr. Mark Thomas Ms. Langhorne McCarthy Mrs. Susan Dearing Shafer-Niehaus
Mr. William M. Wood Mr. Frank Murray Ozelle & Brent Shelton
Alexander and Jessica Newmark Mr. David Shreve
Al and Jeannie Smith
Family Daniel and Dale Phillips
Red Hat Mamas of Altavista Michelle Testerman
($35) Charles B. Arthur, III &Teresa Stallard
Bryan and Babs Stott
Kay & Kent Van Allen
Ms. Shirley Vuncannon
Ramona Davis Tom & Laney Thompson Bill & Billie Collins Wallace
Frank and Sarah Adams Dave Weeks Ruth S. Rice & Janet West
Susan G. Amos Ben & Paula Whittier John Woodson
Nancy & Bill Bogan Tom & Linda Wilkerson James & Sam Burnette
Richard & Jimmie Lou Cothren Robert and Melody Jennings Tony & Karen Bowling
Mr./Mrs. Phillip Cunningham James & Carla Renney Mrs. Margaret Burton
Mark & Laura Dowdy Victor & Grace Granger
Martin Dubin Dennis and Linda Janiak
John and Glenda Jordan
Mrs. Linda Eubanks
Rob and Judy Finch
Sponsor Ed Rooney
Terry and Bonnie Finch ($100) Mrs. Nancy Lobbregt
Mrs. Mildred L. Russell
Franklin & Joy Fisher
Lewis and Audrey Frazier Morgan & Joyce Allen
Jim and Sue Funderburk Morgan & Joyce Allen
Mr. Tim George Kris & Harrison Bell Patron
Patti & Jim Gerhart
Betty Hedjazi
Ms. Deborah Berger
Mr. Roger Blackstock ($250)
Don and Barbara Henderson Sandra Boyes
Mike and Debbie Lewis Mr. Chester Brockwell Mr. E. H. Lane
John & Melody McCorkhill Mrs. Judy Lane Bryant Mr. Maurice Law
Emily McLaughlin Doug and Holly Burton Mr. Mark Younkin PCM Inc.
Graham & Larisa Neilson James E. Burton, IV Eleanor Self
Carmen and Kathy Perri Ms. April Cheek-Messier Jimmy and Donna Shafer
Matt & Melba Reedy Mr. & Mrs. C.L. Christian III Kenneth and Joan Woodson
Ms. Marie Reynolds Robert and Ida Compton Juliet Zygmunt
Nanette Rezin Pat and Carolyn deBernard Bill and Johelen Martin, Jr.
Charles and Karen Sanders Wilson and Anne Dickerson, Jr. Roger and Connie Wilson
David and Sally Sease Elizabeth Doan
Ms. Sue Sutton Ms. Virginia Dunn
Robert and Judy Walker John & Patty Eller
Myra & Tommy Walker Mr. and Mrs. Lee Fauntleroy
Mr. Edward Wennerstrom Hank and Janice Frazier
Rob & Susan Gilliam
Gwendolyn Good
The following museum Curtis Crews Nancy Lobbregt Demonte Reed *Members of the Staunton River
volunteers helped Philip Cunningham Bill Martin Ed Rooney Altavista Area Book Woman’s Club
from late- November Seisha Cunningham Johelen Martin Charlie Sanders Club
2019 to March 2020: Vinita Cunningham Dan McLaughlin Ozelle Shelton *Members of the Mt.
Jodie Davis Pat McLaughlin Teresa Stallard *Members of the Airy Baptist Church
Brandi Adams Terri Dews Ina Midkiff Shirley Vuncannon Staunton River Garden Combined Chorus
Joyce Allen Brandi Fannon Kristian Myrdal Danielle Watts Club
Morgan Allen Barbara Gibson Cathy O’Callaghan Bill Wallace *Winey Chicks
Harrison Bell Grace Granger Levy Pait Billie Wallace Boutique
Kris Bell
Xander Birchfield
Roger Blackstock
Virginia Clark
Ida Compton
Victor Granger
Bonnie Harvey
Rusty Hicks
Lynne Huskey
Debbie Lewis
Emily Parrow
Sarah Peed
Lucas Peed
Dale Philips
Jessica Randolph
Janet West
Connie Wilson
Roger Wilson
Joan Woodson
Ken Woodson
*The Shoppes of
Altavista
*Members of the
Thanks!
Message from the Director
Now that 2019 is history, I have the refreshing privilege of reviewing that very successful year and reporting the grants and bequests
that the museum attained. Many small museums do not have the advantage of a supportive and generous community to draw on for
support. However, as the reader is about to plainly see, Avoca Museum certainly does not have that problem.
Winter and spring saw us obtain several key gifts whose funds were earmarked for important purposes. A generous grant arrived
from First National Bank whose stated purpose was to provide funding for Avoca’s education programs. Last year, 800 students were
recipients of benefits afforded by this necessary grant. In short order, two additional grants from an anonymous local family were
thankfully applied to the gardens, grounds, and Arboretum. The Altavista Arts Council provided a generous grant in the month of
March to be used for production costs of our popular Night at the Museum Lantern Tours that are held every October. Then, Moore’s
Charitable Foundation provided a key grant whose goals were to make museum facilities safer for our visitors and address areas on
our historic structures that were in need of repair. Finally, our Mother’s Day Tea event was proudly sponsored by a kind allocation
from Abbott Laboratories.
Summer brought with it two very important gifts – one from Fray Family Trust and another from a large bequest from the Carpenter
Family. These funds allowed the museum to establish a genealogical/general historical research library on the second floor of the
Sue M. Jackson Visitor’s Center. The current library, which had previously served as a “catch all” storage space for the museum’s
collection and archives, had a number of obstacles that needed to be overcome. First, the room had sustained water damage due to a
long-ago roof leak. This damage was repaired and the walls were repainted a pleasing, historically-appropriate, and cheerful color.
Years of clutter were then removed from the library and valuable donations of hundreds of reference books were obtained and for
which bookcases were built by a volunteer. The library continued its development with the acquisition of a laptop for research and a
printer whose services will be required for staff/volunteers/visitors to print out their research. Other key donations of a research desk
(provided by Ann Andrews in memory of Preston &Jane Andrews) and artwork were brought in to put the finishing touches on what
Avoca Museum’s Board of Directors christened as the “Fray-Carpenter Memorial Research Library”. Thank you to all of the givers,
volunteers, and friends who made this project possible!
Summer also brought us three significant grants from John E. & Sue M. Jackson Charitable Trust, Greater Lynchburg Community
Foundation, and Edward Jones Investments (Randy Cassidy). These three organizations worked together to help Avoca Museum
provide a new digital sign whose benefits can be easily imagined. Thanks to these allies, the museum now has a state-of-the-art,
attractive sign to welcome our visitors. We are consistently getting compliments on it, but the team formed by these organizations
and our membership made it happen.
We are thankful for the fact that calendar year 2019 closed out on some very positive notes. The W.C. English Foundation, which
is consistently one of the museum’s top donors, provided a crucial outlay whose funds were dedicated to operating expenses. While
operating expenses might be viewed by some as a less “glamorous” cause, it is nevertheless the most important area of need for any
museum. Exceptionally important funds were also obtained late last year from Dominion Energy (education), Powell Foundation
(education and professional development), and Helen S. & Charles G. Patterson Foundation (education, exhibits). Most recently, a
generous donation by the Wade family was made toward the museum’s landscaping and operating betterment in memory of Marie
Wade.
Avoca Museum has much to be thankful for. And that brings me to the matter of thanking our membership. Our members – those of
you reading this newsletter – provided record-breaking numbers for 2019. Not only that, but membership year 2020 is about to set a
new record and we are scarcely three months into the membership drive! Wow!
Thank you, dear friends, for your incredible and essential support in 2019. We could not continue the growth of this museum without
you!
2020 Calendar
April 4: Museum Opening Day Oct. 3: Wine Festival Rain Date
May 2: Derby Day Oct. 16/17: Night at the Museum Lantern Tours
May 10: Mother’s Day Tea Oct. 20: Volunteer Dinner
Aug. 11: Members’ Potluck Picnic Oct. 31: Museum Closes for Season
Sept. 26: 20th annual Harvest Jubilee & Wine Festival Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13: Christmas Open House
Christmas at Avoca brings 150+ to museum
The 2019 Christmas at Avoca event, held annually the first two weekends of December, brought more than 150 people to the festively
decorated mansion, despite the poor weather on the 14th that kept some away. The mansion, inside and out, was beautifully decorated
by the following Avoca volunteers, Altavista clubs and area businesses: Staunton River Women’s Garden Club, Staunton River
Women’s Club, Winey Chicks Boutique, Terri Dews, Teresa Stallard, Connie Wilson, Ozelle Shelton, Cathy O’Callaghan, Altavista
Book Cub, Barbara Gibson, The Shoppes of Altavista, Brandi Adams, Danielle Watts, Levy Pait, Kristian Myrdal, Emily Parrow,
Johelen and Bill Martin, Joan and Ken Woodson, and Philip Cunningham. The silent auction, one of the event’s most popular features,
raised more than $1,100 for the museum’s educational and restoration efforts. The following area businesses, clubs and individuals
donated baskets for this year’s auction: Brandi Fannon, Roger and Connie Wilson, Staunton River Garden Club, MAD Biddy’s,
Kris and Harrison Bell, Main Street Shoppes, Southside Electrical Cooperative, Walmart, Tim George, Food Lion, and Anthony and
Company. The event also featured music by Emily Parrow, Keep the Faith Singing Group, Jodie Davis, Mt. Airy Combined Choir,
and Xander Birchfield.
*Special thanks to the following Christmas at Avoca committee members: Nancy Lobbregt, Johelen Martin Connie Wilson, and
Kris Bell.
Avoca Museum
1514 Main St. Non-Profit
Altavista, VA 24517
U.S. Postage Paid
Return Service Requested Permit No. 131
Altavista, VA
Please remember to renew your 2020
membership if you haven’t already!
Volunteer!
Do you have an interest in history and some extra time to spare? Consider
volunteering at Avoca Museum! Avoca hosts dozens of events each year.
Volunteers are needed to work as docents (house tour guides), and in
the gift shop, gardens and the Arboretum. Volunteers are also needed
during educational programs and special events, such as the annual wine
festival, Student Event Day, Mother’s Day Tea, Night at the Museum
lantern tours and our annual Christmas at Avoca event. And if you like to
bake, Avoca also needs your help, too, as we have many events each year
that feature bake sales or offer refreshments. If you have just moved to
the Altavista area, volunteering at Avoca is also a good way to meet your
new neighbors. To volunteer, call (434) 369-1076.
What’s happening at Avoca? Follow our weddings on Instagram
@avocamuseum
www.avocamuseum.org
Phone: (434) 369-1076
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/avoca1901
Michael Hudson, Executive Director
avocamuseums@embarqmail.com
Sarah Peed - Events Coordinator
avocaevents@embarqmail.com
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