FINAL 2011 Fall Brochure

civil war battlefield studies

Encaustic Wax Art

native american DRUMMING

co-ed kickball

past life regressions

“To whose vision and energy the initial development of this park is due.” -1889A Memorial to Captain William Purviance Tams, Father of Gypsy Hill Park

History of Gypsy Hill Park Inside!

William Purviance Tams Sr. was born on March 11, 1852 in Rockingham County, Virginia. His father William Henry Tams (born in North Carolina), was the only surviv-ing child of William Tams who immigrated to America from Burslen England in 1820. William Purviance Tams Sr. was the third of 10 children. Though born in Rockingham County, the family moved to Staunton when Tams Sr. was one year old. As a young man Tams Sr. attended Virginia Military Institute and graduated in 1873 with distinction. After teaching military tactics and chemistry for one session, he returned to Staunton and shortly thereafter entered the service of the Augusta National Bank, becoming its cashier in 1880. He served as the chairman of Staunton City Council for a number of years. While serving on city council, Tams took a special and very active interest in developing a place of respite, relaxation and contemplation for the Staunton community. Below is the first of several resolutions from the Staunton City Council Minutes from about 1889. To whose vision and energy the initial development of this park is due. -1889 earned him the deserved title, “The Father of Gypsy Hill Park”.

On motion of Mr. Tams the following preamble and resolutions were adopted…..“Whereas the city now owns 85 acres of land in rear of the pumping- house of the city Water Works, on which the head springs that supply the city with water are located, and whereas in order to protect said springs it is necessary for the city to forever retain control of said land and whereas the people of our city have now no pleasure resort and those who live in small houses without yards are without use of a cool and shady place to spend a few hours on close and sultry evenings –

Therefore, Be it resolved, 1st, That the 85 acres of ground in rear of the pump house, except so much thereof as immediately surrounds said house, be placed under the control and supervision of the Committee of Public Grounds and Buildings2nd That said grounds shall hereafter be known as “Gypsy Hill Park”.3rd That said committee be instructed to emply at once a competent landscape gardener or engineer to plat off said Park into walks and carriage drives and to designate thereon where shade trees and shrubs shall be planted, fountains placed and summer houses erected and the probable cost of such work as should be done at once to eventually carry out the purposes herein set forth.” -Staunton City Council Minutes May 7, 1899

Capt. William Purviance Tams

Director of Parks and Recreation, Christopher J. Tuttle, [email protected] of Recreation, Jennifer L. Jones, [email protected] of Parks, Steve DeVenny, [email protected]

Staunton Parks & Recreation Irene Givens Admin Building Montgomery Hall Park 1000 Montgomery Ave Staunton, VA 24401 332-3945

staunton.va.us/recreation

TamsGeologic History

Stonewall Brigade Band

TripsWater WorksBaldwin Fairgrounds

The Art of Making

YouthThe GypsiesJohn LewisFitnessDanceRegistration Form

AthleticsHutchens Lake

Hessian House

CulinarySpecial Interest & Finance

Gypsy Hill Pool

2011 Event Supporters

Local EventsLiving WellRight Brain Revival

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Building Codes: MHP- Montgomery Hall Park; MHPC- Montgomery Hall Park Conference Room; MHPA- Montgomery Hall Park

Activity Room; GHPG- Gypsy Hill Park Gym; GHPGC- Gypsy Hill Park Garden Center; NSTC- Nelson Street Teen Center; BTWCC- Booker T. Washington Community Center

Brochure Design copyright 2011 cheyenne kody photography & designcheyennekody.com

“Mr. Tams offered a resolution which was on a call of the roll unanimously adopted, and is as follows:

Resolved That the Committee on P.G. and Buildings proceed at once to carry out the plans of E.G. Vincent in regards to laying out drives and walks and constructing culverts in the new park recently established by an order of the council, and that the money for this purpose be taken out of any funds in the hands of the Treasurer, not

otherwise appropriated – sum not to exceed $1500.”Staunton City Council Mintes May 1899

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smartphone

About the CoverThis 1873 photo of Capt. William Purviance Tams was projected from 100 feet high over Lake Tams. This

holographic projection was pro-duced by Cheyenne Crawford.

Special thanks to the Staunton Fire Department for giving us a lift

and Virginia Military Institue for providing the photograph.

Photographs provided by: Virginia Military Institute

Archives,Camera Heritage Museum (David Schwartz), The Hamrick

Collection-Tom and Richard Hamrick, Jim Gallaher

Camera Heritage Prints can be purchased at Camera & Palette,

Staunton VA.

Co-Create with the Staunton Parks and

Recreation Department. Recreation 3.0

type “Recreation 3.0 into your search engine”

Your photo could be our next cover.

Co-Create community Programs and be a part of our virtural focus group.

Co-Creation will be implimented in our next

brochure.

3 I Staunton Parks & Recreation Fall 2011

GYPSY HILL PARKThis fault line is no longer active. But its evidence is quite visible in Gypsy Hill Park, and is the main reason for the park.

At the extreme north end of Gypsy Hill Park, the fault which is about 40- 60 feet wide, cuts through the park, and southward through the city. It can be seen in the road cut along the side of Churchville Avenue, approaching where the former Tastee Freez is located.

Here, the overthrust of the Conocheague and Beekman-town limestones, rock layers dating back 450 million years, is quite evident. The powers of a fault can be seen in the fault breccia which is composed of large blocks of dolomite, and crushed conglomerate. It has a twisted and chewed up appearance caused by the thrusting, and is very visible as you drive by, or stop to observe.

This wrenching of the rock created porous openings, and opportunities for water to reach the surface, and hence the many springs that are found in the park. Gum Spring Branch, the small stream that originates in the upper end of the park, starts from one of these springs, and is fed by others along the way. One of those springs is about 45 feet down stream from the bridge near the Kiwanis Field concession stand where water is seen bubbling up, and the other is next to the creek near the children’s swimming pool where water actually pours into the stream.

Some remain open springs. For example, Lake Tams can never be totally drained because there is a spring in its mid-dle. Another one exists in the small lake next to the No. 2

hole on the Gypsy Hill Golf Course. And this spring water is what feeds the Gypsy Hill duck pond.

Many springs in the park have been capped. You see those in the six-sided hexagonal structures just about two to four feet high and 10 feet wide. One is next to the Kiwanis Baseball

Field concession stand, and another just beyond the right field fence of the Kiwanis’ May Baseball Field. And there is one behind the old pump house (Stonewall Brigade Band Building) at the entrance to the park

It was these springs that attracted roving bands of gypsies to the area in the 19th century and hence the name for the park. And at one time, it was these numerous springs that was the source of Staunton’s water supply.

The Pulaski-Staunton fault is no longer active, so there will be no felt earthquakes any more. But its geology remains for all to see.

he geologic history of the Staunton area, as well as Gypsy Hill Park, goes back a long time, some 500 mil-lion years ago when this area, as well as all of the United States east coast was a shallow sea.

During that period, vast amounts of sediment accumulated from decayed marine algae and other organisms which solidi-fied into today’s limestones and shales that dot the area. Even today in those numerous layers of rock, fossils from prehistoric times, such as graptolites and brachiopods (which look like modern sea shells) can be found in formations along Statler Boulevard and New Hope Road.

But the shallow sea which covered the area was not to last. Tec-tonic forces caused by the collision of continental plates soon formed the Appalachian Mountains and its associated valley and ridge provinces that include the Blue Ridge, Alleghenies and Valley of Virginia where Staunton is located. This was completed approximately 250 million years ago.

As this area formed, folded rock layers sometimes broke, thrusting one on top of the other. The result was numerous fault lines, one of those being the Pulaski-Staunton fault which originates north of the city, extends southwestward through the valley to Brisol, and into North Carolina.

The Geologic History of

KENNY BOSSERMAN

T

There are numerous capped spring houses located throughout Gypsy Hill ParkThis is one of two dozen natural springs bubbling up in Gypsy Hill Park. This spring is located on the creek bed and bank behind the T-ball (Bosserman) field.

Kenny Bosserman checks out the rock formations at the Pulaski-Staunton Fault located across Churchville Ave from the sand volleyball court in Gypsy Hill Park.

5 I Staunton Parks & Recreation Fall 20114 I Staunton Parks & Recreation Fall 2011

One only has to travel near the entrance of Gypsy Hill Park to hear strands of music that have entertained generations of local citizens, soldiers and area visi-tors. The Staunton Mountain Sax Horn Band, founded in 1855, derives its name from the type of instruments used as well as Staunton’s close proximity to the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. The band bears the nationally recognized sobriquet of the Stonewall Brigade Band. The band has borne various names at various time periods and has been referred to as: 5th Regiment Band (during the American Civil War many of the members served in the 5th Virginia Infantry Regi-ment), Second Corps Band, and Turner’s Silver Cornet Band. It is the oldest con-tinuous community band in the United States.

David W. Drake, father of the Stonewall Brigade Band, was a former student of Professor Augustus J. Turner. He con-vinced Turner to move to Staunton and accept a teaching position at the Wesleyan Female Collegiate Institute and become the first band director. Edwin M. Cushing became the first president of the band. An early roster listed the original members as J.W. Alby, Samuel C. Baskins, Edwin M. Cushing, Alexander A. Grove, David E. Strasburg, James A. Armentrout, J. Har-vey Burdett, Augustus Dailas, John Blair Hoge, Augustus J. Turner, Joseph P. Ast, William A. Burnett, David W. Drake, and Horace M. Stoddard.

Early records indicate the uniformed band played for various social, political and civic events and groups. In May 1857, the band enjoyed a joint concert with the VSDB band under the direction of Profes-sor Graham. In addition, United States Senator R.M.T. Turner was honored with a serenade while visiting General John D. Imboden. The Union Hall on West Bev-erley Street was the site of the band’s first formal concert 17 July 1857. In 1858, the band purchased a band wagon complete with six matched cream-colored horses and was reorganized into a more struc-tured and military band. The local militia units combined with the band for parades, musters and inspections. Prior to 1859, all instruments were individual ly owned. That year, the band purchased a set of German silver instruments manufactured

by Antonie Sax of Belgium. These instruments were carried through the Civil War and brought home after the surrender of Appomattox. During the war, the 5th Regiment Band often serenaded troops of both sides when camped close by.Four months after the end of hostili-ties, the citizen soldiers of the band were back in the community playing for local events, proudly bearing the earned title of Stonewall Brigade Band. In the 1870’s, the band once again took on a military appearance with the growth of post war militia units and provided music for civic, patriotic and political events. In 1874, the band honored President Grant at the railroad depot as he traveled through Staunton. Two years later, the band boasted ten civil war veterans and eight charter members still in its ranks. Concerts were conducted at several venues including the corner of Main and Water Street (Beverley & Central), Court House Square, Reservoir Hill, and on West Main Street opposite of Trinity Church. The band provided the music for the funeral of President Grant in New York in 1885. It was also invited back to play for the dedication of Grant’s Tomb.

Nationally recognized, the band traveled to the 1889, Washington Centennial in New York City. In 1889, it participated in the Columbian Exposition at the Chicago World’s Fair. The Stonewall Brigade Band marched in six Presidential Inaugural Pa-

rades: Taft’s, McKinley’s, Cleveland’s (2), and Woodrow Wilson’s (2). Arbor Day, 1 November 1889, the band played at a tall gazebo in Gypsy Hill Park as 1500 trees were planted.

The modern day concert band has per-formed across the Commonwealth includ-ing Manassas National Battlefield Park, Richmond, and events at Pamplin Park’s “Celebration of America’s Wars”. A rigor-ous local schedule keeps the 120 members on the go. The traditions of the Mountain Sax-Horn Band have carried over to the twenty first century. The annual Summer Concert Series features a free concert at the Stonewall Brigade Bandstand every Monday night. The tradition lives on.

Artist rendering of second Bandstand. First Bandstand built in the 1920’s Third Bandstand built in the 1940’s

BROCK NICELY

“M.B. Stoddard having proposed to build a Pavil-ion at Gypsy Hill Park, for the amount of $1615 on motion of Mr. Tams for the following resolution was unanimously adopted on a call of the roll (Ayes 11-Nays 0)Resolved that the bid of M.B. Stoddard of $1615 for the erection of the Park Pavilion be accepted - and the committee on Public Grounds and Build-ings be authorized to proceed with the work and the cost thereof be paid from the contingent fund” (From Staunton City Council Minutes in the Fall of 1890)

STONE WALL Holographic projection of Stonewall Brigade Band, photo circa 1906. The new and current Bandstand was built in 1976. The Staunton Kiwanis Club raised $27,000 from a large roster of local instutions, businesses and organizations to complete the project.

© Camera Heritage Museum


Shopping Trip: Short Pump & Trader Joe’s Get your Holiday shopping done early this year. With over 200 stores to explore, this open air 2 story shopping center has it all, from Nordstrom’s to Crate & Barrel. Afterward, we’ll head to Trader Joe’s to peruse their ever unusual, unconventional and interest-ing products. From guacamole to greek chicken to low calorie lemonade-they’ve got it all at great prices! Friday, September 9Depart GHPG at 9am, Return: 8pm Price: $24 Register by: September 7

Father/Son HikeTake a special day out, just for fathers and sons! We’ll go on a ½ day hike on the North River Gorge Trail up near Todd Lake. This is a fairly easy 6 mile walk with multiple stream crossings so bring your water footwear. Call Staunton Parks & Recreation for a ‘What to Bring’ list.Leader: Lester Zook of Wild Guyde AdventuresSunday, September 18Depart GHPG at 8am, Return: 1pmPrice per pair: $60Register by: September 9

Girls Day Out Canoe TripLet’s go girls! We’ll spend ½ a day pad-dling and casually exploring at Elkhorn Lake following some basic instruction in canoe safety and strokes. Get in one last great relaxing outdoor adventure before the chill of winter arrives. Call Staunton Parks & Recreation for a ‘What to Bring’ list.Leader: Lester Zook of Wild Guyde AdventuresSunday, October 2Depart GHPG at 8am, Return:1pmPrice per person: $39Register by: September 16

Virginia Wine & Garlic FestivalA Rebec Vineyards Annual Event cel-ebrating the harvest of the garlic, grapes & creative minds that join us with artistic offerings, music, crafting & magic! “Let the stinkin’ festival begin!” (This is a very crowded event and not recommended for a family trip. Coolers on city transportation are prohibited).Saturday, October 8 Depart GHPG at 10:30am, Return around 5pmPrice: $35 (includes transportation & admission)Register by: September 29

Craftsmen’s Fall Classic, Roanoke VA At this show, there is something for every style, taste and budget with items from the most traditional to the most contemporary. This show is a winner of the Sunshine Artist “100 Best” awards. Friday, October 14 Depart GHPG at 9am, Return: 6pm Price: $26 (includes transportation & admission)Register by: October 3

Bizarre Bazaar 36th Christmas Show, Richmond VA This show has four exhibition build-ings filled with fabulous unique gifts for everyone on your list! A beautiful holiday marketplace with 500 juried exclusive exhibitors and more than 100 new exhibitors only seen at the Bizarre Bazaar. Saturday, December 3 Depart GHPG at 9am, Return around 5:30pm Price: $27 (includes transportation & admission) Register by: November 25

TRIPSJim Howard aka “Uncle Jim” is posing in this photo in front of the Garden Center. Jim was born a slave in Jolly View near the Cochran farm and was freed at 9 years old. Picture (taken prior to 1906) courtesy of Hamrick & Co Funeral Home.

space limited register on page 18 Community Recreation SpecialistClaire Richardson [email protected]© Camera Heritage Museum


Baldwin FairgroundsBaldwin Fair Grounds was once part of the 100 acre Peyton Estate called

“Steephill”. In 1891 the Baldwin District Fair Grounds became part of Gypsy Hill Park. In the foreground of this photo is the now named Lake Tams before the

Army Corp of Engineers relocated the lake.

Staunton Water Works & Pump House

Water was first brought to Staunton from county springs in 1839. Western Lunatic Asylum and the town united to bring water from Kinney’s Springs (on Middlebrook Avenue) in iron pipes, but the quality was inadequate for both places. In 1848, Staunton piped water from “Buttermilk Spring,”.

This spring is on the road by the same name which is an extension of Straith Street. This spring is also

formerly known as “Stoney Spring”. Later Staunton began piping it’s water from the springs in Gypsy Hill Park, then known as “Spring Farm”, when

owned by Peter Hanger. (Shirey)

The spring water was gathered in a “well” in the pump house and forcefully pumped up to city’s

reservoir on Madison Street, what is now called Res-ervoir Hill. From that high altitude, the reservoir

via gravity fed water to the city below. (Tams)

Staunton and Gypsy Hill Park sit on top of a huge formation of degraded limestone known as

Karst. This allows for springs, sinkholes (for which Staunton is famous, not to mention the surround-ing area), caverns, and caves. Karst and its relative instability allow springs to reach the surface. Some are pure water, but some, due to the porosity of this type of rock can allow pollutants to filter down to the water supply. Our area’s early settlers had little concern about water pollutants, unfortunately we

don’t have that same luxury today .

Reference: Paul Shirey, The Mirror of Staunton, March 25, 1966, pg. 4; William Purviance Tams Jr, Newsleader article;

Susan Blackley (oral history)

Staunton City Council Minutes November 1890“A communication was presented from Mr. Erskine Miller President of the Baldwin District Fair Association, which having been read was referred to a special committee composed of Messrs. Bell, McQuaide and Tams, and is as follows: Gentlemen: I desire to present for the consideration of your honorable body the purchase of the estate of the Baldwin District Fair Association for and in behalf of the city. This subject has been discussed informally by member of the board of directors of the Fair Association and some of the members of the city council, in which the mutual benefits to be derived by both the city and the Fair Association, at the meeting some months ago instructed the Executive Committee of the Fair Association a perpetual right to hold its meeting or Fairs, and to receive and nous the revenue and thus obtained for the conduct of its businefo.”….

On December 2, 1890, Messrs. Bell and Tams (City Councilmen) present a communication from the presi-dent of the Baldwin Fair Association accepting the offering $10,000 dollars with a few stipulations that include using the grounds for an annual fair and maintaining roadways and fences near the adjoining the Peyton property.

In January of 1891, City Council rejected the purchase of the Baldwin Fair Grounds and then later in that same meeting passed the resolution after Tams submitted and amendment to the proposition. “..an amend-ment was submitted by Mr. Tams to clarify the proposition, which having been considered was adopted on a call of the roll by the following vote: Ayes -10: Messrs. Armentrout, Bell, Crowle, Crimmens, McQuaide, Scheffer, Summerson, Tannehill, Tams and Berkeley. Nays – 1- Mr. Weller.”

© Camera Heritage Museum11 I Staunton Parks & Recreation Fall 2011

andle Making Have you ever wanted to learn how to make candles but don’t know whereto start? Well grab a friend and come experience candle making at its best! Abrief introduction to soy candles will be given as well as an overview of theprocess. Once the candles have set you’ll then trim your wick and be able totake home your 16oz soy candle!Instructor: Amy BishopPlease choose from one of the following:1pm-3pm, September 17 at NSTC, Register by: Sept 81pm-3pm, October 22 at NSTC, Register by: Oct 13Price: $25

Introduction to Calligraphy Explore the art of beautiful writing with a master calligrapher as your guide. In this class, students will discover the many ways calligraphy can be used as well as the wide range of styles-and will get to try their hands at some of them. The workshop will be an inquirer’s class- no previous experience required. The instructor is Russell Armentrout, former chief White House calligrapher, who has been doing hand lettering for more than fifty years.6pm-7:30pm, four Mondays starting September 12 at MHPCPrice: $26Register by: September 7

Garden Stone Painting Decorate your own garden stone however you would like. Great as a gift or to use in your own garden. Choose from an assortment of over 20 designs, including garden friends, sports stones or foliage shapes. All supplies are included, just bring your imagination. Ages 18+Instructor: Terresa Perry 10am-12pm, October 15 at GHPGCPrice: $14(includes instruction and one garden stone. Additional stones are $5)Register by: October 10

Still Life DrawingStudents will develop skills in observational drawing - draw from life and cre-ate interesting composition using overlapping, create eye movement through use of lights and darks as well as develop skills in shading using a variety of tools. Show a full range of values from black to very light and five principles of shading: highlight, shade, shadow, reflected light and back shading. Call for material list (540) 332-3945.Instructor: Cheyenne Crawford, MFA6pm-7:30pm, six Thursdays starting September 15 at NSTCPrice: $70Register by: September 8

Encausic (Wax) ArtLearn the art of painting with wax. This technique has been dated to as early as the fourth century B.C. Although wax may appear to be a fragile material, some encaustic paintings from A.D 100-125 survive today in the form of head and shoulder wax portraits set into mummy casings in Greco-Roman Egypt. Learn how to melt, mix and work with the wax surfaces to create beautiful works of art. Call for material list (540) 332-3945.Instructor: Cheyenne Crawford, MFA1pm-4pm, November 26 at NSTCPrice: $ 27Register by: November 18

Shabby Chic inspired Interior Design & Furniture RefinishingExplores the design process as it relates to human factors and introduces the principles and elements of design as they relate specifically to interior design. Finish this course by learning to turn that old piece of furniture into your favorite custom piece that friends will rave about. Call for material list (540) 332-3945.Instructor: Cheyenne Crawford, MFA1pm-3pm, November 5 and 19 at NSTCPrice: $17Register by: October 28

Journal & Bookmaking Make your own book or journal using different fabric and textures. Create these as personalized gifts or for your own personal use. Call for material list (540) 332-3945.Instructor: Cheyenne Crawford, MFA6pm-7:30pm, October 27 at NSTCPrice: $16Register by: October 20

Beginner’s PotteryThis class will offer students the opportunity to explore their own creativity in 3D. Each person will make several high-fired, functional pieces that can be used or just enjoyed as art. The basic properties of clay will be covered as well as the historical significance of pottery. Hand thrown technique will mostly be used. Beware: once you start pottery, you may not be able to stop! 5:30pm-7:30pm, four Mondays starting September 12 at NSTCPrice: $29Register by: September 8

Garden Stone Painting for TeensDecorate your own garden stone however you would like. Great as a gift or to use in your owngarden. Choose from an assortment of over 20 designs, including garden friends, sports stones orfoliage shapes. All supplies are included, just bring your imagination.Instructor: Terresa Perry2pm-4pm, October 15 at NSTCPrice: $14 (includes instruction and one garden stone. Additional stones are $5)Register by: October 10

SNAG Golf for KidsSNAG- Starting New At Golf is a new program to introduce golf to beginners. It’s fun and safe and will keep kids active throughout the instruc-tional process. Special equipment specifically designed for young learners make the game of golf easier to learn. Ages 7-10Instructor: Mark MarshallPlease choose from one of the following date options:6pm-7pm, four Thursdays starting September 8 from at MHPA, Register by: September 66pm-7pm, four Thursdays starting October 27 from at MHPA, Register by: October 20Price: $25

Cheerleading 101This program will teach boys and girls between the ages of 9 to 12 the basic cheerleading. Learnmotions, jumps, stunts and a short routine in which will be performed at the end of the 8 week class.Instructor: Dorothy DooleyAges 5-86pm-7pm, eight Mondays starting September 19 at GHPGCAges 9-127pm-8pm, eight Mondays starting September 19 at GHPGCPrice: $60Register by: September 14

Drumming for KidsIt’s about listening, communicating, and rhythm in these fun filled workshops. Instruments pro-vided for those who do not have their own. Play along with a Native American Flute! Ages12 and under. (Instruments will be provided)Instructor: Mike Deaton and Lou Boden of Three Guys With Notes5pm-6pm, three Tuesdays starting October 11 at GHPGCPrice: $40Register by: October 4

Drumming for TeensThe rhythm is gonna get you in these workshops. Experience the different rhythms all built from the heartbeat. Play as a team then take a solo while listening to others. Learn to play along with a Native American Flute. Ages 13-19. (Instru-ments will be provided)Instructor: Mike Deaton and Lou Boden of Three Guys With Notes5pm-6pm, three Thursdays starting November 3 at NSTCPrice: $40Register by: October 27

All Girl Conference T-Shirt Design ContestThe All Girl Conference needs your help with designing our Conference t-shirt and promo-tional materials for the 2012 Conference. Open to middle and high school students. Grand prize is $50 and recognition for your design. Entries should be relevant to the 2012 Conference theme: Celebrating Girls from Around the WorldFor complete rules and more information visit www.staunton.va.us/recreation or contact Makeba Robinson at (540) 332-3991

THE ARTOF MAKINGStaunton Parks & Recreation brings you Arts and Crafts Classes

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YOUTH “The playground equipment consists of swings, see-saws, chutes, sandboxes and ocean waves. It was paid for by the city, public spirited citizens and the Royal Order of Moose. The equipment is the very best make, substantial and safe in every respect”. -1922 Annual Report of Staunton



hen Margaret Erskine Catlett married Lawrence Washington Howe Peyton, three families with strong past and future ties to Gypsy Hill Park were united. Due to both their love of the city of Staunton and proximity of the park to the Peyton’s Steephill estate, the Peytons and their Catlett relatives took great interest in Gypsy Hill Park. L. W. H. Peyton was the son of John Lewis Peyton, author of the History of Augusta County and a descen-dant of John Lewis (1673-1773), the first Eu-ropean settler of Augusta County and founder of Staunton. John Lewis Peyton was born at Montgomery Hall, the estate of his father, John Howe Peyton, and built his own estate, Steephill, a property that originally consisted of over 90 acres with a small lake, between 1877-78. By the 1890s, the new Gypsy Hill Park abutted his Steephill property.

On August 25, 1891, John Lewis Peyton, along with other Lewis family descendants, (see list below) wrote to the city of Staunton proposing that the remains of his great-great grandfather, John Lewis and those of his wife, Margaret Lynn Lewis be removed from their former Bellefonte estate and reinterred in Gypsy Hill Park and that a monument be erected in his honor there. On November 10, 1891, Staunton City Council met and agreed to this proposal, with Col. J.L. Peyton appointed trustee of the project. The monument was erected much later and inscribed with the words from Lewis’s original grave-stone, but the gravesite itself was never relocated.

According to the obituary of Charles Catlett, brother of Margaret Erskine Catlett Peyton, he was “an admirer of all things beautiful, both in nature and the character of men. Gypsy Hill Park was a center of his interest and many of his suggestions were used in increasing, from year to year, the attractiveness and serviceability of this recreation center.” In his will, Charles Catlett provided the site for Betsy Bell Park. Elizabeth Gay Catlett, sister of Margaret E.C. Peyton and

Charles Catlett, left a sum of money to be used for the construction of the pool at Montgomery Hall Park, located on the former estate of John Howe Peyton.

The Peyton and Catlett families have also been beneficiaries of Gypsy Hill Park’s beauty and amenities. In 1922, junior golfer Richard Catlett Peyton, eldest son of L.W.H. Peyton and Margaret E.C. Peyton, won the Staunton Golf Club’s Beverley Cup playing on the Gypsy Hill links. Richard Catlett Peyton, Jr., of Richmond, recently recalled a poignant moment from his childhood that occurred while visiting his grandmother, Margaret E.C. Peyton, at Steephill. “My father and I were walking along the Gypsy Hill course. I was holding his hand and looking up at him in awe as he was tell-

ing me the story about how he won this junior tournament when he was a boy. Earlier this year, I became reacquainted with Staunton, walked along that same path, and then visited the memorial to John Lewis in the park. I suddenly real-ized that not only was my ancestor, John Lewis, honored there, but my Peyton and Catlett family members also played a role in Gypsy Hill and other community parks in Staunton and that my family and I had an opportunity to enjoy this lovely space as well. I was humbled by that and intend to continue the tradition in whatever useful way I can.”

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John Lewis JANE GRAY AVERY

Background:Captain William Purviance Tams renamed the property purchased by the city in 1889 popularly known as “Spring Farm” to “Gypsy Hill Park”.

Gladys Clem in her circa 1915 article writes “They called the new park “Gypsy Hill”, a name of no particular beauty – just strictly informative – as for years it had been the gypsies’ favorite camping ground in their migrations up and down the valley.” (Clem)

Why would councilman Tams change the name of an established tract of land with a recognizable name like “Spring Farm” to one that honors bands of traveling gypsies, who in general had a less than honorable reputation? Why would he want the city’s only park, a source of pride, to be associated with people who at the time were considered undesirables?

What we know; the first immigrants to Staunton came via the “In-dian Trail” also known as “The Great Philadelphia Wagon Road” and were Scotch-Irish and German. “Many surmise that our fair city was settled by colonists crossing The Blue Ridge Mountains on the east”, but this is not factual. Augusta County was settled by those travelling down “The Great Philadelphia Wagon Road”. The first gypsies to travel through our area around 1855 arrived via this same route. The majority of the initial gypsies were Scotch and Irish Gypsies, known as “travelers”. Though the term gypsy was used generically to include all travelers and vagabonds not neces-sarily those of Rom or India descent.

Interestingly, a band of 50-60 English gypsies actually settled in Rockingham County near the town of Singers Glen. They were headed by a Gypsy Queen named Dilly Stanley. Dilly Stanley was so well thought of that upon her death she received a funeral fit for a queen, complete with the burning of all her properties including an elaborate bejeweled wagon as was custom in the Gypsy tradi-tion. Uncommon though, was her acceptance and burial in the Otterbein Church Graveyard by the townspeople.

Because of a lack of trust for gypsies, fraternization was uncom-mon between gypsies and the town folk, but the gypsies had some specific skills and trades that were sought after by the town’s people. They traded horses and mules, and were excellent tin-smiths and specialized in making and repairing pots. The women wove baskets, cared for children and told fortunes. They travelled in the summer months in order to trade goods and sell wares to the locals. While traveling, these early entrepreneurs searched for a place to set up camp that had the cleanest and clearest water to bath and drink as well suit their purity rituals. The gypsies were also drawn to areas with reed plants growing, a staple of their basket weaving trade.

It is very likely that these English Gypsies that settled in Rocking-ham County also comprised a major portion of gypsies that set up camp in “Spring Farm” during the summer months, because of the pure springs, the reed plants and townspeople trade and business.

Our Theory: (yes we are going somewhere with this)

Bear in mind that William Purviance Tams was of English descent, his grandfather immigrating from Burslen England. We have sur-mised that most of the gypsies travelling and camping at “Spring Farm” were probably of English descent.

In a parallel universe, back in motherland, England, they had their own “Gipsy Hill,” located in South London in upper Norwood. Just like our park, the woods of Norwood were frequented by gypsies, and the location now known as Gipsy Hill was a favorite haunt of the gipsy brotherhood on account of its remote rural character and clear running springs. So well-known were these gypsies of Gipsy Hill that a pantomime called ‘The Norwood Gyp-sies’ was staged in Covent Garden in 1777. (grosvenorprints)

In these woods of Norwood lived the most famous of the gypsies of Gipsy Hill, the gipsy queen, Margaret Finch. For half a century she lived by telling fortunes. Her significance can not be under-estimated as an inn still called the “Queen of the Gipsies,” located near the tourist spas of Crystal Palace, commemorates her dwelling on Norwood’s Gipsy Hill. She died there in 1760—at the age of 106 years. Like Dilly Stanley, she received an elaborate funeral and was buried in town’s churchyard (Beckenham parish), both gipsy queens being revered by the town folk. (The Great North Woods)

There are numerous parallels between the two Gypsy Hills but it seems the phenomenon of the natural springs is the common denominator. There is potentially an energetic element to the naturally occurring springs that attract these non-materialistic bands of receptive gypsy conduits.

Nevertheless, the question still remains as to whether there is a name connection between our Gypsy Hill and the Gipsy Hill in England or is it just a coincidence?

Could it be that Tams was quite aware of the Gipsy Hill in Nor-wood and named his pet project after his grandfather’s homeland of which his grandfather probably reminisced? The answer to the deeper motivation as to why Tams named the park Gypsy Hill remains pure speculation as of now; if you have any insight or fur-ther information to solve this mystery or debunk our theory, please contact the Recreation Department at 332 3945.

The Naming of Gypsy Hill Park:

MEGAN HEATWOLE AND JENNIFER JONES

References:www.grosvenor-

printsThe great North Wood by John

Corbet AndersonJasoncooper.

wordpress.comDr. Kenneth

Stanley (oral his-tory)

Gladys Clem, Richmond Times

Dispatch

Our Theory


Tribal Belly Dance BasicsLearn the basic moves essential to belly dance and how to string them together in simple se-quences to travel or use at a fire circle using posture, balance and tone. No experience necessary.Instructor: Shaheen Alikhan from Fata Morgana Belly Danc-ing6pm-7pm, four Wednesdays starting September 7 at NSTC*4 additional Wednesdays optionalPrice: $46Register ASAP

Pilates for Any BodyPilates is a form of exercise that teaches the body how to engage the “core” in order to perform a series of exercises that will over time build strength, balance, and flexibility. These are all things necessary for our bodies to remain strong and balanced as we age. Instructor: Sheree Kiser 6pm-7pm, four Tuesdays starting September 13 at MHPA *option to continuePrice: $26 Register ASAP

ZumbaThe fusing of hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy to fol¬low moves that create a dynamic fitness program that will blow you away. This power-packed workout is great for everyone no matter what your fitness level is! See you there! Instructor: Amanda Hall6pm-7pm, six Mondays starting September 12 at MHPA *option to continuePrice: $45Register ASAP

Vinyasa Flow Yoga A flowing style yoga class linking yoga poses together to bring bal-ance and harmony to our bodies as we move our bodies with our breath. This type of Yoga flow features cardiovascular condi-tioning, flexibility, strength and relaxation. Leave feeling relaxed and with an overall feeling of well being. Multi-level class, please wear comfortable clothes, bring a yoga mat & water.Instructor: Ginger LeMasurier6pm-7pm, eight Wednes-days starting September 14 at MHPA*option to continuePrice: $35 per 8 sessions, or $6 per classRegister ASAP

healthy active livingMorning Warm-Ups with Jolene This on-going class is great for Seniors with tired muscles and as a follow-up for physi-cal therapy. Bring hand weights, ex¬ercise mats and resistant bands. Healthy eating and diet tips are also shared. Men and women invited! 50+Instructor: Jolene Dewey 9am-10am on Tuesdays & Thursdays at GHPGPrice: $32 per 12 classes Register ASAP

Ticknors English Country DanceLearn dances from the 17th & 18th cen-turies. All experience levels are welcome to attend! Wear low heel shoes. For details, call coordinator Becky McGovern at 886-9729.7:30pm-9pm, 2nd/4th Fridays at GHPGCPrice: $2 per class

Bimbi Line DancersPartners are not needed to join this infor-mal, social and friendly dance group for adults 55 and wiser!Coordinator: Sharon Sturdivent11am-12pm, Mondays at GHPGCPrice: $10 per brochure

Advanced BimbiTake those next steps! Class geared for those 45 and wiser! Some line dance expe-rience necessary. Coordinator: Sharon Sturdivent11am-12pm, Thursdays at GHPGCPrice: $10 per brochure

Tai Chi for HealthExplore this time-proven branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine which combines gentle, continuous movement with Qigong breathwork for self-healing. This practice will increase range of motion, improve balance, strengthen the body, and calm your “monkey mind”. It also employs a teaching method which breaks down each movement into small steps which makes it easy to learn. Suitable for any fitness level- it can even be performed in a chair!Instructor: Linda Revis6pm-7pm, six week class on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning September 13 at NSTCPrice: $62Register by: September 9

Ice Skating at Lake Tams prior to the Army Corp of Engineers relocating and deeping the lake. At the time of the picture falling through the thin ice did not pose a threat due to the shallowness of the water. Winter 1966

no membership required

Dance in the Park SeriesHealth experts have stated that the secret to the fountain of youth is to find activities that use your mind, use your body, and are social. Ballroom Dancing covers all three! The fol-lowing are all classes for beginners and will run about 8 weeks and will focus on getting you on the dance floor quickly with both confidence and style. Advanced and refresher classes are scheduled as needed. For more information or to register, contact instructor Donald Dollins at (540) 241-4117.

Just Swingin’Rock Around the Clock with the East Coast Swing. Enjoy learning a dance that can be used at almost any soiree you attend. Use the steps you learn in both a Single and Triple East Coast Swing.6pm, Thursdays starting September 8 at GHPGC *continuous classPrice: $12 per class

Waltz The Night Away Discover the dance that gets everyone out of their seats- the beginning steps of the Ameri-can style Waltz! We’ll start with the bronze level which allows you to easily maneuver on a crowded dance floor. 7pm, Thursdays starting September 8 at GHPGC *continuous classPrice: $12 per class

2 StepKick your heels up with the Country/Western Two-step. The first eight weeks focus on the first level two-step which is best for slower songs and best maneuver-ing on the dance floor. Those interested can move into the more advanced and faster moving two-steps. 8pm, Thursdays starting September 8 at GHPGC *continuous classPrice: $12 per class

in stau nton


Co-Ed Adult Fall Kickball League This league is open to anyone 16 years and up. Games will be 9 vs. 9 and will be played on Tues-day evenings in Montgomery Hall Park. Rosters are limited to 15 players. Price: $100 per team Register by: September 9

Youth NFL Flag Football LeagueThe premier youth football league for boys and girls ages 5-17. A fun and exciting op-portunity for youth to engage in non-con-tact, continuous action while learning lessons in teamwork, sportsmanship, dedication and discipline. As part of the Play 60 program we will offer a league for ages 5-10. All games will be played on Saturday afternoons.Price: $30 (including an NFL Logo Jersey) Register by: September 23

Co-Ed Fall Volleyball This league will begin in October and run

approximately 8 weeks with a minimum of 10 games played. League will be played on Sunday evenings at the Gypsy Hill Park Gym. Price: $100 per team Register by: October 14

Co-Ed Indoor Futsal League This league is open to anyone 16 years and up. Games will be 5 vs. 5 and will be played on Tues-day and Thursday evenings in Gypsy Hill Park Gym. Rosters are limited to 10 players. Price: $225 per team Register by: October 14

The Great Pumpkin Co-Ed Softball Tournament This tournament is open to any mixed soft-ball team. Teams will play USSSA rules and all softballs must be .44 core 400 compres-sion or less. Men hit 12” balls and women hit 11” balls. Rosters are limited to 20 play

ers and each must have 5 women and 5 men on the field. Tournament date: October 15 Price: $150 per team

Staunton Area High School Mountain Bike TeamQueen City Cycling will host 2 mountain bike clinics this fall in preparation for the 2012 Virginia High School Mountain Bike Series (http://www.vahsmtb.com/). The clinics and team are open to any middle and high school students in Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County schools. The clinics will focus on basic and advanced mountain biking skills and will be held at Montgomery Hall Park. Riders will need their own mountain bike and helmet. Meet at the Soccer Field parking lot. For more information contact: Mark Russell (540) 213-8285 or [email protected] call to let us know you are coming: (540) 332-3945. 9am to 12pm, October 15 or November 12 Free

athletics

Though baseball had been played since the 1840’s in Staunton, this is the first night base-ball game in Staunton June 30, 1938. The Staunton team beat Glasglow in the game.

www.staunton.va.us/recreation www.stauntonparksandrecreationrevolution.com

WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, the undersigned in consideration of the per-mission granted to it by the City of Staunton to hold harmless the City of Staunton against and all liability, loss, damages, cost or expense which it may incur because of such action, agrees to indemnify and save harmless the said City of Staunton, VA, from any and all liability, loss, damage, cost or expense which the participant may hereafter incur, suffer or be required to pay by reason of said participation in the City of Staunton, VA. The undersigned agrees to pay the complete exoneration of said City, any claim made against the City of injury or damages to persons or property caused by said partici-pation, and to further indemnify and hold harmless said City from any costs incurred with respect to the defense of any such claim. If said participant is a minor child less than 18 years of age, the signature of a parent or legal guardian shall constitute the same indemnification as provided above. The Recreation Department may use photos taken during programs/classes/trips for advertising and marketing purposes, contact the Department if you do not want your image used.

Signature____________________________________________________

TRAVEL POLICYAll trips are to be paid in full when signing up unless another specific option is available where a minimum of 50% deposit is required for each person. Once a payment is received from a patron they are considered to have an official spot on the trip if there is available space. All patrons understand that there is a no refund policy in effect unless the Recreation department decides to cancel a trip. It is at the Recreation department’s discretion on the cancellation of trips and most will be done in a timely manner. In some extreme cases such as death or serious medical conditions a refund may be available to a patron of a trip minus any expense the Recreation department may incur. Name changing fees may occur on trips involving plane flights. In cases regarding deposits; if the balance isn’t paid by the deadline, patron may lose full deposit and spot on the trip.

Before registration form is complete you will be required to sign and date on the line below that you have read and understand this Travel Policy. Signature____________________________________________________

Q:

A:

The following hold harmless agreement must be signed by all participants or in the case of a minor, his or her guardian.

“In 1937 considerable time and money was spent in grading and beautifying

the baseball diamond. The program required the moving of some 6,000 yards of dirt and laying 7,000 square yards of sod. Elm Trees

from the park nursery were planted around the outfield and outfield sewn w/ grass.

A stadium seating 500 people was constructed at a cost of

$2600. A 50-foot road, 300 feetlong was graded from the park entrance”. (1937 City

of Staunton Annual Report, Earl Stockdon)

Athletics Website: allprosoftware.net

Staunton2011 Althletics Video Blog:

stauntonparksandrecreation.wordpress.com/category/recre-

ation-domination/

540rec

scan with smartphone

Athletics SpecialistJames Corbett - [email protected]


The Hessian HouseP.E. Hutchens was Staunton’s first Superintendent of Parks. Mr. Hutchens came by this title in a rather circuitous manner. He was first a general handyman for the City of Staunton. Payment for his services appears in the council minutes in 1888. In 1889, Mr. Hutchens was nominated and elected as Staunton’s third police of-ficer (council minutes May 7, 1889, though nominated in April of 1889). This also happens to be the same date that Gypsy Hill was established as a park by Staunton City Council. Six months later, as part of his police duties, he patrolled Gypsy Hill Park for one week each month. According to council minutes the officers of the police force were assigned a week of supervisory and enforcement duty in the new park on a rotating basis. After a period of time, Mr. Hutchens was the sole officer on the beat in Gypsy Hill Park (Things We Talk About). One can only surmise that it was his dedication to

Gypsy Hill Park that afforded Mr. Hutchens the opportunity of be-coming the Superintendent of the park. Superintendent Hutchens was a very busy man. He cared for not only the grounds but also an array of domestic animals, wild animals (including monkeys), various birds, and a herd of deer. (Things We Talk About). In addi-tion, he monitored the newly purchased Baldwin Fair Grounds and enforced the many rules established for the governance of the park and adopted by Staunton City Council.

According to ancestry.com reference to a Staunton census, P.E. Hutchens was Peyton Edward Hutchens born July 8, 1860 and died July 27, 1930. He is buried in Thornrose Cemetery. The Duck Pond of today was originally referred to as Lily Garden Pond and then named Hutchens Lake which then in the late 1940’s became known as Swan Lake.

Hutchens Lake

Peter Hanger, a Dutchman from Germany was the original owner of “Spring Farm” in 1750, which after changing hands from his heirs to other owners then once and for all purchased by the city in 1876, became know has Gypsy Hill Park. “Just west of Staunton village were “Spring Farms” lands so called by virtue of the many springs bubbling up between the rounded hills. Peter lost no time acquiring the tract while George (his brother) settled in another section of the village”. (Gladys B. Clem, Richmond Times- 1905). During the Revolutionary War, a group of 200 Hessian mercenaries hired by King George to battle for England were captured at the Battle of Trenton and shipped to Staunton. Staunton provided the perfect prisoner-of-war camp because of its isolation. “For a long time Peter Hanger had wished to build himself a fine stone house like the well-to-do Pennsylvania Germans owned. The Hessians provided an answer to his labor problems.” (Clem) The Hessian prisoners built a rectangular Dutch farmhouse made of stone with small-panel windows set in three feet thick walls. The home fronted what is now Churchville Ave and

sat at the entrance to the current Gypsy Hill Park. Peter Hanger’s home was razed well over 125 years as it was empty and dilapidated. A new dancing pavilion was built in it’s place which then gave way to the current Garden Center.

This early 1900’s photo of Hutchens Lake (Duck Pond) shows the Madison Street Reservior in the background and the Almshouse (poor house) surrounded by a white picket fence. Also seen is Staunton Water Works and Pump House with smoke stacks.

Dance Pavilion

Garden Center at Gypsy Hill Park

SUSAN B. BLACKLEY



Civil War Battlefield Studies The popular course offered last year returns for the winter. One night each week a new battle will be reviewed in a classroom setting, then on Saturday the group will car pool and visit the battlefield itself. Partici-pants will learn the strategic impor-tance of Staunton while gaining insight into the weapons and tactics of the war. Battlefields to be visited are McDowell, Cross Keys, Port Re-public, New Market, and Piedmont or just attend the weeknight class. Instructor: James ‘Trey’ Howell Classroom Sessions: 6:30pm-8:30pm, five Wednesdays starting September 7 at MHPC Field Trips- Each Saturday following the Wednesday class Price: $37Register by: September 6

Rhythm & Blues at Booker T.Join us for a series of classes on what was once the most popular African-American music in the country. Al Leichter, who has collected and researched Rhythm and Blues for over 50 years, will play and discuss music, artists, record labels and their owners, radio and the general music scene of the period.5:30pm, third Tuesdays at BTWCC

Yarn, Hook, & Thimble CircleLearn the art of crocheting, knitting, and sewing, find new and exciting patterns, and make new friends at this weekly class.12:30pm-3pm, Tuesdays at BTWCCPre-registration is not required; call (540) 332-3991 for more informa-tion.

culinary special interest

Introduction to Knife Skills Tired of taking forever to cook a meal? Want to take your culinary know-how to the next level? Add finesse to your kitchen with this new knife skills class taught by Chef Rachel Wingfield. Improve your comfort level with your knife, work faster and more efficiently when you cook and create beautifully crafted, restaurant-style dishes that are sure to impress. About the instructor:As a life-long lover of food, Rachel changed her marketing career path for the kitchen and moved to New York to train at the prestigious French Culinary Institute in Manhattan. After working in some of the most high-profile restaurants and catering companies in the city, working as a Private Chef, and teaching classes, she has decided to return the Valley and share her experiences with us. Classically French trained, Rachel will conduct the course with French language undertones and techniques, but the dishes you create with your newfound knife-skills will be from all over the world.6pm, September 16 at MHPAPrice: $56 (includes instruction and meal)Register by: September 9

Date NightImpress your significant other with some delicious, easy to make meals that both of you will enjoy. With a few ingredients and a little preparation ahead of time, this dinner can come together at the last minute leav-ing you plenty of time for each other.Menu Includes: Balsamic glazed filet mignon, Oven roasted vegetables, Mashed red skin potatoes with dill, Vanilla bean crème bruleeInstructor: Sean Connelly6pm-7:30pm, October 7 at MHPAPrice: $36 (includes instruction and meal)Register by: September 30

Secret Ingredient ChallengeAre you ready for a cooking class like you’ve never seen? In this special class it will be you calling the shots. You will be assigned a certain ingredient (for example, protein, vegetable, fruit, etc), which you will bring to class with you. The chef will have no idea what you are bringing in, but will show you how to turn the most random ingredients into a complete dinner using nothing but a well stocked pantry and some creativity. Similar to the show ‘Chopped’ on the Food Network Channel. Instructor: Sean Connelly6pm-8pm, October 21 at MHPAPrice: $30 (includes instruction and meal)Register by: October 14

CouponingAre you maximizing your grocery savings? Jump on the coupon train and let us show you new ways to $ave. Learn how to take full advantage of clipping coupons and making your hard earned dollar stretch! We’ll provide the paper, just bring yourself and a penny-pinching attitude.Instructor: Bryan & Jennifer Flavin Please choose from one of the following:5:30pm-6:30pm, September 27 at MHPC, Register by: Sept 205:30pm-6:30pm, October 27 at MHPC,Register by: Oct 20Price: $24

Foundations of InvestingA great and basic introduction to investing! After this pro-gram you will have a better understanding of finance and how to properly invest, fitting your personal needs and goals. We’ll cover stocks, bonds, mutual funds, education and retirement planning. Prior investment experience and knowledge is not necessary.Instructor: Ross ShullPlease choose from one of the following:12pm-1pm, September 13 at MHPC, Register by: Sept 96pm-7pm, September 20 at MHPC, Register by: Sept 13FREE

Holidays with a TwistEveryone loves the holidays, but serving the same old food year after year can be just plain boring. Learn how to take those classic holiday recipes and put a new and exciting twist on them that will leave your family praising you for years to come! Menu includes:Barbecue turkey stuffed peppers, German style green beans, Macaroni and cheese with tomatoes, Pumpkin cheesecake with caramel sauce.Instructor: Sean Connelly6pm-8pm, November 4 at MHPAPrice: $36 (includes instruction and meal)Register by: October 28

A View of Baldwin Fairgrounds, Lake Tams and the Grandstand from Madison Street Resivour.

Brochure References: Staunton: The Queen City 1761-1906, Al-

bert E. Walker, 1922.; Staunton, Virginia: A Pictoral History, His-

toric Staunton Founda-tion, 1985.; Staunton,

Virginia: It’s Past, Present and Future,

Armistead C.Gordon, Esq.; Staunton City

Council Minutes 1888-1893; The

History of Staunton Baseball 1866-1893; It Happened Around Staunton in Virginia,

Clem.

Articles from: Southern Historical Magazine, Staunton Historical Society,

Staunton Daily News, Staunton News Leader,

Richmond Times Dispatch, 1922, 1930’s Annual Reports, City

of Staunton

Oral History and Leads: Dr. Ken-

neth Stanley (gyp-sies in Rockingham County), Mary Sias (Tams descendant),

Tom Hamrick, Susan Blackley, Ruth Arnold (books), Debbie Lane (city council minutes),

Stuart and Lee Co-chran, Richard “Dick” Bell of Charlottesville,

Jane Gray Avery, Mr. Fitzhugh Elder, Augusta Historical

Society, Brock Nicely, VMI Archives.

Brochure Article Writers:

Jane Gray Avery (Lewis-Peyton-Catlett

Genealogist), Ken Bosserman, Brock

Nicely, Megan Heat-wole, Susan Blackley,

Jennifer Jones Research and

History: Jennifer Jones,

Superintendent of Recreation

finan

ce

Party Bridge ClubFor the experienced bridge player who is interested in socialization as well as brushing up on their game. Party on! Not an instructional club.Thursdays, 1pm-4pm at MHPAPrice: $10 per brochure


Gypsy Hill Pool2011 Spring and Summer

Event SupportersLet’s Make Staunton Great!

Major League ($300+) Incredible Kids Fishing Derby: Stop-In Food Store, Waynesboro K-Mart, Lockhart Market Eggstravaganza: Randy Bowers All Girls Conference: DuPont Community Credit Union, Trinity Episcopal ChurchWednesday Night Bluegrass in the Park: Stonewall Jackson HotelMinor League ($100-$299) All Girls Conference: BTW Alumni Associa-tion, Inc, BTW Foundation, Sheetz, Smokey Row Baptist Church, African-American Heritage Festival Foundation, Inc., NAACP-Staunton UnitRecreation League ($99-) All Girls Conference: Stuart Educational Leadership Conference, Best Buy, Costo, Mountain Valley Burger King, Hershey Chocolate, McKee Foods, Arby’s, Mill St. Grill, Depot Grille, Breezy Hill Day Spa, Wal-Mart, Cracker Barrel, Golden Corral, Knits by Meliss, Sharp Shopper, Kitchen Cook’d, Kroger, Yarn, Hook, & Thimble Circle, The Bolen Family, Dominos, Fashion Gallery, U.S. Attorney General’s Office Incredible Kids Fishing Derby: Mad Hat Enterprises, Community Bank, Little Quick Mart, Klines Dairy Bar, Wilderness Ad-venture, Target-Waynesboro, Staunton Fire Department,Beverley Street Convenience, Dino’s Subway, Visulite Theatre, Bank of America, R. L. Flint Corp. , Skatetown, Staunton-Augusta YMCA, Davenport and Co., Wal-Mart Store, Dr. Pepper Eggstravaganza: Kroger, Martin’s “Let’s Make Staunton Great For Kids” Golf Tournament Fundraiser: Fretwell Bass & Acoustic Instruments, Pufferbellies, Edu-cation Through Music (Becky Allison), Blue Mountain Coffees, Sunspots, Black Dog Bikes, Pampered Palate, Bill McMeans and Co., Ross Shull of Edwards Jones, Patient Care Plus, Sign Master, Inc., Young’s Hard-ware, Mary Baldwin College, Baja Bean, Es-cape Skate Shop, Staunton Plant Company, Wilderness Adventure, Northwest Mutual, Mad Hat Team and Apparel, Augusta Glass and Mirror, Royal Priesthood Ministries, The Depot, Sunspots Studio, Shenandoah Pizza, SDDA, 17 Beverley Antiques.

Thank you for all your support!

This a photo of Gypsy Hill pool in the 1930’s. At the far end was a diving platform and a consession building.

This is the precursor to todays pool slides, it was given to the city by VSDB wear it had been a fire escape.

June 2, 1932 - City Council authorized con-struction of a swimming pool at Gypsy Hill Park and loan of $11,000 to the Staunton Fire Department to paid over a long period of years with interest. The Staunton Volunteer Fire Department put up $1,500 of its own funds. On July 22, 1932 the following article appeared in the Staunton News Leader: “Marked by the blare of bugles, short talks by four speakers, and appropriate swimming and diving exercises, the swimming pool in Gypsy Hill park, named Gypsy Hill pool,” was formally opened yesterday afternoon at three o’clock with a crowd of more than 300 persons present.

“The pool was formally opened by Mayor George A. Cottrell, following short talks by Charles Catlett, Mayor E.W.Opie, and George H. Reed, superintendent of parks for Lynch-burg.

“After the opening exercises, fancy diving and swimming exhibitions were given by two life

guards from Lynchburg, by the two guards for the Staunton pool, Claiborne Sniteman and Lawrence Steele, and Miss Tomlin Braxton, Amelia Deekens, Dorothy Allen, and Elizabeth Cochran and Mrs.. David C. Ebrhart, and Stuart Allen, Charles Ralston, James Thomas and Randolf Gardner.

“Fire Chief E.H. Dabney acted as master of ceremonies for the opening and introduced the various speakers” (Van Hanna)

It certainly did not take the men in 1932 very long to build the pool. Men anxious for jobs during the depression completed the entire job in forty working days. The Gypsy Hill pool, including the large pool and the baby pool, the original bath house, walkways, flood lighting, plumbing, refreshment stand, office, diving tower, beaches, labor, etc. was built for a total cost of only $11,200.

November 1947, Final payment made on loan from City Council

On July 4, 1958 the new bath house was dedicated at Gypsy Hill pool. The swimming period for adults was interrupted for about forty minutes while the dedicatory program was conducted from the portico of the new building. Praises Fire Department in 1958 “In dedicating this lovely building we should all be gratefully aware that it has been built and will be paid for without help from the belea-guered taxpayer. We pay tribute to this system that makes this possible, but especially we do pay tribute to the men of the Staunton Fire Department who conceived the idea and have carried it out in such a fine manner - largely, I must add, through their own personal labor. There is something wonderful about men who will put in a full day’s work at their own jobs and then work all hours of the night on a proj-ect such as this.

This structure stands as a monument to their resourcefulness and their dedication to the welfare of the people of Staunton. Our special

thinks go to Mr.. Ashby and his committee. Recognition should also be given to mar. Eugene Twiggs for his fine design.” (Vice Mayor Richard W. Smith) The Staunton Fire Department, builders of the pool, spent over $32,000 in 1957 to rebuild the bath houses.

“The lifeguards at the pool in 1962 were Tom Payne 18 head life guard who lived on 1119 Greenwood Rd, Sandy Gum 18 who lived on 1812 North Augusta St., Wayne Hite, 20, 12 gay Street; Randy Olsen 16 Sharlaine Drive; and John Einstein 20 819 Selma Blvd.

Chick Crawford was the manager in 1962 and kept things running with the help of his assistant W.W. Talley.

All of these employees were selected by the swimming pool committee of Staunton Fire Department which was made up of O.C. Armstrong, Chief G.L. Chandler, Glen Ashby, C.K. Morrison Jr., and Wade Mitch-ell.” (News Leader)

Fireman Carnival This Week“The firemen are holding a carnival at the fairgrounds from Monday through Thursday to help pay the expense of building the bath house in 1957. They hope to clear enough money to put a filtering system in Gypsy Hill pool.” (Van Hanna) References: Van Hanna, “Gypsy Hill Pool 30 Years of Age”, Staunton Leader, July 22, 1962; Vice Mayor Richard W. Smith - Staunton News Leader, June 6, 1958; Several Hundreds Attend Dedication Of New Bath House at Gypsy Hill Park, Staunton News Leader, July 6, 1958

Folks gather to hear speaches for Arbor Day. (we think)




Lil’ Country Join us at Staunton Jams Saturday, September 3 from 1pm-6pm. Staunton Parks and Recreation will be offering a “Lil’ bit of Country” for the “lil critters” while the adults enjoy a “Lil’ bit of Rock-n-Roll” in downtown Staunton on Beverley Street. At Lil’ Country you’ll find face painting, temporary tattoos, arts & crafts, caricatures, and farm animal balloons. Staunton Jams will be rockin’ from 12noon to 10pm. FREE EVENT.For more information about Lil’ Country call: (540) 332-3945For more information about Staunton Jams call (540) 332-3867

21st Annual Shenandoah Fall Foliage Bike Festival October 21-23Ride through a spectacular fall landscape. Many route options (10 to 100 miles) and remote start locations if you wish. A great meal each day, and tons of things to do before or after the ride. Additional info available at www.shenandoahbike.org or (540) 416-0267

Downtown Trick or Treat Saturday, October 29 Staunton Downtown Development Association and Staunton Parks & Recreation and the Children’s Art Network invite kids to visit the SDDA Witch to get a list of participating shops and businesses which will be proving trick or treat goodies to children in costumes. Halloween vignettes will be setup at the Wharf from 10am-Noon, bring your camera! Info: (540) 332-3867 www.stauntondowntown.org

African-American Heritage Festival September 17 & 18 10am-6pm at the John Moxie parking lot, Gypsy Hill ParkThis annual two-day event features excellent ethnic and American food, finest quality arts & crafts, free entertainment and fun. This FREE EVENT takes place under tents and is handicap accessible!

1st Annual “Let’s Make Staunton Great for Kids” Golf Tournament Fundraiser Saturday, October 1

The Staunton Parks & Recreation Department is creating a scholarship fund to open doors to under-privileged youth via financial provisions. We will host an annual fund raiser golf tournament to generate scholarship funds. The funds will be used to subsidize local

youth/teens participation in our recreation programs. We hope to introduce these new experiences to our community’s less fortunate youth, to benefit them by providing enlightenment, self-awareness and trying new lifetime physical fitness activities. Currently there is

no such scholarship fund, and we need YOUR help to achieve this lofty goal. Sponsor a hole in this tournament or become a TITLE sponsor. ALL proceeds will go to the Youth and Teen Scholarship Fund which will be funneled to economically disadvantaged youth.

This is a 4 man captain’s choice tournament, mulligans will be sold on site and 1st Prize for the winning team will be $100 gift certifi-cates to Dick’s Sporting Goods. Lunch will also be provided.

Individual Tournament entry: $35Sponsorships

Hole Sponsorship (Business or Individual): $50 For sponsorship opportunities or to inquire about being THE title sponsor please contact:

Claire Anderson at (540) 332-3945 or [email protected] make team reservations, please contact

Wes Allred at (540) 332-3949

Local Events

Field of DeerThe display of decorative holiday deer are placed inside the fence at Gypsy Hill

Park Pool in honor or memory of a loved one. Registration forms may be picked up at Staunton Parks & Recreation.

For more information visit staunton.va.us/recreation

7th Annual Celebration of Holiday Lights Family and Business Displays5pm-11pm, November 28 - January 7 Over 40 wonderful night time scenes will be lighting up Gypsy Hill Park, created by individuals, organizations, businesses and churches. Augusta County residents and business owners are invited to join the Celebration of Holiday Lights by placing a display in Gypsy Hill Park this holiday season. Not artistic? No problem. We have a wide variety of professional static and animated displays with LED lights available for purchase from $100 to $1,000 dollars. Registration for display space is just $25 per family and a 2’ x 3’ sign identifies your display with your family or business name. Interested in creating a display? Contact Will Grant at (540)448-2410.

A night picture of Staunton Fair in 1966.

“Staunton is justly proud of her park, as it has proved to be a successful undertaking, and there is not a man, woman, or child in this city of twelve thousand inhabitants, who does not appre-ciate the foresight of the promot-ers of the Gypsy Hill Park” -(Staunton Dispatch and News Historical and Industrial Edition, January 1906.)


The Art & Science of Strategy: For Work, The Playing Field & LifeAre you competitive? Learn to apply roughly 3,000 years’ worth of knowledge on how to think strategically, especially when others are competing against you. Discover methods to develop clear strategic goals, integrate actions and achieve greater effect and efficiency, as well as to anticipate and out-maneuver op-ponents and obstacles in almost every type of conflict or competition.Instructor: Andrew DreierPlease choose from one of the following:6pm-8pm, October 4 at MHPC, Register by: October 56pm-8pm, November 10 at MHPC, Register by: November 3Price: $12

Lioness: Women’s Personal DefenseThe most important information every woman needs to defeat the rapist/super-predator in our modern society. Through instruction and training, drawn from history and the natural world, on how and why any woman can and will succeed in avoiding and if necessary confronting an attacker. Class will enlighten women as to how predators act and think and how to ei-ther out-think or out-fight them, hopefully without ever being caught in the situation to begin with.Instructor: Bryan Starr5:30pm-6:30pm, four Thursdays starting September 8 at MHPCPrice: $19Register by: September 6

Release Anger Without Hurting Anyone!Find out how you can get the anger out of yourself so that it does not make you sick, consume your mind, destroy enjoyment of what blessings you do have, or control you in any way anymore. Learn simple yet effec-tive self-help exercises and techniques you can use immediately with yourself or others!Instructor: Roxanne Louise, nationally recognized author and hypnotist 7pm-9pm, October 12 at MHPCPrice: $25Register by: October 5

Living Well

GOOD STEPS Employment Workshop“If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll probably end up some-place else.” The first step is AWARENESS. Rather than throwing yourself into the job market without any idea of where you’re heading, invest the time in career planning and assessment. This workshop offers practical tools to aide you in the process of answering “Who am I?” “What do I want?” and “What do I need to get there?” Facilitated by Employment Specialists: Michele Brackman & Greg Beam 1pm-3pm, Four Fridays starting September 30 at MHPCPrice: $50Register by: September 23

Going from RE-TIRED To RE-HIREDAre you 55+ and wondering…”Who am I now?” “How do my previ-ous work experiences, interests, and current strengths and abilities relate to future occupational choices?” The goal of the workshop is to empower participants who are in the midst of employment exploration and preparation as they gain insights into simple, practical tools to use while preparing to transition back into the “world of work”. Facilitated by Goodwill Employment Specialists1pm-3pm, October 3 at MHPCPrice: $25Register by: September 26

What You Don’t Know That Can Make You Fat (or not)Are you aware that lack of sleep, indigestion, allergies, food additives, toxins, heavy metals, candida, parasites, medications, hypoglycemia, Syndrome X, blood chemistry, body types, and ‘stinkin thinkin’ can lead to obesity? Fluoride, chloride, refined sugar and flour, and simple habits also play a role. Roxanne Louise, Hypnotherapist, Author of Weight Loss Facts Everyone Should Know, and Winner of 4 National Hypnosis Awards, brings hope, clarity and common sense to this issue. 7pm-8pm, October 19 at MHPCPrice: $10Register by: October 12

Grieving and Moving On: Surviving Loss of Any KindWhether you are grieving someone’s death, or getting divorced, moving, losing a job or home, missing friends/family/kids who have moved away, or just bemoaning loss of life as it once was, this information packed workshop will help you deal with it, and move past unnecessary grief. Learn many self-help tools that will make a profound difference which you can use immediately and share with others. Instructor: Roxanne Louise, nationally recognized author & hypnotist 7pm-9pm, October 26 at MHPCPrice: $25 Register by: October 19

Kick Your Job Search into OverdriveJob Search & Applications 101Not sure where to look for jobs? Been filling out a lot of applications but no luck with get-ting called in for an interview? Have gaps or a spotty employment history and not sure how to explain your reasons to potential employ-ers? Gain useful tips of how to more effec-tively perform job searches and fill out your next job application. Facilitated by Goodwill Employment Specialists 1pm-3pm, October 17 at MHPCPrice: $25Register by: October 10

Re-create Your Brand!Gain insight into how to identify your “USPs” (Unique Selling Points) before job hunting and/or going to an interview. Is your online identity (or lack of one) helping or hurting your ability to locate and/or secure employ-ment? Learn how by “branding” yourself appropriately, you separate yourselffrom the crowd and win over employers, leav-ing a “must hire” image in their minds.Facilitated by Goodwill Employment Specialists1pm-3pm, November 7 at MHPCPrice: $25Register by: October 31

11 Impressions in 7 Seconds Interviews 101We’ve all heard how important first impres-sions are. An employer will typically develop impressions about you in the first seven sec-onds of you having walked in the door for an interview. In those seven seconds they likely judge the person being interviewed in eleven different ways, all of which affect how likely they will be to hire you. Since we know that we won’t get a second chance to make a first impression, it’s crucial to be prepared. Facilitated by Goodwill Employment Specialists 1pm-3pm, November 14 at MHPCPrice: $25Register by: November 7

Goodwill Industries® of the Valleys offers the community much more than a great place to donate your items and to find great deals. They also focus on job training and placement- for everyone from dislocated workers, youth to senior citizens. Interested in learning more about the job training and placement services of Goodwill Industries of the Valleys? Have questions and/or need suggestions of how to jump-start your job search or career? Meet with GIV Employment Specialists Friday, September 23 from 1pm-3pm at MHPC…. FREE!

Become a GOOD WORKER...through GOODWILL®

Grandstand spectators enjoy the horse show at Baldwin Fairgrounds early 1900’s The Grandstand was raised in 1968.

space limited register on page 18



The Great Awakening of 2011 9.24.2011Gypsy Hill Park Bandstand An Open InvitationJoin us for the 4th Annual Awakening Common-Unity event on 9/24/11 at 11am. Event organizers will provide opportunities to acknowledge and cel-ebrate the profound shift in human consciousness that is emerging across the globe. We invite all who support the vision of common unity to attend and share their gifts, including vendors, speakers and performers. 11a-2pAwakening web address: http://www.stauntonparksandrecreationrevolution.com/awakening#!__awakening or http://stauntonparksandrecreation.wordpress.com/2011/02/22/the-great-awaken-ing-of-2011/ Past Life RegressionsIn this class the participants will theoretically get to experience through deep re-laxation usually known as hypnosis, two past lives. We will share our experiences if desired. The class will start with a journey into our core beliefs to prepare us for the educational journey of a past life. Even if you don’t believe in reincarnation, our thoughts about the past or even our imaginations have a profound influence on how we see and act today. Instructor: Margot Hawk5:30pm-8:30pm, November 15 at MHPCPrice: $24Register by: November 8

Introduction to Natural Healing Through Breath & Energy WorkIn this 4 week series, learn breathing techniques to induce relaxation and enhance physical/mental functioning. You’ll also discover different techniques to open up your energy pathways for self-healing as well as helping others to heal. Combine these two practices to rejuvenate and revitalize your body, mind and spirit!Instructor: Linda Revis6pm-8pm, four Wednesdays starting October 5 at NSTCPrice: $55Register by: September 28

Beginners Qi GongQi Gong covers a wide range of movements, regulation of breathing, quite relaxation and control of mental activity. Low impact movement. When prac-ticed regularly, it can promote health and vitality, increase strength, improve resistance to infections, increase energy, deepen sleep, and relieve aches and pains.Instructor: Esther Mabry10:30am-11:30am, six Mondays starting September 12 at MHPAPrice: $58Register by: September 8

Hypnosis: Mind Control or Self Empowerment Tool?Is it magic, mind control, the work of the devil? Can people be hypnotized to do something against their will? Can people be hypnotized to stop overeating and presto- instant will¬power? Roxanne will clear away the common misper-ceptions about hypnosis and clarify what it’s all about.Instructor: Roxanne Louise, nationally recognized hypnotist & author7pm-8:30pm, November 2 at MHPCPrice: $10Register by: October 26

Right Brain Revival

Introductory Human Energy Flow ExperientialEver wonder why sometimes you know the phone is going to ring and who it is just before it happens? Could it be their energy? Experience energy through sight, feel, and touch and try a guided visualization to see what being ‘grounded’ feels like. What can you feel and what can you do with your own energy?Instructor: Lou Boden6pm-9pm, November 15 at GHPGCPrice: $25Register by: November 8

Native American Flute: BeginnersLearn the basics of this hauntingly beauti-ful primitive instrument. It is so easy that you will be surprised at how good you sound. A Native American style flute is required, one can be ordered for you in advance for $60. Instructor: Lou Boden of Three Guys With Notes6pm-7pm, three Tuesdays starting Septem-ber 20 at GHPGC Price: $30Register by: September 8

Drumming for AdultsA safe place to feel and really get your groove on. No work, no stress, just fun. Learn to feel the rhythm and let it set you free. Come one, come all from beginners to advanced drummers. There will be a Native American Player to add some spice. Age limited to those who can still smile and laugh.Instructors: Mike Deaton and Lou Boden of Three Guys With Notes6:30pm-7:30pm, three Tuesdays starting October 11 at GHPGCPrice: $40Register by: October 4

Introduction to Music Through Feel and Self-ExpressionLearn the language of music communica-tion by interacting with drums, rhythm instruments, and the Native American flute. Learn to communicate through music and feel connected through the sounds. A Native American style flute is required, one can be ordered for you in advance for $60. Instructor: Mike Deaton and Lou Boden of Three Guys With Notes4:30pm-5:30pm, three Tuesdays starting November 1 at GHPGCPrice: $40 Register by: October 19

Using the Native American Flute for Meditation and RelaxationLearn to Heal Yourself with an ancient easy to play instrument. Through a horrific fire and the ensuing transitions, Lou Boden’s flutes helped to save him and he’ll share that story with class participants. Also learn the flutes’ history as well as simple techniques for grounding and connecting to the earth. A Native American style flute is required, one can be ordered for you in advance for $60. Instructor: Lou Boden of Three Guys With Notes6pm-8pm, November 1 and 8 at GHPGCPrice: $45Register by: October 19

Changing Your Mind, Changing Your LifeOur lives are reflections of what we think. Yes, you may have been abused. Most of us have in some form or another. Do you want your life to be a constant reflection of that abuse?Explore simple processes to release our-selves of past and present thinking that keeps us bringing into our lives what we say we don’t want. Learning to love yourself or learning to start liking yourself will go a long way toward this change. Our instruc-tor has been helping people with personal transformation for many years.Instructor: Margot Hawk5:30pm-8:30pm, October 25 at MHPCPrice: $24Register by: October 18

IridologyThe eyes are indeed the window of the soul. Learning to read the eyes (we will concen-trate on the whites of the eyes – sclera) can help us learn where we are stuck and get through it. We will use Bernard Jensen’s chart with some emotional information added from our instructor’s own studies. Those who do this professionally as done in Germany and Russia, study for years. Instructor: Margot Hawk5:30pm-8:30pm, November 1 at MHPCPrice: $24Register by: October 25

A Course in MiraclesThis three volume set of books is a spiritual psychology that has been instrumental in transforming lives and philosophies since its first publication in 1976, (also referred to as ACIM). It is a self-study curriculum which aims to assist its readers in achiev-ing spiritual transformation. The book describes a non-dualistic philosophy of forgiveness and includes practical lessons and applications for the practice of forgive-ness in one’s daily life. Margot Hawk the instructor, was gifted her first copy in 1976 and has been studying and facilitating it since. 5:30pm-8:30pm, November 8 at MHPCPrice: $24Register by: November 1

PHOTO: Billy Sunday, Evangelist, shown at the Tabernacle in the Fair-ground building for a revival in 1928. Later used for exhibit hall.

Awakening Consciousness Musical Enlightenment SeriesWednesdays, September 21 - October 126pm- 8pm @ the Gypsy Hill Park Bandstand

Connection and Co-Creation Three Guys with Notes 9.21.2011An outgrowth of The Spiritheart Flute and Drum Circle, Three Guys with Notes are a trio who play a mixture of “all the music and rhythms of life as they feel them”. Sounds that the Na-tive Americans created and shared with the world are now the message of the 3 guys. Lou Boden has come to believe that the Native American Flute is an instrument of connection and co-creation. Lou pipes these sounds of the Native American Flute connecting and grounding with the earth, while Mike Deaton drums the resonant heartbeat. These inspired sounds are woven together with the balanced strings of Chris Wray.

The Dreamtime Project Jim Gagnon 9.28.2011Jim Gagnon of The Dreamtime Project shares music and myths from around the world, incorporating exotic instruments, and storytelling in a way that is educational, inspirational, and most importantly, fun! African drumming, Australian didgeridoo, Native American flute, and folktales are woven together with themes of unity, diversity, and a great reverence for the environ-ment.

Heart Resonant FrequenciesJoy Gedeon10.5.2011Joy is passionate about sharing heart resonant frequencies with her voice and healing work. She currently uses her voice in concerts and private sessions along with Chinese Wind Gongs, crystal bowls and mid 18th century Tibetan bowls. Acting as a conduit for heart resonate light of love, she assists souls to free themselves of programming that no longer supports them in their soul’s journey.

Celebrating the Gypsies of Gypsy Hill Fata Morgana Bellydance Troupe10.12.2011Fata Morgana Bellydance Troupe is the areas only professional folkloric tribal style bellydance troupe, offering performances characterized by their seamless fusion of modern tribal bellydance with strongly-discernible elements of traditional dance from many countries including Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Persia, and Spain. They focus on using live music, emphasizing the unique and authentic flavor of their performances. This was as close as we could come to actual Roma Gypsies making a comeback at Gypsy Hill Park. The group will perform several dances authentic to the Gypsies and maybe the field of resonance in Gypsy Hill Park will feel 1800’s alive.

Vendor froms are available at stauntonparksandrecreation-revolution.com


“On motion of Mr. Bargamin the following resolutions were adopted: Resolved That the committee in charge of the contem-plated Park be requested to ascertain the number and kind of trees necessary to procure for said Park and contract with some company for the number needed.That the 25th day of October, 1889, be set apart as arbor day, and the citizens of Staunton be invited to attend and engage in planting said trees, at points to designated by the committee and the tress to be furnished at cost.” -Staunton City Council

“Black Day” in Gypsy Hill Park during the county fair circa 1906. This was a day set aside for African Americans to enjoy the Fair.

In 1936, a 9-hole golf course was built in Gypsy Hill Park near the sheep barn. In 1958 an $18,000 new clubhouse was dedicated.

The Bears were brought to Gypsy Hill in 1910 when they were cubs. A few years later they were replaced with exotic birds purchased by the Godfather’s of Gypsy Hill Park – The Staunton Moose Lodge and Mr. Byrd of Dooms

Thousands of country music fans flocked to see Staunton’s own Statler Brother’s perform on July 4th. Photo circa 1983

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The Round Barn was built in the 1800’s and was demolished October 23, 1964 in light of public outcry to preserve it.


Documents

FINAL 2011 Fall Brochure