Category Archives: history

Richmond Had Rails: a kind of time travel

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From Richmond Had Rails FaceBook page:

VCU Libraries today announced the launch of an interactive version of a Richmond map atlas from 1889, allowing for a kind of time travel, because through the use of overlays, viewers may compare the cityscape of then with that of today (courtesy an integration with Google Maps). The application features photos and illustrations due to linkage with VCU Libraries’ extensive collections of antique images.
Of interest to those following the progress of “Richmond Had Rails” is that the Baist Atlas Map received publication just a year after the trolleys started rolling in Richmond. On Panel 16, which surveys Church Hill, you can see the site of the shops where Julian Sprague and his team originated the first ever city-wide electric powered streetcar. The technology utilized then is, with some improvements, still what powers transit throughout the world, when Richmond had rails.

Here’s the interactive Baist Atlas: http://labs.library.vcu.edu/baist-atlas/
And a link to a VCU news story: https://news.vcu.edu/article/Interactive_map_from_1889_reveals_Richmonds_rich_architectural

Intro To Oral History at Main Library This Week

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From Richmond Public Library announcement:

Learn how to collect stories/ oral histories from your family, friends and interesting people you know in your church, neighborhood and community. We are losing incredible stories daily! Let’s create a core group of folks dedicated to save these stories from our local heroes, characters, activists, leaders, and those who have never been asked to share. Join us with Betsy Brinson, who is giving us her time and sharing information from her years of experience in collecting Oral Histories; Tuesday Feb. 10 1:30-3:00 or Thursday, February 12 from 10:30am- Noon. Space is limited, so call a reserve your space now!

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Also, don’t forget that VCU Library has its Oral History Archive in its Digital Collections. Including ones about Oregon Hill.

“Why students don’t want to leave historic Richmond elementary school”

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WTVR delivered a nice present with a report on St. Andrew’s School:

Delivering a well-rounded education has been the mission of teachers and staff at Saint Andrew’s school for several generations. And the founder of the school has been changing students’ lives for 120 years and counting.
Each morning begins the same at St. Andrew’s School with a warm smile and or hug like clockwork.

At St. Andrews on South Cherry Street, students immerse themselves in an education that is so much more than just the three “Rs.”

Teachers and staff push students to achieve greatness.

“What we do is about their social and emotional well-being as well as their academics,” second-grade teacher Kathy Tappen said. “I wish Richmonders really knew about this treasure.”