T he spiritualist movement in America began as a reaction to dogmatic canon that tended to discouraged the idea that the common man could have contact with the souls of the dearly departed. Heaven was a long way away, after all. And yet there were many who quietly held onto hope that their loved ones were not quite out of reach and, furthermore, that they actually wanted to communicate. Fodder for such thought was encouraged by men like Emanuel Swedenborg, a Swedish born inventor, scientist, physiologist, and esteemed engineer who also had some interesting ideas about man’s relationship with God. Prior to Swedenborg’s claim to have received a vision directing…

What does the Worsham Street Bridge have to do with the Old West End?  Actually, quite a bit, but perhaps we should begin by addressing the Worsham Street Bridge itself. The original bridge extended Worsham Street on the north side to the Tobacco Warehouse District on the south, dead ending at Bridge Street.  It was smaller iron-and-wood bridge built in the early 1900s, the highest bridge across the Dan.  It was used primarily by foot traffic and for farmers bringing their wagons to the tobacco markets.  Its only known photo is shown below. This bridge was not fit for the heavier car and truck traffic of the 1920s and was…

The time approaching Halloween 2021 in the Old West End will be busier and bigger than ever.  Mark your calendars because there will be plenty to do. There will be a prize given for the best decorated house in the Old West End. A panel of judges will select the winner based on curb appeal and creativity. Winners will be announced at HOWEL (see below). Participants should have their house decorated no later than Thursday, October 14th to be sure their house is judged. While not required, homeowners may text or call David Worrell at 434-548-3373 after their house is decorated to make sure it is judged. Ghosts and Gravestones…

The City of Danville has been awarded $4,230 by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources for the development of a Story Map and the placement of small yard markers (8 x 10″) on properties in the Old West End National Historic District.  Each marker will include the historic name of the property, its architectural style, and approximate build date.  The markers will also have two smart-phone-readable QR codes.  Scanning one code will provide general information about the Old West End by linking to a story map that can guide exploration of the entire district.  The second code will link to more detailed historic information about the property.  The project will…

A guest blog by Philip Lamachio on the state of plaster restoration in Southern Virginia I recently visited Danville to do an analysis and proposal for a newcomer moving to the area. He had bought a beautiful old church in much need of thoughtful renovations.  Many of the walls had been ‘patched in’ with drywall and areas of concern on the ceiling had been globbed with more mud, rather than removing relatively small areas of detached plaster and replacing it.  Of course, now the drywall had to be removed, as it was not installed very well and didn’t match the old plaster! Subsequent conversations with several contractors and preservation-minded folks…

An overmantel is a shelf over a mantelpiece, often with a mirror. The placement of large mirrors above a mantel has been popular since the 1680s when the method of casting large pieces of glass was invented.  The glass was then cut, polished, and silvered by specialist workers and set in decorated frames. Somewhat later, the mirrors were more ornately framed adding shelves and other embellishments – becoming overmantels.  Overmantels remained popular with those who could afford them through the Victorian era. During renovations to the W.F. Patton House on Main Street in 1917, its ornate overmantels were removed in favor of more modern / less Victorian décor.  Fortunately, two of its overmantels…

These antique vases and pitchers are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Some additional items available on Miss Bunny’s Antique and Vintage Sale on June 4 and 5, 2021, from 10:00 to 2:00, are shown below. How about this hand-painted Asian chest. Or perhaps an antique Chinese plate. Maybe the uniform shirt of Police Chief Eugene McCain would be of interest.  McCain joined the police force in 1940 and served as chief from late 1960 until 1971. This included the time of civil rights demonstrations and unrest including Bloody Monday – June 10, 1963. McCain found himself at the center of the fray – damned by demonstrators and praised…

Dr. Robert Elkins’ family arrived in Danville almost by accident. From Florida originally, the family was on an airplane trip to New York when they found they needed to refuel. A friend traveling with them suggested a stop in Danville, where an old medical school chum was currently operating a successful orthopedic practice. Dr. and Mrs. Elkins met with Dr. Ogden, who showed them around Danville. They instantly fell in love with the city and particularly with Millionaire’s Row in the Old West End. Soon after, the Elkins purchased the Lanier-Wyllie house at 770 Main Street and relocated the family to Danville from Florida. Life in the house is fondly…

In the mid to late 1800’s, religious revivals drew crowds in the thousands to Danville. Local and nationally known evangelists arrived here to speak, and room to hold the throngs that gathered was difficult, at times impossible, to procure. To resolve this difficulty, seven churches collaborated to raise funds to build an auditorium. In 1890, architect J. R. Pleasant built the 150 by 125 foot wood frame structure on North Ridge Street — just a few steps from the Old West End. The building was named the Sam Jones Auditorium after the acclaimed preacher who held regular and well-attended revivals in town, but was more commonly called the Tabernacle. The…