Tag: history
Annandale Terrace celebrates 60th anniversary
By Shane Gomez The past, present, and future came together on a sunny Thursday evening in Annandale, as Annandale Terrace Elementary School celebrated its 60th anniversary. The May 5 event included remarks by Principal Ingrid Badía and several teachers, a xylophone performance by students, creation of a time capsule, a guided tour, and an exhibit … Continued
A ceremony commemorates a tragedy in Annandale
By Shane Gomez A small crowd gathered at Howrey Field Park in Annandale on May 31 to honor the six U.S. Army soldiers who died there while installing a flagpole 58 years ago. A ceremony is held every year at a memorial commemorating the tragedy. The memorial consists of a flag, a plaque for each … Continued
Mason District is a treasure trove of modern architecture
A survey of modern architecture in Fairfax County lists 151 properties, neighborhoods, and commercial developments built between 1950 and 1985 that could be historically significant. The study includes dozens of properties in Mason District, including a retail strip in Annandale, homes in Lake Barcroft, and office buildings in Seven Corners. The study was carried out … Continued
Falls Church HS’s historic mosaic will be protected during renovations
When the renovation/expansion of Falls Church High School is completed, the historic jaguar mosaic will be preserved.
Racial covenants – widespread in Mason District – can be removed
You probably aren’t aware of this but if you’re a homeowner in the Annandale/Mason District area, there’s a strong likelihood that your property has a restrictive covenant prohibiting non-White ownership and occupancy.
Falls Church section of Wilson Blvd. to be designated Saigon Blvd.
The Falls Church City Council is expected to approve a resolution on Nov. 12 to designate the section of Wilson Boulevard in front of the Eden Center as “Saigon Boulevard.”
Community center renamed to honor Minnie Peyton, the matriarch of Springdale
A new sign was unveiled designating the Bailey’s Community Center as the Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey’s in honor of the matriarch of Springdale.
Koreans made Annandale unique
Community activist, business owner, and longtime Annandale resident Steve Lee talked about the history of Annandale’s Koreatown at a recent discussion session at George Mason Library.
It’s now the Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey’s
The Board of Supervisors on July 16 approved a motion by Mason Supervisor Andres Jimenez to rename the Bailey’s Community Center the Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey’s.
Luther Jackson Middle School celebrates its 70th anniversary
Luther Jackson High School opened in 1955 as Fairfax County’s first high school for Blacks. Ten years later it was converted to an integrated middle school.
New name proposed for Wilson Library
The Fairfax County Public Library Board of Trustees is considering changing the name of the Woodrow Wilson Library in Bailey’s Crossroads. The Library Board “has received significant community input” calling for renaming the library, said Brian Engler, board chair and trustee representing the Braddock District. A segregationist president “Over the past few board meetings, residents … Continued
Public input sought on renaming the Bailey’s Community Center
Last month, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors agreed to begin the process to rename the Bailey’s Community Center for Minnie Peyton, the matriarch of the Black community of Springdale. The county is now asking the public to consider three options: You can vote online for one of those names through July 11. A public … Continued
Annandale church commemorates Juneteenth
Members of Little River United Church of Christ in Annandale observed Juneteenth on June 19 with a demonstration on Little River Turnpike. Drivers passing by honked as they saw people’s signs with such messages as “Black History is American History,” “Black Lives Matter,” and “Honk for Juneteenth.” Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people. President … Continued
BoS considers renaming the Bailey’s Community Center for Minnie Peyton
The Board of Supervisors passed a motion on renaming the Bailey’s Community Center for Minnie Peyton, a former leader of the Black neighborhood of Springdale. Peyton (1889-1985) had donated the land for a school in Bailey’s Crossroads before Virginia’s schools were integrated. Related story: A local Black community honors its history The Lillian Carey Elementary … Continued
The dislocation of Little Saigon offers lessons for preserving the Eden Center
Clarendon was once known as Little Saigon due to the many Vietnamese refugees who opened small businesses in the area in the 1970s. But when Arlington County began efforts to promote redevelopment, those small business owners were forced out. The Viet Place Collective believes that understanding what happened in Clarendon is critical to ensuring that … Continued