Tag: history
Sal’s has been fixing shoes in Annandale since 1954
Nick Cirillo with a customer Shoe styles have changed over the decades, and so has Annandale, as businesses have come and gone, but Sal’s Shoe Repair has been at the same spot on Little River Turnpike since 1954. When John Cirillo opened Sal’s, Little River was a two-lane road, and Annandale was a sleepy little … Continued
Parliament Cleaners has served Annandale for more than four decades
The Parliament Cleaners, wedged between the Safeway and the Miso restaurant in the Little River Shopping Center might well be one of the oldest continuously operating businesses in Annandale. Parliament opened in 1968, and Connie Burnley has been the smiling face behind the counter since 1972 when her family purchased the business. Her son, James, … Continued
Concert, symposium next month focus on President Lincoln’s Grand Review
Planning is well under way for the Nov. 12, 2011 re-enactment of President Lincoln’s Grand Review in Bailey’s Crossroads, and several events associated with this commemoration will take place next month. The original Grand Review of the Army of the Potomac consisted of 70,000 soldiers divided into seven marching divisions. The sesquicentennial re-enactment, being organized … Continued
History commissioner brings life to suffragist hero
“Mr. President, how long must women wait for liberty?” These words were hung on banners at the gates of the White House as women marched to demand the right to vote in 1917. These words also began Lynne Garvey-Hodge’s re-enactment of suffragist Mrs. Robert Walker at a presentation at the home of Marie Reinsdorf in … Continued
Women invited to suffragist memorial benefit Nov. 21
Learn about the sacrifices and determination of women who fought for the right to vote – including the Night of Terror (Nov. 15, 1917) – while enjoying a lively suffragist re-enactment by Fairfax County History Commissioner Lynne Garvey-Hodge and an informal reception Nov. 21, 4-6 p.m. at a private home. Donations ($15 suggested) will support a … Continued
Oak Hill, Annandale’s oldest house, welcomes visitors one day a year
People lining for up for a peek inside The annual Open House at Oak Hill Saturday afternoon drew a mix of history buffs, curious neighbors, descendants of the Fitzhughs, and former residents to the oldest house in Annandale. Oak Hill, at 4716 Wakefield Chapel Road, was built in 1790 by Richard Fitzhugh, a great grandson … Continued
Historic marker commemorating “action at Annandale” unveiled in style
Col. John Mosby, Virginia Gov. William “Extra Billy” Smith, and some Civil War soldiers returned to Annandale Saturday for a ceremony unveiling the historic marker commemorating the “Action at Annandale.” The marker, on the corner of Little River Turnpike and Hillbrook Drive, next to the library, recognizes the historical significance of the roadbed for the … Continued
Poe Middle School is having a 50th anniversary celebration Oct. 16
Did you or your kids go to Poe Middle School? Poe is celebrating its 50th anniversary Oct. 16, 12-3 p.m., with a community party with carnival games, moon bounces, and other family activities. The event takes place at Poe, 7000 Cindy Lane, Annandale. Swansbrough Admission is $10, which includes a T-shirt and access to all games … Continued
Annandale’s big event Oct. 23: The annual parade and festival
The 2009 parade The biggest annual event in Annandale is just a few weeks away. The Fall Festival and Parade, Saturday, Oct. 23, is sponsored by the Annandale Chamber of Commerce. The parade runs along Columbia Pike, starting at the Annandale United Methodist Church parking lot near the Gallows Road intersection at 10 a.m. You can expect … Continued
Neighborhood Spotlight: Holmes Run Acres is an architectural gem
In an area full of traditional colonials, ramblers, and split levels, Holmes Run Acres stands out as one of the few neighborhoods in the Annandale area where you can find mid-century modern houses with lots of wood and glass. The neighborhood’s distinctive architecture qualified it to be listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register in … Continued
Family event will focus on African American history in Annandale area
The 2010 Oak Hill History Day, scheduled for October, will focus on 19th century African American communities in the Annandale area. Oak Hill is a privately owned 18th century Georgian-style home at 4716 Wakefield Chapel Road in Annandale. The home, one of the oldest in Fairfax County, and adjacent properties are all that remain of the … Continued
Map identifies Annandale property owners in 1860
Do you want to know who owned your land in 1860? Check out this cool interactive map on the Fairfax County History Commission’s website. You might have to play around a bit to find where your home is. The square labled 71-1 (pictured below) shows the Little River Turnpike/Columbia Pike intersection in the center of … Continued
Historic marker near library commemorates Civil War skirmish in Annandale
A new historic marker, titled “Action at Annandale,” commemorates a Civil War skirmish that took place on the spot now occupied by the George Mason Regional Library and Poe Terrace Park at the intersection of Little River Turnpike and Hillbrook Drive. Annandale resident Helen Winter, who spearheaded the project on behalf of the Annandale Revitalization Committee, … Continued
Re-enactment of Lincoln’s Grand Review to take place in Bailey’s Crossroads in November 2011
Big plans are underway to stage a re-enactment commemorating the 150th anniversary (the sesquicentennial) of President Lincoln’s Grand Review of the Army of the Potomac on Nov. 12, 2011, in Bailey’s Crossroads. The goal is to “put the spotlight on Northern Virginia to commemorate something of enormous importance to this country,” says Maria Elena Schacknies … Continued
Ravensworth Road: Then and now
A reader who wishes to remain anonymous sent the photo (top) of Ravensworth Road looking toward Annandale. It was taken around 1950 or 1951, before St. Michael’s Catholic Church was built. The other photo, taken yesterday, shows Ravensworth Road from the intersection of Davian Drive. It might not be the same section of road. Here’s what … Continued