– Feb. 18, 1973), seated, married James “Luther”
Pitsenbarger (Aug. 22, 1893 – March 24, 1961).
Lewis “Arthur” Propst (Dec. 9, 1895 – April 15,
1980), standing, married Sallie Virginia Mitchell
(Nov. 22, 1898-).
Sugar Grove – By Paula Mitchell
The following historical note is one that most people, living today, are probably not aware of. Time has taken those who knew to their resting place. Persons traveling into West Virginia (from the Virginia side) found a rough route in the early 1900s. At the foot of the Shenandoah Mountain there was located a tavern or wayside inn, “Halfway House, which also served as a toll station. (This was located where the machinery for the mountain road construction is presently located). Facilities were very adequate for those who wished to rent a room for the night and to also partake a bowl of soup.
On the opposite side of the road was where horse exchanges took place. Mules were also kept here. They were needed to pull the heavy spring wagons loaded with passengers, freight, and mail over the Shenandoah Mountain. In bad weather, six mules were needed to pull one wagon up the mountain. The road continued up through the Switzer Dam area and on up the west side of the mountain. Winter weather created icy road conditions that never changed until the thaw of spring. The road was then changed to the present location in the late 1930s. There was quite a historical ceremony at the top of the mountain when the new road was completed, and where the Franklin High School choir and band were amongst the dignitaries in the program. The writer’s mother took place in this ceremony as a choir participant.
In the fall, when the leaves have dropped, one can still see the “old road” on the right side when descending Shenandoah Mountain. There are also still traces of the “old road” along the West Virginia side, although not easily seen.
The flat land between Halfway House and Rawley Springs was formerly called Frank’s Bottom, since the land was owned by the Frank family. Emanuel Frank was the first caretaker of the water-works at the Rawley Resort.
Rural mail carriers delivered mail from daylight to dark. A truck was in use to haul the mail from Harrisonburg, Virginia, to the top of Shenandoah Mountain, from whence another carrier took it to Franklin. These men, who carried the mail, had to live up to the motto of the United States Postal Service, “Neither rain, nor snow,” but in the early 1900s this was no easy task. E.D. Gifford, better known as “Ras” was the low bidder on the Franklin to Harrisonburg, Virginia, mail route from 1908 until 1920. This contract included getting mail through six days a week, receiving and delivering mail at post offices along the route, and placing “side mail” in individual boxes along the way. The early postal service additionally provided freight and passenger carrier, the only means of transportation for some along the route. One way fare was $3.00 with a round trip being $5.00
One driver would leave Franklin at 5:30 a.m. while another left Harrisonburg, Virginia, about the same time. Between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. the driver arrived at the base of the mountain where he changed horses. About noon, the drivers would meet at the top of the Shenandoah Mountain and exchange wagons. By 7:00 p.m. each driver had returned to their starting place, unless detained by weather or a mishap.
Life’s little instructions for kinder, and more respectful people included the following:
- Keep one’s phone on silent during meetings, church, libraries, and movies.
- Treat service staff with respect at all times.
- Give people space in line.
- Say “Bless you” when someone sneezes.
- Say “Excuse me” when passing through.
June! The community residents have no idea at all where the time has gone. Yesterday was January, and today is June!
The showers of rain could be what folks long ago called a “sheep rain.” The dreary days, coupled with misty showers, usually happened around the time sheep were shorn. At times, the rain gurgled from the downspouts. The rains that fell this past week appeared to be thankfully received into the ground. The winds continue to howl and do their best to absorb any remaining moisture. Monday morning’s temperature was 35 degrees, which reminds one and all that the weather is rather fickle.
Quotes for the week are as follows: “There will come a time when the rich own all the media and it will be impossible for the public to make an informed opinion.” — Albert Einstein (about 1949) “The last days of May are among the longest of the year.” — Alice Munro “Don’t wish for someone else to do later what you can do now.” — Wynton Marsalis “The secret to living well and long is eat half, walk double, laugh triple and love without measure.” — Tibetan Proverb “Do not pray for an easy life; pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.” — Bruce Lee
Sitting inside is the perfect place to hear the “Talk of the Grove.”
Folks are wondering to where in the world Dover Paul, the Emu, is traversing. Perhaps he has found greener pastures???
Geneva Mongold celebrated her eighth birthday Saturday with a party at the VFW pavilion with family and friends.
Judy Costello of Verona, Virginia, spent Friday night with her mother, Evelyn Varner.
This week’s clickety-clacks for the chin waggers are as follows:
- Bamboo, growing 47.6 inches in 24 hours, is the fastest growing plant.
- The United Kingdom is famous for its castles with more than 1,500 castles scattered around the country.
- Fleas can jump 350 times their body length.
- The only mammal capable of flight is the bat.
- Cats have 32 muscles in each ear.
Concerns are for the following: Bob Adamson, the Bonnie Anderson family, Charles Anderson, John Ashley, Roger Ashley, Mercedes Aumann, Dave Basagic, Allen Beachler, Liz and Mick Bodkin, “Bo” Boggs, Joyce Calhoun, Marie Cole, the Ruth Craig family, Stanley Dahmer, Jennifer Errett, Isaac Eye, Carl Gant, David Gillispie, Patsy Green, JC Hammer, the Marla Zelene Harman family, Sharon Harr, Steve and Armanda Heavner, Hannah Hedrick, Jack and Starr Hedrick, Chuck and Tracy Hiett, Jim Hiner, Evan Hise, Tim Hively, Henry Hodges, Edsel and Mary Ann Hogan, Julia Homan, Keith Hoover, Olin Hoover, Debbie Horst, Linda Jones, Richard Judy, Marsha Keller, Tara Kelley, Tom and Kim Kline, Tracie Knight, Larua Kropp, Melissa Lambert, Robert Lambert, Rex Landis, Donna Mallow, Roger and Skip Mallow, Audree Marsh, Anna Mauzy, Ed May, Gene and Joan McConnell, Gary McDonald, Neil McLaughlin, Rose Miller, Bruce Minor, Tom Mitchell, Barbara Moats, Gloria Moats, Jim Moats, Helen Nash, Aaron Nelson, Dwight Nelson, Ruth Nelson, Cheryle Paine, Terri Parker, Andy Pond, Janice Propst, Alda Propst, Janis Propst, Marilyn Propst, Mike Propst, Sheldon Propst, Virginia Propst, Eldon “Butch” Puffenbarger, Tom Rader, Willard Rader, Brandon Reel, Jason Rexrode, Jimmy Rexrode, Linda Fay Rexrode, Bernie Sasscer, Annie Simmons, Erin Simmons, Eva Simmons, Greg Simmons, Judy Simmons, Nelson Simmons, Robbie Sites, Mike Skiles, Ed and Carolyn Smith, Natalie Stephenson, Tina Stuben, Steve Stump, Linda and Larry Vandevander, Sandra Vandevander, Amy Vaus, Estelle and Don Wagner, Mary Louise Waldschlager, Amby Waybright, Jr., Mike Waybright, Rene White, Sherry Wilfong, Judy Williams and Ann and Ed Wimer.
