Dots and dashes Telegraph Machine

The importance of telegraphy in US history in the nineteenth century cannot be understated.  Before that period, messages could only be transmitted physically, such as by mail or courier, or visually.  Line-of-sight communications, such as smoke signals, beacons, reflected light signals, and semaphore flag signals, had limited usefulness over long distances and were ineffective at night or during bad weather. These methods of communication typically served governments and armies, not the people.

A number of European inventors experimented with electrical telegraphy in the early 1800s. However, it was American inventor Samuel F. B. Morse who is credited with designing and patenting the first successful electrical telegraph in 1837 in this country.  As the message had to be encoded, Morse and his partner, Alfred Vail, also developed the Morse code signaling alphabet for use with the electric telegraph.

While the first telegram in the United States was send by Morse on January 11, 1838, it is his message to Vail on May 24, 1844 that most Americans know:  WHAT HATH GOD WROUGHT.  While Morse was referring to electric telegraphy, his message portends the electronic age with messages and information now transmitted worldwide to the masses in a matter of seconds with all its benefits and risks.

The Morse/Vail telegraph quickly spread across the country with the overland telegraph connecting the east and west coast completed on October 24, 1861, making the Pony Express obsolete.  The telegraph was critical during the Civil War.  Faster, more efficient communication expanded an army’s operational radius.  Troops, ammunition, food and other critical resources could now be quickly deployed as information changed.  Enemy movement could be easily relayed to officers allowing for greater strategic planning of attacks and counterattacks.  While miles of telegraph line were laid during the Civil War, they were often felled by sabotage, underscoring the critical importance of telegraphy to the war.

This Thursday afternoon, August 9, Jim Mullins will discuss the telegraph at History Adventure Camp for Kids at the Giles County Historical Society museum.  Several years ago Mullins donated to the museum a telegraph machine once used here in Giles County The campers will learn about the importance of the telegraph in this country’s expansion, as well as about the Morse code.  There may even be a few encoded messages sent from the Historical Society that day!  The museum complex will be closed the week of August 6-10 for the History Camp, but the community is welcome to visit and see all the fun activities that week.

Dots and dashes. Kids participating in this week's Historical Society History Adventure Camp will try some hands-on encoding on this telegraph machine, once used in Giles County.

Expert on regional brick architecture

Little is known about the architect and brick mason who built the Andrew Johnston House in 1829, but that is not true of other homes and buildings in the Roanoke and New River Valleys.  On Thursday, August 2 at 7:00 pm at the Giles County Historical Society, Michael J. Pulice will talk about his ten-year study of the Deyerle family and their impact on 19^th century brick architecture in the region.

Pulice holds degrees from Radford University and Virginia Tech, and is an archaeologist and architectural historian. He currently works at the Virginia Department of Historic Resources Western Regional Office in Salem.  Pulice’s illustrated presentation will be followed by a book signing and is free and open to the public.

The Deyerles were a legendary family of builders and architects of the nineteenth century.  Their story begins with Benjamin Deyerle, an architect, brick mason, and builder of brick homes and other structures in the Roanoke Valley.  Other family members included his brother, David, half-brother, Joseph, and Joseph’s son, J.C.

David and J.C. expanded the family’s influence into Franklin County and the New River Valley.  Nearby landmarks built by the Deyerles can still be seen in Christiansburg, Blacksburg and elsewhere in Montgomery County, as well as Pulaski County.  Pulice’s book, Nineteenth-Century Brick Architecture in the Roanoke Valley and Beyond: Discovery the True Legacies of the Deyerle Builders, features many photographs of their work in our region.

The Giles County Historical Society works to preserve, interpret and exhibit Giles County’s rich historical and cultural heritage.  It provides a repository for Giles County family histories, documents and artifacts, assists genealogical researchers, and supports the preservation of endangered Giles County artifacts, sites and records.  The Giles County Historical Society, Museum and Gift Shop (921-1050) are open Wed-Fri from 12-5 PM and Sat-Sun from 2-5 PM.  Admission is free.  The Research Office is open on Thursday from 12–5 PM.  For more information, visit www.gilescountyhistorical.org.

 Expert on regional brick architecture. On August 2 at 7pm architectural historical Mike Pulice will give a talk at the Historical Society on 19th-century brick architecture in the Roanoke and New River Valleys.

Giles County School Desegregation

Giles County School Desegregation

The 1960s was a turbulent period of social and political change in the United States, embodied by the desegregation of public schools.  Although the Civil War officially ended slavery, many Southern states enacted laws following Reconstruction to limit the rights of African Americans.  For over half a century the doctrine of “separate but equal” justified the segregation of blacks from services, facilities, and public accommodations used by whites.  In 1954, however, the US Supreme Court declared separate schools for whites and blacks unconstitutional in the landmark decision Brown v. Board of Education, paving the way for desegregation of the public schools and the Civil Rights Movement.

Desegregation of Virginia’s schools began in 1959 and ended in the early 1970s.  A Southern state, once part of the Confederacy, Virginia’s desegregation was often characterized by massive resistance to the court’s ruling, including shutting down public schools in some counties to avoid integration -- but that is only part of the story.

In March 1964 twenty-three courageous students at the all-black Bluff City High School submitted applications to attend the all-white high school in Giles County.   While their names have been forgotten by most, what is known about these students is that they would have been good students with perfect or near-perfect attendance, so that if the Giles County school board denied them admission to the all-white school it could be for only one reason—race.

The school board initially voted to close the all-black schools in the county suggesting to some that Giles County would also resist school desegregation, but on May 15, 1964 – to the surprise of all – the board voted to fully integrate the schools for the following school year.

The media were skeptical that a Virginia school system would voluntarily vote to end racial desegregation or that the citizens would accept this action peacefully.  As the first day of school approached, the media anxiously gathered across the road from Giles High School with cameras ready to chronicle the anticipated violence.  According to local sources, that morning a thick fog rolled in, obscuring the view.  When the haze lifted later that day – and much to the chagrin of the media – it was business as usual in Giles County.  The school system had integrated peacefully.

Many believe that is the end of the story, but it was only the beginning . . .  Seven of Giles County’s African American teachers lost their jobs as a result of school desegregation.  It was commonly assumed that the teachers were not qualified, yet all seven held college degrees.  They subsequently filed a lawsuit against Giles County public schools.  Both the lower and higher court found that the teachers had been discriminated against on the basis of race. However, the remedy in both cases fell short of the teachers’ expectations to regain their positions.

In 1966 the US District Court in Roanoke ruled only that the black teachers could reapply for any teaching positions available in county for which they were qualified, leaving the interpretation of “qualified” up to the superintendant and the school system.  The existing laws at the time were simply inadequate to afford the teachers protections.  At least one teacher was subsequently rehired, while the others found employment elsewhere.  The case of Mary A. Franklin et al v. County School Board of Giles County and P. E. Ahalt, Division Superintendant of Schools of Giles County was cited in numerous cases over the next few years in both Virginia and other states forging new laws on employment discrimination.

  

According to Patricia Jacobs, Executive Director of the Giles County Historical Society, children often perceive “real history” as something that takes place in Richmond or Washington or some world capital.   “They think nothing important ever happens here.  This story, however, demonstrates how the way people of Giles County respond to events can influence policies and decisions and craft new laws, thereby changing history.   Giles County played an important role in the 1960s in regard to both desegregation and employment law.”

Aided by a grant from the Community Foundation of the New River Valley, the Historical Society is launching several oral history projects this summer, including one on desegregation of the public schools. Jacobs says “We are now conducting background research and identifying sources for this project, including members of the local African American community, former students at the segregated school at Bluff City, and white students and teachers at Giles County High Schools.  We are also interested in speaking with those who lived in other areas at the time to compare how their experiences were similar to or different from those living here.”

The ultimate goal is to better understand the factors which led to the voluntary desegregation of Giles County’s public schools, as well as to organize an exhibit in 2014 marking the fiftieth anniversary of that historic event.  “We encourage people to share their experiences and memories for this project and to contact the Historical Society at 540-921-1050.”

During the week of August 6-8, Giles County kids will have an opportunity to delve into the history and culture of their region in an action-packed “History Adventure Camp”, sponsored by the Giles County Historical Society.  The camp is designed for kids aged 8-11.

“This is the first time we’ve offered a summer camp, and we hope there will be many more” says Executive Director Patricia Jacobs.  “A few months ago we had great success with a simulated archaeology dig for Eastern Elementary 5^th graders, so we decided to expand it into a full week of activities.”

The camp day will run from 10:00 to 4:00, with a lunch break at 12:30.  During the week campers will learn about prehistoric Giles County; local Native American culture; colonial crafts and games; regional music, dancing and storytelling; tracking and orienteering; and the life of a Civil War soldier.

“We’re bringing in local experts in these fields, including teachers, craftsmen, performers and re-enactors” says Jacobs.  “The kids will learn about their heritage and have a great time in the process!”

The camp is limited to 15 participants, so Jacobs urges parents to contact the Historical Society as early as possible for registration details.  Call 540-921-1050 for more information.

Genealogy

The research office now the War Room will be closed until Thursday June, 15 2012, from 12-5.

Dixie

The life of a Civil War soldier was often difficult, from inferior clothing and equipment to scarce and barely edible rations, to the crushing monotony of camp life.  Many of the soldiers tried to distract themselves by singing and playing instruments.  The resulting music became a legacy of the conflict.

Music provided a much-needed diversion for both Union and Confederate armies.  It was used to rally troops, as recreation, and to march by, among other reasons.  Frequently both sides would borrow each other’s tunes or lyrics.  It was not uncommon for each side to serenade the other, or for battle to stop while an impromptu concert was held.  As the Union and Confederate armies camped across the Rappahannock River from each other in the winter of 1862-63, bands on both sides played the popular ballad “Home Sweet Home.”

Before 1862, new volunteer regiments usually included a regimental band.  When Union Col. Rutherford B. Hayes invaded Giles County with a regiment of 600 men in the spring of 1862, his band played a lively quick-step as his small force marched into Pearisburg.  One federal soldier described the week-long occupation as “the biggest picnic we have had since enlistment.  Whenever the band plays “Dixie” the whole town throws open windows and waves aprons and ‘kerchiefs.”

When the number of bands became unmanageable, many were disbanded and some were replaced by brigade bands to serve a larger contingent of troops.  Whether played by these organized bands or simply sung by the soldiers themselves around the campfire (accompanied by banjo, fiddle or harmonica), popular songs ranged from patriotic melodies meant for marching to aching ballads that reflected the soldiers’ yearnings for home and hearth.

Among the Union favorites were “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “Tramp, Tramp, Tramp,” “Battle Cry of Freedom” and “John Brown’s Body” (later changed into “Battle Hymn of the Republic”).  Confederate troops enjoyed “Dixie,” “When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again,” “The Yellow Rose of Texas” and “The Bonnie Blue Flag.”

The upcoming Civil War Weekend in Giles County will feature some of these and other favorites.  On Saturday night, June 9, while downtown Pearisburg is filled with events and activities, the popular band “Sugar Run” will be playing Civil War-era music at the Historical Society from 6 to 9 pm.

The Giles County Historical Society works to preserve, interpret and exhibit Giles County’s rich historical and cultural heritage.  It provides a repository for Giles County family histories, documents and artifacts, assists genealogical researchers, and supports the preservation of endangered Giles County artifacts, sites and records.  The Giles County Historical Society, Museum and Gift Shop (921-1050) are open Wed-Fri from 12-5 PM and Sat-Sun from 2-5 PM.  Admission is free.  The Research Office is open on Thursday from 12–5 PM.  For more information, visit www.gilescountyhistorical.org.

When Union Col. Rutherford B. Hayes occupied Pearisburg for a week in the spring on 1862, his regimental band often played "Dixie", to the delight of local residents.

Civil War Weekend offers something for everyone

On Saturday and Sunday, June 9 and 10, parts of Pearisburg will be transformed into scenes from the most momentous period in the nation’s history.   The Giles County Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee is hosting a series of events to commemorate the 150^th anniversary of the Battle of Giles Court House.  Visitors will have an opportunity to observe and interact with soldiers from both sides in camp, in training, and in action.  They can view a re-creation of a Civil War hospital, be entertained by a snake oil salesman, join in a traditional Appalachian dance, and feast on Southern barbeque.  Finally, the will have the opportunity to observe a re-enactment of the Battle of Giles Court House, which took place on a beautiful Spring day in 1862.

Thursday, June 7 – “Skirmish at Pearisburg,” a talk by Al McLean

Author George A. McLean Jr. sets the stage with a discussion of the battle, subject of his recently published book “Skirmish at Pearisburg.”  7 pm, Pearisburg Town Hall.

Saturday, June 9  -  Memorial ceremony, parade, hospital, dance, dinner

At 11:00 am the day starts at the Giles County Courthouse, where Union and Confederate soldiers will gather for a memorial ceremony to honor the fallen of both sides.  Following an honor guard salute and a rendition of “Taps” (first played at a military funeral in 1862, and soon adopted by both sides in the Civil War) the reenactors and their ladies will march down Main Street to the Giles County Historical Society.

In the afternoon, from 1:00 to 5:00, the Confederate camp will offer Living History demonstrations for the public, and from 3:00 to 5:00 field artillery demonstrations will take place on the battlefield reenactment site.  The site is located on Rt. 100 beyond Bluff City near the PSA office.  Public parking will be available in the large field across from the concrete plant (see map). 

The evening festivities begin at 6:00 at the Giles County Historical Society, 208 North Main Street.  Enjoy a BBQ dinner catered by the Old Virginia Smokehouse, skits, demonstrations, exhibits, and Living History at the Yankee encampment on the grounds of the Andrew Johnston House.  The Giles County Historical Museum will be open, featuring two exhibits: “The Civil War in Giles County” and “On the Eve of War:  Artists’ Views of Giles County in the Mid-19^th Century.”

At 7:00 visitors will be taught the basics of traditional southern Appalachian dance, and from 7:30 to 8:30 all are invited to dance to the music of “Sugar Run,” featuring many tunes from the Civil War era.  Activities will cease at 9:00 to allow the Federal soldiers time to rest on the eve of battle.

That same evening from 6:00 to 9:00 at the Giles County Courthouse, visitors will be able to view a recreation of a Civil War hospital.  The Courthouse served as an actual military hospital throughout the war, and on Saturday night the ground floor will be furnished with cots, oil lamps, straw-covered floors, wounded soldiers, busy nurses and a military surgeon.   Civil War medical reenactors will be on hand to demonstrate the treatments available at the time.

All activities on Saturday are free of charge except the BBQ dinner.  Parking in town will be available in municipal lots, the Magic Mart lot, and on the streets.  Check www.gilescivilwarreenactment.com for more details, for a history of the Battle of Giles Court House, and also for specials offered by local inns and restaurants.

Sunday, June 10  -  “The Battle of Giles Court House”

At 10:00 in the morning the Union and Confederate camps are again open to the public, and will close at noon to prepare for the skirmish.  At 1:00 pm the battle commences!  Confederates and Federals will skirmish, canons will roar, and the wounded will be treated at a field hospital.  Duration will be approximately 40 minutes.  Bring your lawn chairs and plenty of drinks.

There is a modest fee for spectators.  Public parking will be available on the large field across from the cement plant.  Access to the parking will be via the old Wade’s parking lot, then under the 460 overpass.  Follow the signs to the parking area.  A limited amount of handicapped parking will be offered closer to the reenactment site; properly designated vehicles will be directed to that area by parking attendants. 

Call the Giles County Historical Society (540-921-1050) or visit www.gilescivilwarreenactment.com for more information.

Reenactors of the 83rd PA Infantry, the First Stuart Horse Artillery, and the 60th VVA Infantry (among others) will be clashing on the battlefield during Giles County's Civil War Weekend, June 9 and 10.