Reedville Fishermen's Museum - Reedville, Virginia

www.rfmuseum.org Spring 2008 

Starry Banner 

Reedville Fishermen’s Museum - Reedville, Virginia 

Presorted 

Standard U.S. 

Postage 

Paid Permit No. 6 

Reedville, VA 

Tom 

Ryals 

Starry Banner Spring 2008 

Printed by Lottsburg Printing Company

Greater Reedville Association and 

Reedville Fishermen’s Museum 

2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

OFFICERS 

President - Wendell Haynie 

Vice President - Kathy Elsden 

Treasurer - Bill Burton 

Secretary - Margaret Hudnall 

DIRECTORS 

Clif Ames 

Carol Cole 

Dennis Dalpino 

Dick Doyle 

Aubrey Henry 

Susan Carter Hughes 

Eve Jordan 

Tom Miller 

Bill Rogers 

Ben Ward 

Glen Warner 

DIRECTORS EMERITI 

George and Katherine Frayne 

BOARD COMMITTEES 

Community Affairs - Barbara Forrest/Wanda Boley 

Financial Management– Aubrey Henry 

Long Range Planning – Kathy Elsden 

Membership - Susan Tipton 

Planned Giving - Susan Stubbs 

OPERATING COMMITTEES 

Boat Collection - Dudley Biddlecomb 

Boat Donation and Resale - Clif Ames 

Boat Shop - Jay Rohmann 

Building and Grounds – Glen Warner 

Claud W. Somers - Harry Towne 

Curatorial - Maria Rogers 

Docent - Rita Johnson/Martha Tallent 

Education - Audrey Brainard 

Elva C. - Spud Parker / George Butler 

Exhibits/Interpretation - George Koman 

Gift Shop - Marcia Adams 

Landscape and Gardening - CBGC Judy Burgess 

Model Shop - Bob Dillon 

Photo Group - Doug Brogden 

Publications - Rita Johnson / Tom Ryals 

Publicity - Tom Ryals 

Quilters - Tippie DeLeo 

Walker House - Carol Cole 

MUSEUM STAFF 

Executive Director - Chuck Backus 

Office Manager - Kathi Basye 

2 Starry Banner Spring 2008 

MISSION STATEMENT 

The Greater Reedville Association, Inc. supports educational 

and recreational activities that improve the quality 

of life for area residents and visitors by operating a 

museum, supporting historic preservation and providing a 

forum for commuity involvement. 

The Reedville Fishermen’s Museum promotes an understanding 

and preservation of the maritime heritage of 

the lower Chesapeake Bay with emphasis given to the 

commercial fishing industry, its related trades, and social 

and cultural history of the area watermen. As such, we 

collect, conserve, interpret, provide access to, and foster 

an appreciation of this heritage to a diverse community of 

residents and visitors. 

VISION STATEMENT 

The GRA/RFM is working to conserve and sustain the 

traditional working landscape, waters and natural and 

cultural resources that reflect our maritime heritage. The 

Reedville Fishermen’s Museum is the focal point for visitors 

wishing to experience a traditional Chesapeake Bay 

fishing village. 

In Reedville, visitors can view traditional waterfront 

industries, historic homes and commercial structures, 

boatyards, wharves and vessels, and seafood processing 

operations. We also provide access to the Cockrell’s Creek 

water trail from which visitors can explore the beaches, 

tidal marshes and trails of our natural area preserves and 

observe our commercial fishing industry at work. 

STARRY BANNER 

is a membership benefit and is published quarterly. The editors 

encourage readers to submit information about programs, 

exhibitions, projects and other information desired. The Summer 

2008 deadline is June 10. 

Editors: 

Rita Johnson rita@kaballero.com 

Tom Ryals tom@crewone.com 

Photographer: Tom Ryals tom@crewone.com 

Distribution: 

Clarice Williams 

Museum Office: 804.453.6529 

FAX: 804.453.7159 

Email: office@rfmuseum.org 

Website: www.rfmuseum.org 

RFM Location: 

504 Main Street, 

Reedville, VA 

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 306, 

Reedville, VA 22539 

Greater Reedville Association Inc./Reedville Fishermen’s 

Museum is a non-profit organization. 

Starry Banner is named for the first menhaden steamer to 

operate in Reedville. The steamer was purchased by Elijah Reed 

in 1880. Captain Reed, founder of Reedville, was a pioneer in the 

menhaden fishing industry.

CONTENTS 

12 

15 

ABOUT THE COVER 

Between Smith Island and 

Smugglers Point, dockside 

visitors discover a unique 

perspective of the menhaden 

fishery. Coordinated by RFM’s 

Education Committee, Virginia 

economics educators tour the 

Omega facilities in Reedville. 

See related stories on pages 

8 and 9. 

Photo by Tom Ryals. 

EVERY ISSUE 

4 FROM THE PILOT HOUSE 

5 PRESIDENT’S CORNER 

10 BOATS FOR SALE 

11 MUSEUM GIFT SHOP 

12 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 

17 TEACHING GARDEN 

UPDATE/CBGC LAND 

SCAPE PLANNED 

18 UPCOMING EVENTS 

19 RFM QUILT GUILD 

21 RFM FLEET 

22 COCKTAILS ON THE 

CREEK 

FEATURES 

6 ANNUAL MEETING 

7 FAMILY DAY 

8 SOMETHING IS 

HAPPENING AT THE FISH 

FACTORY 

9 ECONOMIC EDUCATORS 

TOUR 

13 NEW EXHIBIT 

14 DAUNTLESS DOCENTS/ 

IN MEMORIAM 

15 IN THE WAKE OF...THE 

ELVA C 

16 WALKER HOUSE 

RE-ITERPRETATION 

20 EASTER BUNNY VISITS/ 

FOGGY RIVER 

23 FINANCIAL REPORT 

ANNUAL MEETING 2008 


online 

Home Page 

www.rfmuseum.org 

About Us 

www.rfmuseum.org/visitorinfo.html 

Claud W. Somers 

www.rfmuseum.org/somers.html 

Elva C 

www.rfmuseum.org/elvac.html 

Spirit of 1608 

www.rfmuseum.org/spirit1608.html 

On Exhibit 

www.rfmuseum.org/experm.html 

Education Programs 

www.rfmuseum.org/education.html 

Events/Activities 

www.rfmuseum.org/annualevents.html 

Photo Galleries 

www.rfmuseum.org/photoarch.html 

Volunteering 

www.rfmuseum.org/volunteering.html 

Starry Banner Spring 2008 3

FROM THE PILOTHOUSE Chuck Backus, Executive Director 

Madame President, Directors 

of the Board, Members of the 

Reedville Fishermen’s Museum, 

Honored Guests, ladies & 

gentlemen: It is my duty, my 

honor, and my distinct privilege 

to report to you the state 

of the Reedville Fishermen’s 

Museum. 

For the third consecutive 

year, it has been my honor 

to serve a President worthy 

of the support and respect 

of the entire membership. 

In MARTHA TALLENT, the 

Reedville Fishermen’s Museum, 

& its parent organization, the 

Greater Reedville Association 

has been blessed with a 

leader whose vision, courage, 

& conviction has brought 

us through a year of great 

challenges and even greater 

successes. Madam President, 

will you please stand to 

accept the thanks of a grateful 

membership? 

For the third year, I am proud 

to report that we are an 

organization fiscally sound. 

Treasurer BILL BURTON, the 

FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT 

COMMITTEE, under the 

leadership of Chairman 

WENDELL HAYNIE, and the 

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 

COMMITTEE under the 

leadership of Chairman PAUL 

DELEO have led us through 

the past year on solid financial 

footing. As a non-profit 

entity, charged with collecting, 

preserving, and interpreting 

the heritage of the men 

& women who take their 

living from the waters of the 

Chesapeake Bay, our primary 

focus is not, nor can it ever 

be, simply making money. 

However, as a non-profit entity 

with an important mission, we 

are charged with conducting 

our affairs in a business-like 

fashion. We are charged 

with being good stewards of 

the financial gifts placed in 

our trust. We are charged 

with assuring that the stories 

we work so hard to preserve 

are available for future 

generations. 

For the third consecutive 

year, I have the pleasure 

of reporting to you an 

unparalleled season of 

interpretive programming. 

In a year when the news 

was littered with stories of 

history-based organizations 

starving their programming 

budgets and cannibalizing 

their collections, our Reedville 

Fishermen’s Museum produced 

a banquet of educational family 

programming. Not simply 

for ourselves, but for the 

Commonwealth of Virginia, the 

Chesapeake Bay, the nation, 

and the world. 

The Reedville Fishermen’s 

Museum took another huge 

step forward this year with the 

creation of interpretive signage 

for our outdoor exhibits. We 

thank SPUD PARKER for the 

irreplaceable role he has 

played. Like many of you 

here today, my understanding 

of Bay watercraft has been 

enhanced under Spud’s 

tutelage. What a benefit to 

all of us that Spud agreed to 

develop the text and select the 

photo images used in these 

new signs. 

2007 was, as I told you last 

year that it would be, a year of 

partnerships. In the year past, 

your Reedville Fishermen’s 

Museum partnered locally with: 

Stratford Hall, Northumberland 

County Library, Hughlett’s 

Tavern, The Yorktown 

Watermen’s Museum, and the 

Virginia Science Museum. 

Working with our local and 

state-wide neighbors, the 


gave graciously at the local 

level. But we also provided 

for visitors at the national & 

international level. To that 

end, we forged important 

interpretive partnerships with: 

Sultana Projects, American 

Association of Museums, 

Wachovia Securities, PBS, NPR, 

Mystic Seaport, HBO, and the 

Smithsonian Institution. 

These are important steps. 

Know that in the future, we 

will continue to work with our 

neighbors both near & far for 

the cause of history and in the 

continuation of our mission. 

Now, with the success of 2007 

in our wake, we are once again 

faced with a lingering question. 

Can we possibly improve in 

2008? 

• Are there more creative 

projects for us to undertake? 

• Can we share with a 

growing audience the priceless 

living heritage practiced by 

working watermen? 

• Can we grow our 

commitment to community & 

family based programming in 

this year to come? 

In years past, those questions 

might have kept me awake 

at night. But not any 

more. I already know the 

answers. I know what THIS 

ORGANIZATION & YOU, its 

members, are capable of 

achieving. 

Complete text available at: 

www.rfmuseum.org/state.html 

4 Starry Banner Spring 2008

PRESIDENT’S CORNER 

Déjà vu. I’m 

back again as 

president of 

the board of 

directors of the 

Greater Reedville 

Association 

which is 

the parent 

association of 

the Reedville 

Fishermen’s 

Museum. This 

is my third term 

and it might seem that term limits would be a 

good idea at this point. We have a very good 

board of directors, as always, which makes 

my job much easier. 

As we grow, the operation of our 

organization becomes more complex and 

expensive. We are blessed with many 

talented and hard working volunteers, 

however, we continue to need help in all 

areas of the operation and welcome added 

input and ideas. 

We have a “ working” board which also sets 

policy. If we had unlimited funds and could 

hire people to do the work that volunteers 

do now, we could essentially be a policy 

making board. It is necessary that we spend 

a good bit of our energies in fund raising 

projects, and while these efforts are fun 

and rewarding, they do take a toll on our 

volunteers. We are always seeking and 

welcoming new folks, for there is something 

for everyone to do. 

As most of you know by now, Mr. Ralph 

Birkle has given Festival Halle to the 

Greater Reedville Association. This gift is in 

memory of his parents, Anton and Augusta 

Birkle and is to be for the use and benefit 

of our community. This enhances our 

opportunity to further accomplish our Articles 

of Incorporation which states that “ the 

corporation shall be operated in support of 

educational, museum, historic preservation, 

and recreational activities that improve the 

quality of life of area residents and visitors”. 

We are aware of challenges ahead and a 

committee is being set up to address issues 

which will allow us to expand and improve 

the use of Festival Halle both for the museum 

and for our community. Under the leadership 

of Sonny Harper, we hope to greatly increase 

its use for private as well as public functions. 

For For Festival Halle contact information, the 

existing phone number remains the same – 

804.453.5028. I hope by the time this news 

letter goes to press, the settlement of the 

property will be complete. 

I cannot begin to express our thanks and 

appreciation to Ralph for his great generosity 

and his faith in us to carry out his wishes. 

I feel that the future of our organization 

is extremely bright. I have been accused 

of being overly optimistic, but in this case, 

I feel justified, judging by all the great 

accomplishments that have been done in the 

past and those being planned for the future, 

For those of you who would like to help our 

cause, please contact Chuck, any committee 

chairman, or me. I can only promise you a 

sense of accomplishment as well as having 

some fun. 

Wendell Haynie, Board President 

RFM Welcomes New 

Board Members 

At the Annual Membership 

Meeting, Dennis Dalpino, Eve 

Jordan, Aubrey Henry, Wendell 

Haynie, Glen Warner and 

Tom Miller were unanimously 

elected to serve on the Board of 

Directors. We offer our gratitude 

to departing board members, 

Dudley Biddlecomb, Warner 

Rice, Karen Jett, Jane Crowther, 

Martha Tallent and Rob Schindler 

for their service to the Museum. 


ANNUAL MEETING 

REMARKS FROM THE 2008 ANNUAL MEETING 

It has been a great ride! As board president during 2007, the 

gift I received from the museum was being able to be a part of 

everything. 

• I saw first-hand how rich our education program is as evidenced 

by the depth of experience our volunteers share with the 

children and adults. 

• I got to row a leg of the Spirit of 1608 trip to Washington and 

see how our little barge galvanized the museum members and 

caught the attention of our visitors. 

• I admired the professional touch brought to the refurbishing 

of the Walker House. 

• I have a speaking acquaintance with many docents and 

appreciate even more what a dedicated and capable group of 

people is assembled here. 

The point is, you, the volunteers, make up our museum’s heart 

and soul. At every turn you step up to further the mission: 

supporting educational and recreational activities and promoting 

an understanding of the maritime heritage of the lower 

Chesapeake Bay. You are museum 

ambassadors to the world at large. 

Thank you for the wonderful 

experience I had serving as president 

of the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum. 

It has been a great ride! 

Martha Tallent, Board President 2007 


FAMILY DAY 

The first Family Day at the Reedville Fishermen's Museum focused on the First Americans of 

the Spirit of 1607-8 Exhibit. Educators were placed throughout the museum to tell people 

about the exhibits and to provide an opportunity to do hands-on activities similar to those 

the First Americans would have done. The Museum had a steady flow of people many of 

whom had never been in the building before. The Model Shop and Boat Shop were open 

and other activities were stationed about the campus. 

Meanwhile at Festival Hall the Nansemond Chapter of Archaeology Society of Virginia had 

displays of locally found artifacts and explained the different items to visitors. Many people 

brought their artifacts for identification and to gather a more thorough understanding of 

what they had found. Doug Sebra, a born and bred local, made projectile points throughout 

the day and ended with a talk while his handy work was projected on a large screen for all 

to see. 

Many people visited the Museum for the first time and repeatedly asked when the next 

Family Day would be. The Education Committee is considering several possibilities. If 

you have suggestions you would like to share with us please call; Audrey Brainard at 

804.580.5519 or email Brainard@nnwifi.com. Audrey Brainard 


SOMETHING IS HAPPENING AT THE FISH FACTORY 

8 Starry Banner Spring 2008 

When boaters begin cruising up and down Cockrell’s Creek 

this spring they will immediately be aware that something is 

different at Omega Protein and at the old Ampro plant across 

the creek. We were first made aware of the changes when 

we asked Spud Parker for one of his feature articles for this 

edition of the Starry Banner. “There’s a story at Omega 

Protein, but I’m getting the Elva C. ready for the Easter 

Bunny and I can’t write it this time,” Spud answered in his 

email. It seemed important enough to take a look, and so 

Rita Johnson and I met with Andy Hall, Assistant General 

Manager, and Bob LaBruzzo, the new General Manager, of 

Reedville's Omega Protein “fish factory” to see what Spud 

was alluding to. We knew there was something going on but 

were stunned to learn the scope and cost of the project. 

No longer are rusty corrugated tin structures falling into 

Cockrell Creek. There are no large menhaden fishing boats, 

which have appeared to be abandoned for years, creating 

eyesores at the site of the old Ampro plant. One of the 

boats has even been thoroughly cleaned (to EPA standards) 

and hauled out into the Bay to become an artificial reef, 

providing a habitat for marine life. Many of the huge rusty 

tanks are gone and the rest will soon follow. 

Mr. LaBruzzo, who came to Reedville from Nashville, 

Tennessee, started his career as a marine engineer and then 

worked in the paper mill industry for 32 years, said that the 

processing of fish and paper are similar and in many cases 

share the same equipment and vendors. The two industries 

also have similar issues. 

He stated that, "Omega Protein wants to be a good 

neighbor, and good neighbors maintain their property and 

improve the community environment". At a cost of roughly 

$300,000 this isn't your usual “spring cleaning.” It's much 

more. Yes, they are planting trees, shrubs and flowers and 

painting and painting. They have painted all but 2 of their 

vessels in the company colors of blue and white and will do 

those two next year. The project has removed 800 tons of 

waste soil from the property and 1,000 tons of scrap metals 

have been recycled. 

Andy promised that the summer of 2008 will be the last year 

Reedville will experience the smoke and blue haze created 

by the plant. The smells that we in Reedville have come 

to either enjoy or resent will be greatly reduced by the 

installation of an $8-10 million "zero air dryer". 

Good job, Omega Protein! You have succeeded in your goal 

to become “a good neighbor”! 

These before and after photographs tell the story perhaps 

better than we can. 

Tom Ryals

ECONOMIC EDUCATORS TOUR 

During the summer of 2007 the 

Virginia Council on Economic 

Education contacted the RFM 

Education Committee about giving 

a group of teachers, who would 

be from the state and enrolled in 

a conference meeting at the Tides 

Inn, a tour to include the fishing 

industry, boats used by the industry 

and in our collection as well as parts 

of our permanent exhibit and the 

Spirit of 1607-8. As their plans came 

together it became clear that they 

also needed a place to eat and those 

are not so plentiful in Reedville during 

the winter months. The final plans 

called for a tour of Omega Protein 

as well as a tour of all RFM Exhibits 

ending with a finale dinner with 

working watermen. The day proved 

to be an incredible success; everyone 

learned from everyone else. The end 

result was a better understanding of 

the problems watermen face as well 

as the future of fishing in the Bay. 

Thirty four teachers and professors 

left Reedville with more knowledge 

than they expected. Hopefully they 

will return with families and classes. 

Audrey Brainard 


BOATS FOR SALE 

The Boat Donation Committee has BOATS FOR SALE! 

40 foot deadrise, Catherine T, 

3208 Caterpillar Diesel. 

Asking - $8,000 

1985 Bayliner 18 foot Capri 2.1 liter Volvo 

I/O with trailer. Asking - $2500 

1970 Thunderbird 23 foot fiberglass 

boat with Mercury I/O 225 HP. 

Asking - $2500 

NOT PICTURED 

1972 Larson 17 foot fiberglass 

OB with trailer. Asking - $200 

1985 Bayliner 27 foot 

Contessa Command Bridge 

260HP Chevrolet Volvo IO. 

Asking - $6000 

If interested... 

please contact Committee Chairman, Clif Ames, through the RFM at 804.453.6529. 

WE ARE LOOKING FOR DONATIONS 

If you have a boat with clear title that you wish to donate to the museum 

please contact Clif Ames at 804.453.3506 or the museum at 804.453.6529. 


Museum Gift Shop 

NEED THAT LAST MINUTE GIFT? 

SAVE ON GAS AND SHOP AT THE MUSUEM GIFT SHOP! 

The Museum Gift Shop is proud of its beautiful oyster plate reproductions. 

They make wonderful gifts for someone special! 

• The shop is stocked with new items including serving plates that are 

microwavable, freezer proof, dishwasher proof, and made in the USA! 

• Don’t want to drive very far for that special “get well” or birthday card, 

or that unique gift? Our card selection is very popular! 

• We have a wide assortment of books about life on the Chesapeake Bay 

including Larry Chowning’s latest release Deadrise and Cross-planked. Want 

to make a purchase for the children in your life? Our children’s book rack is 

filled with great reading for your family. 

• Of course our tee shirt bins are bulging with new tee’s. Come see the 

newest children’s shirts covered with dinosaurs, fishes, frogs and some 

that turn color in the sun. 

DON’T MISS 

OUR SALE ITEMS 


Reedville Fishermen’s 

Museum 

Calendar of Events 

Courtesy of 

April 2008 Join Us Every Friday for Cocktails on the Creek! 

1 9:00 am Boat Shop 


10:00 am Model Shop 

4 9:30 am RFM Needlers 

5:00 pm Cocktails on the Creek 


7:00 pm RFM Board Meeting 



11 1:00 pm RFM Quilters 





2:00 pm Photo Group 

18 5:00 pm Cocktails on the Creek 





28 RFM Spring Schedule Begins 


May 2008 Summer Schedule: RFM Open Daily, 10:30am - 4:30pm 
























June 2008 Join us on July 5th - Reedville Independence Day Celebration! 





















Please contact the museum office or visit http://www.rfmuseum.org/calendar.html 

for additional information. All meetings and events listed are subject to change. 

You are strongly encouraged to call ahead to confirm and event, date, and time 

before traveling a significant distance. 


NEW EXHIBIT 

The Reedville Fishermen’s Museum has opened an exhibit featuring the work of local artists. 

RFM Members Art runs weekends through April at the Museum. You won’t want to miss this 

exhibit, curated by Page Dillon with the assistance of Carol Cole and presented by the Exhibit 

Committee, under the direction of George Koman. The exhibit was introduced at a reception 

on March 13, 2008 with many of the artists present. RFM Members Art will be followed in 

June by a photography exhibit featuring the work of the RFM Photo Group. 


DAUNTLESS DOCENTS 

The Reedville Fishermen’s Museum opened its 2008 

season on March 15, 2008 with docents Winifred Delano 

and Steve Tallent (shown on left) on duty. 

The museum is currently open Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 

am – 4:30 pm. The museum begins its season of daily 

operation on April 28, 2008. 

day it is in operation. 

Docent Committee co-chairs Martha Tallent and Rita 

Johnson are busy coordinating docent schedules as Keese 

Williams continues to open and close the museum each 

If you are new to the Northern Neck, eager to make new friends, and learn more about the 

Museum and the community, we urge you to consider joining the docent team. It’s a great 

way to become a member of the RFM Family. 

New docents shadow an experienced docent during regularly scheduled shifts. Once 

comfortable with your docent responsibilities, you will be assigned to a 

shift that works with your personal schedule. 

RFM docents are asked to commit to one 3-hour shift per month...more if you so desire. 

If you are interested in becoming a docent please contact the RFM office by phone 

804.453.6529 or email office@rfmuseum.org. 

IN MEMORIAM 

The Reedville Fishermen’s Museum offers deepest 

sympathy to the families and friends of 

these members and supporters. 

In Memory of Captain Rudy Haynie 

Kim Haynie 

Anonymous 

In Memory of Henry C. Deihl 

Howard & Michelle Blank 

Waverly & Katherine Jones 

In Memory of Mary Biddlecomb Henry 

Winifred B. Delano 

Donald & Johanna Shahan 


IN THE WAKE OF...the Elva C 

My name is J Abbott Jacobsen and I would like 

to inform you of the passing of Elva C. (Abbott) 

Jacobsen. During the Christmas season we 

would come to the Museum and watch Santa 

come in on the Elva C. and she would tell 

people all about the boat and how she would 

help her father (Lee Abbott) with some of 

the work. I was going through some photos 

and ran across the one I am attaching. The 

woman on the far right is my mother Elva, in 

Washington D.C. with the Elva C. in 1936. 

J. Abbott Jacobson, 

from an email message 

gathered at the RFM dock, the magic of the 

holiday season and the beauty of Cockrell’s 

Creek on a crisp December morning. Through 

those conversations, we shared our common 

affection for children’s laughter and a special 

Chesapeake Bay workboat. 

Elva Jacobsen passed away on December 23, 

2007. Two days before Christmas. 

Chuck Backus 

SUMMER OF 1936: Elva Celeste (Abbott) 

Jacobsen (far right) beside the Elva C. 

Photo courtesy J. Abbott Jacobsen 

While we never met face-to-face, I had the 

pleasure of speaking with Elva Jacobsen 

several times by telephone. She was always 

interested in the goings-on at the museum, 

particularly--and understandably--in the 

activities of her namesake, the Elva C. 

She loved to tell tales of her “daddy and Mr. 

White” building the boat and I would relay 

to her accounts of pound net trips. She was 

proud of the boat’s entry onto the National 

Register of Historic Places, interested in our 

narrated Creek Cruises and appreciated the 

good-will ambassador’s role that the boat 

played at the museum. 

However, she clearly took the most joy 

from Santa Claus’ annual arrival aboard the 

boat that bore her name. I told Elva of the 

special relationship I share with Santa and we 

happily swapped stories of wide-eyed children 

A WINDOW TO THE WATERMAN’S WORLD: 

Elva C. passengers inspect the bounty that 

Captain Walter “Peale” Rogers and Leslie 

“Bay-Bay” Hudnall harvest from a Chesapeake Bay 

pound net. Departing from the Museum 

dock well before dawn, RFM members 

experience this aspect of life on the Northern 

Neck. 

Photo by Carol Hammer 

A WEATHER-EYE AT THE 

HELM: Somerville “Spud” 

Parker, gazes out from the 

pilothouse of the Elva C. 

Photo by Tom Ryals 


WALKER HOUSE RE-INTERPRETATION 

Visitors to the RFM’s 

Walker House will see some 

changes. 

The committee first met in 

2006 to consider changes 

in the interior of the Walker 

House. Our goal was to 

enhance the enjoyment 

of visitors by creating a 

more authentic, homelike 

atmosphere. Audrey 

Brainard, Donald George and 

Maria Rogers interviewed 

long-time Reedville residents 

in hopes of capturing the 

flavor of what a waterman’s 

house would be like in the 

era of the 1920s and 1930s. 

Areas of concentration 

for individual committee 

members were assigned 

with Susan Tipton 

researching the kitchen 

and its contents, Paula 

Ransone, Carol Cole, Jan 

Shriver and Maria Rogers 

researching wallpaper, paint 

and window treatments and 

Donald George researching 

household items. 

We have completed Phase 

I and Phase II of the 

work. The painting and 

wallpapering have been 

completed on the first and 

second floors of the house. 

Phase III (the kitchen) is the 

next area to be addressed. 

In addition to the 

committee, who have done 

much of the labor, we would 

like to thank all the people 

who picked up a paint brush 

to give us a hand. We 

especially want to thank 

John Elsden for his repair 

work, Virginia Krentzke for 

her wallpapering talents and 

Wayne Clark for the time he 

spent wielding a paint roller. 

To add to the enjoyment of 

visitors to the Walker House 

during the month of June, 

we plan to have a display 

of wedding gowns worn by 

Reedville brides through the 

years. 

Next up in the Walker House 

refurbishing plan is the 

upgrade of the kitchen to a 

1920s appearance. We are 

looking for several items –if 

you have an item you can 

donate or know where we 

can purchase it, please call 

Susan Tipton 804.453.3915 

or tipton@kaballero.com 

• Icebox – can be 

varnished or painted 

– not ornate or superrestored. 

• Stand-alone kitchen 

cabinet. Hoosier-type, 

glass or plain doors. 

Again not fancy. 

• Kitchen range – wood 

fired- with warming top 

and enamel trim. To 

replace the reproduction 

stove we now have in the 

kitchen. 

• Kitchen sink – granite 

or enamel – stand alone 

with built-in drainboard. 

• Any other small 

accessory of the period. 

Carol Cole and Susan Tipton 


TEACHING GARDEN UPDATE 

The Reedville Living Shoreline Teaching 

Garden behind the museum and 

Bethany United Methodist Church is 

three years old this spring. Funded 

in part by the Virginia Division of Soil 

and Water Conservation, the garden 

was designed to remove contaminants 

from stormwater runoff, re-establish 

native wetland plants and present an 

environmentally sensitive and attractive 

landscape. 

The garden is now managed by the Northern Neck Master Gardeners, and is used by them 

and the RFM Education Committee as a demonstration project to inform homeowners, 

educators, and other interest groups about the functions and values of tidal wetlands and the 

native plants adapted to these habitats. 

If you’d like to be a part of this educational project we always need more volunteers. We 

have scheduled workdays for the first Thursday and third Monday of each month from 

8:30am - 11:30am. As the season warms up we’ll start earlier. Just come by on the appointed 

days, and master gardeners will be on hand each time to guide the work. 

Our first workday is Thursday, April 3,2008, and we’ll be doing spring cleanup and dividing 

the larger plant clumps. Any extra plants will be shared with our volunteers. 

If you would like more information, please call or email Susan Tipton, 804.453.3915 or 

tipton@kaballero.com. 

CBGC LANDSCAPE PLANNED 

Spring has arrived in the gardens at 

RFM thanks to the Chesapeake Bay 

Garden Club. The club has new plans 

for the area around the Walker House 

which includes an herb garden. Some 

landscaping along the new fence is 

also being considered. 


Family Boat Building 

Reedville Fishermen’s Museum will hold the 

Family Boat Building Weekend this year on July 

18 - 20, 2008. Each family builds the Mabel 

Skiff, a 9’ dinghy designed by RFM Boatshop 

Chairperson, Jay Rohman and constructed of 

marine plywood and douglas fir framing. The 

kit is assembled using bronze boat nails and 

urethane adhesive. Hand tools are used to 

cut and fit the individual parts in creating the 

finished hull. 

The course teaches many of the skills 

boat builders use in classic wooden boat 

construction. It also teaches the use of many 

wood working tools and techniques. 

Family groups of up to four people, each build 

their own boat, which is finished and ready for 

painting at the end of the 3 day class. 

Children at least 7 years of age will gain the 

most from this experience. No previous 

experience is required. 

Classes Friday and Saturday, 9:00am - 4:00pm, 

Sunday, 9:00am - 1:00pm. Each family will 

be given a building manual for the skiff and 

receive a list of tools which they should bring 

to the class. 

This popular program is limited to 10 

family groups. Early registration is strongly 

encouraged because of the limited space 

available. 

For more information or to register, please 

call the museum at 804.453.6529, send 

e-mail to office@rfmuseum.org, or visit our 

web site at http://www.rfmuseum.org 

UPCOMING EVENTS 

Blessing of the Fleet 

Signals Start of 2007 Fishing Season 

Saint Mary’s Church in Fleeton invites you to the annual Blessing of 

the Fleet on Sunday, May 4, 2008 in Reedville. An ancient tradition 

celebrated each spring, this ceremony marks the opening of the 

fishing season on Chesapeake Bay. At 3:30 pm a parade of boats 

will progress up Cockrell’s Creek to the old Morris-Fisher factory tall 

stack property where the ceremony will begin at 4:00 pm. 

RFM Model Shop Activities 

After a busy Christmas season of over 1250 

visitors involving about 400 volunteer hours, 

we are again running trains for the many tour 

groups visiting the museum this spring. It looks 

like we will have about six groups visit us by 

the first of May. 

All the equipment is working well, and we have 

added some new rolling stock to the layout. 

The operating lift bridge was quite a hit with 

our visitors, as they had been waiting a long 

time for it to become operational. 

The highlight of the season, from my point of 

view, was the addition of four new full time 

operators. That has allowed us to remain open 

and running for all the tours and most of the 

holidays. 

With the coming of summer, we have to start 

planning for the children’s boat model making 

classes . This year we will again have two 

sessions. Each will be five days long, from 

10:00 am - 2:00 pm, with thirty minutes for 

lunch. The minimum age will be 10 years old. 

Each session will be limited to six students, so 

sign up early. 

The first class will be July 21 - 25, 2008 and the 

second class will be August 11 - 15, 2008. 

As always, we are looking for anyone with an 

interest in models or model trains to join our 

group every Thursday at 10:00 am in the Model 

Shop. 

Bob Dillon, Model Shop Chairperson 


RFM QUILT GUILD 

In February we completed the last step of a Mystery 

Quilt. For the last six months each participant 

viewed a sample and was given instructions for 

making a block or blocks, not knowing how they 

would fit together in the final outcome. Quilters 

could choose whether to make a bed quilt, a wallhanging, 

or a table runner. The blocks built one 

upon the other as the quilters’ expertise grew with 

each activity. Now, only the fun of quilting the 

mystery project remains. 

In March, each quilter took a turn in researching, 

presenting, and teaching a technique resulting in a 

block. The end result will be up to individual quilters. 

We look forward to viewing everyone’s work. 

This summer we are planning something new…a 

Needle Arts Camp for young women and girls age 8 and older. Sewing activities will include 

sewing at the sewing machine, hand sewing, knitting, and embroidery. The Camp will be five 

days and culminate in a fashion show when camp participants can model or otherwise show 

off their projects. 

In the Fall, the RFM Quilters will be joined by the RFM Needlers in an exhibit of quilts and 

other, never seen before needle art. This event begins with much anticipation on opening 

night. Food and beverages are served and a party atmosphere is enjoyed by all as the needle 

art is viewed. 

The RFM Quilters are primarily a guild of quilters who enjoy getting together in friendship to 

share quilting knowledge, quilting activities, and all needle arts having to do with fine threads. 

We meet the second Friday of every month at the Museum from 1:00 pm to about 4:00 pm. 

Our meetings are open to all visitors and new members regardless of expertise…everyone is 

welcome, everyone is included. 

Tippie DeLeo 


tHE EASTER BUNNY VISITS RFM 

Two of RFM’s most popular ladies, the Easter Bunny and the Elva 

C., greeted visitors of all ages at the Reedville Easter Egg Hunt on 

Saturday, March 22, 2008. Co-sponsored by RFM & Bethany United 

Methodist Church, the event attracted families from across the 

region. After greeting the Bunny as she arrived aboard the Elva C., 

excited Children took place in the traditional Easter Egg Hunt on the 

grounds of the church and museum. 

FOGGY RIVER 

In early April this year, the restoration of the 

Foggy River officially begins with the return 

of this historic workboat to her “birthplace,” 

the Reedville Marine Railway on Main Street 

in Reedville. In 1960, Capt. Charlie Bowles 

had her built by George P. Butler, as a larger 

version of the Glenna Fay, a deadrise still 

in use locally as a pound net boat. In 1961, 

she was launched from the Marine Railway, 

the very place where she will now undergo 

significant repair and restoration. 

George M. Butler, will kick off the project, 

replacing the stem and planking that has 

rotted over the years. While the boat is out of 

the water, the bottom will be painted by RFM 

volunteers who will also sand and paint the 

hull. From the Railway, the Foggy River will be 

taken back to the Museum for topside work. 

The Committee members, consisting of RFM 

members and local residents familiar with the 

Foggy River are Charlie Gillmer; Dudley and 

Fred Biddlecomb; George Butler; Spud Parker; 

Tom Miller; Ray, Peale, and Frederick Rogers; 

Donald George; and Chuck Backus. 

The RFM is looking for photographs of the 

Foggy River in her early days. Please contact 

the museum if you have any pictures, or any 

leads! 

Charlie Gillmer, Coordinator 

Foggy River Project 

The boat was acquired by the Reedville 

Fishermen’s Museum slightly more than a 

year ago, having fallen into disuse years prior 

to that. The Museum seized this excellent 

opportunity to preserve and honor a “Butlerbuilt” 

boat that is indigenous to this area. 

A steering committee was established to 

determine the vision for the project, and this 

committee will guide the volunteers in its 

restoration. 


RFM FLEET 

Travels of The Spirit of 1608 

HBO’s seven-part miniseries John Adams, 

based on David McCullough’s Pulitzer 

Prizewinning book about America’s second 

president, features a “face” familiar to RFM 

members. 

Claud W. Somers 

Public Sailing Schedule, 2008 

This is your year 

to sail the waters 

of the Chesapeake 

Bay aboard 

the Claud W. 

Somers. Cruises 

on this historic 

vessel depart 

the RFM dock 

at 10:00am and 

return at 1:00pm. Reservations are strongly 

encouraged as these trips fill quickly. Call 

the RFM office at 804.453.6529 for your 

reservations today. 

Saturday, May 31, 2008 

Saturday, June 14, 2008 

Saturday, June 28, 2008 

Saturday, July 19, 2008 

Saturday, July 26, 2008 

The Spirit of 1608, the recreation of the 

John Smith barge, built entirely by RFM 

volunteers, plays an important role in 

the production. The boat, loaded on a 

period correct wooden cart appears in the 

background of several shots of colonial 

Boston (actually a production facility outside 

Richmond). Additional footage was shot 

on the waters of Ingram Bay as the barge 

depicted a ship’s tender ferrying John 

Adams and son John Quincy Adams to 

the tall ship Boston for their journey to 

France. 

Saturday, August 9, 2008 

Saturday, August 23, 2008 

Saturday, September 13, 2008 

Saturday, September 27, 2008 

Saturday, October 11, 2008 

Saturday, October 25, 2008 

Elva C Pound Net Trips 

Awaiting Good Weather 

The pound nets are going up rapidly and 

we plan to start our popular Pound Net 

Trips as soon as the weather warms up and 

settles down a bit. 

If you are interested in joining us on this 

educational adventure, please email Captain 

Spud Parker at spudparker@gmail.com to be 

added to, or stay on, the list of interested 

participants. 

All trips leave the Museum pier at 5:30 am. 

Spud Parker 

spudparker@gmail.com 


COCKTAILS ON THE CREEK 

Why are these people smiling? 

They’ve discovered that one of the best ways to enjoy Friday 

evenings is to join friends at the Reedville Fishermen’s 

Museum for Cocktails on the Creek. Remember to bring 

your “beverage” of choice -- the museum provides ice, sodas, 

and light snacks -- and by all means bring a snack to 

share if you care to, it is always much appreciated. Bring 

guests or a neighbor along to enjoy the evening. Check 

the RFM Calendar on page 12 for dates and don’t forget to 

join us for Cocktails on the Creek. 


FINANCIAL REPORT - ANNUAL MEETING 2008 

Statements of Activities December 31, 2007 and 2006 

2007 2006 

REVENUES AND SUPPORT 

Contributed 

Corporate and Individual Contributions $ 13,595 $ 76,509 

Memberships $ 47,780 $ 44,193 

Admission Fees $ 14,584 $ 14,168 

Boat Donations/Resale $ 21,865 $ 15,800 

Donor designated temp. restricted gifts $ 24,048 $ 10,817 

Restricted gifts $ 6,536 $ 0 

Unrestricted grants $ 95,000 $ 200,000 

Total Contributed Income $ 223,408 $ 361,487 

PROGRAM AND SERVICE 

Fundraising Events $ 71,811 $ 88,633 

Public Programs/Workshops $ 15,000 $ 15,722 

Community Events $ 7,558 $ 7,370 

Museum Shop Revenue $ 27,061 $ 32,411 

Claud Somers passenger income $ 2,448 $ 2,094 

Miscellaneous Income $ 1,770 $ 9,320 

Total Program & Service Revenue $ 125,648 $ 155,550 

Total Revenues and Support $ 349,056 $ 517,037 

EXPENSES 

Program 

Collections Management and Exhibits $ 12,131 $ 4,688 

Temp. Restricted Grant Disbursements $ 30,121 $ 10,711 

Fundraising Events $ 29,022 $ 27,855 

Public Programs/Workshops $ 10,376 $ 11,320 

Community Events $ 7,362 $ 6,571 

Boat & Model Shop Programs $ 4,450 $ 2,951 

Boat Collection $ 10,287 $ 5,791 

Boat Donations/Resale $ 1,560 $ 222 

Total Program & Service Expenses $ 105,309 $ 70,109 

SUPPORTING 

General Administration $ 137,397 $ 135,086 

Buildings & Grounds $ 29,132 $ 23,649 

Membership Communications $ 14,879 $ 13,034 

Museum Shop $ 16,893 $ 17,413 

Total Supporting Expenses $ 198,301 $ 189,182 

Total Expenses $ 303,610 $ 259,291 

Net Ordinary Income $ 45,446 $ 257,746 

Statements of Financial Position December 31, 2007 and 2006 

2007 2006 

ASSETS 

Cash and cash equivalents $ 160,414 $ 218,707 

Wachovia Fundsource Account $ 176,138 $ 163,160 

RFM Foundation Fund (Wachovia) $ 6,000 $ 0 

Certificates of Deposit $ 292,668 $ 178,310 

Inventories (Gift Shop) $ 6,500 $ 17,828 

Property, buildings & equipment $ 935,260 $ 46,486 

Total Assets $1,576,980 $1,524,491 

LIABILITIES 

Current $ 7,281 $ 4,979 

Mortgage $ 0 $ 0 

Total Liabilities $ 7,281 $ 4,979 

NET ASSETS 

Unrestricted $1,215,364 $1,291,609 

Donor designated temporarily restricted $ 37,748 $ 54,522 

Permanently restricted endowment $ 323,868 $ 178,460 

Total Net Assets $1,576,980 $1,524,491 

Total Liabilities and Net Assets $1,569,699 $1,519,512

Reedville Fishermen's Museum - Reedville, Virginia

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