SPIRIT OF 1608 - Reedville Fishermen's Museum

www.rfmuseum.org Spring 2007 

Starry Banner 

Reedville Fishermen’s Museum - Reedville, Virginia 

New Exhibit Celebrates 

the 400th Anniversary of 

John Smith’s Exploration 

of the Chesapeake Bay 

SPIRIT OF 1608 

Tom Ryals

Greater Reedville Association 

and 

Reedville Fishermen’s Museum 

2007 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

President - Martha Tallent 

Vice President - Rob Schindler 

Treasurer - Willis “Bill” Burton 

Secretary - Susan Carter Hughes 

DIRECTORS 

Clif Ames 

Dudley Biddlecomb 

Carol Cole 

Jane Crowther 

Dick Doyle 

Kathy Elsden 

Margaret Hudnall 

Karen Jett 

Warner Rice 

Bill Rogers 

Ben Ward 

DIRECTORS EMERITI 

George and Katherine Frayne 

BOARD COMMITTEES 

Financial Management Committee - Paul DeLeo 

Long Range Planning Committee - Rob Schindler 

Membership Committee - Susan Tipton 

Planned Giving Committee - Susan Stubbs 

OPERATING COMMITTEES 

Boat Donation and Resale Committee - Clif Ames 

Boat Shop Committee - Jay Rohmann 

Building and Grounds Committee - Bill Rogers 

Landscape and Gardening - CBGC Judy Burgess 

Claud W. Somers Committee - Harry Towne 

Curatorial Committee - Maria Rogers 

Docent Committee - Kathy Elsden /Clarice Williams 

Education Committee - Audrey Brainard 

Elva C. Committee - Spud Parker / George Butler 

Exhibits/Interpretation Committee - George Frayne 

Gift Shop Committee - Marcia Adams / Karen Chichester 

Boat Collection Committee - Dudley Biddlecomb 

Marketing Committee - Dick Doyle 

Model Shop Committee - John Elsden 

Photo Group - Doug Brogden 

Publications - Rita Johnson / Tom Ryals 

RFM Quilters - Carol Korman 

Walker House Committee - Audrey Brainard 

Webmaster - Paul Kimball 

MUSEUM STAFF 

Executive Director - Chuck Backus 

Office Manager - Kathi Basye 

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 community 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 2007 deadline is June 10. 

Editors and Publishers: 

Rita Johnson pjrj@crosslink.net 

Tom Ryals tom@crewone.com 

Photographer: 

Tom Ryals tom@crewone.com 

Distribution: 

Clarice Williams 

Greater Reedville Association Inc./Reedville 

Fishermen’s Museum is a non-profit organization. 

Museum Office: (804) 453-6529 

FAX: (804) 453-7159 

Email: office@rfmuseum.org 

Website: www.rfmuseum.org 

Museum: 504 Main Street, 

Reedville, VA 

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 306, 

Reedville, VA 22539 

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. 

Starry Banner Spring 2007

CONTENTS 

7 

IN EVERY ISSUE 

4 From the Pilothouse 

Annual Meeting Report 

of theExecutive Director 

6 President’s Corner 

Letter from new 

President, Martha Tallent 

Introducing Kathy Basye 

Praise for Volunteers 

10 Calendar of Events 

April, May and June 

11 Volunteers in Action 

Operation Committees - 

summaries of activities 

12 Models of Reedville 

Bethany UMC 

13 Photo Group/Quilt Guild 

15 Memorials 

Glenda Ames 

Fred Hixon 

18 Upcoming Events 

Visit from the Easter 

Bunny 

Antique Boat Show 

Blessing of the Fleet 

16 

FEATURES 

7 New Exhibit 

Celebrates the 400th 

Anniversary of John 

Smith’s Exploration of 

the Chesapeake Bay 

8 Visions 20/20 

Museum Members Meet 

Plan for the Future 

9 Benefit Auction 

Guests Socialize While 

Bidding on Treasures 

to Benefit the Museum 

14 Financial Report 

Presented at the Annual 

Meeting 

16 Denny Henry’s Visit 

Visitor to Reedville 

Photographs Local 

Scenes for Senior Thesis 

17 Spread the News 

Planned Giving 

Committee Formed 

Teaching Garden in 

2nd Year 

Museum Boats Featured 

on Area Publications 

ABOUT THE COVER 

We have followed the building of 

“Spirit of 1608” in earlier issues 

of the Starry Banner and now we 

see her as she moves through 

the waters of the Chesapeake 

Bay (much like John Smith’s 

Barge carrying the first European 

explorers to our shores). This 

photo also includes RFM’s Elva C in 

the background as photographers 

and story writers from NOVA 

film a segment for PBS which 

celebrates the 400th anniversary 

of Jamestown, Virginia. 

Photo by Tom Ryals 


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. 


FROM THE PILOTHOUSE 

Executive Director’s Annual Meeting Report 

Mister President, Directors of the Board, Members of 

the Reedville Fishermen's Museum, Honored Guests, 

ladies and gentlemen: It is my duty, my honor, and my 

distinct privilege to report to you the state of the Reedville 

Fishermen's Museum. 

In the year past, we have embarked upon new endeavors, 

expanded our role within existing arenas, and maintained 

the legacy entrusted to us. Under the leadership of 

President, Wendell Haynie, our board has set its sights 

on a distant horizon; yet we have done so under the 

framework and in the spirit of the Mission of the Reedville 

Fishermen’s Museum. We are a strong museum. You, 

the members of the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum, have 

made us so. And my friends, we accomplished great 

things in 2006. Did you know that RFM opened eight 

temporary exhibits during the 2006 Season? Would 

it surprise you to learn that that’s as many temporary 

exhibits as the Field Museum of Natural History in 

Chicago? 

has selected this quilt to serve as the inspiration for the 

graphic identity for the entire folklife festival? 

At last year’s annual meeting, I spoke to you of 

the importance of securing our future through the 

development of our Endowment Fund. I spoke of 

preparing for the challenges that will face the children 

of our grand-children. I told you that in honor of 

Susan Tipton, Angus Murdoch, George Frayne, & Cara 

Sutherland, the executive directors who proceeded me, 

I would personally take responsibility for overseeing the 

development of our endowment fund. I have not done so. 

Rather, the Financial Management Committee, under 

the leadership of Paul DeLeo, has taken on that task. 

Thanks to Paul’s guidance, we stand here today with an 

endowment fund that is essentially double what it was less 

than one year ago. In one year’s time, the endowment 

fund that was established in honor of RFM President Alice 

Butler has increased from $87K less than one year ago, to 

virtually twice that amount today. 

Today, our exhibit team is hard at work preparing an 

exhibit that will afford visitors the opportunity to discover 

for themselves the world that John Smith encountered 

when he arrived in Virginia 400 years ago. As our 

nation prepares to celebrate the 400 th anniversary of 

the founding of Jamestown, the Reedville Fishermen’s 

Museum stands at the forefront of that celebration. 

Do you know the story of the “Hands Across the Sea” 

Quilt, the quilt commemorating the colonist’s journey 

to the new world? It began with a center square in 

Reedville, created by the women of the RFM Quilters, 

before traveling to England where a group of British 

quilters added the next layer. It returned to Reedville 

where our quilters added to that, and so on. Are you 

aware that the quilt has been selected to hang this 

July at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the Mall in 

Washington, D.C.? Are you aware that the Smithsonian 

There are those who will say that our endowment fund of 

less than $200K is simply not enough to provide for the 

future of the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum. To which 

I reply: “That’s exactly right.” We cannot choose this 

moment to simply sit back and congratulate ourselves. 

• 

• 

• 

This is why our Planned Giving Committee, under the 

guidance of Susan Stubbs has provided each one of 

us the opportunity to help secure the future of our 

organization. 

This is why Paul DeLeo, whose committee has 

already accomplished so much, councils that we must 

accomplish so much more. 

This is why we must commit our best efforts to 

securing for the museum an endowment of $3 million 

within the next 15 years. 

Is that going to be easy? Not at all. Do we know today 

where every one of those dollars will come from? No. 


Do we know how to reach that ambitious goal of financial 

security? You bet we do. It’s at the end of the journey on 

which we have bravely chosen to embark. It’s on that far 

horizon that is today, a little closer than it was one year 

ago. 

publications in the country. We will continue in our 

efforts to share breaking news and other items of 

interest through our website, our popular E-newsletter, 

and through the development of an easily accessible 

and accurate annual calendar. 

If we did nothing beyond those things, it would be an 

ambitious schedule. But this is the Reedville Fishermen’s 

Museum. We will do more. 

As I pledged to you last year, any action taken in these 

regards will have my best professional judgment, the full 

measure of my personal commitment and the support of 

the board of directors. I humbly thank the board for giving 

me their support, thank the membership for affording 

me opportunity to pursue a career I love, and thank our 

volunteers for each day reminding me of what can be 

accomplished when we make adversity and change our 

servants, not our masters. 

Together we accomplished great things in 2006. Together, 

we will continue to accomplish great things in the years to 

come. Yet we can only do so if we move forward together. 

This is your museum, and we rely on the vital input you 

provide. To that end, our strategic planning committee, lead 

by Vice-President, Martha Tallent launched the Visions 20/20 

event. You spoke at the Visions 20/20 meeting and you have 

been heard. 

• You called for an emphasis on regional partnerships 

with other organizations: In 2007 we will partner 

with the Virginia Science Museum, Stratford Hall, 

Northumberland County Library, Rice’s Hotel/Hughlett’s 

Tavern (RH/HT), The Yorktown Watermen’s Museum, 

Sultanna Projects, the American Association of 

Museum, Wachovia Securities, PBS, NPR and others. 

• You called for a Research Library to preserve and make 

accessible the treasures of our archives. Already a 

committee, commissioned by our board of Directors, 

has begun the challenging task of resolving the 

museum’s need for a library/archive. Drawings of 

this new structure have been offered for the Board’s 

review, we are actively working to secure funding for 

this project. 

• You have called for us to feature our oral history 

videos. Plans are currently underway for a public 

program to regularly share these museum treasures. 

• You have called for us to better communicate our 

plans, our activities, and our successes. Through the 

creation of a Marketing Task Force, we have begun 

to explore how we can better achieve this exact 

goal. Even today, Dick Doyle, Task Force Chair, is 

seeking out volunteers who are anxious to lead the 

Museum’s efforts to share our message. Furthermore, 

we will continue to speak to the membership through 

the Starry Banner, one of the finest small-museum 

• Today we celebrate and sustain the spirit of the 

Reedville Fishermen’s Museum. 

• 

• 

• 

Today, we choose and chart a course for our future. 

Today, together, we embrace change and command 

adversity to bring ourselves ever closer to that far 

horizon. 

Chuck Backus 

Executive Director 


PRESIDENT’S CORNER 

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT 

As the new president of the board for the Reedville 

Fishermen’s Museum, I’m looking forward to an exciting 

year! Of course, 2006 was an exciting year! As I 

reviewed my copies of the Starry Banner I marveled at 

the energy and creativity that jumped from the pages. 

This museum is truly an amazing place! 

I ask for your good thoughts and help as 2007 unfolds. 

Believe me, it is going to take all of us, working in shifts, 

to fill the shoes of outgoing president Wendell Haynie. 

His depth of knowledge, institutional memory and 

devotion to the museum cannot be duplicated. Please 

join me in praying for his continued good counsel! 

The concern over the Walker House and Conservation 

and Collections reflected at our Visions 20/20 meeting 

have caused me to consider them a priority item. We 

have begun the process for rehousing the collections; 

now we are anxious to recruit a few people interested 

in helping preserve Reedville history to work with our 

resident historians, Maria Rogers and Donald George. 

You will be trained by our Executive Director in the 

areas of cataloging, evaluation and conservation with a 

two-part session planned for April. If this piques your 

curiosity, please call Kathi Basye in the office (453-6529). 

We will contact you and have posted on the website the 

training dates and time. 

Regarding the Walker House, the Interpretive Committee 

would welcome more hands to help with painting and 

decorating. The Buildings and Grounds Committee, 

responsible for the outside of the house, also needs a 

few good hands for sanding and painting and anything 

that needs carpentry skills. Plumbers needn’t apply for 

this project! The roof work will be done by professionals. 

Just as with Conservation and Collections, please call 

Kathi in the office to offer your help. She will make sure 

your name and contact information get to the proper 

person! 

This year is one of great opportunity for the museum. 

It is 2007, the 400 th anniversary of the founding of 

Jamestown and the beginning of exploration of the 

Chesapeake Bay by John Smith in a barge almost as 

wonderful as our own “Spirit of 1608”! The “Spirit” 

and her handlers will be visiting festivals all year long 

spreading the word about the Reedville Fishermen’s 

Museum. Let’s be ready! 

Martha Tallent 

Board President 

AMAZING VOLUNTEERS 

PERFORM MAGIC AGAIN 

As the 2007 season approached, we took a look at 

the past year and gazed in awe. We, volunteers 

all, backbone and most precious commodity of the 

Reedville Fishermen’s Museum, built boats, taught 

children, gave lectures, roasted oysters, guided 

tours, sold tickets, manned stations, stood docent 

duty, served food, cleaned up trash, maintained a 

web page, published newsletters, mounted exhibits, 

organized events, identified and catalogued historical 

collections, painted, scrubbed, brainstormed, quilted, 

photographed and helped define the growing 

reputation of our museum. 

Even more astounding is the level of expertise and 

wealth of experience proffered. At every turn, 

someone stepped forward with a cheerful “I’ll do that” 

or “I know how” or “I’ll find out”. It is interesting 

to note that it took 374 of us to pull off last year’s 

activities and events with the class and finesse for 

which the museum is known. Not too bad for a bunch 

made up almost entirely of retirees! 

As with any gift given from the heart with such 

generosity of spirit, time and money, to each volunteer 

we say thank you, thank you, thank you. 


Introducing Kathi Basye 

There is a new face in the office of 

RFM. Kathi Basye has jumped in with 

all systems on “GO”. Chuck started her 

off reading back issues of the Starry 

Banner to help her get oriented to 

the many activities of RFM. The good 

news is that she is still working after 

that introduction. 

“I absolutely love the Northern Neck and have since I was 

a kid. Tony (husband Tony Innocenti) and I are so happy 

to be here,” remarks Kathi. She grew up in Wheaton, 

Maryland and spent many summers fishing, crabbing, etc, 

at a great aunts house near Lewisetta. Her father grew up 

splitting time between Callao, Lottsburg and Washington, 

D.C. The Basye name can be traced back to the mid 

1600’s in Northumberland County…does that make her a 

“native” or a “come here”? 

Kathi and Tony moved to the area from Olney, MD in 

September of 2004. She enjoys fishing, gardening, birding 

(a bald eagle nests ½ mile from their home), snow skiing, 

and playing with her 2 “four-legged children”. Tony is an 

avid golfer, so she is trying to learn the game. Stop in and 

introduce yourself to our new Office Manager when you are 

in Reedville and welcome her to the RFM family. Welcome 

aboard, Kathi! 


NEW EXHIBIT TO OPEN IN MAY - Celebrating the 

400th anniversary of John Smith’s Exploration of the Chesapeake Bay 

From the time we started researching the up-coming 

2007-8 exhibition in September of '06 the project has 

gone through a number of additions, subtractions and 

what-ifs. As with any of these efforts, we start out with 

some rather ambitious ideas. 

The reality sets in when we 

start to do research, gather 

material and run into dead 

ends, impossibilities and 

"you want it when?' or "we 

haven't seen any of those in 

30 years". However with a few 

compromises and adjustments 

we seem to get back on track. 

This exhibition is probably one of the more diverse 

projects we have ever undertaken. In celebrating 

John Smith's 400 years past expedition around the 

Chesapeake Bay we have chosen to explore many 

facets of life and world events of 

the 1607-1608 period - to give 

the exhibition more perspective. 

We have ranged from the 

formation of the Bay itself which 

prompted Smith to suggest that 

no finer place could be formed 

for man's habitation- to the 

environment he found in sailing 

into what would eventually be 

called Cockrell's Creek. 

To publicize the great effort our boat-building 

group has made in constructing a replica of the 

barge Smith used to explore the bay, we could 

have added a segment to the exhibition that 

portrays the work done on the construction and 

the operation of this fine vessel. This has led us to planning 

a live-action video production that is suffering delays as 

a result of an uncooperative weather pattern. We also 

thought that an on-camera demonstration of the Native 

American way of doing things would be of interest in the 

exhibit and this too has been held up by that same ill-timed 

atmospheric condition. 

Since graphics, as always, play such a big role in our 

exhibitions, we have been in need of a few extra talented 

pens and brushes to illustrate much of the subject matter. 

Fortunately, two very accomplished graphic artists, Ron 

Pugh and Les Morgan, have joined our group of volunteers 

to help create visual pieces, which will greatly enhance the 

whole show. 

The breadth of the talent involved in accomplishing projects 

like this is apparent when just mentioning some of 

the people who are contributing to the effort; Larry 

McMurray has been hard at work landscaping our 

major diorama; George Koman has been working 

out the electrical circuits for the displays; Dan Boley 

and John Elsden have done major construction work 

for the whole exhibit area; Grayson and Suzanne 

Mattingly have been working continuously on the 

audio visual productions; Rob and 

Paula Ransone have been doing 

research and computer graphics for 

much of the historical background; 

Carol Cole and Page Dillon have 

been researching and mounting 

the native American diorama; John 

Elsden and Will Garvey have been 

building models of ships of the 

period while Bill Wright has been modeling all the 

boats needed for the major diorama; Paul Kimball 

has been providing typesetting for copy blocks; John 

Elsden and Will Garvey have been building models 

of ships of the period while Bill Wright has been 

modeling all the boats needed for the major diorama; 

Wanda Boley, Maria Rogers and Donald 

George have been researching and 

tracking down artifacts; Cal Boyd has 

not only helped out with various chores 

needed while putting the show together 

but arranged and shepherded us to 

our meetings at VIMS for technical 

assistance and a video interview with 

geologist Dr. “Woody” Hobbs. 

There is still much to be done. Hopefully, warm, clear 

weather will arrive in time to enable us to complete the 

video productions and we will complete the assembly of 

artifacts and artwork without any more glitches. Once 

again, at the risk of being repetitious, we are so fortunate 

to have so many talented volunteers who over all these 

years, have enabled us to produce so many fine exhibitions 

that have attracted so many frequently surprised and 

pleased visitors, young, old and in between. 

George Frayne 


VISIONS 20/20 

What a revealing meeting it was! Thank you all for taking time to share your Sunday to help the museum go 

forward. Our charge was to suggest ideas to keep the museum fresh, exciting, stimulating. I promised at the meeting 

to share the results with you. The headings below represent the sections of our Strategic Plan with the ideas put forth. 

As you look at the list, I hope it stimulates your creative glands and acts as a springboard for other ideas. Of course, a 

vision for how to “pull it off” would be extremely helpful, too! Call me, Martha Tallent, at 453-6832 and let’s talk! 

CONSERVATION 

FUNDRAISING 

FACILITIES 

Exhibits on loan 

Children’s area 

Crab pots 

Long-range planning for exhibits 

Documentation of exhibit locations 

Heritage arts & crafts 

VOLUNTEERS 

Internship program 

Increased staff support of volunteers 

Master plan of volunteer RFM 

Communications activities 

RESEARCH & INTERPRETATION 

Research committee 

Make collections available to educators 

Monthly activities 

Committee to learn about how to 

catalogue items and move them into 

collection 

Cookbook 

Corporate sponsors 

Concert/dance 

Fish-scale jewelry (Marl) 

Decoy carving show 

Watermen’s festival 

Silent auction 

Heritage arts & crafts show 

Book of Main St. homes 

EDUCATION 

Library 

Hispanic focus 

Children’s boat/water safety prog. 

Native clay workshop 

Feature oral history videos 

Lectures on sport fishing 

Classes on sport fishing 

Children’s programs 

Adult/child workshops 

P.R. & MARKETING 

Membership drive 

RFM “visitor” center 

Weekly e-mail/mail 

Family/group plans 

Consortium with Christ Church, 

Stratford Hall, other museums 

Logo clothing/items 

Museum video 

Rosenburg School 

Dockmaster 

Pilothouse maintenance 

Floating theatre 

Grounds clean-up 

More parking 

Labels on boats 

Buy Sea Products 

Research library 

Aquarium with local fish petting 

pool 

MISCELLANEOUS 

Improve communication between 

Exec. Director, Operations 

Committees and Board of Directors 

Catalogue Christmas lighting on 

Main Street. 

Book club 

Cruise club 

Wine tastings 

SOCIAL 

I owe a huge debt of thanks to my wonderful Visions 20/20 committee: Jane Crowther, Kathy Elsden, Karen Jett, Paul 

DeLeo, Warren Haynie and Ben Ward, all of whom worked for the meeting’s success because they believe in the mission 

of the museum (as do we all!). My personal vision was that you all would get another chance to see the moving clip of 

Alice Butler. It was her vision and inspired leadership that led to the formation of the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum. 

It was her dream “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a museum here in Reedville where people could learn about the 

menhaden industry and the Reedville way of life” and her charge, “Never give up; we owe this to our children and our 

children’s children”, that was the inspiration for Visions 20/20. Capturing the essence of Alice’s message so beautifully 

was the work of Dennis Dalpino. Special thanks to him! And to Chuck Backus, who kept the faith, came to every 

meeting and helped at every level, thanks! 



BENEFIT AUCTION 

The Benefit Auction, under the event 

chairperson, Margaret Hudnall, raised 

$27,000 for the Museum. 

The Auction plus a matching grant by 

the Pendleton Trust raised $7,000 for 

the renovation of “Foggy River”. 


3 9:00 am Boat Shop 

4:30 pm Operations Committee 


9:00 am Teaching Garden Work 

10:00 am Model Group 

6 9:30 am RFM Needlers 

1:00 pm RFM Quilters 

5:00 pm Cocktails on the Creek 

7 10:00 am Easter Bunny - Elva C 


7:00 pm RFM Board Meets 



10:30 am RFM Open Daily - Oct. 31 


9:00 am Boat Shop 




5 9:00 am Teaching Garden Work 

6 3:30 pm Blessing of the Fleet 


7:00 pm RFM Board Meeting 



2:00 pm Photo Group 

11 5:00 pm Elva C Cruise 





2 10:00 am Claud W Somers Cruise 


9:00 am Teaching Garden Work 







7:00 pm RFM Board Meets 



15 5:00 pm Cocktails on the Creek 


Phone: (804) 453-6529 

Fax: (804) 453-7159 

Email: office@rfmuseum.org 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 

April 2007 

May 2007 

June 2007 




18 10:00 am Docent Coffee 











17 10:00 am Model Group 

17 2:00 pm Photo Group 













5:00 pm Elva C Cruise 














Director: director@rfmuseum 

Website: www.rfmuseum.org 

Location: 504 Main Street 

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 306 


Please contact the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum for additional information. All meetings & events listed 

are subject to change. You are strongly encouraged to call ahead to confirm an event, date & time before 

traveling a significant distance. 

10 Starry Banner Spring 2007

Education Committee – Audrey Brainard 

VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION 

Elva C. – Spud Parker 

The Education Committee oversees the education programs 

for The RFM through three sub-groups: 

• 

• 

• 

School programs for children on and off 

the RFM Campus 

Adult tours, classes and workshops. 

The Lecture Series. 

New members and ideas are always welcome. Call to 

offer help in your area of interest or expertise or join us 

for a meeting, usually the second Tuesday at 9:30 am at 

the Museum. Please contact Audrey Brainard for more 

information and the exact time for upcoming meeting 

Model Shop - John Elsden 

The 2006/2007 Northern Neck Railroad season ended 

January 14 and was an overwhelming success thanks to 

many Model Shop/Museum volunteers. Those honorary 

conductors/engineers who ran the trains, informed our 

guests, and fielded questions include Cal Boyd, Jack Christie, 

Bob Dillon, John Elsden, George Frayne, Will Garvey, Donald 

George, Wendell Haynie, George Koman, Linda Larue, Larry 

McMurray, Claire Michie, Ron Pugh, Dennis Spillane, Chuck 

Strachan, Joel Stubbs, and Larry Wagner. 

Currently, our Model Shop volunteers are supporting the 

Exhibit Committee’s Exploration 2007 project. Over 300 hours 

have been spent constructing walls, displays and dioramas; 

creating a scale Northern Neck landscape; fabricating a scale 

wigwam; building two period correct ship models; and matting/ 

hanging numerous drawings, pictures, maps and storyboards. 

Participants include Bob Dillon, John Elsden, Will Garvey, 

George Koman, Larry McMurray, Linda Larue, Ron Pugh and 

Dennis Spillane. Special thanks to Dan Boley who has put in 

considerable time on the carpentry and woodworking. The 

Model Shop and Exhibit Committee could not progress without 

his efforts. 

The Elva C has come through the winter nicely with little 

or no ice in the creek to bother her. Sometime in March 

she will be hauled out of the water at the Reedville Marine 

Railway and volunteers will paint the bottom and the 

sides. If time and circumstance permit, we will replace the 

forward hatch, which is in bad shape. We will help out with 

both jobs. 

Last Fall Ernesto wiped out most of the pound nets in the 

Bay and many of the fishermen felt that they had lost so 

much that they could no longer make a go of fishing. This 

would have brought an end to our popular pound net trips 

on the Elva C. The good news, however, is that several of 

those fishermen simply could not give up a vocation that 

means so much to them and they are putting out nets with 

the materials they were able to salvage. Thanks to them 

and their dedication to a fast-disappearing way of life, we 

will be scheduling trips when the weather permits. 

Docent Opportunities – Kathy Elsden 

Docent: a knowledgeable guide, especially one who 

conducts visitors through a museum. That’s by definition. At 

RFM the docent corps is the heart beat of the museum and 

represents a fabulous volunteer opportunity. Our docents 

meet and greet all visitors to the Museum, conduct tours, 

man the gift shop, share stories and direct folks where to 

have lunch! 

If you are enthusiastic, personable and looking to meet 

new people this is the chance of a lifetime. Perhaps the 

most rewarding position in which to serve, being a docent 

requires a commitment of only 3 hours per month and you 

may pick the days and shifts. Call the Museum at (804) 453- 

6529 or Kathy Elsden (804) 453-4999. 

As always, new members are invited and most welcome; 

please telephone or e-mail the RFM Office if you are interested. 

The group meets Thursdays from 10 AM to 12 PM, and ad hoc, 

as projects come about. 

Web Site – Paul Kimball 

Don't forget to check our web site for all the latest info: 

www.rfmuseum.org. The site now has our full annual 

calendar as well as weekly and monthly activities. In 

addition, there is a web page outlining all the ways 

volunteers can help the RFM. Check it out. 

Claud W. Somers – Harry Towne 

Claud W. Somers is a veteran two-sail bateau or skipjack 

that was used for oyster dredging in Virginia and Maryland 

waters. It is one of fewer than 30 skipjacks remaining in 

restorable condition on Chesapeake Bay. RFM has restored 

this boat and it's now certified as a charter boat enabling 

us to take passengers for short three-hour cruises. So, 

if you're interested in learning more about the boat and 

the crewing opportunities, contact us. There are no prerequisite 

skills nor experience necessary. We'll teach you 

what you need to know. 

Relay for Life – Kathy Elsden 

In cooperation with the Lancaster/Northumberland American 

Cancer Society Relay for Life, RFM is organizing a team to 

participate in the 24-hour event to be held on June 1 st and 

2 nd . “Relay” celebrates survivorship and raises money to help 

the American Cancer Society in its mission to save lives. As 

the Starry Banner goes to press we are in our very early 

planning stages and do not have a lot of info to share. If you 

are interested in participating or pledging please call Kathy 

Elsden at (804) 453-4999. 

Starry Banner Spring 2007 11

MODELS OF REEDVILLE 

454 Main Street 

The Jamestown Celebration is the backdrop for 

the Museum’s upcoming Exploration 2007 Exhibit 

and affords an exciting itinerary for the Museum’s 

rendition of Captain John Smith’s barge Discovery, 

the “Spirit of 1608.” Fittingly, this period of 

commemoration of the story of his explorations and 

America’s 400 th anniversary is an opportunity to 

recognize a good neighbor and cement the proverbial 

“ties that bind.” 

sweep the pews and help her grandmother clean 

the glass chimneys of the coal oil chandelier that 

her grandfather would light and extinguish before 

and after each service. He was the first caretaker 

of the church until his health failed in 1910, and she 

never did figure out how he lit those lamps. In 1897, 

today’s church parking lot was the site of Reedville’s 

Town Hall, that later became the first and only movie 

theatre ever in Reedville. 

Bethany United Methodist Church, its parking lot, and 

its newer congregation/community hall and kitchen 

have and continue to support many RFM meetings 

and events. Whether it’s a meeting, Halloween fun, 

breakfast with Santa, learning the intricacies of oyster 

growing, or saying goodbye to friends and loved ones 

that have left us, Bethany provides sanctuary and 

remains a symbol of the strength of our community. 

Its bell tower chimes mark the passing of time with 

calming resonance and assurance. 

Constructed by George Frayne, a model of Bethany 

Methodist Church stands as a placeholder marking 

the beginning of our “Main Street in Miniature” on the 

Northern Neck Exhibit and Railroad, located in the 

Pendleton Building. 

Accordingly, this latest “Main Street in Miniature” 

article is focused on 454 Main Street, the Bethany 

United Methodist Church. Originally called Bethany 

Methodist, the “unification” moniker coming later, the 

church building was completed in 1901. Prominent 

early Reedville resident Captain James C. Fisher 

brought the bricks used to construct the building 

from New Jersey in the hold of one of his schooners, 

no doubt as ample ballast to smooth out the coastal 

journey. A year later, he repeated this effort in 

preparing to construct his own residence, “The 

Gables.” In 1921, under Capt. Fisher’s watchful eye, 

the bell tower was added to replace its original and 

deteriorated wooden tower. 

Within the cross-shaped exterior of the Church’s 

original building footprint exists an intricate and 

ornate interior with soaring arches of natural woods 

fabricated and installed by European craftsmen. 

Over a century later, it remains a truly majestic 

woodworking masterpiece. Just as a house is a home 

for its inhabitants, Bethany is a home for its clergy 

and congregation who, past and present, embody 

many Museum members and Reedville residents. 

Our beloved Miriam Haynie recalled in her “Reedville 

1874 – 1974” book how, as a child, she would 

Last but not least, the author was humbled when 

reminded that two prior articles failed to recognize 

those Model Shop members who spent countless 

hours building our museum quality Main Street 

building replicas. Summarizing to date, Bob Butler 

crafted the Sears House (Kilduf Oil) at 691 Main 

Street and the Reedville House and Hotel at 729 

Main Street. Larry Wagner constructed the Blundon 

and Hinton Store (Tommy’s) also at 729 Main Street. 

And speaking of the ties that bind, sincere thanks to 

George Frayne for noting this oversight. 

John Elsden 


RFM PHOTO GROUP 

The Photo Group is a small gathering of people who love 

photography and Sun Chips. The impetus for our meeting 

is to discuss photographic equipment and picture taking. 

We have undertaken a few projects including an annual 

calendar and a computer screensaver. 

When we are not working on a project, one of our members 

will speak on some photographic subject of interest. 

We have a number of accomplished photographers and 

with the small group the talks are often more on the order 

of discussions. 

Several of the members have had their work accepted in 

local publications such as the Starry Banner, Northumberland 

Echo, and Richmond Times. 

Almost everyone uses digital cameras, and is well versed in 

the computer programs which manipulate digital images. 

At least one member still uses film and several learned 

their trade with film. 

We welcome people with any ability as long as they like 

Sun Chips. We meet the Third Thursday of the month from 

two to four o’clock at the museum. 

RFM QUILTERS 

The quilters of the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum (RFM) 

are on a roll! The Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival XVIII exhibited 

two RFM quilts in their juried and judged competition this 

year. 

This Festival, in its 18 th year, is a competition of quilting, 

fiber arts, and wearable art. It took place at the Hampton 

Roads Convention Center from February 22 to February 25. 

The purpose of the Festival is to explore an American art 

that has developed and grown with the nation. 

The Renoir, a quilt after The Boating Party by Renoir and 

referred to by the RFM Quilters as “The Renoir”, was 

exhibited in the Quilt Festival along with the “Hands Across 

the Sea” quilt, made for the Jamestown Celebration. To 

all the RFM Quilters’ delight, The Renoir won a blue ribbon 

for Best in Show in the Wall Quilt category. The Renoir 

is gaining quite a resume`. It went from The Houston 

Show, where it hung next to the best quilts in the world, 

to Hampton where it won a blue ribbon. A quilt from 

Reedville makes good! 

To the Fishermen’s Museum, 

Thank you so much for taking 

us on a tour of the museum. 

The boys learned a lot and so 

did the adults. It was a very 

interesting afternoon spent at 

your museum. 

Of course the trains were 

a huge hit with the boys! 

Many of them had never seen 

anything like it before. It 

was a real treat! Thank 

you so much for a wonderful 

afternoon and for your 

kindness. 

Cub Scouts Pack 242, 

Kilmarnock 

“Hands Across the Sea” is currently on loan to the Virginia 

Quilt Museum in Harrisonburg, Virginia, to participate in the 

Jamestown Challenge Exhibit there, which continues until 

May 28 th . From Harrisonburg “Hands Across the Sea” will 

go to the Smithsonian to participate in the Annual Folklife 

Festival on the Mall in Washington D.C. 

The RFM Quilters are indeed on a roll! We are a quilt guild 

and take seriously our responsibility to teach others the 

ancient art of quilting. Once again, we brought the Quilts of 

Houston to the Northern Neck. A slide show with pictures 

of all the best Houston had to offer in 2006 was shown at 

the Northumberland County Library in Heathsville on March 

2 nd . The show was open to the public. The quilts, dolls, 

and wearable art were beautiful, exquisite, dazzling and 

enjoyed by all. 

New members are welcome. All levels of quilting 

techniques are welcome. Guests are welcome. Call the 

Reedville Fishermen’s Museum for informatio (804) 453- 

6529. 

Tippie DeLeo 


ANNUAL MEETING FINANCIAL REPORT 

Statements of Activities 

December 31, 2006 & 2005 - Reedville Fishermen’s Museum 

REVENUES AND SUPPORT 

Contributed 

Corporate and Individual Contributions $ 

2006 

76,509 $ 

2005 

16,659 

Memberships 44,193 43,879 

Admission Fees 14,168 15,705 

Boat Donations/Resale 15,800 14,680 

Donor designated restricted gifts 817 259 

Restricted grants 0 34,100 

Unrestricted grants 200,000 0 

Total Contributed Income $ 351,487 $ 125,282 

Program and Service 

Fund-raising Events $ 88,63 $ 76,305 

Public Programs/Workshops 15,722 11,557 

Community Events 7,370 7,465 

Museum Shop Revenue 32,411 33,706 

Claud Somers passenger income 2,094 2,305 

Miscellaneous Income 9,320 1,926 

Total Program & Service Revenue $ 155,550 $ 133,264 

Total Revenues and Support $ 507,037 $ 258,546 

Program EXPENSES 

Collections Management and Exhibits $ 4,688 $ 27,473 

Restricted Grants 10,711 35,373 

Fund-raising Events 27,855 24,909 

Public Programs/Workshops 11,320 9,784 

Community Events 6,571 6,261 

Boat & Model Shop Programs 2,951 6,288 

Boat Collection 5,791 13,575 

Boat Donations/Resale 222 1,636 

Total Program & Service Expenses $ 70,109 $ 125,299 

Supporting 

General Administration $ 135,086 $ 94,203 

Buildings & Grounds 23,649 22,427 

Membership Communications 13,034 6,298 

ASSETS 

Cash and cash equivalents $ 218,707 $ 69,244 

Marketable Securities 0 0 

Wachovia Fundsource Account 163,160 126,577 

Certificate 178,310 89,393 

Inventories (Gift Shop) 17,828 19,431 

Property, buildings & equipment 946,486 911,552 

Total Assets $ 1,524,491 $ 1,216,197 

LIABILITIES 

Current $ 4,979 $ 3,474 

Mortgage 0 0 

Total Liabilities $ 4,979 $ 3,474 

NET ASSETS 

Unrestricted $ 1,291,609 $ 1,067648 

Donor designated temporarily restricted 54,522 53,155 

Permanently restricted endowment 178,460 95,394 

Total Net Assets $ 1,524,491 $ 1,216,197 

Total Liabilities and Net Assets $ 1,519,512 $ 1,212,723 


IN MEMORIAL 

The Reedville Fishermen’s Museum offers 

deepest sympathy to the families and 

friends of these members and supporters. 

In Memory of Glenda Ames 

W. Spencer and Nancy Baker 

Richard and Marcia Feliciano 

Jay and Karen Keller 

In Memory of Harold Cockrell 

James and Ruth Ash 

In Memory of Charles Covington 

Edwin Rice 

In Memory of Miriam Haynie 

Mrs. John Curtis Kelly 

In Memory of Fulton Lewis 

George and Molly Taylor 

In Memory of Dorothy Williams 

Linwood and Milly Robertson 

Remembering 

Glenda Ames 

Glenda joined the museum staff in early 2003 as 

Office Manager. Her exuberance, buoyant nature, 

and passion for the museum were a source of 

inspiration for all of us. Her weekly RFM E-News 

was just one of her efforts to voice her genuine 

excitement for the museum and its many events. 

She coordinated, organized, 

indexed and updated more 

museum related business than 

one could possibly imagine. 

She is probably remembered 

most for being a genuine 

friend to those who knew and 

loved her best. She was never 

too busy to lend and ear nor 

to give sympathy and advise 

when it was needed. Glenda 

was always ready to make 

a success of any endeavor... 

Cocktails on the Creek, New 

Year’s Eve Celebration and Benefit Auction to 

name just a few. To those who carry on now in 

her absence she is remembered and missed... and 

who could forget her friendly face? 

Remembering Fred Hixon 

Fred Hixon was a quiet guy, never seemed to 

talk just for the sake of talking. His physical 

appearance gave one the impression that he 

might have been a pro football tight end or 

maybe a seasoned ocean-going sailor. The latter 

impression certainly proved to be true. Fred was a 

top-notch sailor who skippered his 42-foot sailboat 

to a first place finish in the 1984 Annapolis to 

Bermuda Ocean Race and a first-in-class finish in 

1986 in that same event. 

I used to go to Alice's to confer with her about 

the progress we were making in setting up the 

recently completed 

Covington Building and 

invariably Fred would 

come by with her mail 

and inquire if she needed 

anything. 

In the early years of 

the Museum's existence 

Fred Hixon was an active 

volunteer for many 

different projects in which 

his woodworking skill was 

a welcome asset. He did 

a lot of woodworking in the Walker House when 

it was being made into a display area and did a 

number of projects for the Covington Building 

once it was completed including making the 

counter/cabinet that has served for so long in the 

gift shop. 

As a result of a stroke he suffered several years 

ago he became less and less able to participate 

in museum activities. His cheerful willingness to 

undertake all sorts of project for the museum 

was missed very much. He, like so many others 

we have honored, typified and exemplified the 

wonderful volunteer spirit that has continued to 

make Reedville Fishermen's Museum such an 

outstanding museum and an attribute to this 

community. 

In addition to his museum work he also devoted 

a great deal of time to community efforts. Not 

only was he a very active member of the Bethany 

Church in Reedville but he also co-chaired the Red 

Cross Blood Services program for Northumberland 

County. 

George Frayne

Reedville...Through the Eyes of a Visitor 

As a photojournalism student 

at the Corcoran College of Art 

and Design, my senior year is 

almost entirely devoted to completing 

a photographic thesis 

project. The thesis project was 

to last several months, in which 

we explore a topic or issue of 

personal interest. 

Before starting my project I had 

never heard of Reedville, nor 

had I even been to that area of 

Virginia. I came across Reedville 

by way of a few economic 

and social studies while researching 

commercial fishing. 

My ideas of 

my thesis and 

Reedville both 

changed significantly 

between 

my original introduction 

to it, and 

the completion 

of my project. I 

was originally 

attracted to the 

town because 

of its small 

size, and large 

percentage of 

people who 

work on the 

water, or are 

otherwise involved 

in commercial 

fishing. 

My project 

started in October 

with a trip to 

Reedville, specifically to the Fisherman’s Museum. I didn’t 

take many pictures that day, but I certainly learned a lot 

about the history of the town and the industries that have 

helped it survive. 

After my first trip, I started to make the trip from Washington, 

DC to Reedville almost every week. Before starting 

my project I was worried that I would have a hard time 

finding people and things to photograph in a town I had 

never been to, and knew no one in. To my surprise and 

relief during some of my earliest trips I was able to meet 

people who were happy to let me make pictures 

of them, and share the way they see Reedville 

with me. 

The photographs I made early on both helped 

with my final product, but also helped me learn 

about the town, its people, and its history. 

Every time I would work in town I would meet 

new people, making each trip more interesting 

than the trip before. I certainly would not have 

had the success I had with my project without 

the help of the people of Reedville. Whenever 

it seemed as if my project wasn’t going well, or 

I wouldn’t be able to finish what I needed to, 

someone I would meet 

in the town would 

point me in the right 

direction, or introduce 

me to the right 

people. If I had 

worked on a project 

similar to this in any 

other town, I’m not 

sure I would have 

been able to finish it 

on time. 

In the end, the project 

that I had initially set 

out to complete had 

changed significantly. 

My original ideas of 

documenting the 

fishing industry in a 

small town grew into 

a documentary of a 

slowly changing town steeped in tradition, presenting 

a way of life not often seen in America today. I was 

lucky enough to speak with a great variety of people 

throughout the town, and my respect and appreciation 

for the town grew with each visit I made. 

Although the formal portion of my project is completed, I 

look forward to future visits to Reedville to make pictures 

and meet more of the residents. 

Denny Henry 

(More of Denny’s photos of Reedville may be viewed on his 

website at: 

www. dennyhenry.com/Thesis/thesiswalledit/index.htm) 


SPREAD THE NEWS 

Reedville Teaching Garden 

2 Years Old This Spring 

The Reedville Living Shoreline Teaching Garden behind 

the museum and Bethany United Methodist Church is 

2 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. 

Thanks to the hard work of volunteers from Bethany 

UMC, the museum, VIMS, the Chesapeake Bay Garden 

Club, the Northern Neck Chapters of Audubon, the 

Virginia Native Plant Society, NAPS and the Master 

Gardeners, an overgrown and eroding section of shoreline 

is being transformed. 

The garden is now managed by the Northern Neck 

Master Gardeners as a demonstration project to educate 

homeowners and other interest groups about the 

functions and values of tidal wetlands and the native 

plants adapted to these habitats. 

We are all learning lessons along the way. Weeds have 

been a huge problem, and we’re going to work harder on 

that this year. More weeding and more plants to infill the 

bare areas will help. 

Tropical Storm Ernesto’s high water line was right down 

the path separating our “wet” and “dry” garden areas 

reinforcing our initial garden design. We will be planting 

additional marsh grasses and herbaceous perennials that 

tolerate seasonal inundation. 

We had our first spring garden workday on March 1 st , 

and the garden is looking pretty good. We also installed 

plant markers and more will be set out as the plants 

emerge this spring. Additional signs and a brochure will 

be completed this year. 

If you’d like to be a part of this educational project, 

REEDVILLE FISHERMEN’S MUSEUM 

PLANNED GIVING PROGRAM 

You will be receiving information on the new Planned 

Giving program very soon. The goal of Planned Giving 

for the Museum is to ensure the long-term success 

and wellbeing of the Museum. Studies show that 

beginning in the late 1970s and the 1980s people 

began to have different giving patterns. We now live 

longer; our children are grown, and often have more 

money than we do. Because of this freedom from 

family responsibility, many of us find new volunteer 

careers such that we feel a vested interest. Having put 

considerable time and money into these endeavors, we 

want to make sure they survive and continue to grow. 

The Museum is the ideal candidate for such support. 

It represents the Chesapeake Bay, the fishing on the 

Bay and all that goes with this wonderful life style. 

This is why many of us have chosen this area for our 

retirement homes. It is quite logical that we want to 

support the belief that the Museum will continue after 

we are gone. 

Susan Stubbs 

DID YOU KNOW... 

that our museum boats grace the 

covers of two publications this year... 

Claud W. Somers on the cover of the 

new 2007 phone book and Spirit of 

1608 on the cover of the official 2007 

Northern Neck Visitor's Guide? 

BOATS FOR SALE 

we always need more volunteers. We have scheduled 

workdays for the first Thursday and third Monday of each 

month from 9-noon. 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. 

If you would like more information, please call or email 

Susan Tipton, 453-3915 or tipton@kabellero.com 

• 1972 Larson 17’ fiberglass OB with trailer. 

Asking… $500 

• 40’ deadrise, “Catherine T” Asking…$12,000 

• 1970 Thunderbird 23’ fiberglass boat with 

Mercury I/O 225 HP…Asking $2500. 

• 1982 Fiberskiff 19’ fiberglass boat with 

OMC I/O, with EZ Loader trailer. Very good 

condition…Asking $4000. 

• Pre 1972 Deltaville 14’ flat bottom skiff. Needs 

work…Asking $150. 

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 AND GIFT SHOP REOPENED 

MARCH 17 (week-ends) MAY 1 (daily) 

A new year and new items have been added to 

the shelves at the museum gift shop. No need to 

drive any further than Reedville for those beautiful 

Leanin’ Tree all occasion cards. They are now 

available in the gift shop. While shopping for that 

birthday gift you can now buy the birthday cards 

and the candles for the cake. 

New beautiful serving pieces with our very own 

Chesapeake Bay blue crab are available. Two different 

size oyster plates are on the shelves along 

with oyster knives for all those oyster roasts you 

attend. Of course the bins are filled with new shirts 

and hats celebrating the Spirit of 1608 and the 

Reedville Fishermen’s Museum. 

Come in and shop for that special gift or that special 

item for your home. We have spring and summer 

mailbox covers, Reedville Coffee Mugs, Reedville 

votives, NNK window stickers and a new item 

– static cling Reedville Museum window stickers. 

UPCOMING EVENTS 

FIFTH ANNUAL 

ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC 

BOAT SHOW 

AND 

NAUTICAL FLEA MARKET 

The Tidewater Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat 

Society is joining with the museum in sponsoring another 

Cockrell’s Creek gathering September 7 th through 9 th , 2006. 

This is primarily an “in the water” show. Register early. 

Docks and land display space are limited. The main events 

including Nautical Flea Market and an Antique Boat Parade 

are planned for Saturday, the 8th. We will be asking dock 

owners on Main Street to host boats for the weekend. Kayaks 

and other small craft are invited to launch at the museum 

to view the show boats from the creek. Smith Point Sea 

Rescue has offered to operate a water taxi on Saturday. The 

event promises to be another great visual display. Contact 

Joan Parker for flea market sales space at (804) 453-5950 

or email spudparker@highstream.net. Please contact Clif 

Ames at (804) 453-3506 or email macames@keyisp. 

com for registration or questions on the boat gathering. 


ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT 

APRIL 11 TH AT 10:00 A.M. 

UPCOMING EVENTS 

The Elva C will once again transport our favorite “HARE” 

up Cockrell’s Creek to the dock of the Museum. Don’t miss 

the Easter bunny’s annual “hop down the dock,” or the 

three simultaneous Easter egg hunts (for ages 0-3, 4-7, 

and 8-10). Bring the kids and grandkids to this event, and 

don’t forget your camera, as the Easter bunny will be posing 

for pictures. 

We’re looking for donations of candy 

(wrapped) filled plastic eggs for the Easter 

egg hunt... if you are able to donate some 

candy filled plastic eggs we (and the kids) 

would be most appreciative. The Museum 

office is the drop off point and the due date 

is April 9th. 

Bethany Church is also looking for adult 

volunteers to help guard the hidden eggs 

until the official start of the egg hunt - 30 

minutes will do it. Call the Museum office to 

volunteer. 

Blessing of the Fleet Signals Start of 2007 Fishing 

Season 

The community is invited to participate in the annual Blessing of the Fleet 

on Sunday May 6 in Reedville. An ancient tradition celebrated each spring 

all over the world, this ceremony marks the opening of the fishing season 

on Chesapeake Bay and asks God’s blessing on the fishermen and their 

boats, and for a fruitful season. At 3:30 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 p.m. 

Up for a Little 

Adventure? 

In early July, RFM volunteers will 

row and sail the Spirit of 1608 

from Reedville to the Smithsonian 

Folklife Festival in Washington 

D.C. The trip is slated to take 

several days and will include 

camping at select spots along 

the way. We’re looking for RFM 

members who would like to 

join us in this journey. Sound 

interesting? Contact the museum 

office at (804) 453-6529 for more 

information. 


COCKTAILS ON THE CREEK 

ALTERNATE FRIDAYS 

BEGINNING June 1 EVERY FRIDAY 

5:00 - 7:00 P.M. 

One of the best ways to enjoy Friday evenings is to join friends for Cocktails on the Creek at the 

Museum. 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 Calendar (page 10) for dates. 


P.O. Box 306 


Presorted 

Standard U.S. 

Postage 

Paid Permit No. 6 

Reedville, VA 

Starry Banner SPRING 2007 

Printed by Lottsburg Printing Company

SPIRIT OF 1608 - Reedville Fishermen's Museum

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