Shenandoah County primarily offers two roads for north/south travel. Most days, those who enjoy lighter traffic and more scenic vistas take Route 11 while the majority who prefer speed and directness opt for a more crowded Interstate 81. Eleven is slower than the Interstate, but it treats its travelers to…
We are blessed here in the valley to see thousands of birds out our windows and over our heads. Hundreds of species inhabit our fields, mountains, and even our towns. Rare is the day that one of these feathered wonders doesn’t cross our path somewhere or the other. One specie…
I don’t remember much about the sixth grade, but I vividly remember a field trip to Thunderbird Archaeological Dig in Warren County. Mrs. Josephine Lynn transmitted her love for history and geography to many of her students and planned this special outing for us to experience the work of archaeologists…
Over the last several months, there’s been much discussion about keeping families together. Protesters along the Mexican border and in many communities all over America have demanded that children be reunited with their parents and that laws be changed to prevent such separations. While politicians on both sides have spun…
Last week, librarians in Denmark learned that three of their books from the 15 and 1600s could easily kill them. While using x-rays to examine the composition of the inks used, they discovered instead that the covers of these books had very high levels of arsenic. Best known, perhaps, for…
One hundred and fifty-five years ago, on July 3, 1863, Confederate Major General George Pickett led an ill-fated assault on Union lines at Gettysburg. Acting on orders from General Robert E. Lee, Pickett and his men charged over open fields attempting to take the high ground from their enemies. Instead…
On Wednesday of next week, America will celebrate its 242nd birthday. Most will have a day off to picnic, swim, and enjoy fireworks. As we mark this milestone in our nation’s history, it’s a great time to pause and consider God’s creative genius demonstrated in our national bird, the Bald Eagle. …
In the mid-1990s, I was fortunate enough to have Sonny Tamkin build me home. He gave it a sturdy cinder block and brick foundation and constructed the living space of 2 x 4s, plywood, and drywall on top of 2 x 12 floor joists and topped it off with custom…
Most of us don’t think much about where or how our bricks are made, we just enjoy them on our homes, schools, and businesses. For many years, however, bricks were often manufactured close to where they were actually used and Shenandoah County had several such operations. According to county historian,…
June is wedding month and nuptial vows are being pledged and recited all over the Valley these days. Thankfully, the weather promises to be a little better this weekend than last and those who have planned outdoor celebrations will hopefully be able to see their dreams come to fruition. Modern…