This blog post is an index to the many letters and columns on Richmond history that George W. Rogers (1881-1967) published in the Richmond News Leader (RNL). The RNL was the city's afternoon daily paper and was published from 1888 to 1992. Rogers was an amateur historian, a former newspaperman, and active in the city's civic affairs throughout his life . His many letters to the editor on various aspects of Richmond history were often expanded into multi-column essays. These history dispatches by Rogers were published from 1950 through early 1963. They total roughly 130 items, some just informative letters to the editor while others were full-blown features. Images often accompanied the articles. His work published in the RNL has often been used by researchers interested in or writing about some aspect of the city's history. It appears he had access to city newspapers for help in his research. He often wrote about topics he had some involvement with or connection to as a long-time active citizen. Hardly any topic was off limits to Rogers. Numerous historic events were written about as well as topics ranging from the city's cultural life, its politics and governmental affairs, to profiles of well-known and ordinary Richmonders.
The index presented here includes links to the specific newspaper pages where Rogers' work was published. The links lead to the online archived copies of Richmond News Leader available from the Library of Virginia's Virginia Chronicle website.
This first blog entry of the Roger's index includes short descriptions of the published work written and researched by Joseph Roberts, a VCU undergraduate majoring in History. He will graduate in the Spring of 2026. His interesst in history include the Antebellum and Civil War periods in the United States; history surrounding both world wars; and the development and effects of revolution.
In this first installment of the Rogers index, Joseph includes short recaps of the letters or columns published from 1950 to the middle of 1952. He includes some images taken from the columns to help illustrate the index. The complete index will be published later this year and will include more "recaps" of the Rogers' columns as well as the titles, date published, and links to the remaining index.
To access the items by Rogers, click on the title of item in the index. That links to the page of the Richmond News Leader where the item by Rogers was published.
Who was Rogers?
George Wesley Rogers was an active citizen of Richmond in the first half of the 20th century. He would go on to record the city’s history in columns and letters published in the Richmond News Leader, a newspaper that lasted 104 years, from 1888 to 1992. Rogers wrote about 130 entries in the News Leader over thirteen years, with his first published on March 6, 1950, and his last published June 15, 1963. These entries dealt with historical events, places, and people of Richmond.
Born on July 2, 1881, both of Rogers' parents were active in the Confederacy - his father fought alongside the Elliott Grays and his mother helped make shells and cartridges. Rogers made one of his earliest appearances in Capitol Square in the 1890s, selling souvenirs at Confederate reunions. At the time he was a teenager but this would be the beginning of his long and influential career around the Capitol. Following his teenage years Rogers worked as a carrier for the Richmond Evening Star in 1897, then in 1899 he became the Fulton correspondent for the Evening Leader. In 1900, Rogers was appointed a reporter for both the Evening Leader and the Richmond Times. Rogers then entered public service with his election to the Richmond City Council in 1908, representing Marshall Ward. He served four terms in his council seat but then declined reelection. Rogers then became the field director for the Richmond Civic Association, an organization that had fought for city reforms. Aside from public service, Rogers was also employed as a salesman to Cauthorme Paper Company for about 30 years.
Rogers
was widely known as “Mr. Postmaster General,, a nickname given to him by Senate
Clerk Evertt R. Combs (1876-1957). Rogers would earn this
nickname when he became postmaster of the Virginia State Senate in 1950; Rogers
kept the job until his retirement in 1964. This would be the position Rogers
held while writing
for the News Leader. Rogers became a political historian during this
time, not only writing for the newspaper but also producing a book on Senate history, “Officers of the Senate of Virginia: 1776-1956,” published in 1959.
Rogers also wrote a brochure on the James River titled “Virginia’s
Constitutional Oaks,”.Through Rogers’ writing in the News Leader alone,
one can get a sense of his passion for Richmond history; Rogers tells stories
of a rich and personal history of the City of Richmond. At the age of 86, on
July 22, 1967, Rogers died; however, his work lives on through his writings in the Richmond
News Leader. [Information from Rogers' obituary published in the Richmond Times Dispatch, July 23, 1967]
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The Roger's Index, first installment.
[Click on the title of the item to link to the online newspaper page that contains the complete Rogers' letter or article.]
"Origins of Absent Voter Law," March 6, 1950, Forum Special
In Rogers’ letter to the editor, he describes how the Absent Voters Law (what we might call today Voting by Mail) came into being in Virginia. Rogers was serving on the board of the local Richmond branch of the Traveling Protectors Association (TPA) which tasked itself with writing the outline of the legislation to enact such a law. Their initiative was led by William Broaddus Cridlin (1871-1932), a member of the TPA. The legislation was eventually signed into law on March 20th, 1916, by Governor Henry Carter Stuart.
“Old Timer George
Rogers Nominates a Slate for City Council,” March 20, 1950, p.11, c.4-5
Rogers proposes, possibly in jest because of their advanced age, fourteen Richmond men who he sees fit for the Richmond City Council in the upcoming Spring election of 1950. He gives a small explanation of why they are qualified for the position. All the men served as city officials at the turn of the century. Images of many of the men profiled are accompany the article.
Rogers profiles the following: Albert Witte (1856- 1953) who served on the council for two years starting in 1896; Edwin R. Carter (1858-1953) [his obituary published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Jan. 24, 1953] who represented Jackson Ward for one term on city council elected in 1888 then worked for the post office. He was the last surviving black citizen to have served on both branches of the Richmond City Council before 1902; Noble Thomas Mosby (1870-1958), an attorney and served Richmond on the Board of Aldermen from Marshall Ward starting in 1898; Wilbur J. Griggs (1878-1954), entered the Richmond City Council in 1904; John B. Minor (1866-1952), he served as Commissioner of Accounts of the Chancery Court and as elected as an Alderman in 1902; John P. Lea (1876-1966), elected to the council in 1904 and served until 1908 from Monroe Ward; Major Hunsdon Miller Cary (1872-1952) elected to the council in 1906 from Henry Ward then served in the Senate of Virginia from 1935-1942; Lewis C. Williams (1875-1959), an attorney who served on the council in 1904; Wortley Dickey (1867-1958) [Rogers spelled the first name as "Worthey"] served on city council 1922-1924]; Henry P. Beck (1868-1962), who Rogers writes served on the Board of Aldermen from Jackson Ward in 1900 and then from Monroe Ward when it absorbed the part of Jackson Ward where he resided; William Harrison Adams (1872-1958) a longtime member of the House of Delegates, elected to the Common Council in 1899, then on then as an Alderman for 24 years; Julien M. Bossieux (1872-1954) elected to city council in 1902; Edward R. Fuller (1864-1954) [his obituary appeared in the Richmond News-Leader, April 20, 1954], a former state senator, served on the city council 1905-1915; Thomas B. Morton (1881-1965) served on the council in 1918.
“The Porpoise Hoax
of 1900”,
April 4, 1950, p.10, c.6,7
In this letter to the editor, following April Fools of that year, Rogers writes about the humorous story of April Fools in 1900 when John D. Murrell (1854-1918), local newspaper reporter, pranked thousands of Richmonders with an article written about a porpoise that had supposedly swam all the way up the James River and blown all the water out of the docks. Rogers also discusses another April Fools prank, when Bostock’s Wild Animals were on exhibit in Richmond; they were calling people saying that the animals wished to speak to them. Included with the letter is an image of John Jeter Crutchfield (1844-1920) longtime Richmond city judge known as "Justice John." John was a figure that Murrell would often write about as he reported the events of the police court.
“There were good times then … Restaurants, Saloons, Taverns of Richmond,”May 25, 1950, p. 11, c.1-5
This was Rogers’ first column entitled “Richmond in Bygone Days: There Were Good Times Then…” He discusses many different restaurants, saloons, and taverns in Richmond; some being very well known and others being underground “hole in a wall” businesses. He includes information about both past and current establishments - including Spiro Zetelle’s located at 909 Bank St., Rueger’s located at 9th and Bank Streets, The Commercial located at 916 East Main St., Ed Stumpt’s located at 8th and Main Streets, Lonnie Moore’s located on Bank St. behind Rueger’s, The Dispatch located at 12th St., Swan Tavern located between 8th and 9th Streets, John Lauer located at Henry and Main Streets, and many more small establishments that Rogers mentions. Several images are included with this article; one of The Commercial, titled “The Commercial - Venison, Ducks, Geese, and Lynnhaven Oysters in the Barrels” another of the Swan Tavern, titled “Old Swan Tavern, Razed in 1903, Was in Heart of Theatrical District." Images of several images of individuals mentioned in the column are also included.
“Recollections of an Old Campaign;” [politics, saloons, etc ] May 1, 1950 Forum.
In this letter by Rogers he writes about the history of the election for Common Council in 1908 in which he participated. Rogers recounts the main issue facing council that year, the task of reducing the number of saloons from 400 to 150 and the election of Mayor Judge David Crockett Richardson (1845-1928). The attempt to regulate the sale of liquor by limiting the number of licenses fell under what was called the “Dabney Law” in city newspapers. It was passed in 1907 by city authorities and took effect in early 1908. It was named after City Alderman William Taylor Dabney (1868-1930), who first proposed the ordinance.
“Festive Richmonders Once Enjoyed Harmonizing in Beer, Crab and Roof Gardens,” June 13, 1950, p. 11, c.2-5
In this column titled, “The Good Old Days Weren’t So Bad: Festive Richmonders Once Enjoyed Harmonizing in Beer, Crab, and Roof Gardens,” Rogers recalls the beer gardens and crab parks that once were in Richmond. He lists several beer gardens, two of these being the James River Brewing Company and the Home Brewing Company. Rogers then describes the most popular beer garden, that of Sanger Hall, located on Seventh Street. Sanger Hall was used as a public center in which dances, balls, fairs, and political affairs were held. [Not to be confused with the Sanger Hall building on VCU's medical campus built in the 1960s.] The Gesangverein Virginian, a renowned German Society, held balls, sings, musicals, and picnics at the Sanger each year. Following rehearsals for these events, everyone would go into the garden and have beer, the singing of ballads would soon commence and the Germans’ songs could be heard even downtown. Rogers adds a list of members of the Gesangverein, compiled by August Dietz (1869-1963).
Following the beer gardens, Rogers quickly addresses the crab parks; he names one, Albert Anthony’s, located on West Broad Street, where Shafer street stops. Lastly, Rogers mentions the opening of the Jefferson Hotel on October 31, 1895, and attributes it as having the “handsomest and finest roof garden in the South." Included is an image titled, “An Outing on the Pamunkey River in Days of Beer, Crab, and Rood Gardens”; featured in the image are Albert von N. Rosenegk, William H. Zimmerman, Peter Stumpf, David Youenling, and other unidentified guests.
“Eleventh Street was
a Great Street When Goddin Hall Reigned Supreme,” Sept. 6, 1950, p. 11, c. 1-5
Rogers discusses the unique history of Eleventh Street and conveys its vibrant atmosphere that once was in his column titled "Remember when…Eleventh Street was a Great Street When Goddin Hall Reigned Supreme”. Rogers begins with the history of Eleventh Street dating to when the Capitol of Virginia was moved to Richmond in 1779; he states that Eleventh Street was home to the first printing office in Richmond and to the first street gas light in America. He then covers the buildings that were on Eleventh Street; with the most important being Goddin Hall, a three story building rich with history. Rogers points out Crenshaws as well, a popular restaurant that served the businessmen of Eleventh Street until it was demolished by the U.S. Government. He then details how Richmond’s first building code was born out of Eleventh Street with Henry P. Beck as Richmond's first building inspector on July 1, 1907, mentioned also is Judge John J. Crutchfield. Rogers includes a list of many persons who would frequent Eleventh Street as well as a list of those who would frequent Crenshaws. With the column are several images; four of people mentioned, titled from left to right, Poe, Beck, Crutchfield, Crenshaw. Three other images accompany the column include “Main Street at Eleventh, Center of the Good Old Days;" “Goddin Hall, at Southeast Corner of Eleventh and Bank;” and lastly “Crenshaws."
“Reminiscences Apropos of our Centennial: He Recalls Names of Some Local Newsmen of the Past,” Richmond Times Dispatch, Nov. 5, 1950, p. 2-B, c. 3
This Rogers letter was published in the Richmond Times Dispatch. As of now, the Richmond Times Dispatch is available only to researchers from November 1914 through December 1922 on the Virginia Chronicle website. The link in the heading above is to the Newspapers.com website, which has issues of the Richmond Times Dispatch from 1914 through today as part of its collection. Newspapers.com requires a subscription. It is worth subscribing to because it makes Richmond history much easier to research.
In the letter to the editor by Rogers, he congratulates the Richmond Times Dispatch on a recent Centennial Edition publication. Rogers addresses past figures important to the Times’ history. He mentions several people but gives special attention to Henry D. Perkins (1865-1955) who was a reporter for the Times, among other positions. He addresses a few different aspects of Perkins life, from his graduation from Randolph-Macon College in 1893, to his employment with the Times, and to his eventual employment with the Public Ledger of Norfolk.
“
Old Letter Address
Recalls Local History,”, Jan. 18, 1951, Forum page
In this rather short letter to the editor, Rogers writes about an unusual letter that had made its way to Richmond from Newark, New Jersey. Mailed December 30, 1950 and arriving January 5, 1951 the letter was from Arthur Jones of 31 Prince St. Newark, New Jersey and its recipient was John H. Liesfeld of 1202 Lakefront Ave. The unusualness of the letter stems from its contents as Jones was seeking to establish his unknown birth date; Jones identified himself as having worked for Liesfeld’s father. The unusualness continues as the letter was sent to the wrong address for Liesfeld, an address that had been incorrect for the past 34 years. Rogers writes about local history connected to the letter, including “Hooker and Bigbie boys” and Walter Torrence, who ran a saloon at Allen Avenue and Cary Street.
“Riverside Park Site of ‘Belvidere’ Suggested as War Memorial Site," Jan. 26, 1951, p. 10, c. 3-5
Rogers writes in this letter to the editor that he thinks a Memorial Building to honor WWII veterans should be constructed. Rogers' site of choice was Riverside Park, where the Belvidere Mansion once stood. After giving his reasoning for choosing the site Rogers details briefly the history of Belvidere, starting with its construction around 1748 by William Byrd III. The mansion passed through several hands until it was burned down by fire in 1854. Some of those mentioned by Rogers who held possession of the home were Harry Lee III, Robert E. Lee’s Father, and Bushrod Washington, Nephew of General George Washington. Following the destruction of the mansion, most of Belvidere would eventually fall into the City of Richmond’s hands. Included is an image of Riverside Park as seen from the Robert E. Lee Bridge, titled “Riverside Park, Shown From Lee Bridge, Suggested as Site for World War II Memorial Building.”
“Richmond Blazes of Yesterday Recalled- Story of Box 723,” March 31, 1951, p. 4, c. 3-7
Rogers writes this column on large fires from Richmond’s past focusing mainly on the two fires at the Jefferson Hotel, the first of which almost burned the hotel down. The blaze started around 10:30 pm on March 29, 1901, and was finally put out in the afternoon of March 30, 1901. Several fire brigades went to fight the massive fire, even Rogers himself went to help the effort and witness the fire. He lists some of the notable firemen who helped to put out the fire; among these was Lewis R. Rogers, his brother. Rogers then recounts the second fire to burn at the Jefferson Hotel on March 10, 1944. Following this he details several more large fires that had burned in Richmond. Accompanying this column are 4 images, the first is that of of Company No. 7 Fire Engine dated 1917, the second is a photograph of Assistant Chief John F. Raffo and Private Julian J. Loterzo on a horse and buggy, the next image is an image of Chief A. F. Taylor, and lastly that of Chief John F. Finnegan.
“Indian and the Pioneer Once Traveled Scuffle Towne Road … now Park Ave,” May 10, 1951, p. 17, c. 1-2
In this column, “Indian and the Pioneer Once Traveled Scuffle Towne Road - Now Park Avenue,” Rogers gives a brief history of Scuffle Towne Road. The road served as “...one of the many Indian trails the pioneers found on their arrival” according to Rogers. As Richmond developed around the road it would acquire a history of its own, which Rogers addresses here. One aspect of this history that Rogers touches on is the Scuffle Towne Tavern, a popular tavern built prior to 1787 and demolished in 1912. Included is an image of the tavern with a brief description and an image of the sign of the tavern that reads, “help a scuffler thru the world!” Next to that is a drawing of a man with his head and limbs sticking out of the globe. Also accompanying the column is a map of where Scuffle Towne Road was with the proper older street names around it.
“How the Swansons and Capt. Jack Won a Battle on Capitol Square," May 25, 1951, p. 10, c. 3-7
Rogers recounts the story of a battle fought on Capitol Square in this letter to the editor, however this was a unique “battle,” it was one fought over a tree. Rogers begins with addressing two former Richmond Capitol Police Officers, Captain John Power Pettis “Capt. Jack” and Officer John Henry Truslow “Pinky.” He writes that both were the best company of those in uniform and would often have stories to tell, one being that of the battle for the tree. He recounts how Capt. Jack along with the newly elected Governor of Virginia, Claude Augustus Swanson, prevented the chopping down of a huge ash tree on Capitol Square in 1904. The tree was to be cut down to rearrange the gardens to enlarge the Capitol Building but because of the efforts of Capt. Jack and Governor Swanson the tree remained.
Rogers also details another story from Capt. Jack of when he and four others were tasked with cleaning the bronze and copper statues on the Capitol Grounds by Colonel John W. Richardson, the then Register of the Land Office and Superintendent of Grounds and Buildings. The men started by cleaning off Thomas Jefferson and the statue for Independence, only to be stopped as they were damaging the statues. Included with the letter are four images of Officer John Henry Truslow, Governor Claude Augustus Swanson, Governor Elbert Lee Trinkle, and Captain John Power Pettis.
“It Was a Hot Time in the Old Town the Night of That Storm in Ninety-Six,”June 19, 1951, p. 10, c. 3-7
Following a tornado on June 13, 1951, Rogers writes about past storms of Richmond in this letter to the editor, starting with the massive wind storm of September 29, 1896. Rogers describes the storm in detail; he lists which major buildings were damaged, such as the Second Baptist Church at Sixth and Main Streets as the steeple collapsed and fell onto the YMCA building opposite it. According to Rogers all electricity was cut off, rendering lights and street cars useless. Rogers also discusses two separate political meetings that debated through the massive storm; the City Council and a meeting on the 1896 Presidential election. The City Council went back and forth on the topic of if the Richmond Traction Company could extend its streetcar line from Pine and Cary Streets to Hollywood. The meeting for the election was held by the Manchester and Swansboro Bryan and Sewall Democratic Club in the Gibbs Opera House; the speaker, Judge James William Marshall, fought against the storm to speak but was ultimately won out by the winds. Rogers then recounts two separate instances of earthquakes that shook the city, the first on December 22, 1876, and the second on August 31, 1886. He describes the second as having caused a major disturbance in the State penitentiary in which the militia and Governor Fitzhugh Lee were called to calm the hysterical inmates. Included is an image of William Jennings Bryan, the Democratic candidate of the 1896 Presidential election, and Governor Fitzhugh Lee.
“Half-Century Ago, A Crushing Blow Fell on City Gamblers,” Sept. 21, 1951, p. 12, c. 6, 7
In this letter to the editor, Rogers recalls the events of around fifty years prior when there was a crackdown on gambling in Richmond. He mentions the burning of more than $10,000 worth of gambling devices in a public bonfire on October 2, 1902 in front of City Hall before getting into the main story of the letter. This was how Jacques Futrelle and Officer William H. Wyatt Jr. landed many gamblers in jail for a day. Futrelle, a police reporter, interrogated Officer Wyatt on what was being done about gambling, when he said nothing the city took note, and action. On September 16, 1902 gamblers were sentenced to a day in jail and a fine to get them to stop gambling in Richmond; Rogers writes how the prisoners were sent to their temporary jail at Jones Cooperage Plant on Nineteenth Street and had a “delightful evening,” they were then released at midnight. Accompanying the letter is an image of Judge Crutchfield as he is mentioned in the trial of the gamblers.
"Old Fountain’s Removal Recalls Heyday of First ‘Avenue’ in the State,” Oct. 19, 1951, p. 12, c. 3-7
Rogers uses the removal of a fountain, built in 1908, located at the triangle created by Broad and Adams Streets and Brook Road to give a history of Brook Road and the area surrounding it. Prior to the fountain’s arrival the triangle was named “Hell’s Half Acre”, it served as a connection for Scuffle Towne and Broad Road, linking the West and East. The road was acquired by the city in 1815 and named Brook Avenue. Rogers mentions that prior to the fountain the site was considered for the monument to Major-General James Ewell Brown Stuart of the Confederate Army. Rogers continues through history with the triangle and Brook Road, mentioning that the first flat iron shaped building in the United States was built in 1860 as the shape of the building was formed by Brook Avenue and Leigh Streets. The Avenue then had its name changed back to Brook Road in 1922. Rogers also includes a large list of residents who had lived in the Brook Road area in the earlier days. An image of the fountain before its removal is included, titled “The Handsome…Five-Ton Dispenser”.
“Dressing
up of Motion is an Old Story to City Clerks,” Nov. 29, 1951, p. 12, c. 3-6
The subject of this letter to the editor concerns the position of the City Clerk. Here Rogers discusses how the “dressing-up of a motion” by the City Clerk evokes history in Richmond dating back to the 18th century. He explains that since the election of the first Richmond City Council on July 2, 1782, the City Clerk has been “properly embellish[ing] all motions.” Rogers then cites an entry of an address for George Washington (1732-1799), dated 1784, that was found in the first book of proceedings of the City Council, kept by the City Clerk at the time of writing, Clerk William T. Wells. Following the history of a much younger Richmond, Rogers goes through time with the City Clerks, listing the last three to serve prior to Wells; these were Benjamin Tappan August, Alfred Henry McDowell, and Edwin S. Bolen. Included at the end of the letter is an image of Clerk William T. Wells.
“Glorious Days of Chewin’ Tobacco Are Gone for Good,” Dec. 3, 1951, p. 10, c. 3-6
Rogers provides a history of the sun-cured tobacco industry in Richmond in this column titled “Glorious Days of Chewing Tobacco Are Gone for Good.” He begins by addressing the dying industry, specifically that of chewing tobacco, explaining how it has declined significantly from its former days. Then, Rogers moves into highlighting the earlier times of Richmond’s tobacco industry. Rogers explains how tobacco was largely sold as a cut plug, a brick of sun-cured tobacco meant for chewing or smoking. He then details several of the former largest tobacco sellers and brands in the city. He ends the column with the leading brands of chewing tobacco in Richmond at the time of writing. Included is an image titled “Auctioneer C. M. Parrish At Shockoe Warehouse,” picturing the “veteran auctioneer” Carroll M. Parrish, at the oldest tobacco warehouse in America according to Rogers.
“Recalling a Day when Fairs, Expositions Flourished in Monroe Square," March 10, 1951, p. 4, c. 3-7
In this sizeable letter to the editor, Rogers goes through the history of Monroe Park, originally known as Monroe Square. He begins with the earliest history of the square, its initial purchase in 1851. Known then as Western Square, it was home to annual fairs and expositions as Rogers describes. Western Square would be named Monroe in 1859, however, it was known as the Fair Grounds until 1877; when the fairs moved, it was then known as the old Fair Grounds. Rogers mentions Colonel William E. Cutshaw (1838-1907), who became city engineer in 1873 and was a prominent figure in the development of what became Monroe Park. Rogers also mentions John Pettis (1864-1959), or Jack Pettis, and Eugene Walton, as they were very influential in the political atmosphere of the area; this led to Walton eventually becoming the “Keeper of Monroe Square.” Both men would go on to be Capitol Police Officers.
Monroe Park would then become the discussion of possible monument sites. The square was considered for the monuments of Robert E. Lee (1807-1870) and Jefferson Davis (1808-1889), however these monuments were put elsewhere. Nevertheless, the park became home to three monuments; the first of General William C. Wickham (1820-1888) unveiled in 1891, followed by a statue of Joseph Bryan (1845-1908) unveiled in 1911. The final monument erected was a brick wall with names of Richmonders who died in the Second World War inscribed on it. Of the three, the tribute to lives lost in WWII still stands. Accompanying the letter are two images, one of Eugene Walton and one of Jack Pettis
“Richmond Hard Hit by 19.3 Inch Snow of Thirty Year’s Ago," Jan. 29, 1952, p. 10, c. 3-6
Rogers covers three massive snow falls that once blanketed Richmond in this letter to the editor. He begins with a large snow storm that hit Richmond on January 27 and 28 of 1922; this was a record breaking storm that brought 19.3 inches of snow. The storm upset transportation, communication and industrial activities in the city for several days. Rogers then moved on to the “Cox’s snow of January 18 and 19, 1857.” This was a devastating storm that saw the death of Dr. Joseph E. Cox, from hence its’ name came. The third storm Rogers discusses was that of an Easter’s Eve snowfall on April 3, 1915. This storm brought ten inches of snow and put out wires, roads, and communications according Rogers, who was there. Rogers addresses four men and four horses that died during this storm, all by coming in contact with live wires, killing them instantly. Included is an image of the E. Lee Trinkle Family at the 1922 inaugural ceremony for Governor E. Lee Trinkle (1876-1939) on Feburary 1; shown in the photo is the snow from previous days.
“Opening of Downing Bridge was a Bang-up Occasion," Feb. 29, 1952, p. 12, c. 3-6
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Members of the influential Advertising Club, 1927. The members are listed below.
In this letter, Rogers commemorates the twenty-fifth anniversary of the opening of the Downing Bridge which crosses the Rappahannock River, connecting the Northern Neck directly to Richmond. Rogers discusses the funding and construction as well as the social opening of the bridge which he recalls with ease as Rogers was on the Richmond Advertisitng Club. The club planned the massive festivities that would follow the opening of the bridge. According to Rogers 20,000 or more people were at the bridge opening ceremony on Feburary 16, 1927. Following the opening ceremony there was a massive barbecue held for the opening of the bridge at the Fair Grounds on April 7, 1927. Rogers highlights how the bridge not only was a very important commercial success but also an important social one, connecting areas of Virginia with ease. Accompanying the letter is an image of the members of the Richmond Advertising Club who planned much of the festivities surrounding the bridge opening; pictured from left to right, standing are A. H. Herrmann, Horace B. Gans, M. B. Lowman, Wade H. Adams, G. Edmond Massie, George W. Rogers, and kneeling are J. Lynn Miller, Clarence Ford Jr., and Steven Hughes.
“Union
Hill’s Friendly Neighbors Reach Another Milestone,”
March 4, 1952, Richmond News Leader Forum Page
In this letter to the editor, Rogers writes about historic Union Hill. He focuses on two buildings in particular, the former Union Station Methodist Church and the former home of the American Can Company. Beginning with the orgins and lifetime of the American Can Company, he highlights Charles Hazelwood Hasker (1831-1898), a lieutenant in the Confederate Navy who was on the Merrimac during the battle between it and the Monitor, and credits him with the beginnings of the Hasker & Marcuse Manufacturing Company which would become the American Can Company. He includes a list of several employees of the American Can Company before moving on to the Union Station Methodist Church which he also discusses from its orgins. Breaking up the middle of the letter is an image of the building that the Hasker & Marcuse Manufacturing Company began in before building the plant in which it transformed into the American Can Company.
“The State Senate as I Saw It: Here’s a Cloakroom Look at Members of Upper Chamber,” March 24, 1952, p. 10, c. 3-6
Rogers addresses several notable members of the Virginia State Senate in 1952 in this column. He briefly compares the 1952 session to the 1916 session in which he participated in before highlighting details of some of the key senators of 1952. He begins with Senator Harry Carter Stuart (1893-1963), a direct descendant of J. E. B. Stuart (1833-1864). Rogers then moves onto Senator Allie Edward Stakes Stevens (1900-1973), followed by Senator Garland Gray (1901-1977), then Senator Sidney Floyd Landreth (1885-1977), Senator Raymond Richard Guest (1907-1991) (second cousin of Winston Churchill) was next, followed by Senator Benjamin T. Pitts (1889-1964), and finally Senator Charles R. Fenwick (1900-1969). He then lists more senators who participated in the 1952 session to end the column. Included is an image of Rogers and individual images of Senators Gray, Stevens, Stuart, Landreth, Guest, and Pitts.
“Midtown Speed Limit in Richmond, 8 M.P.H. – Those Were the Days!,” April 4, 1952, p. 12, c. 3-5
Rogers looks back on the speed limits of Richmond’s past in this letter to the editor. He details the traffic code adopted in 1911, which allowed for a maximum speed of 8 m.p.h. in the downtown areas and a speed limit of 15 m.p.h. in other sections of the city. These limits could be doubled between midnight and six in the morning. He then mentions Judge John Crutchfield (1844-1920), as he presided over Police court; he briefly discussed a case in which Rev. John J. Wicker was charged with speeding at 20 m.p.h. in 1912, with Judge Crutchfield enforcing the law in his historically harsh manner. Also mentioned is Officer Charles Samuels, who became the first captain of traffic in Richmond with the new traffic code.
“Recent Cave-Ins Recall History of City’s Three Tunnels,” April 8, 1952, p. 10, c. 3-6
The 1866 constructed tunnel under Byrd Street between Fourth and Fifth streets was the first tunnel built in Richmond for railroad use.
In this column, Rogers writes about the history of each of Richmond's three former railroad tunnels. Each tunnel is refereed to by their number, No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, each numbered in chronological order as to when they were built; Rogers discusses them in order of third, first, and then second. He gives an account of the history of each tunnel from when they were built to when they were closed and filled in. He focuses more on the third tunnel built mentioning Martin Luther Lum, the chief engineer of the project, Henry P. Beck (1868-1962), first assistant to Lum, and Colonel William E. Cutshaw (1838-1907), the city engineer at the time who played a major role in the closing of the construction of the tunnel. The multiple cave-ins, causing destruction of property and deaths for each tunnel are also discussed. Included is an image of the C&O Tunnel or No. 2 after it was sealed, titled “C&O Tunnel Under Church Hill – a Sealed Tomb,” and an image of the No. 1 tunnel titled “Old Byrd Street Tunnel, Between Fourth and Fifth.”
“The Old Dominion Is No Stranger to Runaway Inflation,” April 29, 1952, p. 10, c. 3-4
Inflation is the topic of discussion in this short letter to the editor. Rogers first focuses on an example of an expense account of Captain William Cherry in 1781; he highlights the details of the account listing off the monetary values of each item. He then briefly discusses inflation during 1780 to 1781 as well as during the Civil War. He uses the prices of boots as well as the increasing prices of gas between 1861 to 1864 as examples of inflation during the “dark period” as he calls it. The last bit of the letter holds personal experiences from Rogers on expenses in dealing with tomatoes and apples.
“Oakwood Association Boasts a Long and
Distinguished Service Record,”May
15, 1952, p. 10, p. 3-7
Rogers shares his knowledge of the Oakwood Memorial Association in this column titled, “Oakwood Association Boasts a Long and Distinguished Service Record.” He begins with the origins of the Oakwood Association, dating back to 1856 when Oakwood Cemertary had first been constructed. The cemetery become quite populated over the years of the Civil War as a final resting place for many Conferdarte soldiers. The formation of the Oakwood Association comes in 1866 under the name of the “Ladies Memorial Association for Confederate Dead in Oakwood Cemetary,” with the goal of restoring the cemetery. About 100 women attended the first meeting of the Association, where it was decided that the death anniversary of Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson (1824-1863) would be the day of memorial for the fallen Confederate soldiers. After this first meeting, work in restoring Oakwood was underway. In June of 1866 the first honorary members of the association were elected, these members included Jefferson Davis (1808-1889), Varina Davis (1826-1906), Robert E. Lee (1807-1870), and Mary Anna Custis Lee (1807-1873). He goes through how the association and the memorial service gradually grew over time, with many Virginia Governors speaking at memorial services as well as other prominent figures in the Commonwealth. Also highlighted in this column are major improvements made to Oakwood as a result of the Association and the annual memorial service. Mentioned briefly as well is Rogers’ own experience with Oakwood Cemetary as he participated in its development. Printed with the column are six images; four of people mentioned, Jefferson Davis, Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and Elben C. Folkes (1873-1950), a major figure in the improvement of Oakwood cemetery, one of Rogers himself, and one of a cannon at Oakwood, titled “One of Oakwood’s Silent Sentinels.”
"62 Years Ago Tonight, After Lee Monument Was Unveiled, Two Church Hill Boys Slept Well,” May 29, 1952, p. 10, c. 3-7
Unveiling of the Robert E. Lee Monument, 1890.
In this letter to the editor, Rogers discusses the unveiling of the Lee Monument from its former home of Monument Avuenue. He describes the unveiling of the large statue of Robert E. Lee (1807-1870) as the “greatest day and the greatest gathering Richmond has enternatined.” He also mentions how as a boy he was present at the monument’s birth. Included with the letter are two images of the unveiling of the Lee Monument, one of a far view of the statue, and one of a closer view of the statue, providing a side profile before the covering was taken off. The second image was titled “Great Day for Richmond” and dated May 29, 1890.
End of first installment of the Rogers Index. by Joseph Roberts, VCU undergraduate majoring in History. The second part of the index will be added later this year.
