Intimate Lives of the Founding Fathers

Thea Marshall in Essays

Commentator Thea Marshall has given herself a Valentines present, "The Intimate Lives of the Founding Fathers," by Thomas Fleming, a noted historian and novelist. He writes about the lives, the wives, and yes perhaps the lovers of Washington, Franklin, Adams, Hamilton, Jefferson and Madison.

The Morgan Jones Kiln

Thea Marshall in Essays

One of the newest roadside markers in the Northern Neck tells a tale of 17th century potters whose kiln dating back to 1677 was discovered in Westmoreland county. What the marker doesn’t tell us is the rebellious nature of their work.

Olympians

Brooks Smith in Essays

At least 20 Richmonders have competed as Olympians, and more than likely, the true number is double or triple what is found in the local archives.

Plum Street Boys

Brooks Smith in Essays

Affectionately known as the Plum Street Boys, or simply the Boys, Robert Watkins and deVeaux Riddick are creative geniuses who have been together – on stage and off – for over fifty years.

A Horse Named Planet

Brooks Smith in Essays

Secretariat’s larger-than-life mystique tends to eclipse the triumphs of many great race horses from the Richmond area. However, one stands out as maybe the best of the forgotten.

Houdini at the Bijou Theatre

Brooks Smith in Essays

The world's most famous magician, Harry Houdini, performed in Richmond back in 1900. At that time, he was still an emerging artist on the vaudeville circuit, a step above his dime museum days but still a year or so away from becoming an international sensation.

Richmond “Pro” Football

Brooks Smith in Essays

Pro football in Richmond dates back to the 1930’s, when the Richmond Rebels were part of the fabled Dixie Pro Football League, sometimes called the third of the three majors.

Early Roots of College Football In Richmond

Brooks Smith in Essays

Richmond formed its first club football team in 1878, less than a decade after the first inter-collegiate game in America.

Barn Dance

Brooks Smith in Essays

 Commentator Brooks Smith shares a story about the Old Dominion Barn Dance.

Charles Sidney Gilpin

Brooks Smith in Essays

Charles Sidney Gilpin was a break-through stage actor – one of the first African American performers to transcend the racial barriers of the early 20th century. But his career is a gripping reminder of the dual threats of racial prejudice and economic hardship.