UPDATE:
Multiple sources have reported that the Virginia Civil War Events, Inc has withdrawn its request to partner with Prince William County as an events planner for the Sesquicentennial in 2011. ‘Withdrawn’ can be a temporary situation. It can simply mean ‘for now.’
The BOCS had decided to revisit the plans for the proposed Memorandum of Understanding with this group in January.
No explanation was provided via our sources. It could very well be that the harsh reality of the extremely austere budget cuts Virginia is facing signalled that there simply is no money. Or…The organization’s chair could be revising his plans. Stay tuned.
Previous links:
Thank you, M-h. That’s interesting. I’m guessing it isn’t over. There is still the Virginia Sesquicentennial Commission, Workgroup 1, to consider. Colgan and Lingamfelter are both on it (follow the money). I’m wondering if they are allowing Prince William County to take the lead regarding our economic and cultural future or if they are considering “interceding” a bit. I’d watch this space (and perhaps contact both with your opinion on our future). Let’s not forget our folks on the House and Senate downtown, either.
(IMHO) We need to make sure that all of “our money” from whatever source that might impact the nature, character, environment, traffic, and quality of life goes through a proper due diligence and our established Governance process. I would hope that since the bulk of our leadership is Conservative, they recognize one of the most Conservative of all values: home rule and decisions at the lowest possible level (the Tenth Amendment applied at and devolved to all levels).
After all, it’s all “our money”.
Good news for the tax paying citizens of PWC. Well, well, well how very interesting.
Mom,
Come out, come out, where ever you are.
I wonder what happened. Now who will do the fundraising if the Commission can’t?
There is a Commission already formed. State mandated.
Why can’t the County Committee do whatever is required?
I’m with M-h. Let them do their job. They are looking for volunteers; however, so if you have some good ideas give them a call.
I’m guessing that VCWE is probably considering input from citizens and perhaps revising their plans to be more in line with community expectations (or, put another way, revising the sales pitch) and perhaps will be back. On the other hand, if this opportunity is as lucrative as presented to the BOCS, they might just go private and “keep the money” (and the associated risk). That’s an even better thing. In fact, if it’s that good a deal, one has to wonder why this isn’t a for profit venture with no Government involvement in the first place.
I’m surprised that Manassas moved so quickly on this (unless it was wired); however, I believe their investment is moot in view of the County’s decision (for now). I’m guessing that some thought the County decision was “wired”. That just demonstrates the risk one takes when Government and/or private entities opt to operate out of the public eye perhaps counting on personal relationships… that whole “transparency in Government” thing.
The take away… keep checking those BOCS agendas and watch on-line occasionally. I certainly agree with Opinion to “watch that space” re the State and Federal folks interested in perhaps influencing PWC’s destiny. When he said “follow the money”, I got it.
This is not over by a long shot. Perhaps the committee will concentrate more on City activities since it appears to have more influence there than with PWC.
I hope it’s not over, because the poor old Manassas area really could use an economic boost. Have you seen their housing prices? Tragic.
I wonder, if the whole Civil War thing gets scrapped, could we use the money to deal with Prince William County’s damaged reputation? Perhaps a Cultural Diversity Fair instead? If we could attract immigrants and people of color to PWC, it would improve our property values, and hopefully help us fully fund our police force, fire depatment, and schools again. These are the kind of things that could pull us out of the economic hole we put ourselves in with that awful outbreak of Greg Letiecq/Corey Stewart/John Stirrup racial conflict mongering.
@IVAN
IVAN, that’s an EXCELLENT idea. It is the 1st Battle of MANASSAS (and our Chairman was quickly corrected when he suggested Prince William County should be mentioned first.
Witness, the whole Civil War thing will not got scrapped. It is a part of our heritage and history and it will be commemorated either way. I prefer the commemoration to be one of dignity and not a carnival like atmosphere.
@Witness Too
Witness Too, we are attracting immigrants and others who are looking for affordable housing. Diversity is happening. Look around any grocery store the next time you go shopping. Personally, We are, once again, a magnet for folks looking for their entry level home. I think this is a good change because it will change the political climate a bit. I’m guessing there are some smart folks organizing these new arrivals in time for the 2011 elections. Perhaps there’s even a future Supervisor or two in the bunch.
@Lafayette
Lafayette, well said.
What are state and federal legislators saying to all these plans? Surely if money is being sought, state delegates and senators are being lobbied for money. Same with federal legislators. Perhaps stimulus money will land here earmarked for this cause. Stranger things have happened.
What will the city plan be now?
I agree, well said Lafayette. That was an uplifting thing to read. You’re right, I do see the diversity in our malls and such. I agree that it is a good thing. It’s almost as if the whole ugly chapter led to a switching out of one group of diverse immigrants for another group that looks exactly the same. I’m sure that is very disappointing for some who pushed the while thing over the edge.
But I do get the sense that these newest arrivals are not all too aware of the local political landscape. I think a lot of them don’t even know what happened here before their arrival. That’s a good thing, because it gives us all a chance to start over. What worries me is that people who ARE more in tune to current events and political goings-on have a negative impression of our county. My feeling is that this is still impacting our property values: witness the fact that so few homes are bought by home owners and so many are bought by speculators. This means the occupants are renters, which is not good for property values going forward. People with money are more in the know, while people who are struggling to make ends meet (the newly arrived renters) are less involved politically. They don’t have time to vote on Tuesdays, for instance. It would be nice if they did.
Witness Too, Opinion is right – we continue to attract immigrants –
the Hispanic student population, for example, continues to climb
far faster than the White and Afro-American cohorts in Manassas
City Schools – already a “minority-majority” system. Por favor!
Who “celebrates” a war they lost!?
I’ll admit I actually enjoy the bilingual signs all over the place. I stop and read them hoping to learn a bit of Spanish. I’m a realist… and have no problem being multi-lingual.
@Witness Too “They don’t have time to vote on Tuesdays, for instance. It would be nice if they did.” Absentee ballots, Witness Too, absentee ballots. Don’t forget… Obama started as a community organizer.
No one celebrates. We commemorate. Memorialize and remember. Create an opportunity to learn.
The President is still a community organizer. Just a bigger community.
@Witness Too
I’m just guessing here; however, I’m guessing people who came here to escape war will wonder why we celebrate war. They will particularly wonder why we want to re-enact man’s greatest example if its inhumanity to other men. And when they find out how much it costs? As Lafayette said, “I prefer the commemoration to be one of dignity and not a carnival like atmosphere.”
Did I mention the role of community organizers already?
@CindyB
Re the president… Touche… CindyB. On the other hand, I would call a Blue and Gray Ball a celebration.
Correctly done, a Blue & Gray Ball is a learning experience:
http://www.elsegundousd.com/docs/bluegrayball2004.htm
@CindyB
Sorry, CindyB, I’ve been to the real thing (on active duty). It’s a celebration. On the other hand, if you do one for eighth graders (your link), then you are probably right. If that’s what the event planners have in mind (an event for eighth graders), I might just get behind it (and donate a couple of bucks).
@CindyB
Come to think of it, I have celebrated battles… the ones I survived. I will be happy to listen to any veteran with ideas about how to memorialize the First Battle of Manassas.
Juturna, First Manassas wasn’t lost…by the South. Do that many people still have a ‘side?’ in all this?
And the big question is, why is there a Grant Avenue?
“The Great Manassas National Jubilee of Peace in 1911, the fifieth
anniversary of the First Battle of Manassas, was the inspiration
of George C. Round. Mr. Round was a northerner who fought
in Manassas on the Federal side. He liked Manassas and
set up his law practice here, but deplored always being
called a Yankee. He wanted to be friendly with everyone and
wanted to be part of the community. I suppose in
thinking it through, he thought of the Peace Jubilee plan.”
Marion Lewis
Echoes of Manassas
by Charles A. Mills
“The Great Manassas Jubilee of Peace, 2011”?
M-H, There is a Grant Ave. that intersects with Lee Ave. because that
is the way Mr. Round planned it – part of his “peace and friendship” idea.
(Some vocal local leaders insisted that the Courthouse face Lee
when the county seat was moved to Manassas in the 1890’s to
assure it would be the most important Avenue of the two — that
is why the side of the “Old Courthouse” faces Grant –
by far, the most busy of the two roads).
I never knew the history of why there was a Grant Avenue. Beauregard, Mosby, Lee, I understand. I never understood Grant. Thanks, PR. Actually, I never knew who Mr. Round was.
Poor Mr. Round. I am sure the old guard always thought of him as a Yankee. That’s just the way the Old Guard is.
And for you youngsters, the Old Guard is alive and well. My mother’s best friend who is so crippled up with arthritis she can barely move, attended the grave side services on the side of Monticello Mountain when my mother died. I suggested she just go to the memorial service that afternoon rather than trying to get up the mountain. She hissed at me..”.NO, I won’t go to Branchlands, there are too many damn Yankees there.” This was in 2006.
“…. the President (Taft) made his speech, a flubdub speech about
the Blue and Gray which brought tears to the eyes of the veterans
of both sides and smiles to the faces of politicians. Every politician
has a canned speech up his sleeve for those reunions, yet they
take them most seriously when making one themselves”
Major Archibald Butt, an aide to President Taft.
(Major Butt died less than a year later on the Titanic).
Echoes of Manassas
by Charles A. Mills
The County committee is planning a Centennial commemoration as per the December 8 presentation. My guess is that it will be at the Old Courthouse. According to the sign out front, a soldier from South Carolina suggested a peace event in a Washington newspaper. Round took it and made it happen. The best picture of the sign that I found is on evergreen manor’s web site. Evergreen Manor sounds like a very cool building and project. I hope this link works.
http://evergreenmanorhouse.org/EMH_ManassasJubilee1915Commemoration.html
George C. Round was a key figure in Manassas as it developed
after the Civil War. He was a lawyer and active in real estate, plus
he married an attractive local girl, Emily Bennett, and had five children
Mr. Round was noted as an “intelligent and interesting” man who was
the first head of what become our local school systems in PWC and
the two cities. A school in Manassas is named for him.
Lieutenant Round was ordered by General Sherman to climb the dome
of North Carolina’s State Capital, after the last Southen troops still
fighting in the entire war surrendered, and signal the end of the
conflict. Almost falling several times, Round made it to the top and
sent signal rockets to Union Forces – “Peace on earth, good will to men”.
Poor Richard,
My sincerest thank you for the history lessons. Your knowledge of local history is amazing and an asset to the community as a whole. I hope people are paying attention. I know I sure do and appreciate it so much. You are a local historian, indeed.
Remember when IBM wanted to return to Manassas and partner with
Toshiba in a new microship plant here (now Micron), but Toshiba
leaned toward a plant in Japan.
Manassas, at the suggestion of IBM, held a Peace Jubilee to celebrate the
end of WW II and friendship with Japan. Toshiba top officials were
honored guest and local officials rolled out the red carpet, including
Japanese flags, next to American ones, on every lamp post in town.
All went well and Toshiba OKed Manassas, but some WWII vets
really chewed out the Mayor and Council over the flags. They
took the heat because Manassas was back “in the chips” with
a vital source of good jobs and tax revenue.
Thank you Lafayette, it is a great place to live if you enjoy history.
Okay, I’m sold. Let’s celebrate cultural diversity instead of war. War should be commemorated respectfully, particularly when Americans were killing each other.
Witness, back to your earlier comment.. “You’re right, I do see the diversity in our malls and such. I agree that it is a good thing. It’s almost as if the whole ugly chapter led to a switching out of one group of diverse immigrants for another group that looks exactly the same. I’m sure that is very disappointing for some who pushed the while thing over the edge. ”
I’m not sure if you mean me. Diversity is NOT a word I use. Maybe, you have my comments confused with someone else.
@Opinion
You probably already know this, but there are two names for the same battle. Different historians seem to choose one name or the other. Your statement above renewed my curiosity to look up the two names. It turns out that the South referred to the July 21, 1861 battle as First Battle of Manassas and the North referred to it as the First Battle of Bull Run.
@kelly3406
Thanks, kelly3406… I knew that.
The old 4th grade and 7th grade Virginia history books could set everyone straight.
I agree with Lafayette, PR. You are very much an asset to your community and to this blog with your history lessons. I thank you. You have me spoiled. I just assume you will come along and and give us the lesson without even having to ask now.
Running around a field pretending to shoot people still doesn’t sound like “commemerate” to me. I’m all for the honor and respect part. I wonder what it’s like to be in London on the 4th of July?!
Thank you M-H, and FYI, there are some great books on Manassas/PW
history at Echoes, the Manassas Museum gift store. The most recently
published is “Manassas Mosaic, Creating a Community”.
“The only thing new in the world is the history you don’t know.”
Harry Truman
Lafayette, diversity is my word and not meant to say anything to you other than you’re right, we already are a racially mixed community.
Poor Richard is the Anti-B MVP. Thanks as always for sharing your encyclopedic knowledge.
You ladies could be in the corps of white clad maidens, one to represent each
state and the District of Columbia We will need two more than in 1911 and
hopefully less moaning from those selected to represent a
“Damn Yankee” state.
I was born in North Dakota. I fit in more with the matronly Red Hat crowd.
PR, is that new book “Manassas Mosaic” really out and in stock? It wasn’t available for the Neighborhood Conference, or when I did my Christmas shopping in early December. Have you seen it yet? Would love to hear a review.
Afraid my ‘maiden’ days are over. snicker.
Juturna, I expect it sucks. I was in Canada on the 4th once. It was uneventful. The shooting part isn’t allowed in the battlefield proper. Those reenactors tear stuff up too much.
I like looking at the uniforms and hearing the speakers myself.
@Poor Richard
…corps of white clad maidens… I rather like that.
Juturna — I was once in London on the 4th of July. No big deal — until I turned a corner in Convent Garden and saw a playhouse marquee advertising a play entitled “1776.” Under that title was the note: “A brand new play from the colonies!” Turned out I got to see one of the first presentations of “1776.” Best lines: George Washington writing that letter to the Continental Congress begging for supplies and troops and breaking into the song that went: “Is anybody there ? Does anybody care?”
@Juturna
>>> Who “celebrates” a war they lost!?
Those that fought for what they believe in to the end.
Cindy,
I purchased a copy of Manassas Mosaic over a week ago so it
should be in stock. Informative and with many never before published
pictures. It has a home in my bookcase next to a half dozen other fine
books published through the years about our community.