By Betsy Wilds
Braving the cold and shivery weather, 21 members and guests of the Homestead Hikers met at the Patrick County Historical Museum on Sunday, February 14.
Museum staff member Greg Arens led a discussion about early Stuart and invited the group to tour the museum before setting out on foot to visit the town formerly known as Taylorsville.
Bundled to the ears, but under a beautiful clear sky, the group hiked along Blue Ridge Street, amid the historic homes on Chestnut Ave to the remains of the Mayo River Dam and later Main Street. Along the way, Arens shared many interesting and historic facts about the town, the homes and the buildings that remain from time long ago.
Many members of the group could recall the town from the ‘40s and ‘50s and contributed many interesting stories for the group to enjoy.
After about two hours, a happy group of hardy souls said good-bye at the museum while looking forward to the next hike. A gracious thank you goes to Arens and the many folks who shared their memories.
The Homestead Hikers’ March event will be held at the Richard P. Gravely, Jr. Nature Preserve in Ridgeway. For more information on the Homestead Hikers or future hikes, visit them on FaceBook or email HomesteadHikers@gmail.com.
