Culpeper’s 250th provides time to reflect on what makes us great

As a native of Culpeper, the celebration of our 250th year has provided me opportunity to remember. We as a community can enjoy the events and fellowship, and reflect on those individuals, places and events that helped shape our town.

At the opening ceremony on the courthouse lawn last weekend, I could not help but think about growing up here, and hometown memories that I will always cherish.

I remember Floyd T. Binns and all he meant to all of us. I think about Giles Miller, his humble but respected presence. Who will ever forget George Beard? He helped so many for so long and never asked for anything in return.

I thought of Mrs. Mary Ross, former school principal, who even when she had retired, scared me into behaving as a substitute principal at the old Ann Wingfield school. (She did not believe in peer mediation.)

I remember Roscoe Ford, our police officer for so many years. Who could forget Russ Greaver, who for years gave countless hours to the Little Lords baseball for us kids? Of course, I miss and thought of Waller Jones, our longtime mayor, walking around, shaking hands with everyone.

As I stood there, I remembered Main Street Market, run by Harry Crane. Who can forget Butch the Butcher who worked there? My brother drove groceries for Mr. Crane, making home deliveries. Now that’s customer service!

I thought of Glen’s Fair Price Store and Gayhearts Drug Store, both on Davis Street. I remember Joe DeJarnettes car dealership on Old Fredericksburg Road and Chuck Lindsey’s on Old Rixeyville Road by Culpeper High School.

I thought about the Old Livestock Market at Inlet. My father would take me there on Saturdays, buy me some peanuts and we would watch the auction.

There was the creamery across from County Farm Service. My grandfather Painter worked there until he retired.

Let’s not forget Newberry’s Department Store; my mother worked there. And thre was the old Leggett’s Store on Main Street where the two Hensley brothers, Frank and Dickie, would fit us with our clothes, along with Laura Brown and all the other wonderful employees of the old store. 

Fortunately, we still have a lot of “old” Culpeper with us today. There’s Clarke Hardware and everyone’s friend Claude. Of course, my favorite, Baby Jim’s Snack Bar on Main Street. Pauline Jenkins, Baby Jim’s wife, is still there fixing the best sandwich in town.

Knakal’s Bakery on Davis Street can’t be passed by. If you go out in the county (I promise they wont bite), there’s Bailey Store at Brandy — I miss Mr. Bailey’s sharp cheese — and Stevensburg Grill on Route 3. A relative of mine on my father’s side enlisted for the Civil War at the Stevensburg Store.

Let’s not forget Toliver’s Store on 729. There, Sonny Epperson makes the best barbecue and ribs.

If you need to build something, go see the Smoot family at Cherry Street; they have supplied lumber and nails for years here in Culpeper.

When you need work done on your car, there’s Corbin’s Shell, Fant’s Amoco or Gilmore’s Exxon here in town. All have been here forever, and awfully good people.

I hope others who are natives or longstanding residents will enjoy reflecting on days gone by, as I have. For those who are new to our community, welcome! Enjoy our history with us, and assist us in keeping Culpeper as small-town America, with small-town values.

God Bless Culpeper on her 250th birthday. 
Jenkins is a lifelong resident of Culpeper and a member of Town Council.