250th bash: A look to the past

It’s been done before in historic fashion and it looks like it’s going to be one to remember once again.

The Culpeper Town 250th Anniversary Committee borrowed from the town’s bicentennial celebration for its coming bash without really knowing it, selecting April for its kickoff and September for the main weekend of events — the same months used for celebrations in 1959.

The serendipity doesn’t end there. The late T.I. Martin, former mayor of Culpeper, served as chairman of the bicentennial committee. His son, T.I. Martin Jr., is chairman of the 250th.

At its latest meeting Thursday, the 250th Anniversary Committee took another step toward finalizing the big weekend on Sept. 18-20 with its unanimous endorsement of a tentative schedule of events and an anniversary logo.

As for the 250th logo, three Culpeper-based designers submitted ideas and sketches to Culpeper Tourism Director Beth Burns, staff advisor to the committee. Of those, the committee selected a circular concept, marked 250th at the bottom, developed by Walter Burton.

The circle’s interior, as suggested by the committee, will contain an image of the boyhood home of celebrated Confederate General and native son A.P. Hill (1825-1865). The distinctive Italian Villa building still stands in the heart of downtown at Main and Davis streets. Interestingly, Revolutionary War hero General Edward Stevens owned the building in its smaller, original form.

For committee member Donnie Johnston, the structure symbolizes Culpeper Town.

The logo, now under development, will also incorporate an image of the Culpeper Minutemen — a group of local men who mustered in 1775 to fight in the American Revolution.

At its meeting Thursday, the committee also discussed the development of promotional items for the 250th like coins, a commemorative program like one used in 1959, little flags, mugs, buttons and pens.

The coin will contain an image of the logo on one side and the town seal on the other, as suggested by Committee Member Emma Richards.

In addition, the committee selected culpeper250th.org for its presence on the Web, although the site is not yet active.

Finally, the committee talked about what it would cost to host the 250th weekend — printing and advertising are expected to cost the most — with several members expressing concern about the harsh economic climate. The committee planned to make a presentation on the matter to the Town Council Finance Committee Feb. 3, reaching general consensus on a ballpark figure of $25,000 to $30,000.

The town’s 250th Anniversary will kick off on Remembrance Days, the weekend of April 25, with a ceremony at the courthouse. Other events like Culpeper Day, the Soapbox Derby and Fourth of July will also incorporate the 250th theme.

Committee member Butch Davies has invited numerous Virginia governors to attend the April 25 kick-off including: Tim Kaine (2006-2010), Doug Wilder (1990-1994), Linwood Holton (1970-1974), Gerald Baliles (1986-1990) and Chuck Robb (1982-1986).

The committee also agreed to invite local, state and federal representatives although there was no word on any progress on potential presidential visitors, as discussed at previous meetings.

The committee meets again Thursday at 3 p.m. in Town Hall.

Here's how the town's big 250th anniversary weekend is shaping up:

Friday, Sept. 18 7 p.m. Reception for dignitaries (governors, state politicians, Congressmen, former presidents?)

Saturday, Sept. 19
*11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Old time games and BBQ in Yowell Meadow Park
*11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Historical Tableaux around town
*Noon: ceremony on court-house lawn
*3:30 p.m. Grand Parade
*6:30 p.m. Costume Ball at Germanna’s Daniel Center with attire from your favorite historical period, heavy hors d’oeuvres and period music

Sunday, Sept. 20
*11 a.m. Ecumenical worship service with mass community choir
*11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Historical Tableaux around town
*3 p.m. Historic pageant or play like the one performed for the town’s bicentennial in 1959, “A High and Pleasant Situation”
*5 p.m. Old Time Ice Cream Social