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George Mason University. Libraries. Special Collections Research Center
Fenwick Library, MS2FLEron Ackerman, Michelle Paige
There may be use restrictions on some of the interviews.
Collection is open to research although some interviews may have restrictions.
The collection was previously housed in the Fairfax County Library from 1962-1983. It was transferred to George Mason University Libraries in 1984.
All of the oral histories in this collection have been digitized and are available to use in the Special Collections Research Center reading room.
Northern Virginia Oral History Project collection, C0030, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.
Collection donated by the Fairfax City Regional Library in 1992. Additional interviews added in 1996.
Processed by Special Collections Research Center staff. EAD markup completed in February 2009 by Eron Ackerman and Jordan Patty. EAD markup revised in September 2014 by Michelle Page.
The Northern Virginia Oral History Project collection is comprised of interviews conducted between 1962 and 1983. The interviews document community and family life, and careers in the Northern Virginia Area as well as changes in Northern Virginia since World War II.
The collection contains 201 taped interviews of Northern Virginia residents. Transcripts or abstracts accompany most of the recordings. Topics such as agriculture, development, education, health, politics, transportation, and religion, with respect to Northern Virginia in the 19th and 20th centuries, are discussed.
Series 1: Northern Virginia Community; contains 141 taped interviews between 1958 and 1990. The interviews document community and family life, careers, etc. in the Northern Virginia Area.
Series 2: Northern Virginia Changes; contains 60 taped interviews between 1962 and 1990. The interviews deal primarily with changes in Northern Virginia since World War II.
Series 3: Transcripts: Northern Virginia Community; contains 50 interview transcripts and abstracts between 1962 and 1988 that document community and family life, careers, etc… in the Northern Virginia Area.
Series 4: Transcripts: Northern Virginia Changes; contains 44 interview transcripts and abstracts between 1972 and 1989 that deal primarily with changes in Northern Virginia since World War II.
Series 5: Interview Documentation; contains biographical notes and photos for interviewees, interview release forms, interviewer notes, and abstract worksheet and form.
Series 6: Northern Virginia Leadership Project; contains the Northern Virginia Leadership Project interviews. Roy Rosenzweig, a professor in Mason's History Department, supervised the final phase of the project. The Northern Virginia Leadership Project is a collection of interviews with prominent figures from the Northern Virginia area. The collection includes interviews conducted between the years 1990 and 1996 as well as other interview documentation such as interview forms and questions, and permissible use forms.
Series 7: Sound Reels; contains sound reels of interviews that document community and family life, careers, etc…. in the Northern Virginia Area as well as interviews that deal primarily with changes in Northern Virginia since World War II.
Organized into seven series.
Series Series 1: Northern Virginia Community, 1958-1990 Series 2: Northern Virginia Changes, 1962-1990 Series 3: Transcripts: Northern Virginia Community, 1962-1988 Series 4: Transcripts: Northern Virginia Changes, 1972-1989 Series 5: Interview Documentation, 1962-1990 Series 6: Northern Virginia Leadership Project, 1957-1996 Series 7: Sound Reels, 1966-1980Special Collections and Archives also holds many other oral histories about Northern Virginia, particularly Reston, Virginia.
Contains 141 taped interviews between 1958 and 1990. The interviews document community and family life, careers, etc… in the Northern Virginia Area.
Reminiscences of two former students at Forestville School, Great Falls, VA; 1 abstract (1p)
Life in Lewinsville, Langley, and McLean, VA(ca 1800-1960) with particular focus on Lewinsville Presbyterian Church;
The Navy School and other schools in Pender,VA; 1 abstract (1p)
Life in the Community (1917-1945); 1 abstract (1p)
Agricultural practices and farm life in Fairfax County, VA.; 21 page transcript
Community and family life in Floris and Herndon, VA; 25 page transcript
Dairy farming in Fairfax County, VA in the 1930s with emphasis on the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933; 25 page transcript
Reminiscences of Fairfax County, Va Agricultural Agent; 1 abstract (4p)
Community Life at Fairfax Court House (c.1900-80) with Elsie Lucas; 1 abstract (1p)
Jr. Wakefield Chapel, Fairfax County, VA; 11 page transcript(missing 10/92) abstract (4p)
Schools and transportation in Fairfax County, VA.; 1 abstract(2p.)
Work and religion in Pender, VA; 12 page transcript.
Community life in Dunn-Loring, VA; 1 abstract (2p)
Schools, farming, and transportation in Oakton, VA; 1 abstract (1p.)
Family life in McLean, Va; 1 abstract (2p.)
Oakton History including Church of the Brethren, electric railway, dairies, Hell's Hole, FFA, 4-H, Electric Railway in Oakton.
School in Herndon, VA; 1 abstract (1p)
Woodlawn School, Fairfax County, VA; 1 abstract (2p.)
Burke Center
Schools in Fairfax County, VA; 12 page transcript
Burke Center Development; 15 page transcript.
Wakefield Chapel, Fairfax County, VA and its environs; 8 page transcript
Wakefield Chapel, Fairfax County, VA and its environs; 8 page transcript
Reston
Oakton History including Gray's florist business, Gray subdivision, van der Vies competition, Oakton School, Oaktan as a farming community, Fairfax Court House, and Vienna banking
Community life in McLean, VA with emphasis on schools and transportation; 43 page transcript
interviewed by D'Anne Evans
Oakton History, WWI, Kenyon Family, Arlington-Fairfax Electric Railroad, Church of the Brethren, Methodist Church, Whitesells, Cobbs, Bowmans, Millers
Preservation of Wakefield Chapel, Fairfax County, VA; 13 page transcript
12 page transcript
Early Roads in Northern Virginia; Part I
Community life in the McLean and Langley, VA area: with emphasis on the "Strawberry Vale" house.; 1 abstract(2p.).
Fairfax Then and Now: a lecture titled "Potpourri of Alexandria".; 1 abstract (1p.).
Community life in Floris, VA.; 25 page transcript.
Reminiscences of a Fairfax County VA. teacher with emphasis on her "Citizen of the Year" award.; 1 abstract (2p)
Reminiscences of a school teacher in Falls Church, Floris, Herndon, and Vienna, Va.; 19 page transcript.
Family life at Mount Eagle, Fairfax County, VA.; 1 abstract (2p.).
Community and family at Mt. Eagle, Fairfax County, VA (c.1941-62)
Reminiscences of former teachers in Fairfax County, VA.; 1 abstract (2p.).
Herndon Historical Meeting: Sully Plantation
Reminiscences of a teacher in Fairfax County VA, including a discussion of her father, Milton D. Hall, Superintendent of Schools for Fairfax County.; 24 page transcript.
Dairy farming in Herndon and Floris, VA.; 22 page transcript.
Reminiscences of a dairy farmer in Herndon, VA.; 11 page transcript.
Teaching in Fairfax County, VA.; 24 page transcript.
McLean Historic Sites
McLean Historic Sites
Oakton History, Squire Ernest Smith, Toll gates, Robert Burley, Chain Bridge Road, Hell's Hole, Difficult Run, Waple Farm, Electric Trolley Line, Brethren Church, Hawxhurst Family
Community life in the Falls Church and Tysons areas of Northern Virginia (ca. 1910-1960) with particular focus on black churches, schools, and organizations.; 48 page transcript.
Race relations, education, and social life in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.; 21 page transcript.
Family and community life in Annandale, VA with particular focus on church attendance.; 9 page transcript.
Reminiscences of the principal of Hayfield Elementary School, Fairfax County.; 1 abstract (2p.).
Tomb Guard (George Washington's ) Speech.; 11 page transcript.
Life in the black community of Vienna, VA.; 1 abstract (1p.).
Oakton Trolley Station.; 5 page transcript.
13 sessions total
13 sessions total
County doctors in Fairfax County, VA (ca. 1890 1930) with emphasis on Dr. James Tasker Jones and the Herndon area.; 1 abstract (2p.).
Reminiscences of a member of the Fairfax County (VA) Board of Supervisors (ca. 1956-62) with particular emphasis on politics, transportation, and suburbanization.; 16 page transcript.
Community life in Herndon, VA (ca.1920-1960) with particular focus on schools, employers, and suburbanization.; 1 abstract (2p.). Access copy available on CD in box 24.
Community life in McLean, VA. (ca.1900-1970).; 7 page transcript.
Reminiscences of a school teacher in Fairfax County, VA-(ca. 1920-1945).; 1 abstract (3p.). page transcript.
County doctors in Great Falls, Herndon, Leesburg, and Dranesville, VA.(ca. 1880-1920).; 1 abstract (1p.)
Oakton History, Oakton Elementary School, Civil War in the Blake Lane Area
Oakton History
Architectural discussion on historical sights in Fairfax County, VA-Huntley, Mt. Air, and Mt. Gilead.; 1 abstract (1p.)
Oakton History
Dranesville Tavern, Dranesville, VA. (ca. 1968).; 1 abstract (1p.).
Life at Dranesville Tavern, Dranesville, VA. (ca. 1920-1965) with emphasis on tavern services, costs, and facilities.; 1 abstract (2p.).
Life at Dranesville Tavern, Dranesville, VA. (ca. 1920-1965) with emphasis on tavern services, costs, and facilities.; 1 abstract (2p.).
Life as a member of Mormon (LDS) Church.
Family life in Vienna and Herndon, VA. (ca. 1920 1935) with emphasis on Colvin Run Mill, schools, roads, and transportation.; 50 page transcript.
Family life in Vienna, VA. (ca.1900-1960) with particular focus on schools, transportation, and country doctors.; 1 abstract (1p.).
Oakton History, Electric Trolley Line, Squire Smith Line, W.R. Gray Nursery, Oakton High, Social Events
Community life in Falls Church and Mclean, VA. (cs. 1930-1975) with emphasis on schools, civic affairs, and suburbanization.; 1 abstract (3p.)
Sully Planation.; 1 abstract (2p.); 35 page transcript Access copy available on CD in box 24. .
Sully Planation.; 1 abstract (2p.); 35 page transcript Access copy available on CD in box 24.
Family life and schooling in Fairfax County VA(ca. 1895-1975) with emphasis on Wakefield Chapel.; 11 page transcript.
Reminiscences of a teacher in Fairfax County, VA. (ca. 1910-1970).; 1 abstract (2p.).
The Fairfax County(VA) School Board and school consolidation (ca. 1933-1953).; 1 abstract (1p.).
Moving Flint Hill School.; 1 abstract (2p.).
Alexandria, Virginia.
Reminiscences of a student at the Freedom Hill School, Great Falls, VA. (ca. 1925-1940) with emphasis on one room schools, transportation, and school board membership.; 1 abstract (2p.).
Family life in Dunn-Loring, VA (ca. 1890-1945) with emphasis on transportation, the Great Depression, and the flood of 1936.; 1 abstract (2p.).
Oakton History, Henry Hawxhurst, electric railway, Hawxhurst Family
Oakton History, William and Cornelius Speer, Pre-Civil War, Oakton High, Waples swimming hole, Dr. Edward Latch-Methodist Minister, House of Representatives, C.T. Rice, Jermantown, Church of the Brethren, Interurban, Hunter's Mill
Oakton History, Chain Bridge Road, Oakton Elementary, Trolley Line, Auto Railer, Fairgrounds, Gray's Nursery, Stuntz Family
Community life in Fairfax County, VA(ca. 1850-1975) with emphasis on Wakefield Chapel, Part 3.; 13 page transcript.
Family life in Fairfax County, VA (ca. 1850-1970) with emphasis on Wakefield Chapel(1850-1972), Part 1.; 1 page transcript.
Family life in Fairfax County, VA (ca. 1850-1975) with emphasis on Wakefield Chapel, Part 2.; 16 page transcript.
Family life in Langley, VA (ca. 1890-1970) with emphasis on transportation, the Langley Citizens Association, and local legends; 21 page transcript.
The struggle to save Sully Plantation (Fairfax County, VA)during the development of Dulles Airport (ca. 1920-1965) with emphasis on Wakefield Chapel(1850-1972), Part 1.; 1 abstract (2p.). Access copy available on CD in box 24.
Family life in Annadale, VA(ca. 1915-1975) with particular emphasis on Wakefield Chapel.; 7 page transcript.
Oakton History, David Walker, Chantilly, Church of the Brethren, Dairy farming
Family life in Langley, VA(ca. 1910-1960) with emphasis on roads, transportation, and suburbanization.; 5 page transcript.
Black community life in and around Vienna, VA (ca. 1870-1940) with emphasis on Wakefield Chapel(1850-1972), Part 1.; 72 page transcript.
Life in the back community of Vienna, VA (ca. 1870-1960).; 67 page transcript.
Life in the back community of Vienna, VA (ca. 1870-1960).; 67 page transcript.
A student's and teacher's reminiscences of the black school of Fairfax County, VA (ca. 1875-1955).; 14 page transcript.
Reminiscences of a member of the Fairfax County (VA) Board of Supervisors with emphasis on government, zoning, and bond issues.; 25 page transcript.
Oakton History
Education in Fairfax County, VA (ca. 1920-1970)reminiscences of a school teacher.; 11 page transcript.
Administration of Fairfax County, VA schools (ca. 1929-1961) With emphasis on salaries for teachers.; 1 abstract (1p.).
Community life in Vienna, VA (ca. 1890-1960) with emphasis on education.; 10 page transcript.
Contains 60 taped interviews between 1962 and 1990. The interviews deal primarily with changes in Northern Virginia since World War II.
The Navy School and other schools in Pender, VA (ca. 1920-1940).; 1 abstract (1p.).
Family life in Fairfax, VA (ca. 1910-1980).; 1 abstract (2p.).
Civil War
Of the Little River Management Company.
Director of Fairfax County Libraries.; transcript.
transcript
Family life in Dranesville, VA-(ca. 1915-1974).; 1 abstract (5p.).
Community life in Great Falls, VA (ca. 1927-1983), discussion of Durham's government service career and the restoration of his home, the 223 year old "Towlston Grange".; 1 abstract (5p.).
Work, family, and community life in the black community of Dranesville, VA. (ca. 1910-1980).; 1 abstract (5p.).
Family and community life in Falls Church, VA (ca. 1917-1980)with emphasis on transportation, the Depression, and government jobs.; 1 abstract (4p.).
Reminiscences of a long time Dunn Loring, VA resident (ca. 1915-1980).; 1 abstract (4p.).
Family life in Floris and Herndon, VA (ca. 1900-1982)with emphasis on education, church activities, the Great Depression, and World War II.; 1 abstract (3p.).
Burke Center
Donated by Cuba Curtice
Community life in Herndon,(ca. 1920-1930)with emphasis on Dulles Airport, Herndon Female Seminary, and the Great Depression.; 1 abstract (3p.).
Burke Center
Group discussion for centennial school project.
Community life in Vienna, VA (ca. 1936-1960) with emphasis on land acquisition and development.; 1 abstract (2p.).
Interview by P. Frakes and D. Evans, NVOPH
Community life in Vienna, VA (ca. 1940-1982) with emphasis on the Vienna Presbyterian Church.; 1 abstract (2p.).
Burke Center.
Community life in Great Falls, VA (ca. 1910-1982) with emphasis on place name changes within Fairfax County.; 1 abstract (5p.).
Burke Center Partnership.
Franconia.
Burke Center Partnership.
Life in the black community of Centreville, VA (ca. 1895-1982) with emphasis on family relationships; with Lillian Robinson.; 1 abstract (5p.).
Reston
Family Life in McLean, VA (ca. 1927-1983) with emphasis on the family home, "Maplewood".; 1 abstract (4p.).
About October 1951.
Reminiscences of a life long resident of Falls Church, VA (ca. 1890-1945) with emphasis on transportation and suburbanization.; 1 abstract (3p.).
Reston Land Corps.
Burke Center.
Community life in Great Falls, VA (ca. 1923-1983) with emphasis on the operation of Colvin Run.; 1 abstract (2p.).
Community life in Great Falls, VA (ca. 1923-1983) with emphasis on the operation of Colvin Run.; 1 abstract (2p.).
Contains 50 interview transcripts and abstracts between 1962 and 1988 that document community and family life, careers, etc… in the Northern Virginia Area.
Community life in Reston, Va (ca. 1963-1981): with emphasis on the developers and Robert E. Simon's Master Plan for Reston.
Transcript of a tape recorded interview with Joseph Beard on agriculture in Fairfax County.
Transcript of an interview with Joseph Beard and Holden Harrison on agriculture in Fairfax County.
The primary subject matter in this interview is of the family life and activities in the area of the old Fairfax County Court House and two or three blocks in each direction.
This interview includes Mr. Bles' recollections of growth in Fairfax County, Virginia (ca. 1939-1975), his ownership of a construction company and his land development plans for Tysons Corner.
This is an interview with the wife of a career Navy officer. Discussion focuses on the joys and benefits and the trials and tribulations of moving in order to serve the country.
This is an interview with James Cleveland, head of marketing for Reston Land Corporation, Reston, Virginia.
Interview with Robert Dawson, who was editor for the Reston Times from April 1968 thru March 1978. Citizen issues discussed.
Reminiscences of a Fairfax County, Virginia native (ca. 1910-1980): with emphasis on family and farm life.
Family life in Merrifield, VA; 31 page transcript
The interview begins at the time Mr. Durham came to the Washington are in 1927, continues with his early years in the federal government, his reminiscences of neighbors and life in Great Falls, Virginia in the 1930s, some of the history of the 223-year old home in lives in, and includes memories of the depression, personalities, politics, and episodes of his life.
Interview with Jack Durham.
In this interview Elizabeth and Emma Ellmore as well as Rebecca Middleton discussed the Floris Vocational School.
In this interview Joseph T. Flakne discusses his life.
In this interview Joseph T. Flakne discusses his life and career in U.S. Government.
In this interview Joseph T. Flakne discusses his life.
In this interview Mr. Flakne discusses his 1926 trip to the Western United States.
In this interview Mr. Flakne discusses his experiences in working with women.
Albert Goldsmith talks about the desire to live in Reston, Virginia. The Simon concept of cluster housing was very appealing to Goldsmith and his family. Some discussion of Resident Associations and the problems they tried to address. Topics covered included ROA - Reston and ABR - Architectural Board Review.
Interview with Thomas Grubisich about the Reston Connection.
Interviewed Alex Haight about some of his projects aside from the farm.
Interview with Alex Haight on Portici and Mountain View.
Interview with Alex Haight.
Regarding Little Sully.
In this interview Mrs. Harrison, who was principal of Nacy School, and Mrs. Hoge, who was principal of Hayfield Elementary School, discuss their remembrances of some of the early days in the Fairfax County schools.
Interview with Dr. E.B. Henderson.
Interview with Dr. E.B. Henderson.
In this interview Dr. and Mrs. E.B. Henderson discuss negro education - James Lee Elementary School.
This is an interview with Mrs. Edna Hirst at Goodwin House on the twenty-fifth of January 1977, and she is talking about the Wakefield Chapel.
Karl Ingebrestin a former CIA employee came to Reston in 1966. He was hired to get the home owner associations to unite and straighten out their differences. Discussion of the relationship between developers and residents. Job accomplishments and disappointments are discussed.
In this interview Mr. Jackson talks about his life.
In this interview Ms. Keenan discusses the growth of the new town and people involved in its development.
In this interview Judge James Keith talks about Fairfax County and Northern Virginia as well as his life.
Interview with John Millan.
Family life in Vienna and Herndon, VA. (ca. 1920 1935) with emphasis on Colvin Run Mill, schools, roads, and transportation.
Interview with Mr. Pearson
Martha Pennino, member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, was a guiding force in the development of the new town of Reston, Virginia. Her work for Reston has covered the period from 1968-1982. The work she has accomplished includes: Transportation; Retail and industrial development and the availability of residences to all economic groups. She considers that she provided much of the leadership needed to get Reston into a viable community and town.
In this interview Mrs. Pulley and Mrs. Watt discussed rural living on Wakefield Chapel Road.
This is the second interview with Mrs. Pulley and Mrs. Watt.
This was a group interview at the office of Reston Land Corporation with Peter McCandless; Fran Steinbauer, who was the president of Reston Land Corporation; Mike Was, who was the vice president of Marketing; Jim Todd who was the president of the parent company, Mobil Land Corporation; and Jim Cleveland who was the executive vice president and general manager of Reston Land Corporation.
In this interview Dr. Scherzer, then director of the Fellowship Houses in Reston, Virginia discusses the acquisition of land and the completion of units over the years of growth in Reston. He also discusses funding and the growing need to house the elderly in Northern Virginia.
In this interview Mr. Shepherd discusses community life in Glencarlyn, Arlington County, Virginia (ca. 1922-1984): with emphasis on landmarks, civic affairs and celebrations.
Interview with C.C. Swink about his life in Northern Virginia.
Judi Ushio, President of the Reston Homeowners Association (RHOA) discusses at length the function of the association. Further topics under discussion include, how members are elected or appointed, future projects and plans for the association.
Community life in Fairfax County, VA(ca. 1850-1975) with emphasis on Wakefield Chapel, Part 3.
Family life in Langley, VA (ca. 1890-1970) with emphasis on transportation, the Langley Citizens Association, and local legends.
Interview with Vic and Gloria Wakefield.
Interview with Jack Whyte regarding cook, clay, squatter on Seoane property, and Merrifield, Virginia.
Community life in Vienna, VA (ca. 1890-1960) with emphasis on education.
Contains 44 interview transcripts and abstracts between 1972 and 1989 that deal primarily with changes in Northern Virginia since World War II.
In this interview Mrs. Bates talked about growing up in Fairfax and Alexandria between the two World Wars, touching on family history, local industry, transportation, and changes in the community.
In this interview Mr. Chopek discusses what began his historic preservation business, how the he came to buy the Ellicott Building, among other issues about his business and the Ellicott Building.
In this interview the conversations touched on the genealogy of the Millard Family, stories handed down, memories of former times, work and recreation, and changes that have occurred.
This interview discusses the life of Deacon Joseph Ellis, a black resident of the Dranesville, Virginia area. A deeply religious man, Mr. Ellis dwells on his Christian upbringing and the close ties of family and church. He relates his thoughts to work ethic, describing the various jobs he held through the years including butchering, truck farming, and fence building. Stories of his mother's herb healing and mid-wifing; gypsy spells and trances are related. His grandmother, Lettie Ellis, along with his father, Solomon, and two uncles, came from Louisiana. His grandfater George Sims was a blacksmith.
Interview with Ellis Joseph.
Mrs. Farrell spoked about her childhood in Falls Church, where, except for brief periods, she has lived on one block since 1917. Schools and streets and transportation in the area are touched on, as are her jobs in Washington. She recounts her thoughts and memories of the area, the changes that have occurred, and other reminiscences of the Depression, prohibition, and church activities.
George W. Felton discusses his twenty-nine year career in teaching in Fairfax County, Virginia (Ca. 1954-1984). He explains his advancement from he classroom to the Principal's office. Also discussed are the athletic programs he conducted for both the school system and the Parks and Recreation Division of Fairfax County.
Interview with Brigadier General Evelyn P. Foote.
In this interview Judy Goldsmith discusses the original owners of their townhouse cluster and the changes the either years have brought. Women's roles have seen great changes and how Reston meets many of their needs as far as community is discussed.
The interview focuses on Mrs. Gotthardt's youth in Dunn Loring and includes mention of roads and their name changes, the RRs, school in Washington, recreation, libraries and the beginning of the Fairfax County system, memories of the influenza epidemic and prohibition, activities of the Home Demonstration Clubs, severe winters, and other changes she has witnessed.
Life story of 89 year-old resident of the Floris-Herndon, Virginia area, including descriptions of early schools, farming techniques, church activities, occupations during the Depression and World War II, leisure activities such as entertainment at the Darlington Grove, the Herndon fire of 1917, the influenza of 1918, marriage at age 51, voting for Woodrow Wilson, views of changes caused by increased population, courting, locations of former businesses, and current interest and activity in Herndon Historical Society.
In this interview Mr. Guinee talks about his association with the Reston development and GOREDCO.
In this interview Mr. Healy discusses community life in Reston, Virginia with emphasis on the Home Owners Associations and the conflict before their merger.
In this interview Mrs. Jackson talks about her family, friends, neighbors, church, transportation, gardens, and changes.
In this interview Ms. Jessup talks about her life.
In this interview Mrs. Gladys expressed her interest in getting history of Franconia put together and provided further leads to follow.
In this interview Mr. Herman talks about his early life, school, work, and father's occupation as a cabinet maker. He touches on various aspects of Herndon and environs including Herndon Hotel, cider making, dairy area, movie theatre, his first radio, stories during prohibition, depression of 1929, shopping after WWII, Pender fire tower, Herdon Female Seminary, Dulles Airport, stores, hunting, and fishing.
This interview concerned Mr. Kielsgard's father who was a native of Denmark and very active in business in Fairfax County in the 1920s through the 1950s. After it was accidentally terminated there was further interview on October 29, 1984 and a written summary of that interview is also included.
Most of the interview centered on Mr. Lewis's land on Glyndon Street in Vienna - the background information on how he came to move to this area, moving his family from Oklahoma in 1936, clearing the land, building his house, neighbors, his conflicts with the town over sewer and water easements and connections, and also about his job with the National Bureau of Standards designing circuits for boundary lights at airports.
In this interview Mr. Lewis gives background information and has an extensive discussion on Loundon County and some of the restorations.
In this interview Mrs. Grace (Dove) Little talks about large family reunions during the summer that sounded typical of that good American tradition: Fish Fries, greeting the newest married person or baby, outside games (croquet or ball games, etc...).
In this interview Mr. Horace discusses community life in Vienna, Virginia (ca. 1940-1982).
William Magness was a corporate employee of Gulf Oil Corporation and was brought into Reston to help it become a financially feasible enterprise. He was to be trained by Bob Ryan, who was a consultant, who served in the transition between Robert Simon and Bill Magnee. Also discussed is the sewer moratorium and commercial development and the success of the town.
In this interview Mr. Matthews discussed community life in Northern Virginia (ca. 1944-1984): with emphasis on the "Hayloft" equity dinner theater, by the manager/owner Frank E. Matthews.
Mrs. McFeaters discusses her life as the wife of a career foreign service officer. The topics include the duties of a foreign service wife, family life overseas and the periodic return trips to Falls Church, Virginia. The narrator includes some discussion of her early life in Iowa and her work during WWII in the United States Patent Office.
Mr. Mullady discusses his role as an active participant in the Federation of Citizens Association and the work he did in the Annandale and North Springfield area of Fairfax County. Emphasis is on schools, roads, sewers and the related problems of this high growth section of Northern Virginia. Also on the tape is a chronology on Mr. Mullady's career in government, labor organizations, and his return to government service as the Postmaster of Springfield, Virginia.
In this interview Mr. Oliver discusses community life in Great Falls, Virginia (ca. 1910-1982).
In this interview Mr. Peterson talks about his background and how he became interested in the real estate development that has been so successful, especially in Fairfax County.
In this interview Ms. Poston discusses community life in Wiehle, Virginia (1900-1980) with emphasis on the changes and the development of the new town of Reston.
In this interview Mr. Potter discusses the history of Franconia.
Mr. Prichard is an attorney hired by Glen Saunders to handle Robert Simon's Reston interests. He began working in 1961 when Simon had offices in Fairfax City. Zoning considerations made up a large part of Reston's business. Financial success of the "New Town" concept discussed.
In this interview Mr. Rissee discusses his involvement in his profession and in Burke Center.
In this interview Lillian relates her life story as a black child growing up in Virginia, but going to New Jersey with her teacher to attend school; working for a family in Washington, taking in foster children and mid-wifing after marriage.
In this interview Glenn Saunders discusses community life in Reston, Virginia )ca. 1961-1981): with emphasis on the development of the planned community.
Childhood recollections of life on Maplewood Farm, McLean (circa 1927-1933) and a return to Maplewood until the advent of the Westgate Corporation (circa 1949-1959).
Summary of interview with Daniel Mann Sharper.
This interview consists of Mr. Sharper's, a long-time resident, reminiscences about Great Falls, Virginia (ca. 1910-1950).
Mr. Shreve talked about his father's dairy and truck farming and fruit growing, taking the produce to market in Washington, the conditions of the roads, schooling, chores, the steam and electric trains, and other aspects of his life with the emphasis on the early 1900s.
In this interview Robert E. Simon discusses land development in Reston, Virginia.
This is an interview with Francis Steinbauer who was the president of Reston Land Corporation at the time.
The two tapes cover the life story of a man born in rural Fairfax County who worked a Colvin Run Mill from 1923-1928, then joined the Connecticut Pie Company of Georgetown from 1928-1951. He recalls delivering feed to stores throughout the county in the 1920s that no longer exist. Happy times at the Great Falls merry-go-round are remembered, as well as the square dances in farmer's barn or at the Grange in Great Falls. Fairs in Frederick, Maryland, and Richmond, Virginia, are discussed.
Vernon Walker, who was hired by Robert E. Simon as director of the Reston Nature Center, discusses the growth and development of Reston, Virginia. Citizens committees and cluster groups accomplished many of the common land projects proposed by Walder. He established student internships as a means to combine the desires of the residents with the overall Simon Plan. There is a discussion of the changes within the community brought about the continued growth of the town.
In this interview Mr. Weimer discusses community life in Reston, Virginia (ca. 1978-1982): with emphasis on the recreational activities.
Since R. Langdon Woods was the Vice President for Construction and Development of the Little River Management Company, he was interested in pointing out what had been done with the original house - what had been retained, what demolished and what modified for adaptive use as an office building.
Contains biographical notes and photos for interviewees, interview release forms, interviewer notes, and abstract worksheet and form.
Contains the Northern Virginia Leadership Project interviews. Roy Rosenzweig, a professor in Mason's History Department, supervised the final phase of the project. The Northern Virginia Leadership Project is a collection of interviews with prominent figures from the Northern Virginia area. The collection includes interviews conducted between the years 1990 and 1996 as well as other interview documentation such as interview forms and questions, and permissible use forms.
Contains sound reels of interviews that document community and family life, careers, etc…. in the Northern Virginia Area.
Life in Lewinsville, Langley, and McLean, VA(ca 1800-1960) with particular focus on Lewinsville Presbyterian Church
The Navy School and other schools in Pender,VA; 1 abstract (1p)
National lib. week at Tyson's mall part a) is the author's panel and part b) is the interview with Joseph Beard.
Agricultural practices and farm life in Fairfax County, VA; 21 page transcript
Family life in McLean, Va; 1 abstract (2p.)
Discusses the Civil War.
Schools and transportation in Fairfax County, VA; 1 abstract(2p.)
Community life in Dunn-Loring, VA; 1 abstract (2p)
Schools, farming, and transportation in Oakton, VA; 1 abstract (1p.)
School in Herndon, VA; 1 abstract (1p)
Woodlawn School, Fairfax County, VA; 1 abstract (2p.)
Centennial Observance
Schools in Fairfax County, VA; 12 page transcript
Community life in McLean, VA with emphasis on schools and transportation; 43 page transcript
An interview with Miss Pearl Dunn, life-long resident of Merrifield, Virginia.
Reminiscences of a Fairfax County VA. teacher with emphasis on her "Citizen of the Year" award; 1 abstract (2p)
Reminiscences of a school teacher in Falls Church, Floris, Herndon, and Vienna, Va; 19 page transcript.
Reminiscences of former teachers in Fairfax County, VA; 1 abstract (2p.).
Reminiscences of a teacher in Fairfax County VA, including a discussion of her father, Milton D. Hall, Superintendent of Schools for Fairfax County; 24 page transcript.
Black education in Fairfax County, VA public schools(1920-1950) with particular focus on the James Lee Elementary School; 14 page transcript.
Reminiscences of the principal of Hayfield Elementary School, Fairfax County; 1 abstract (2p.).
County doctors in Fairfax County, VA (ca. 1890 1930) with emphasis on Dr. James Tasker Jones and the Herndon area; 1 abstract (2p.).
Reminiscences of a member of the Fairfax County (VA) Board of Supervisors (ca. 1956-62) with particular emphasis on politics, transportation, and suburbanization; 16 page transcript.
Community life in Herndon, VA (ca.1920-1960) with particular focus on schools, employers, and suburbanization.; 1 abstract (2p.).
Reminiscences of a school teacher in Fairfax County, VA-(ca. 1920-1945).; 1 abstract (3p.). page transcript.
County doctors in Great Falls, Herndon, Leesburg, and Dranesville, VA.(ca. 1880-1920).; 1 abstract (1p.)
Life at Dranesville Tavern, Dranesville, VA. (ca. 1920-1965) with emphasis on tavern services, costs, and facilities; 1 abstract (2p.).
Family life in Vienna, VA. (ca.1900-1960) with particular focus on schools, transportation, and country doctors.; 1 abstract (1p.).
Community life in Falls Church and Mclean, VA. (cs. 1930-1975) with emphasis on schools, civic affairs, and suburbanization.; 1 abstract (3p.)
Reminiscences of a teacher in Fairfax County, VA. (ca. 1910-1970).; 1 abstract (2p.).
The Fairfax County(VA) School Board and school consolidation (ca. 1933-1953).; 1 abstract (1p.).
Reminiscences of a school teacher in Fairfax County VA. (ca. 1915-1960) with emphasis on Forestville, Herndon, and Fairfax high schools.; 20 page transcript.
Family life in Dunn-Loring, VA (ca. 1890-1945) with emphasis on transportation, the Great Depression, and the flood of 1936.; 1 abstract (2p.); also contains interview for C.C. Honesty on September 11, 1972 and Louise Emma Millard for November 15, 1972.
Also contains interview with Dr. Winslow Hatch.
Community life in Great Falls, VA.(ca. 1915-1970) with emphasis on mill ownership, roads, and transportation.; 32 page transcript.
Family life in Great Falls, VA (ca. 1895-1930) with emphasis on Swinks Mill.; 35 page transcript.
The struggle to save Sully Plantation (Fairfax County, VA)during the development of Dulles Airport (ca. 1920-1965) with emphasis on Wakefield Chapel(1850-1972), Part 1.; 1 abstract (2p.).
Community life in Vienna, VA (ca. 1874-1971).; 1 abstract (2p.).
Life in the back community of Vienna, VA (ca. 1870-1960).; 67 page transcript.
A student's and teacher's reminiscences of the black school of Fairfax County, VA (ca. 1875-1955).; 14 page transcript.
Education in Fairfax County, VA (ca. 1920-1970)reminiscences of a school teacher.; 11 page transcript.
Administration of Fairfax County, VA schools (ca. 1929-1961) With emphasis on salaries for teachers.; 1 abstract (1p.).
Legato School (ca. 1877-1930) a museum in Fairfax County (VA).; 1 abstract (2p.).