The month of December was a time in our community for giving and celebrating with family and friends the many joys of Christmas. Transitioning into the New Year, Plains District Museum is continuing to celebrate the concept of “giving” with a new exhibit, “Service Clubs in Plains District.”
The exhibit highlights the history and work of the four Ruritan Clubs in the area (Broadway Timberville, Lacy Springs, Fulks Run), Timberville Lions, Broadway Lions, Rotary Club of Broadway-Timberville, Plains District Women’s Club, Loyal Order of the Moose, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The Odd Fellows, a little-known organization locally, definitely had a branch in Timberville in the early to mid-1900’s and possibly a branch in Broadway as well.
These clubs all share a common goal—to provide services that help make our community a better place to live. All are volunteer organizations dependent entirely on fundraisers, memberships, and donations to carry out their work. Their members devote many hours and talents to organizing and carrying out the fundraisers and activities which enable them to provide financial support and physical labor for needed projects in our schools, non-profit organizations, Fire and Rescue Services, library, beautification programs, and more.
The free exhibit consisting of photographs, timelines, and club artifacts will be on display from mid-January through June 2025. Plains District is fortunate to have so many active service clubs. We invite you to plan a visit to the Museum to learn more about these organizations and show your appreciation for the work that they do to help make our community a better place to live.
HAPPY New Year
Winter Calendar
2025
Sun. Jan. 19 2pm
Rev. William Zirk of New Market, VA will speak on “The Forgotten People of Rockingham County.,” a look at the early 20th century Alms (Poor) Houses in the County. Bill’s grandfather and father were both superintendent at the House near Pleasant Valley. Bill is also the author of a recently published book, The Life of a Printers Devil,” the story of his father-in-law, Emory Shoemaker of Dayton.
Sunday, Feb. 16 2 pm
In recognition of Black History Month, Verne Leininger, Assoc. Professor at Bridgewater College, will speak on a project at the Linville Creek Church of the Brethren Cemetery which explored the history of a plot designated as “Free to the Poor”.” The only marked graves in that plot were those of members of several Black families that lived in the Broadway community following the Civil War. The project involved both genealogical research and underground exploration of the plot.
Sunday, March 16 4 pm
ST. PATRICK’S DAY TEA
Museum Fundraiser
Reservations required. More information on the program and ticket sales next month.
PLAINS DISTRICT MEMORIAL MUSEUM
PO Box 601
176 N. Main St., Timberville VA 22853
540-896-7900
Email: plainsmuseum@comcast.net
Website: plainsmuseum.com
