EARLY INHABITANTS OF PLAINS DISTRICT
Recently, the J. Frank Hillyard Middle School hosted Hawks Highlight Night for students and parents. As a part of the festivities, the 6th Grade History class displayed an exhibit on the American Indians who lived in our community before the German, English, and Irish settlers arrived. One of their resources was the Indian Collection at Plains District Memorial Museum.
The Museum became the permanent custodians of the extensive CHARLES RIFE COLLECTION OF INDIAN ARTIFACTS in 2006. Charles Rife (1882 – 1946) grew up in Timberville, the son of Henry A. and Emma Kipps Rife. In the late 19th and early 20th c., H. A, Rife was a manufacturer of granite and marble monuments with a shop on S. Main St. beside the railroad tracks where the Citgo Station now stands.
As a young boy, Charles worked for his father and became interested in collecting Indian artifacts and Civil War memorabilia which in those days were easily found in our area. As he found items, he listed them in a journal noting when and where each was found. Charles continued to add to his collection throughout his life. By the time of his death, he had recorded over 3,000 items which are all part of his collection. After his death in 1946, his wife, the former Mary Alice Garber, also of Timberville, left the collection to Rockingham County. It was originally stored at the Massanutten Library until the County granted custodianship to Plains Museum in 2006.
The collection on display at the Museum consists of arrowheads, tools ( all found in Plains District), and shell jewelry which Rife noted may have been secured by the local tribes through trade with those living on the Eastern Shore. This is a permanent exhibit at the Museum. We encourage you to come and bring your students to study this interesting collection of local history. The Museum is open Thursday—Sunday, 1 – 4 pm.
Picture from my phone
42 guests enjoyed tea sandwiches, scones, desserts and tea at the museum’s St. Patrick’s afternoon tea on Sun. March 16.
Picture from my phone
LOOKING AHEAD TO SPRING
Sunday, April 13 at 2 pm
Rescheduled talk by Don Hindman on the proposed Shenandoah Rail Trail from Broadway to Front Royal.
Sunday, May 18 at 2 pm
A performance by J. Frank Hillyard Middle School Stage Band.
Sunday, June 8 at 2 pm
Rescheduled talk by William Zirk on “Forgotten People of Rockingham County,” The Alms Houses in the County.
PLAINS DISTRICT MEMORIAL MUSEUM
PO Box 601
176 N. Main St., Timberville VA 22853
540-896-7900
Email: plainsmuseum@comcast.net
Website: plainsmuseum.com
