Cooperative Living November/December 2014 - 15

Above, Rosemary and Bill Dietrick with their three
sons during the mid-1970s; right, a much expanded
Dietrick clan in the 1990s, including sons,
daughters-in-law, and a host of grandchildren;
upper right, daughter-in-law Roxanne Dietrick
volunteered to serve as Rosemary's driver and
photographer after husband Bill passed away
in 1999. Rosemary provided a diverse array of
travel stories for Cooperative Living and its predecessor,
Rural Living, for 25 years.
Rosemary. After
graduation,
Rosemary
worked for J.B.
Lippincott &
Co., the publishing
house
that published
Harper Lee's
To Kill a
Mockingbird.
In her first job and every
job since, words have held a special
fascination for Rosemary.
The couple moved to Richmond in
1954, while Bill was serving in the U.S.
Marine Corps, to set down
roots and start their family.
Bill had his first work in
public relations after
being approached about
doing some P.R. work
for the agriculture
department of Gov.
Albertis S. Harrison,
Jr.'s administration.
He later worked
stints for the New York
public-relations firm Selvage & Lee,
then for Richmond Hotels, the Tobacco
Tax Counsel, and eventually went on
to teach public relations at the
University of Richmond, and was a
founder of the Public Relations Council
in Richmond.
Rosemary, meanwhile, was busy
raising the couple's three
sons, Michael, Timothy
and Dennis, and teaching,
first at St. Bridget's
School in Richmond, and
later at St. Gertrude's.
She also worked for the
Catholic Diocese of
Richmond as assistant to
the director of the
Bureau of Information. Along the
way she went back to school
and earned a master's degree
in English at the University of
Richmond.
In 1989, Rural Living editor
ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH
Turning Nickels
Into Dollars
O
by Rosemary Dietrick, Contributing Writer
n Second Street, in Richmond's historic Jackson Ward community,
the house with the green-and-white-striped awning stands out
among its neighbors. Delicate ironwork frames tidy gardens. Italianate
and Greek Revival architectural styles attest to late 19th-century elegance.
In 1905, when Maggie Lena Walker, the country's first female,
African-American bank president, moved into this home at 1101⁄2 East Leigh
Street, she joined an elite group of black professionals - doctors, lawyers,
and businessmen - who lived on " Quality Row. "
Hers was not always the good life. Maggie Walker's story is one of success
despite incredible adversity. Today, a visit to her home, now a National Historic
Site under the management of the National Park Service, reveals a
woman who was teacher, mother, businesswoman, activist, and feminist.
Walker was a leader whose vision was far ahead of her time in history.
To audiences she would say, " I was not born with a silver spoon in my
mouth, but with a laundry basket almost on my head. " The daughter of a former
slave and an Irish-born journalist, Walker was born in Richmond in 1867.
28
Richard Johnstone approached
the couple about doing a regular
feature on local bed-and-breakfast
inns across Virginia. The Dietricks
liked the idea, and Rural Retreats
was born. Their team approach
November-December 2014/www.co-opliving.com
included Rosemary's
stories and Bill's
imagery.
Entries from a Traveler's Notebook
Maggie Walker: founder
of the St. Luke Penny
Savings Bank
Maggie Walker's wedding photo; she and Armstead Walker
were married Sept. 14, 1886.
Her mother, Elizabeth Draper, was a servant in the Church Hill mansion
of accused " Yankee spy " and abolitionist, Elizabeth Van Lew, who
secretly aided the Union cause during the Civil War.
Later, Draper married William Mitchell, Van Lew's butler, who met
an untimely death, presumably murdered, when young Maggie was
only nine years old - her first experience with the harshness of life.
Poverty threatened the family. The young girl helped in her mother's
laundry business by delivering customers' washed and ironed clothes.
Maggie was able to juggle chores and her studies at the Lancaster
School and later to graduate from the Richmond Colored Normal
School as a teacher. Maggie Mitchell's activist spirit was sparked in
1883 when her class struck a blow against the inequality between
black and white education.
The students demanded they receive their diplomas beside white
students at graduation ceremonies, always held at the Richmond Theatre.
When they were refused, the defiant Class of 1883 chose to hold
its graduation in the assembly room of the Normal School rather than
go to a nearby church, the designated venue for black graduations.
Although she enjoyed teaching, her career lasted only three years.
Because Virginia laws forbade women to teach after marriage, she left
her new profession upon her marriage to Armstead Walker, Jr., a successful
contractor. Three sons were born: Russell, Armstead, who survived
only seven months, and Melvin.
While raising her children, she also volunteered at the Independent
Order of St. Luke, a fraternal insurance society that welcomed her
zeal and business expertise. The association aided the black commuThe
St. Luke Penny Savings Bank was an instant success; staff
members at entrance.
Cooperative Living/February 2010
The Dietrick team
continued collaborating
on Rural
Retreats until Bill
passed
away 10
years later, in August
1999. Daughter-in-law Roxanne
volunteered to become photographer
and designated driver. In
2004, the magazine's editors
asked Rosemary to expand her
travel writing to a broader scale,
and Across the Commonwealth
was born. Rosemary's Across the
Commonwealth columns were published
regularly ― sometimes as cover
features - until February this year.
So, after many words and many
deadlines during 25 years of travel
writing, Rosemary graciously agreed
to share with our readers some
insights on travel in the
Commonwealth of Virginia.
Following are her parting
observations.
13
ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH
by Rosemary Dietrick, Contributing Columnist
Entries from a Traveler's Notebook
the LEGACYLEE
A
t the time of the Revolutionary War,
John Adams of Massachusetts said,
" The Lee family produced more men of
merit than any other family. "
Adams' accolades foreshadowed honors be -
stowed on the generations of Lees that followed.
A look into the lives of the Lees of Virginia
must begin at Stratford Hall in Westmoreland
County, birthplace of Robert E. Lee.
In the 1730s, Thomas Lee built Stratford
Hall, the showplace of Tidewater, an imposing,
H-shaped Georgian mansion of Flemish bond
brick, its roof boasting two unusual clusters of
chimneys, four in each stack, with built-in
walkways, the better to see ships on the
Potomac River. The imposing great house, the
centerpiece of a 1,443-acre tract, was a breathtaking
sight that never failed to impress
Colonial guests. Twenty-first-century visitors
continue to be awed.
TOP: The varied brickwork at Stratford Hall
produces subtle changes in color. LEFT: Visitor
Center museum depicts life of Robert E. Lee.
48
Politics, power and patriotism at Stratford Hall.
What of the men and women who lived in
this magnificent house? Five of the six sons of
Thomas and Hannah Lee were major players in
the struggle for freedom from the English
Crown. Richard Henry and Francis Lightfoot Lee
earned the distinction of being the only brothers
to sign the Declaration of Indepen dence.
Diplomats William Lee and Arthur Lee lived in
England, rallying support for the Amer ican
cause; the Continental Congress named Arthur
its secret agent in London. Thomas Ludwell Lee
co-authored the " resolves for independence " and
served in the Virginia Senate.
A generation later, Thomas Lee's granddaughter,
Matilda, became heiress to Stratford and wife
of her second cousin, the dashing " Light Horse
Harry " Lee, skilled cavalryman and
Revolutionary War hero. Sadly, Matilda died
within eight years of the marriage. Her griefstricken
husband immersed himself in politics,
and was soon elected Governor of Virginia.
In Richmond, Lee met - and later married
- Ann Hill Carter of Shirley Plantation; together
they returned to Stratford. Unfortunately, Harry
Cooperative Living/May 2008
across the commonwealth
Entries from a
by Rosemary Dietrick, Contributing Columnist
Traveler's Notebook
" From Virginia's Highland County to the Eastern Shore, from
Northern Virginia to Southside, many of Virginia's treasures in
travel remain hidden, their natural beauty undiscovered, and
quaint Main Streets unknown. In this column, we'll help you
find that fun festival or new museum. Whether it's historical
or quirky, indoors or outdoors, our aim is to add spice to your
2004 travel plans. During this 35th anniversary of the tourism
slogan, Virginia Is For Lovers, let's celebrate our love affair
with Virginia. "
W
hen Virginia innkeepers bid guests goodbye they
always add a heartfelt " Y'all come back. " You vow to return
to that wisteria-framed porch with its swing and rockers. To
that same Eastlake bed with its heirloom quilt. To the town's
Main Street and the antique shop where you bought that
perfect pressed-glass butter dish. But don't make reservations
at that old standby just yet. It's time to diversify your Old
Dominion travel portfolio.
Virginia itself is a theme park of vastly different travel
options: history (anywhere); beaches (see Tidewater and
Eastern Shore); mountains (Alleghenies and Blue Ridge);
adventure (closely connected to the latter and the former).
Because 2004 marks the 35th anniversary of the tourism
slogan, Virginia Is For Lovers, February pulls out all the
romantic stops with a calendar full of Valentine's Day
celebrations and chocolate festivals.
Cupid skis the slopes and wineries offer tastings by
candlelight. A range of events honor George Washington's
272nd birthday as well as Black History Month's celebration
of African-American heritage and culture.
A drum roll, please, for the highlights of February travels.
Stage center is First Virginian and First President, George
Washington, with festivities in Alexandria, in Fredericksburg,
and at Mount Vernon. Every Sunday in February " Walking
with Washington " tours visit sites associated with
Alexandria's hometown hero. (Meet at 1:30 p.m. at the
Fountain at Market Square at King and Royal Streets - $.)
44
Attend the Birthnight Banquet & Ball at Gadsby's Tavern
Museum; the event recalls a social tradition that began in
1797. (Feb. 14; from 6:30 p.m. to midnight. Period costumes
optional; reservations required - $. Call 703-838-4242.)
A skirmish between the " Redcoats " and the Colonial Army
is the main event of a Revolutionary War Encampment
demonstration of 18th-century military life at Fort Ward Park.
(Feb. 15; from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - free admission). The
George Washington Birthday Parade, featuring bands, floats,
wagons, horses, and historic reenactment units, marches
through the streets of Old Town Alexandria. (Feb. 16; from
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Alexandria Events Hotline: 703-991-4474.
Web site: www.washingtonbirthday.net.)
In Fredericksburg, Washington's childhood days are
celebrated at Ferry Farm. Learn the facts surrounding the
story of the young Washington and his prowess in throwing a
" silver dollar " across the Rappahannock River. (Feb. 21; from
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - $. Call 540-373-3381. Web site:
www.kenmore.org.)
No Washington odyssey would be complete without a visit
to Mount Vernon, the President's home. At Breakfast with
George Washington, the Mount Vernon Ladies Association,
the oldest historic preservation organization in the United
States, invites guests to share with costumed " General
Washington " his favorite morning meal of " hoecakes
swimming in butter and honey, " prepared over an open fire.
(Feb. 14-15; from 9 a.m. to noon - free sampling. Usual
Cooperative Living/February 2004
ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH by Rosemary Dietrick, Contributing Writer
Virginia Tourism In
LINCOLN: Behind the Scenes
When word spread that Steven Spielberg's hit movie,
Lincoln, was filmed entirely in Virginia, fans lined up at
the box office to identify Richmond, Goochland, and
Petersburg sites on the silver screen. Film buffs can
retrace the stars' footsteps on film and around town with
the help of Virginia Tourism Corporation's Lincoln Movie
Trail, a website with maps and images of locations where
the action took place (filming on Capitol steps, right).
Favorite local spots visited by cast and crew are revealed.
www.virginia.org/Lincoln.
The Jefferson Hotel and The Berkeley Hotel offer weekend
packages to tourists visiting nearby historic sites like the State Capitol, the White House of the Confederacy, and
Tredegar Iron Works. Take a carriage tour of Maymont estate as did President and Mrs. Lincoln in the film. Foodies can
try the " Spielberger " at the Dixie restaurant in Old Town, Petersburg. At The Jefferson's Lemaire, the chef serves
President Lincoln's choice of oyster stew.
For a four-day, three-night Spielberg/Lincoln experience, enter the Lincoln Movie Trail Sweepstakes. Grand prize
winner and guest will enjoy lodging and dining at The Jefferson Hotel, a guided Segway tour of Richmond, and a limousine
tour of Petersburg. Sweepstakes ends March 1, 2013. www.virginia.org/LincolnSweeps.
For more on what's happening around the state, visit www.virginia.org
Promotion Kudos
Governor Bob McDonnell appointed
Rita D. McClenny (left) as the
president and CEO of the Virginia
Tourism Corpora tion on Nov. 9, 2012.
As head of the state tourism office,
McClenny will be responsible for marketing
Virginia as a top tourism and
hospitality destination. Also, she will
be promoting the Common wealth as
an ideal location for film and television
productions. Previously, for 21
years, McClenny headed the Virginia
Film Office, a division of the VTC.
In 2011, tourism generated $20.4
billion in revenue. McClenny said,
" Our agency will continue to move forward
with a robust agenda of support34
ing
job creation and economic opportunity
by marketing Virginia's vibrant
tourism and film industries. "
On Dec. 5, 2012, the Virginia Film
Office announced that Andy Edmunds
would be the new Virginia Film Office
director. Edmunds had been serving as
interim director, stepping in for former
director, Rita McClenny. Edmunds
began his career in the film production
industry as a location scout before he
joined the Film Office in 1997.
McClenny said, " Andy Edmunds'
work has elevated the reputation of the
office world-wide and his tenacity and
his relationship-building have brought
the Commonwealth numerous projects
resulting in significant economic
opportunities for Virginians. "
Cooperative Living/February 2013
COURTESY NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, MAGGIE L. WALKER NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
COURTESY NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, MAGGIE L. WALKER NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
DAVID JAMES, SMPSP. DREAMWORKS PHOTO
ROXANNE DIETRICK PHOTO
PHOTO COURTESY OF STRATFORD HALL

http://www.washingtonbirthday.net http://www.kenmore.org http://www.virginia.org/Lincoln http://www.virginia.org/LincolnSweeps http://www.virginia.org

Cooperative Living November/December 2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living November/December 2014