[VAcourier] Press Release about Historic 1908 Courthouse in Independence, VA

[Virginia Division SCV Communication List]

This press release was was sent to CV Magazine and consequently 
forwarded to the Virginia Division SCV for dissemination.


________________________________________________


Historic 1908 Courthouse
P.O. Box 336
Independence, VA  24348
276-773-3711
www.historic1908courthouse.org

Dear Sir,

The Historic 1908 Courthouse in Independence, VA is in need of your 
organizations services to help notify the public about the repairs 
needed for the Confederate statue that stands proudly on the front lawn 
of this historic building. The base the statue sits upon has begun 
moving apart due to weather and heavy truck traffic on Main Street. The 
concern is that if the base is not repaired the statue itself will fall 
and be ruined. These repairs are estimated to cost between $15,000 and 
$30,000. A contractor from Abingdon, VA who is experienced in this type 
of restoration, will do the work.

The Historic 1908 Courthouse is overseen by the Courthouse Foundation 
and is a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) tax exempt organization. No funds from 
the state or federal government are received for the upkeep of this 
beautiful building. The property and Statue are owned by the Foundation 
in its entirety. The Historic 1908 Courthouse is also on the National 
Registry of Historic Places and is a Virginia Historical Landmark. After 
extensive renovation since 1985, the building now serves the community 
as the Art & Cultural Center, housing a Welcome Center, Appalachian Art 
& Craft shop, the Grayson Crossroads Museum, the Baldwin Auditorium, and 
private offices.

The Courthouse Foundation is in need of financial help to get this 
repair work done and is asking if we could impose on your organization 
for help through your magazine.

On August 4th and 5th, 2007, the Foundation is hosting a Civil War 
Living History encampment weekend. We are taking this opportunity to 
kick off a fundraiser for the restoration and repair of the Confederate 
monument.

The monument was dedicated in 1911 and is of a soldier at "Parade Rest" 
(see photos). It is 25 feet high and weighs 45,000 lbs. The base is 9 
feet square and rests upon a concrete foundation of like size. The 
pedestal is surmounted by a marble figure of a Confederate Infantrymen. 
The statue is of white Italian marble which came out of a studio in 
Carrarra, Italy. It was constructed from detailed drawings executed by 
designer and builder of the monument, Mr. Henry Brown of Richmond, Va. 
The pedestal proper, the base, die, caps and shaft were cut at Mr. 
Brown's works in Richmond and from Confederate gray granite produced by 
Virginia Granite Company's quarries situated just north of Richmond.

We would appreciate it if you would run an announcement of the 
Fundraiser in your publication of the Confederate Veterans Magazine, or 
perhaps an article about the Statue.

Thank you so much. We do hope your organization can help us preserve our 
history and heritage.

Doug Hall, Foundation President
276.773.3711
Foundation office hours are Tuesdays &Thursdays from 10-4p


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