The fourth book in the series Historic Homes and Properties of Mathews County, Virginia Pre-Civil War is ready to be launched once restrictions are lifted, announced Reed Lawson, president of the Mathews County Historical Society, which is publishing these books.
This volume, fourth in a series of five, will include 10 historic properties: Auburn, Augustine Diggs House, Augustine F. Hudgins House, Cedar Grove, Gwynnville, Henry Sibley House, Hyco/Haiku House, Isleham, Lilly House and Seaford.
Lawson said the books document early properties of Mathews that are noteworthy both architecturally and historically.
“Historic accuracy is the main goal in society publications,” she said. “Thus, primary sources such as land records, account books, family Bibles and other factual resources are used.”
While the book’s launch was planned for April 4, opening day of Tompkins Cottage and Thomas James Store museums, a stay-at-home order was placed to combat the spread of COVID-19. Lawson said that the book will be launched at Tompkins Cottage whenever the Mathews Farmers’ Market resumes.
In the meantime, the book is available on Amazon.com and will also be marketed locally at Tompkins Cottage and the Mathews County Visitor and Information Center. Sales price is $11.95.
Bicentennials and more news
In other news, during 2020 the historical society will celebrate the 200th anniversaries of both Tompkins Cottage and Thomas James Store; for each building the circa date is 1820. Commemorations for both are planned for Saturday, Sept. 12 in conjunction with Mathews Market Days. Historical displays will be featured, and guided and self-guided tours will be given.
Also, Lawson said Mathews Archives, the partnership between the MCHS and Mathews Memorial Library, is accepting photographs, documents, ephemera, and family papers. Thus far, 175 individual collections are housed in the archives with many containing multiple accessions.
Also this spring, weatherboard has been repaired at Thomas James Store and repairs at Tompkins Cottage were made by Mathews County, which owns the structure.
The society’s 2020 membership drive is underway and has scheduled May 16 for its Adopt-a-Highway cleanup of Tabernacle Road.
Looking ahead into 2020, the organization expects to hold its June 20 summer solstice party, a Music on Maple fundraising event with McVic is planned for Oct. 2; Carl Lounsbury’s postponed talk on historic Mathews architecture will take place in the fall; and Thanksgiving and Christmas open houses are planned, Lawson said.
She added that the society’s role in the community is to “Acquire, restore and preserve items, buildings, documents, etc., of historic interest in Mathews County; compile and document available information related to Mathews; promote publication of historic information; and educate and inform on the county’s part in the great history of the commonwealth.”