We can't be eating all the time; we need a break for refreshing the soul. More exactly, I need to tell you a little about Crockett Park, which is funded by Fauquier County. Our interest in it is heightened by the fact that it lies on the Germantown land where the First Colony had their initial permanent homes. I think there is merit in having the park there, for it puts a nice appearance on the area, and preserves it against lots of bad things that could overtake the land. Of course, the Park itself has made one major alteration to the site. They dammed up Licking Run, and made a lake for recreational purposes (no motor boats). So to "see" some of those early homes one has to peer down into the water (I am speaking metaphorically here; don't bring your scuba gear).
Normally, an admission is charged to use the park, but this Saturday you can give a password and you may enter without paying. The password is "John Blankenbaker". I kid you not. This is what John Gott worked out with the Board of Recreation and Parks, Larry Miller Chairman. We appreciate their willingness to cooperate, so that you can view the site and talk to friends. I will bring some maps of the area, and specially some from Siegerland-Wittgenstein. And I will bring some photos from that area. I will arrive in the later midmorning, having driven down from Pennsylvania.
If you are wondering where Crockett Park is located and how to get there, I offer this:
From Culpeper: East (or think of it as North) on Hwy 29, to just past Remington.
Right (East) on Rt. 28 past Midland.
Left on Rt. 643 (Meetze Road).
Left on 602 (Rogues Road).
There should be a sign saying "Germantown", and announcing the park at the corner of Meetze and Rogues Road.
Drive into the parking lot and give the attendant the password, and he will waive the admission.From the North: On Route 29, as it bypasses Warrenton, look for Meetze Road (Rt. 643), and head South on it.
After about six miles, Rogues Road, on the right, leads into the Park. Again, watch for the Germantown sign.
Either before, or after, you are invited to visit the Fauquier Heritage and Preservation Foundation in Marshall. That is found from Warrenton by taking Rte. 17 north. They have a new "old" building, which is being fixed up and adapted for multiple uses. It is being improved very nicely, having had a long history on the site as a church, school, and bank.
Many of you may prefer to attend the Germanna Foundation's Seminar, at Germanna Community College, on Saturday. This is located on Route 3, the Germanna Highway, about halfway between Fredericksburg and Culpeper.
(13 Jul 01)
We gratefully acknowledge the work of John Blankenbaker who published over 2,500 Germanna History Notes via the Germanna-L@rootsweb.com email list from 1997 to 2008. We are equally thankful to George Durman (Sgt. George) for hosting the list and republishing the notes via rootsweb.com.