Rollinson Family Guest Book

Clifton Forge Messages

12/5/99, Christopher Leon Thomas
I realy liked your web site it keeps me in touch with home. It shows that the highlands are a great addition to va. I would like to see more pictures of home town people. Keep up the good work. I welcome all who wish to email me at
thomasc@decatur.navy.mil
I am am a graduate of the class of 1989 Alleghany High School.
Thanks
Christopher Leon Thomas

11/16/99, Paul L. Stanley
What a pleasant surprise to find my birth place on the internet. Born and raised in CF but left in late 1948-49. Brother and wife still live in CF and are very involved in the Arts & Crafts Center.
Thanks for the tour of CF and the pictures.

10/5/99, Shelly B., Clifton Forge, VA
I notice that Bella Pizza has not been recognized as part of the history of the old theater. It is still listed as Little Johns Pizza. Please tend to this correction as soon as possible, because Bella Pizza Pasta & Subs is much, much better and should be recognized and respected. Thank you
[I haven't updated my page recently--it's tough keeping up with all the business changes. I'll make the change next time I update.]

7/30/99, Shelly B., Clifton Forge, VA
I was looking up the information on Clifton Forge and noticed that in the Old Forge Theater it lists that Little Johns is now operating there, however it is now Bella Pizza Pasta & Subs. The new Italian Restaurant..and it is good!!! I think this is something that should be a part of the Clifton Forge tour because it is a great new addition to our community!!
Thanks
A life long Citizen!!!!

7/26/99, D.W. Edgington, Daphne, AL
I hope that you can help me locate some information for my mother. We are looking for Jasper Williams/Annie Surber family information. The two children were Jasper or Jack, born 12-10-17 and his sister Betty. This would be a wonderful gift that I could give my mom so she could know something about her family.
Thank you so much for your help.
D. Edgington
[Email address available upon request]

7/18/99, George Payne Wood, San Diego, CA
Dear Susan:
Hello,I too was born in Clifton Forge Va. I never knew my family there I was raised in Richmond in foster homes. I can remember my mother a little. Her name was Minnie Ellen Smith and my dad was George Payne Wood Sr. My mother had 3 or 4 sisters and one brother named Edward Smith. One of her sisters married a man named Persinger who died in a car crash and left seven children. In 1955 I met some of my family there but foolishly, I moved away and didnÕt keep in touch with them and now I would like to meet any that might still be alive. I was told at that time that my parents died early in life. Thank You for any help you might give me.
PLEASE E-mail me at woodjg@aol.com
George Wood
[If anyone has information, please contact Mr. Wood, or post a message here.]

7/6/99, Greg Woodruff
Dear Susan:
I enjoyed your historic walking tour of Clfiton Forge. I believe it needs updated, the WW 1 Veterans Memorial Park should be added. This monument and others to be added soon, will show the contribution of local Veterans to our country and community. I feel that this is a very important part of Clifton Forge's history.
Sincerely, Greg Woodruff
Dear Mr. Woodruff,
While I cannot add the Veterans Memorial to the printed version, I would be delighted to add it to the online version. If you could send me some information about the monument, I'll use it to write a brief paragraph, and add a picture as well.
Susan

5/30/99, Lanetta Barlow
my name is lanetta barlow. my mom was born and raised in clifton forge and my brother and i were raised there for a short period of time. my question to you is this: there is a park there, i believe it's Dought Park? where can i make reservations for the park? i've tried to enter clifton's home page several different ways but my screen always freezes up!! if you can help me i would greatly appreciate it!
thanks in advance.
lanetta.
The park you are thinking of is Douthat State Park, north of Clifton Forge on State Route 629. You can make reservations for cabins and campgrounds at 1-800-933-7275.
Hope this helps.

5/4/99, Ken Witzgall, Annapolis, MD
I lived at 617 Rose St. in 1948-1950. Went to Moody School and had Miss Rogers for 5th and Mrs. Cook for 6th grade. I wonder what happened to my classmates. I only recognized one person in the class of '56 from CFHS.

4/19/99, Mary Frances Bodemuller, Lewisburg, WV
Do you have any biographical information ofn William Lyle Alexander, the owner of the Clifton. I am trying to ascertain who his wife and children were. I couldn't find personal records in the courthouse other than deeds. Do you know where he married? Thanks
I live in Lewisburg, WV. Mary Frances Bodemuller
[If anyone can help here, please contact Ms. Bodemuller, or post a message here.]
5/28/99, Follow-Up
Thank you for your response. Actually I found the next generation back on the marriage certificate and it wasn't William Lyle Alexander after all, but William P. Alexander married to Sarah A. Burkley. There still must be a family connection. Thanks for looking.

4/17/99, Judy Carter McDaniel, KY
Hello,
My name is Judy Carter McDaniel and we lived in Clifton Forge during the 40's. We moved to KY in 1950. My fatherÕs name was Ray Carter and he worked for the C&O R.R. My mother's name was Janie Carper Carter. She was born in Eagle Rock. We moved the year that I was in 4th grade, my sister Jackie was in 6th, and my oldest sister Barbara was in the 8th grade. My father was from KY and it was my mother who was from Virginia. We were all born in the C&O Hospital, which is now a retirement home. We thought they were going to tear it down, because of the hillside that it was on. I am so glad they didn't.
We lived on Roxbury Street also at one time called Anne St I think.
I love Clifton Forge and we stop there every year on our way to Nags Head, NC on vacation.
My sisters and I were talking and we remember quite a few family names among us.
Someday, we hope we three can visit.
Sincerely,
Judy Carter McDaniel

3/19/99, Rebecca Peters Wilson, Tucson, AZ
Very nice home page. I was born in Clifton Forge, VA and I enjoyed the tour. My husband and I might be coming back to the area and I haven't been there for many years, so your home page was a trip to my past. If you have Mickey Duff's e-mail address (he had a comment in your guest book) would you please forward my e-mail to him? Thanks. Keep up the good work.

1/25/99, Lenora Shackelford
Hi Susan --
My name is Lenora Shackelford and I am in the process of writing a movie. The family featured in the movie will live in Clifton Forge. My grandmother is from there.
I have been surfing the net for all the information that I could get before visiting the city. When I stumbled upon your site, I was ecstatic. You have provided me with a lot of information and I want to thank you sincerely for making it available.
Hopefully, I can keep in touch with you as my writing progresses. I am in the very early stages of putting it all together.
Again, thank you very much.
Lenora Shackelford
Office of the President

1/12/99, Mickey Duff, Jacksonville, FL
My sister, who lives in Lexington Ky., told me about your tour. I couldn't find it using one search engine, but persistance paid off! I would like to thank you for providing a very enjoyable, and economical, trip back home.
Sincerely,
Mickey Duff, Jacksonville, Fl.

12/3/98, Ed Richardson. Oklahoma
I moved from your area in 1966 via the US Army and have lived in Oklahoma since 1968. Thanks for the photos. It brought back a heap of memories - the Little Brown Jug football games between the Cougars and Mountaineers as well as dances at Whitmer's in downtown Clifton. Thanks again.

10/14/98, Edith Vermilya Baldwin, Roanoke, VA
Hi! My name is Edith Vermilya Baldwin
grew up @ 433 Alleghany. My Dad was Dr. Walter Vermilya. Graduated 1970 from CFHS.
the web site is really cool! It brings back so many memories! Haven't been able to get to many reunions for one reason or another & this is a great way to keep in touch! [Email address available upon request], if anyone wants to write!

10/6/98, Bobbie
Do you have any information about any of the people who lived in clifton forge in the early years. mabey anyone with the last name Lindsay?

8/27/98, Alexander W. Tyler, Jr., VA
Your web page is great. I think you need to add information on the old Jefferson High School and some history regarding the Black community. Also, the Clifton Forge High School has a colorful history of its own. I hope to see additional information on the impact that industry had on the Highlands during the "boom" years 1900 to 1970.
Again -- Great job -- Keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!

8/27/98, Mitzi Agee Secrest, Clifton Forge, VA
I found this site through the alumni association. Very interesting.

7/1/98 (received 8/14/98???), Cynthia F. Henson
We were looking at the site for Longdale Inn, my husband's childhood homeplace, and happened upon your site. The art work is incredible and the pictures of Clifton Forge were fun to browse through. I was Cynthia Faidley and graduated in 1974 from Clifton Forge High School and my husband, John Henson graduated from Alleghany High School in 1973. Our children enjoyed looking at everything. This is a great site and serves Clifton Forge well!

8/4/98, Bill "Finkle" Frederick, Elon College, NC
Sue, I have already signed into the Guest Book and you entered my comments. I have not seen a new entry since May. I know Vera Hunt that lives a about a mile from me at Elon tried to sign in several weeks ago and her entry never did appear in the Guest Book. She lived in CF in the 50s. I am wondering if you have stopped adding entries or what. I hope not for I check the Guest Book for new people frequently. As I told you before I really enjoy your web site. I am looking forward to my 51st CFHS reunion and the picnic the next day at Douthat.
Take care, Bill Frederick

[Reply: Sorry, everyone, but summer has been filled with camps and visits (see Scouts and Photos for more details!), but I should have time now to continue updating on a more timely basis. Sue]

7/29/98, Robin Bobby Stinkey Piller Miller, Nashville, TN
We certainly are glad CF has an active Internet site;sister,Mary Samples Johnson and I are really looking forward to High School reunion next month-but really shocking we have to stay at that place 12 miles up river; thank you very very much for a great site

7/20/98, Vera Hunt Melton, Elon, NC
This is my first time on the Clifton Forge "tour". I heard about it from Finkle Frederick who lives in Elon also. Glad he turned me onto the page
Hope I hear from some of my old friends.

7/16/98, Michael J. Wright, Charlotte, NC
Love the web site. Looks great and is a great representation of my home town. I'm smiling.

5/4/98, Lisa N. Minor, Mechanicsville, VA
Hello! My sister told me about this site. Very nice job. My grandmother lives on Church St. and my Aunt and Uncle (the Carters) live on Jefferson Ave. I always try to come up for the Fall Festivals. CF holds alot of great memories. My late maternal grandmother (Mrs. George Perkins) use to live next door to Miss Fanny's store on Pine St. My 4 other siblings and I pestered that woman to death! Oh, I could go on and on. Thanks for the wonderful site!!

5/2/98, Zeke Nelson (Tommy), Mechanicsville, VA
Harry K. Nelson better known as Tommy and/or Zeke says "Hi" to all you former residents and wannabes from Clifton Forge. Too much news to report in this small space. Happy to know there are so many of you out there trying to make the home town connection. Cheers.

4/27/98, Sondra Failes Abbott, Norfolk, VA
617 Commercial Avenue was the family home of my grandparents - Mr. and Mrs. John R. Failes. Frequent visits were made to them over a period of years from 1940 to about 1980. Memories of Cow Pasture River, Douthat State Park, Farrar's Drug Store, The Christian Church...were all wonderful because they included special famil y members and close friends. The beauty of Clifton Forge never fades; visit s are always memorable. My thanks to those who have reminded me of that by providing this excellent web site.
Okay, Cousin Finkle Frederick...thanks to you for guiding me here!

4/26/98, Scott Hutchison, Goochland County, VA
Hello,I was "born and reared" in Clifton Forge,lived at 108 Lafayette St. Right now am on vacation in Crestview,Fla. near Ft.Walton Beach. I graduated from CFHS, D.S.Lancaster C.C.,and Va.Commonwealth University. I have been living in Richmond area for about 27 yrs. Only seen one person online from CFHS and he's in CF,but they are everywhere. Message to Bob Hunt-I remember you vaguely. It was so good to meet Miriam again after all these years at our 2 class renunion couple of years ago. Anyone from CF live in Goochland Co.,Va. but me?
Send e-mail to HILLYES@aol.com
SCOTT HUTCHISON

4/26/98, Bill "Finkle" Frederick, Elon College, NC
I was born in Clifton Forge, graduated from CFHS in 1947, and stayed there until I was drafted in 1951. I lived at 617 Commercial Ave. I now live in Elon College, N.C. I come back every Fall Festival. I was disappointed when my Class of 47 did not have a 50 year reunion. I hope we can still have one soon. Please say hi to my friends Tommy Woods, Marilyn Woods, Bill Rule, Joe Peaco, Betty Ann Peaco, Mary Ann Paxton, George Kostel, Scoop Scott, Jimmy Armstrong, Jeanine Armstrong, Bob Turner, Delores Turner, and Jimmie Drewry. If any of them are on email I would love to hear from them. My email address is bilfred@netpath.net . I am not sure but I may come to the CFHS picnic this summer at Douthat.
Take care,
Bill "Finkle" Frederick

4/20/98, Charlotte Lewis Witles, Glen Burnie, MD
I used to live in Clifton Forge off and on during my school years. I am the niece of the former Mr.& Mrs. L.C. Cagle. We lived at 629 McCormick Blvd. I have not been back since 1970 when my Aunt died. Would love to hear from old friends. I certainly long for the life in a small town. The hustle and bustle of the large suburbs where I live has never been comfortable to me. I have a son and grandchildren, but I still long for the mountains of Va. My address is as follows: [available upon request]

4/19/98, B. Cook, Mechanicsville, VA
Just happened by. My mother and father are from Clifton Forge. My grandmother still lives there, Georgia Nelson and quite a few other relatives. Always love coming to Clifton Forge as it always brings back fond memories. If you see my uncle, Charlie Carter, and my aunt June, tell them hello for me.

3/4/98, Larry Jenkins
As former residents, Terry (Montgomery) and I (Larry Jenkins, McCormick Blvd) just wanted you to know how much we enjoyed your Page. Very nice work!
Scenic, Busy, Friendly and On The WEB!!!

2/28/98, Mike Kuznear, Marshall, VA
Enjoyed your site on Clifton Forge the most beatiful place in va. Have three uncle,s in area. Charlie Gibson, Clyde Gibson, and Bobby Gibson in Covington. Can,t wait till Oct so I can visit your lovely city during Fall Festival. Wish I lived in Clifton instead of Marshall.

1/24/98, Debbie Hodges, Morganton, NC
Found your sight while trying to do a genealogical search in Alleghany County. My mother was raised on Mill Branch up in Potts Creek. My father taught school in the late 50Õs in the old school at Iron Gate. My grandmother was in the Liberty Nursing Home there in Clifton in the late 80's. Right now, IÕm living in Round Rock, TX. ItÕs a long way from Alleghany County, in more ways than one. Enjoyed your sight very much. Thanks.

12/26/97, Garlin C. Strouth, Clifton Forge, VA
I enjoyed the information about Cliftion Forge, but why were not the churches included?

12/20/97, Bob Hunt
Ms. Rollinson, you don't know me but I was raised in Clifton Forge, when Ernie Adams was in charge of the CFW phone co. My sister and her family still reside in Alleghany Co., where they are with the school system.

5/5/97, Jill Koethcke, Severna Park, MD
Hello There :
My name is Jill Koethcke, and my Grandmother, Catherine Koethcke lives in Clifton Forge : Ann Koethcke, is my great aunt. I thought I would type my last name into the search bar on the internet to see what I could find out and I am amazed.

5/2/97, Joe Gilliland
Thank you for a great "visit" to my hometown. Yours is a beautiful, well designed site. I lived in the 600 block of Pine Street. I went to school in the 1940s and 50s with John Koethcke. His house was a block or so away on Jefferson Street. I wonder is Anne Koethcke, the second grade teacher, is related. Was always amazed that the name was pronounced "kir-kee."

4/16/97, Bill Barnette, Clifton Forge
strolling through the net and suddenly there you were. enjoyed your family site.

4/5/97, Linda Goin Goodtimes, Telluride, CO
I was just browsing around the net, and happened upon the tour site for Clifton Forge. What a delight! I was born there in 1954 and my parents both grew up there, and were married there (Robert Goin born in 1930 at home on Rose St. & Joanne Eanes born in Roanoke in 1934). I still have relatives there, but haven't been back since my grandma Goin died in - oh I guess 1987? Mary Sales, My dad's sister, owns an antique store in town, and Bill & Lucy Goin live in Iron Gate.
My parents now live out here within an hour of me in Montrose, CO. It's a lot more rugged than VA, but just as beautiful.

3/8/97, Dandy (DANDYANGEL)
I have been looking for an elderly family memeber and the last know address for her in Virginia in 1939/40 was 1000 McCormick Street, Clifton Forge, Virginia. Could you tell me what now stands on that particular site? Is it the original building or has it been replaced by a new structure? Just curious and saw your web site and thought you might be able to tell me.

2/28/97, Frank M Nofsinger
I came across your web site through an engine search for Clifton Forge. My family tradition has it that, "after serving a term of enlistment, he (my g grandfather William Nofsinger - probably 22nd Va Inf, Co. J) spent the rest of the war working at the furnace at Clifton Forge."
Thanks to your site (CF Tour.html), I see that there was indeed an iron forge there. Now, my question is, "What did they make during the late Unpleasantness?"

2/27/97, Carmen Galand, Clifton Forge
As president of Clifton Forge Main Street thanks for using the historic walking tour and also for letting the world see what great things the children of Clifton Forge are doing.