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After two decades new blood needed GET INVOLVED

October 21, 2008 12:15 am

In 1988, Spotsylvania County had a population of just 45,000. Growth was on the horizon, though. And some residents were concerned.

So several dozen formed a new organization, Spotsylvania Preservation Foundation Inc.

"We were primarily a corps of historic-property owners," said Caroline Hayden, a founding member of SPFI and its president for 13 of its 20 years. "We're all older now."

The purpose, Hayden said, was to protect historically significant areas in the county. Members attacked the issue from a number of directions.

First, they opted to raise money to help their cause. "Sunday in the Country," an annual tour of historic homes, was a staple between 1988 and 1997. Hayden said the tours stopped as the county's population ballooned. It took at least 50 people to pull off the tours. And, she added, "the world has changed" and people aren't as willing to open their doors to strangers.

In 1998, SPFI entered an agreement with the Board of Supervisors to restore the 1855 jail. Only one problem: no money. SPFI treasurer Bob Kurtinitis had a brainstorm. "Let's sell ornaments," he said. The first in the series based on historic Spotsylvania structures depicted, of course, the jail.

Now, the jail renovation is complete.

"It's been a fun project. It's been a long project," said Kira Fredenburgh, the organization's president. Now they need something new.

"I do think we'd like to put our funds to another project," Fredenburgh said. "I know there are things out there that need help."

One of the challenges for preservationists in Spotsylvania is that the resources are all spread out, unlike Fredericksburg's compact Historic District, Fredenburgh said.

The county's growth helps somewhat.

"With new people moving in, a lot of people are more cognizant of our resources [beyond the battlefields]," said Hayden. "I think we have a real good background in advocacy."

SPFI has been successful, Hayden said, in educating people about the importance of retaining the "rather delightful resources" within the county through land use and viewshed protection.

Hayden said the original members stayed active as long as they could. Now, she said, "We need the next generation to step up."

Fredenburgh, who is part of that next generation, understands the tugs on young parents. She has a 5-year-old and a 3-year-old. In some ways, though, the youngsters could be the key.

"The kids love coming here," Fredenburgh said during a recent visit to the 1855 Jail Museum. "Everyone wants their pictures taken behind the bars."

Fredenburgh says part of the organization's mission is to spark an interest in preservation among the younger generation.

In fact, she'd like to dig into SPFI's past to chart its future. She'd like to resurrect the Sunday in the Country tours, tapping into the historic properties throughout Spotsylvania.

"A lot of the next generation is inheriting the family home. A lot of renovation is going on," she said.

Wouldn't it be great to see it?

Annette Jones: 540/368-5046
Email: abjones@freelancestar.com