History Reinvented: The Stairs to Nowhere
In this new season of History Reinvented we’ll uncover stories of Pine Camp.
In the late 19th century, the 160 acres along the northern border of the city of Richmond was known as the City Farm or City Jail Farm. Later on, Richmonders who were battling contagious diseases, including smallpox and tuberculosis, were isolated on the property.
But because this was the post Civil War South and the height of the Jim Crow era, only white patients were treated until eventually a separate house was built for the city’s Black population. When vaccinations were finally able to stem the diseases, the land and buildings began to take on new life. And while the whites only building remained, the Black ward was torn down.
It’s here where mysteries are being uncovered and the history of those patients and the land itself is being rediscovered. And it’s here where the land is taking on a new life which will allow new stories to emerge.
History Reinvented: The Stairs to Nowhere
Special Update on History Reinvented
I wanted to take a quick moment, while I’m working on the next episode of History Reinvented, to apologize for not having weekly episodes drop as I originally promised.
As a freelance reporter, where paychecks are sporadic, I’ve got to prioritize my time as to when I can work on these episodes.
History Reinvented is a sort of passion project for me–I’m fascinated by the history and the future of what’s going on in this part of Richmond, so I want to make sure I produce good episodes. So that means I have to wedge in working on this inbetween working on other paid for stories.
Besides doing this podcast because I’m fascinated by the stories, I’m also doing this to hopefully land a permanent job and to maybe get some underwriting to hopefully dive into other fascinating parts of Richmond’s history.
This is why within each episode I ask you to share it with others, to rate it and to if possible to subscribe and/or send me tips via Venmo (Ian-Stewart-82). This helps me get more ears to the show and hopefully get some funding.
I totally understand that there are a zillion other podcasts, substacks, etc out there in the ether. But as a freelancer, anything helps.
So, the next episode is still in the works–which hopefully will happen after I finish a paid story for a publication. I appreciate your patience.
Be sure to check out my other podcast, called The Mechanics of Transportation in which I talk to local Richmond and national experts about all things transportation—including topics on cargo bikes, multi-use trails and more. And, if you like music, check out Ian’s World O’ Music show on Mixcloud. For 17 years, I had a world music show on a local public radio station, where I also happened to report on transportation topics.
History Reinvented is a Big Soap Production.
History Reinvented is a Big Soap Production.
Email me: Ian07stewart@gmail.com. Venmo: Ian-stewart-82
Follow me on Blue Sky at Ianstewartcycles.bsky.social; Threads & Instagram at just_ianstewart
