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.
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History Reinvented: The Stairs to Nowhere
It's all about the Culture
In this episode of History Reinvented: Pine Camp the stairs to nowhere, we leave the past and head into the present. I speak with Diane Hayes of the Parks and Rec department in Richmond. She’s the cultural arts manager there at Pine Camp.
Growing up in Richmond, she’s seen the changes at Pine Camp and is now at the center of all the really cool activities that are going on there.
History Reinvented is created solely by me, Ian Stewart. I’m a freelance journalist, and a longtime, former public radio reporter. I’ve got no sponsors at this time–so, if you’d like to sponsor this podcast series, let me know. I’d love to do other deep dives into the history of Richmond or surrounding areas.
If you like History Reinvented and want to support my efforts then please consider subscribing to it . You can also help support my efforts by sharing this podcast on all your socials and by rating it and leaving a comment .
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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. And, if you like music, check out Ian’s World O’ Music show on Mixcloud.
Plus, you can always look for my freelance work on outlets like Virginia Mercury, The Richmonder, Richmond Magazine and on the podcast Full Disclosure with Roben Farzad.
History Reinvented is a Big Soap Production.
Email me: Ian07stewart@gmail.com. Venmo: Ian-stewart-82
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