Reedville Fishermen's Museum - Reedville, Virginia

www.rfmuseum.org- 

Summer2008 

Starry Banner 

Starry Banner 

Reedville Fishermen’s Museum - Reedville, Virginia 

www.rfmuseum.org SUMMER 2008

Greater Reedville Association and 

Reedville Fishermen’s Museum 

2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

OFFICERS 

President - Kathy Elsden 

Vice President - Dick Doyle 

Secretary - Margaret Hudnall 

DIRECTORS 

Clif Ames 

Carol Cole 

Dennis Dalpino 

Maureen Gillmer 

Aubrey Henry 

Susan Carter Hughes 

Eve Jordan 

Tom Miller 

Bill Rogers 

Ben Ward 

Glen Warner 

DIRECTORS EMERITI 

George and Katherine Frayne 

BOARD COMMITTEES 

Financial Management– Aubrey Henry 

Long Range Planning – Dick Doyle 

Membership - Susan Tipton 

Planned Giving - Susan Stubbs 

OPERATING COMMITTEES 

Boat Collection - Dudley Biddlecomb 

Boat Donation and Resale - Clif Ames 

Boat Shop - Jay Rohmann 

Building and Grounds – Glen Warner 

Claud W. Somers - Harry Towne 

Curatorial - Maria Rogers 

Docent - Rita Johnson/Martha Tallent 

Education - Audrey Brainard 

Elva C. - Spud Parker / George Butler 

Exhibits/Interpretation - George Koman 

Gift Shop - Marcia Adams 

Landscape and Gardening - CBGC Judy Burgess 

Model Shop - Bob Dillon 

Photo Group - Doug Brogden 

Publications - Rita Johnson / Tom Ryals 

Publicity - Tom Ryals 

Quilters - Tippie DeLeo 

Walker House - Carol Cole 

MUSEUM STAFF 

Executive Director - Chuck Backus 

MISSION STATEMENT 

The Greater Reedville Association, Inc. supports educational 

and recreational activities that improve the quality 

of life for area residents and visitors by operating a 

museum, supporting historic preservation and providing a 

forum for commuity involvement. 

The Reedville Fishermen’s Museum promotes an understanding 

and preservation of the maritime heritage of 

the lower Chesapeake Bay with emphasis given to the 

commercial fishing industry, its related trades, and social 

and cultural history of the area watermen. As such, we 

collect, conserve, interpret, provide access to, and foster 

an appreciation of this heritage to a diverse community of 

residents and visitors. 

VISION STATEMENT 

The GRA/RFM is working to conserve and sustain the 

traditional working landscape, waters and natural and 

cultural resources that reflect our maritime heritage. The 

Reedville Fishermen’s Museum is the focal point for visitors 

wishing to experience a traditional Chesapeake Bay 

fishing village. 

In Reedville, visitors can view traditional waterfront 

industries, historic homes and commercial structures, 

boatyards, wharves and vessels, and seafood processing 

operations. We also provide access to the Cockrell’s Creek 

water trail from which visitors can explore the beaches, 

tidal marshes and trails of our natural area preserves and 

observe our commercial fishing industry at work. 

STARRY BANNER 

is a membership benefit and is published quarterly. The editors 

encourage readers to submit information about programs, 

exhibitions, projects and other information desired. The Fall 

Deadline is September 10th. 

Editors: 

Rita Johnson rita@kaballero.com 

Tom Ryals tom@crewone.com 

Photographer: Tom Ryals tom@crewone.com 

Distribution: 

Clarice Williams 

Museum Office: 804.453.6529 

FAX: 804.453.7159 

Email: office@rfmuseum.org 

Website: www.rfmuseum.org 

RFM Location: 

504 Main Street, 

Reedville, VA 

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 306, 

Reedville, VA 22539 

Greater Reedville Association Inc./Reedville Fishermen’s 

Museum is a non-profit organization. 

Starry Banner is named for the first menhaden steamer to 

operate in Reedville. The steamer was purchased by Elijah Reed 

in 1880. Captain Reed, founder of Reedville, was a pioneer in the 

menhaden fishing industry. 

2 Starry Banner Summer 2008

CONTENTS 

ABOUT THE COVER 

7 14 

Reflecting a shared 

heritage, the 1922 

deckboat, Elva C., joins 

the 1911 skipjack, 

Claud W. Somers, and 

the 1961 workboat 

Foggy River at the RFM 

pier. Each boat displays 

deadrise construction, 

meticulous restoration 

work by RFM volunteers 

and a legacy of labor on 

the Chesapeake Bay. 

Photo by Tom Ryals 

EVERY ISSUE 

4 FROM THE PILOT HOUSE 

5 PRESIDENT’S CORNER 

8 BOATS FOR SALE 

FEATURES 

6 N.C. YACHT CLUB 

TRAVELS TO RFM 

7 THIRD GRADERS RETURN 

11 BLESSING OF THE FLEET 


online 

Home Page 

www.rfmuseum.org 

About Us 

www.rfmuseum.org/visitorinfo.html 

Claud W. Somers 

www.rfmuseum.org/somers.html 

9 SHARE THE NEWS 

10 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 

16 RFM FLEET 

17 RFM QUILT GUILD 

20 COCKTAILS ON THE 

CREEK AND MUSEUM 

GIFT SHOP 

12 DAUNTLESS DOCENTS 

AND PRESERVING A 

SKILL 

13 FESTIVAL HALLE 

AND INDEPENDENCE DAY 

14 WALKER HOUSE EXHIBIT 

15 BOAT SHOP AND MODEL 

SHOP 

16 NEW ARTIFACT 

STORAGE FACILITY 

18 FOGGY RIVER 

19 SPIRIT OF 1608 

Elva C 

www.rfmuseum.org/elvac.html 

Spirit of 1608 

www.rfmuseum.org/spirit1608.html 

On Exhibit 

www.rfmuseum.org/experm.html 

Education Programs 

www.rfmuseum.org/education.html 

Events/Activities 

www.rfmuseum.org/annualevents.html 

Photo Galleries 

www.rfmuseum.org/photoarch.html 

Volunteering 

www.rfmuseum.org/volunteering.html 

Starry Banner Summer 2008 3

“Those are good boys. They knew what they 

were talking about. I fished with their fathers 

& their grand-fathers. Let me tell you. They 

knew what they were talking about.” 

-- Captain Earnest Delano 

On the morning of April 16, 2008, Captain Tom 

Moore, skipper of Omega Protein’s Lancaster, 

and spotter pilot John Mark Deihl presented 

“Conversations with a Captain” at our Third 

Wednesday docent training session. At our 

invitation, the duo spoke about their jobs and 

21st century menhaden fishing. 

FROM THE PILOTHOUSE 

and excitement began to surface. Soon, the 

explanations of nets, sets, and menhaden 

schools grew into accounts of a grandfather’s 

wisdom, battles with rough seas, and crew 

members pulling together to support their 

families. 

It was a great way to spend an April morning. 

A sample of audience comments indicates that 

the presentation left quite an impression on 

those attending: 

• “ I’ve lived here my whole life and that 

was the first time I’ve ever heard a 

(Menhaden) Captain talk like that about 

fishing. You could see how much it 

meant to them.” 

• “ Don’t you know every parent in the 

room was thinking ‘I hope my son or 

daughter finds a career they enjoy as 

much as those boys do.’” 

• “ The passion they felt was so obvious. 

I was really touched.” 

The two were intelligent, articulate, and 

well-versed in their craft. They provided 

the audience with insightful information and 

thoughtful answers to questions. In short, 

they were everything we had hoped for. Had 

that been their entire contribution to the event, 

it would have been a success. 

• “ I didn’t realize it was so complex! 

They’re thinking about so many things at 

the same time. It’s just amazing.” 

• “ You can tell they really love it, can’t 

you?” 

• “ We need to do this again.” 

Our sincere thanks to Captain Tom Moore and 

Mr. John Mark Deihl. We invited them to teach 

us about fishing. We ended up learning much 

more. 

Chuck Backus 

Executive Director 

But both these young men have deep roots 

in the community. Their connection to the 

water is multi-generational and when they 

speak, they speak from a place of family pride, 

tradition, and legacy. As a result, each was 

able to talk only a short time before his passion 


PRESIDENT’S CORNER 

Recalling how my friend and mentor Wendell 

Haynie began his Spring Edition article with 

the words Deja vu, let me begin my first Starry 

Banner message by stating what every vicepresident 

and boy scout know quite well – be 

prepared. Just like Arthur, Coolidge, Fillmore, 

Ford, Johnson, Johnson, Roosevelt, Truman 

and Tyler, I have very large shoes to fill. By 

the way, can you name their predecessors? 

Clearly, two roads lie ahead. The first road 

leads to the past and is bordered by rumors 

and speculation. It’s dark and bumpy and 

poorly maintained. It is a dead end. The 

second road leads to the future and is well 

paved. On the way we pass a humble road 

sign announcing the undeniable fact that 

Wendell has decided to “retire” from the 

Boardroom. When we see it, let’s not ask why; 

instead, remember all that Wendell Haynie 

has done and continues to do for GRA/RFM. 

And, should he pass nearby, extend a cheerful 

hand in thanks and gratitude for his ongoing 

contributions, commitment, integrity, and 

passion. 

Meanwhile, let’s congratulate Dick Doyle who 

has stepped in as our new Vice President, and 

welcome Maureen Gillmer as our newest Board 

member. These changes/additions compliment 

a talented group that is poised to move 

forward, together with our Executive Director, 

Operations Committees, and Volunteers with 

the harmony, stability and urgency required 

to ensure the continued success of our 

organization and the challenges we face. 

Nearly halfway through the calendar year 

and a third of the way into our museum year, 

there is much work to be done, in addition 

to the obvious recurring annual events and 

fundraisers. Some highlights of our list of 

organizational goals include: 

• Developing and publishing an updated Long 

Range Plan, and expanding it to include our 

newly acquired Festival Halle; 

• Expanding and updating our Policies 

and Procedures to include detailed job 

descriptions, measurable goals and 

objectives, and performance based job 

evaluation and compensation criteria; 

• Advancing pending and planned TEA-21 

Federal/State reimbursement programs 

to maintain and enhance the appearance, 

compliance, functionality, and hospitality 

of our campus for all of our members and 

visitors; 

• Aggressively pursuing ways to maximize 

grants and other funding opportunities, 

minimize expenditures, and optimize the 

satisfaction quotient of our shareholders 

(you), our sponsors, and our guests 

• Maintaining creative efforts to train 

and retain our dedicated and capable 

Volunteers, while gradually increasing the 

number of members and active participants. 

Without our Membership and Volunteers, 

we will fall short. 

Thank you one and all for your ongoing 

enthusiasm and support. 

Kathy Elsden 

Board President 


N.C. YACHT CLUB TRAVELS TO RFM 

Chesapeake Bay Garden Club 

Adds Beauty to the Museum 

I hope everyone saw the beautiful display 

of yellow daffodils in the gardens in April. 

Some of those 

bulbs were 

transplanted into 

the Biddlecomb 

garden from Miss 

Frances' home 

place. After 

blooming, the 

daffs were dug 

and replanted 

along the fence 

line to make 

way for the new 

garden at the 

Walker House. 

Rebecca Elston 

designed the 

herb garden 

with oyster shell 

walkways. 

The small Covington garden will soon feature 

a heron in place of the damaged tree. The 

Landscape Design committee chaired by Joy 

Young and Bobby Brogden hope to have him 

in position by the July 4th celebration. 

CBGC members Rebecca Elston, Sue Moore, 

Judy Strange, Barbara Yinger and Lorraine 

Van Wickler are providing fresh flower 

arrangements to compliment the wedding 

dresses displayed inside the Walker House. 

Judy Burgess 


NORTHUMBERLAND THIRD 

GRADERS RETURN TO RFM 

For the second consecutive year, Northumberland Third Graders visited The 

Reedville Fishermen’s Museum for a unique perspective of Natural, Renewable, 

Human, and Capital Resources. The RFM Education Committee under the 

leadership of Chair Audrey Brainard provided hands-on activities encouraging 

students to discover the history and science at work in the world around them. 

New this year were tanks of oysters and crabs located near the Museum pier. 


BOATS FOR SALE 

6 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

The Boat Donation Committee has 

BOATS FOR SALE 

9 

1972 Larson 17 foot fiberglass OB with trailer. Asking…$200. 

40 foot deadrise, “Catherine T”, 3208 Caterpillar Diesel. Asking…$8,000. 

1970 Thunderbird 23 foot fiberglass boat with Mercury I/O225HP. Asking… $2500. 

1985 Bayliner 27 foot Contessa Command Bridge 260HP Chevrolet Volvo IO. 

Asking…$6000. 

1985 Bayliner 18 foot Capri 2.1 liter Volvo I/O with trailer. Asking…$2500. 

1978 Hobe Cat 14 foot with trailer. Asking…$1000. 

1971 Jersey Yacht fiberglass 23 foot twin Detroit diesels. Asking…$11,000. 

1985 Small Craft Inc 22 foot two man rowing shell, with slide seats & three pairs of 

oars. Asking…$1100. 

1989 Seaswirl 230 Cordova, OMC stern drive, trailer included. Asking…$5000. 

If interested, please contact 

Committee Chairman Clif Ames through the RFM, 804.453.6529 

WE ARE LOOKING FOR DONATIONS 

If you have a boat with clear title that you wish to donate to the museum please contact Clif 

Ames at 804.453.3506 or RFM at 804.453.6529. 

8 


SHARE THE NEWS 

SO, DO YOU GET THE RFM 

E-NEWSLETTER? 

The RFM E-Newsletter, an e-mail 

reminder of upcoming events, is available 

at no charge to RFM members. The 

E-Newsletter is sent on an irregular basis, 

perhaps every two to four weeks. 

If you’re an RFM Member and would like to 

subscribe to the RFM E-Newsletter, please 

e-mail the museum office (office@rfmuseum. 

org) or Harry Towne of the Membership 

Committee (htowne01@nnwifi.com) and we’ll 

get you signed up. Don’t forget to include 

your name along with your current email 

address. 

Everybody into the Pool 

Are you looking for a way to meet new people, 

enjoy new activities, and maximize your travel 

dollars? Consider car pooling to your next 

RFM event or Volunteer opportunity! Contact 

the RFM office 804.453.6529 and add your 

name to the list of RFM members interested in 

car pooling to various museum functions. 

Fighting Rising Fuel Costs 

A visit to the gas pump can be a 

discouraging event these days. With the 

rising cost of fuel, RFM Volunteers are 

facing unprecedented expenses in their 

trips to museum activities. 

These expenses can be somewhat 

mitigated by taking a deduction on 

your income tax return for “charitable 

mileage.” Current regulations allow those 

of you who itemize your deductions to 

take 14 cents per mile of travel to and 

from the museum and for any errands 

you may run for the museum. Any tolls 

or parking fees involved may be deducted 

also. 

You should keep a log of your miles either 

on a daily or weekly basis to substantiate 

your deduction. RFM has created a 

simple log sheet, available at the museum 

office or on the museum website for 

download at http://www.rfmuseum.org/ 

milesheet.pdf to help you keep track of 

your volunteer miles. 

At the end of the year, you may find 

yourself with a substantial deduction on 

your tax return. 

As always, please consult your own tax 

advisor for details. 

By the Numbers: Spiders & Volunteers 

2011 Number of unique species of Nearctic Spiders currently listed in the Nearctic Spider Online 

Database. 

2011 Odometer miles on a previously owned 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder convertible 

currently selling for $184,992. 

2011 Year in which Spiderman IV is scheduled for cinematic release. 

2011 Number of hours donated by RFM Volunteers during the month of May 2008. Averaging 

an incredible 64.87 volunteer hours per day! 

Do you recognize 

these RFM 

volunteers 

frequently seen 

around the 

campus? 


DAUNTLESS DOCENTS 

The Docent Committee is proud to welcome 5 new docents to our roster. Imy Weimerskirch, 

Marcia Hanson, Rose Schlatter, Janet Johnson and Carole Wiley have received training and 

are beginning to welcome visitors to the Museum. If you are lucky enough to be serving as a 

docent with one of them be sure to let them know how happy we are to have them join us and 

by all means give them the advantage of your knowledge as a Dauntless Docent. 

The third Wednesday of every month at 10:00 am there is a Docent 

Coffee. This is a time to learn about the Museum, get questions 

answered and meet other docents informally. This is on the Docent 

Calendar, but make sure you have it on your personal calendar as 

well. 

The Docent Committee is always looking for new faces to join our 

team of Museum “greeters”. If you are interested in becoming a 

docent please call Martha Tallent at 804.453.6832 or Rita Johnson 

at 804.580.3052 

PRESERVING A SKILL 

RFM Docent Winifred 

Delano, right, helps Tippie 

DeLeo select the perfect 

gift at the Museum Gift 

Shop. 

Come learn to make a real crab net! 

Donald George will endeavor to teach us how! 

Be warned...it is not easy and will take some 

patience and practice. The end result, 

however, will be that you will have learned a 

skill that is worthy of preservation; a skill as 

valuable to the Northern Neck life as square 

knots, bowlines and half-hitches. Besides, 

you'd blow your grandchildren's minds if you 

could teach them how to tie a real crab net. 

The class will be scheduled at a mutually 

agreed-upon time and enrollment will be 

limited. 

Please contact me at tallent@crosslink.net or 

804.453.6832 soon. I'm looking forward to 

hearing from you! 

Martha Tallent 

Pictured above is a finished crab net made by 

Donald George and Rita Johnson, one of his 

new students. Utilizing a solid wood handle & 

stainless steel bow, carefully crafted by RFM 

volunteer Gordon Burgess. Donald and Gordon 

have teamed together to construct several of 

these dip nets and generously donated the 

proceeds to the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum. 


Reedville Fishermen’s 

Museum 

Calendar of Events 

Courtesy of 

July 2008 Join us on July 5th - Reedville Independence Day Celebration! 

1 9:00 am Boat Shop 


10:00 am Model Shop 

4 9:30 am RFM Needlers 

5:00 pm Cocktails on the Creek 

5 Independence Day Celebration 

See Article page 13 


7:00 pm RFM Board Meeting 





10:00 pm RFM Quilters 



2:00 pm Photo Group 

18 – 20 Family Boat Building 

18 5:00 pm Cocktails on the Creek 

21 – 25 Children’s Model Making 

See article on page 15 






August 2008 Visit the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum: Daily, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm 



4 – 8 Granny’s Needle Arts Camp 






11 – 15 Children’s Model Making II 

















September 2008 Enjoy Cocktails on the Creek Every Friday at 5:00 pm 






6 TBA RFM Pig Roast 












20 TBA Oyster Gardening Workshop 






Please contact the museum office or visit http://www.rfmuseum.org/calendar.html 

for additional information. All meetings and events listed are subject to change. 

You are strongly encouraged to call ahead to confirm and event, date, and time 

before traveling a significant distance. 


BLESSING OF THE FLEET 

Blessing of the Fleet marks 

the opening of the fishing 

season in Reedville, normally 

the first weekend in May. 

This event is sponsored by 

St. Mary's Episcopal Church 

and Omega Protein. 


FESTIVAL HALLE 

Festival Halle was recently acquired by the 

Greater Reedville Association (GRA) thru 

the generosity of Ralph Birkel, who donated 

the historic school building in memory of his 

parents, Anton and Augusta Birkel. It is his 

wish and the intention of the GRA and the 

Reedville Fishermen's Museum to continue 

the Birkel's mission of providing community 

enrichment and enhancement through the 

use of the 

hall. 

classes, and entertainment. The Halle has a 

full kitchen, large ballroom, stage, classroom, 

and ample parking. It is climate controlled 

and has an excellent sound system and 

projection equipment. Classes are currently 

being planned for a full program in the fall. 

For rates, reservations and further info, 

contact Sonny Harper at 804.453.5862 or 

804.453.3808 or email: dsharp@crosslink.net. 

The hall is 

opened for 

rental to 

organizations, 

groups and 

individuals 

who might 

use it for a 

variety of occasions and events. 

Examples include; weddings, anniversary 

celebrations, family reunions, dances, 

business meetings, trade shows, lessons/ 

INDEPENDENCE DAY – SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2008 

"A Good Old-Fashioned Fourth" - 

Main street comes alive with house 

decorations, craft fairs,patriotic 

singing and a 5K run/walk. Highlights 

are the parade in the afternoon and 

the fireworks in the evening. The 

event is sponsored by RFM, Bethany 

UM Church and Fairfield’s Volunteer 

Fire Department. Check out www. 

rfmuseum.org/july4.html for a 

complete schedule. 


WALKER HOUSE EXHIBIT 

“With This Ring” 

The month of June, the traditional 

month for marriage ceremonies, was 

celebrated at the RFM’s Walker House 

with a display of elegant wedding 

gowns worn through the years by 

Reedville brides. 

Sponsored by the Bank of Essex, “With 

this Ring” also included clothing worn 

by children who were attendants at the 

weddings. 

Our museum is grateful to all the 

women who loaned us their precious 

wedding dresses and to the Mary Ball 

Washington Museum for their loan of a 

wedding outfit worn in White Stone in 

1900. 

The floral arrangements, in the Walker 

House for this exhibit, were provided 

by members of the Chesapeake Bay 

Garden Club. 


BOAT SHOP NEWS 

The RFM Boat Shop is nearing completion 

of a dust control vacuum system for its 

woodworking equipment that will remove large 

volumes of dust and improve air quality. 

In the past, certain 

equipment would fill 

the shop with dusty air, 

especially a problem in 

winter months when the 

garage doors are closed 

for heating the shop. Also, 

the large planer the shop 

uses to dimension lumber 

would create huge piles of 

shavings to walk through. 

Today, the mountains of 

shavings are efficiently 

removed to a barrel 

while the cleaned air is returned to the shop. 

Through generous grant funding from the 

Virginia Department of Transportation, the 

effort to improve air quality also includes 

reduction of harmful dust created from 

portable sanding tools by using a pre-filter 

MODEL SHOP NEWS 

attached to a capable new shop vacuum. 

The portable tools remain a challenge 

because many tools do not include suitable or 

convenient ways to attach a vacuum hose to 

them and may often feel awkward to use. Dust 

will always 

be a part 

of building 

anything 

with 

wood, 

but more 

and more 

of it can 

now be 

captured 

as it is 

created. 

Work continues on hook-ups from the overhead 

ductwork to our sometimes ancient machines 

but when completed will provide much cleaner 

air for volunteers. 

Doug Smith 

The Model shop group is being dragged 

into the 21st century ever so slowly with 

the addition of a very basic digital control 

system for the trains. When we re-open at 

Thanksgiving, we will have an operating sound 

system for the two steam locomotives and the 

GG1. The control of the trains will be greatly 

enhanced by a walk around control 

panel that will operate each engine 

separately. This should mean fewer 

wrecks. 

One of our new engines has a new 

control chip thanks to the language 

skills of George Koman. All of the 

hobby shops we talked to wanted 

$160 for a new chip. George wrote 

to the company in Germany in their 

native tongue and explained the problem 

very carefully. Two week later we had a new 

chip and a nice letter from them. No cost! I 

wonder what he said in that letter? 

This is the second notice for the summer 

children’s boat building class. The boat will be 

a Skipjack about the size of last years model. 

The cost for the class will be $65 for each 

student. This will include the ship model kit 

and all equipment and paints. The minimum 

age is ten years old. Class will be 10:00 am 

until 2:00 pm each day with thirty minutes 

for lunch. Bring your own lunch. The dates 

for the first session will be July 21 - 

July 25 and the second session will 

be Aug. 11 - Aug. 15, 2008. Please 

call the office before the first of July 

for the first session and the first 

of August for the second session. 

Remember that each class is limited 

to six students and we usually fill up 

early. 

All of the other projects in the model 

shop are moving along nicely with the addition 

of trees and shrubs and dirt to the layout. As 

always, we are looking for new people to help 

out with our plans. Come by the model shop 

any Thursday morning and see what we are 

doing. You are always welcome! 

Bob Dillon 


CREEK CRUISES 

Beginning June 21, 2008 the Elva C. will take 

Narrated Creek Cruises at 4:00 pm on the 2nd 

and 4th Fridays and 3rd Saturdays of each 

month. 

To sign up, please call the Museum office 

at 804.453.6529. Please register at least one 

day prior to the cruise and provide your name 

and a phone number. 

Cruises last from 1 to 1 1/2 hours. 

POUND NET CRUISES 

The Elva C. also takes an early morning trip 

To active pound nets in the Bay. These trips 

are dependent on the weather so they cannot 

be scheduled ahead of time. If you wish to join 

them, email Spud Parker at spudparker@gmail. 

com. When conditions are right, you will receive 

an email message announcing a planned pound 

net trip. Pound net trips depart at 5:30 am and 

typically return by 8:30 am. Plan to bring your 

camera on this unique journey! 

Enjoy Our Maritime Heritage this 

Summer Aboard the RFM Historic Fleet 

2008 Somers Sailings 

Saturdays - 10 AM 

July 19th 

July 26th 

August 9th 

August 23rd 

September 13th 

September 27th 

October 11th 

October 25th 

Enjoy the experience of a 

lifetime when you set sail 

aboard a masterfully restored 

Chesapeake Bay Skipjack! 

All sailings leave the dock at 

10:00 am and typically return 

at 1:00 pm. Passengers may 

bring food and drink. Call the 

RFM Office at 804.453.6529 

for reservations. 

NEW ARTIFACT STORAGE 

FACILITY UNDER 

CONSTRUCTION IN THE 

PENDLETON BUILDING 

At the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum, we’ve 

grown accustomed to high visibility success. 

We’ve enjoyed the national recognition 

bestowed on projects like the Elva C. 

and Claud W. Somers. We’ve celebrated 

unprecedented international visibility courtesy 

of the Spirit of 1608, the “Hands-Acrossthe-Sea” 

quilt, and similar efforts. We’re 

accustomed to seeing our name celebrated 

online, in print, on television, and radio. Our 

2006 & 2007 financial reports, published in 

the Spring 2008 issue of the Starry Banner 

reflect our highly visible and exciting growth. 

Our visitor log bears witness to guests from 

around the globe who marvel at what our 

museum has accomplished. Visible success 

on such a grand scale is very nice. 

But occasionally, our successes are met with 

little fanfare and virtually no visibility. Such 

has been the case with the new artifact 

storage facility under construction in the 

Pendleton Building. Thanks to the efforts 

of RFM volunteers led by Maria Rogers, 

Donald George, George Koman, and Aubrey 

Henry, a climate controlled and professionally 

organized storage 

facility is nearing 

completion. Funded in 

part by a TEA-21 grant, 

the new storage facility 

dovetails into the newly 

computerized artifact 

collection program. 

While few visitors to 

the museum will ever 

see this storage facility 

first-hand, the benefits 

of a well-organized, 

climate-controlled 

artifact storage facility 

will benefit the museum 

for generations to 

come. The Reedville 

Fishermen’s Museum 

is indebted to those 

individuals who have 

volunteered their time 

and efforts to this vital 

project. 


RFM QUILT GUILD 

The RFM Quilters and the RFM Needlers are 

proud to announce the first Grannies’ Needle 

Art Camp to be held August 4 - August 8, 2008. 

This will be an opportunity for a new generation 

of young needlers to discover the fulfillment and 

enjoyment of the needle arts. 

Participants will choose their focus from a 

variety of needle arts. The greatest challenge 

may be selecting which one of the scheduled 

programs to enjoy: quilting; beading; 

needlepoint; sewing; or knitting. 

family and friends in a festive “Show & Tell.” 

To register for Grannies’ Needle Art Camp 

call the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum at 

804.453.6529, or visit us on the web at www. 

rfmuseum.org 

Tippie DeLeo 

• Quilting: Participants will make a quilted 

pillow embellished with beads and sequins 

using both hand and machine sewing. 

• Beading: Participants will make 

necklaces and bracelets using beads 

and colors of their choice while learning 

specific beading methods. 

• Needlepoint: Participants will make 

holiday decorations which can double as 

refrigerator magnets using basic needlepoint 

stitches. 

• Knitting I is basic beginner knitting, purl and 

knit, leading to making a scarf. 

• Knitting II is following pattern 

directions to make a Teddy 

Bear sweater (sleeveless). 

• Sewing: includes making a sundress on the 

sewing machine. There will be two patterns 

from which to choose. Head 

bands will be made from the 

scraps. 

Grannies’ Needle Art Camp is open 

to children ages 10 and above. Registration is 

required. Number of participants will be limited 

to sixteen to assure personalized attention and 

interactive instruction. On the registration form 

the registrant can indicate a choice of needle 

art activity. Cost of the camp is $35.00, payable 

at registration. Payment holds your place and 

covers all supplies required to make a special 

treasure. 

Sessions for the 5-day program are 9:30 am to 

1:00 pm. Grannies’ Needle Art Camp concludes 

on Friday afternoon with grandparents, parents, 


FOGGY RIVER 

On a crisp April morning, Dudley and Fred 

Biddlecomb, accompanied by Wayne Clark and 

Charley Gillmer, picked up the Foggy River at 

the Museum to take her to the Reedville Marine 

Railway, stopping enroute to remove the fuel 

tank at the Biddlecomb’s waterfront. She was 

then delivered to the railway and was hauled 

out a few days later, on April 18, 2008. George 

Butler began immediately to remove the stem, 

and everyone was relieved that George found 

no significant rot behind it. A new stem was 

cut, shaped, and put on. Several rotten planks 

on the port side were replaced by George, and 

wide seams were reamed out and caulked with 

oakum and seam compound. The bilge was 

cleaned out and the keel cooler removed and 

kept for possible future use. 

throughout the summer. Thanks to everyone 

for their able contributions so far, including: 

George Butler, Dudley and Fred Biddlecomb, 

Dick Doyle, Wayne Clark, Walt Jachimski, Tom 

Miller, Bob Healy, Bill Otley, Gary Madsen, Jay 

Roman, Glenn (Herkie) Warner, Jim Adams, 

Chase Melton, Harry Towne, Spud Parker, 

Gordon Burgess and Peale Rogers. If you want 

to get involved in this worthy project, please let 

us know! 

Charley Gillmer 

Oops, there was a hole in the hull! It was 

filled and sealed. The hull was sanded and 2 

coats of paint applied. The bottom was powerwashed, 

scraped and painted. By the end 

of April, the Foggy River was put back in the 

water and delivered to the museum, sporting 

bright coats of paint on the bottom and hull! 

Dunnage work was to begin. The first order of 

business was to lay down dunnage (floorboards 

of the cockpit) to protect the inside of the bilge 

from the sun. The dunnage was cut, fitted, 

treated and painted, and completed on June 

3rd. The first coat of paint has been put on the 

cabin/pilot house to protect the bare wood. 

On June 9, 2008, steering committee members 

Charley Gillmer, George Butler, Dudley 

Biddlecomb, Spud Parker, and Peale Rogers met 

to discuss the Foggy River’s progress and next 

steps for renovation. Priorities include: 

• replace waterway planks on the deck and 

hull plank on the port stern area 

• scrape and paint the deck of the boat 

• pay up (fill) plug holes 

• remove all electronics, steering system, 

and loose debris from the cabin 

• paint decks and all bare wood 

• paint the name “ Foggy River” in block 

letters on the bow and stern (if anyone 

out there has this talent and will 

volunteers, please let us know!) 

I anticipate that this work will keep us busy 

Photos by Maureen Gillmer 



Triumphs in Annapolis 

History was truly in action as three boats, each a unique 

modern interpretation of the vessel Captain John Smith used 

to explore the Chesapeake Bay 400 years ago, raced around 

Annapolis Harbor on Saturday, May 3 at high noon. The Reedville 

Fishermen’s Museum’s Spirit of 1608, competed against boats 

from the Deltaville Maritime Museum, and Sultana Projects in 

Chestertown, Maryland. Spirit of 1608 added another jewel to her 

crown as she won the competition handily. 

Hosted by the National Sailing Hall of Fame, the Annapolis 

Maritime Museum, and the Friends of the John Smith Chesapeake 

Trail, the race was a feature of the Maryland Maritime Heritage 

Festival and celebrates Bay sailing history and the creation of the 

new Capt. John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. The race 

was sponsored by Cummins Power Systems. 

Editor’s Note: Following the Maryland Maritime Heritage Festival, 

a superintendent in the National Park Service called to inform 

us that the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum has “the greatest 

volunteers in the country.” 

SPIRIT OF 1608 Voyage 

Mirrors History 

SPIRIT OF 1608 

“…we discovered the wind and waters so 

much increased with thunder, lightning, 

and rain that our fore-mast and sail blew 

overboard, and such mighty waves overraked 

us in that small barge that with great labor 

we kept her from sinking by freeing out the 

water. Two days we were 

enforced to inhabit these 

uninhabited isles, which 

for the extremity of gusts, 

thunder, rain, storms, 

and ill weather we called 

“Limbo.” Repairing our 

fore-sail with our shirts, we 

set sail…” 

--John Smith, The General 

History 

a scheduled 18-day trip to Maryland and 

celebrations in St. Mary’s City, Solomons, 

Annapolis, Gibson Island, Hancock’s 

Resolution, Fort Smallwood, and highlighted 

by a 5-day stay at Baltimore’s famed Inner 

Harbor, before concluding the journey with a 

stay at Patapsco Park. 

The barge and crew had made their first 

port of call in St. Mary’s City 

when rough weather struck. 

Two nights of storms, including, 

lightning, high seas, and 70 mph 

winds, provided wet, sleepless 

nights for the crew, and sprung 

at least one of the barge’s oak 

planks as she lay anchored 

at historic St. Mary’s City. 

Needing major repairs, the crew 

reluctantly returned to Reedville 

to regroup. 

History can have an 

unpleasant way of repeating itself. Almost 

400 years to-the-day after Captain John 

Smith and company experienced their own 

residency in Limbo, the Spirit of 1608 and 

her crew of RFM volunteers faced a nearly 

identical storm, at nearly identical latitude, 

with eerily similar results. 

On June 13, 2008, Spirit of 1608 set sail 

from her home port of Reedville to begin 

As this issue of the Starry Banner 

goes to press, the future of this journey is 

in question. In an effort that would make 

Captain John Smith himself proud, RFM 

volunteers are actively working to repair the 

damaged barge and preserve some portion of 

the 400th Anniversary trip to Maryland. 

As a member of the Reedville Fishermen’s 

Museum, you would be proud of the 

extraordinary efforts that our volunteers are 

making in this endeavor. 


COCKTAILS ON THE CREEK... 

GOES UNDER THE PAVILION FOR DANCING! 

GIFT SHOP 

Several new and beautiful fun items have 

arrived at the gift shop. You can buy a Reedville 

Museum grocery tote and leave the plastic bag 

in the store. One less plastic article to be thrown 

in the trash. New books are arriving almost 

weekly with a great choice of children's reading. 

Of course the shop has the hats, sun visors and 

tee shirts you are looking for. 

Save gas and buy your greeting cards and gifts 

at the RFM gift shop. Some new beautiful, hand 

made and designed jewelry has been added 

to the jewelry case and we have fun watches 

and fan pulls. Lots to look at and buy for those 

special friends or family 

50% discount on items on the sale table. 

20 Starry Banner Spring 2008



P.O. Box 306 

Reedville, VA 22539 

Presorted 

Standard U.S. 

Postage 

Paid Permit No. 6 

Reedville, VA 

Starry Banner SUMMER 2008 

Printed by Lottsburg Printing Company

Reedville Fishermen's Museum - Reedville, Virginia

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