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
Pine Camp Bonus Episode - The Other Sanatorium
In this bonus episode on the History of Pine Camp, Christina Vida of the Valentine Museum, talks about another Sanitorium that was erected to battle Tuberculosis in 1908. It was in Church Hill — and it was created in part with the help of a citizen who many residents were not a fan of. In fact, you could say, her doing what she did was the start of the NIMBY movement (Not in my backyard). And it was in a place that is now an elementary school.
This bonus episode of History Reinvented is to spur you into becoming a member or by sending me a monetary tip via Venmo at Ian-Stewart-82. I produce this show on my own and can always use the help.
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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.
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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. I’m Ian Stewart, thanks for tagging along.
History Reinvented is a Big Soap Production.
Email me: Ian07stewart@gmail.com. Venmo: Ian-stewart-82
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