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Culpeper Historical Society-

Historical Issues are mixed with concerns of happenings involving the Town and County. The Historical Society, Inc. has been advertised in the Culpeper Star-Exponent for some time showing T.A. O'Halloran , Jr. and Frances Walters as contact persons. This has been a strange mixture of information as the Society hasn't met in approximately 7 or 8 years due to certain people. I have tried at different times to get a meeting being denied the list of members. This list was necessary to comply with the by-laws to call a special meeting. I also called for a distribution of our funds to be made to the life members. A special meeting was finally called for April 19th, 2008 to review by-laws that had been done by T. A. O'halloran, Jr. and J.J. Davies, III without input from the Life Members, if the people had a copy you could see how if they were done so certain people would have tight control. There was to be an election of new officers. Neither the by-laws or election of new officers as advertised in the letter distributed to the Life Members and others that I can't say either way being members or not since a Treasurers report by Angus Green had not been submited in 8 years and the one at this meeting was a verbal one not giving specifics. At this meeting some members of the group that calls themselves the Preservation of Culpeper History was present stating they had been life members for four years this sounded strange to me as we haven't had a meeting in 8 and the mayor of Culpeper had even stated that we dildn't exist. Why would you join a defunct organization? Their names weren't on the list sent to me in the mail. I know that I have been trying to get information concerning the Culpeper Historical Society, Inc.. What was done at the meeting was that a person with the Preservation of Culpeper History seemed to me to take charge of the meeting, one of the things that he did was make a motion or state what a great job Angus had done as treasurer.He, Angus had let the Incorporation license expire some years ago. This was the second time that he had done this. There was some discussion about the treasury of the Culpeper Historical Society, Inc. and I spoke saying that Angus wouldn't have to be concerned with that after today, thinking that we came together to elect new officers. This person from that new group and one or two of his cronies spoke out. This one said anyone would have to be crazy to take on the treasurers job without being incorporated. He was speaking to me who took the job of treasurer when we got it started some time ago. I can only assume he was saying I was crazy. If I went into what took place that first time I think the people of Culpeper would rise up in anger. He then made a motion to give away the treasury of the Culpeper Historical Society, Inc which was seconded by some woman whom I didn't know.This man said he wasn't in Conflict of Interest. I thought otherwise. I also from certain happenings thourht that all this was a put up deal. My words to Butch Davies was that I couldn't believe that he would get involved in something like this. I also spoke to bring to mind some of the Happenings leading up to this meeting from some years ago. Not all the life members were present and as to any new ones or others present who said they were members I can't say if they were or not. I requested from Mr. Davies with a letter hand delivered to his office certain things related to that meeting and haven't heard from ;him as of yet. I can't believe that a meeting advertised for something not to be done and to do something else is legal. This applys to alot of what has transpired in the past also.. If we were really going to re-organize our Society, why wasn't it advertised in the press then what transpired could have been made known and I wouldn't have to be writing this epistle. Also perhaps if all was brought out about a secret meeting at the national cemetery who it was against I could have some help against some very unscruplus people. This was told to my wife and I at a meeting of an organization at Staunton some years ago and the person told us she didn't get involved because she would have to tell what she knew about the museum. I hope all have noticed that in all my endeavors to get people to do right, my wife has remained in the back ground. I hope this helps to put the editor of the CSE's remark that I think there is a conspiracy against me at rest and that those who deserve recognition for their dastardly deeds get all that they deserve. Most people know when they have been violated, I know what has been done to me, a person that only wanted to research and make Culpeper History known to our people. Many from different places enjoyed the articles that I researched and shared with all. To me History is more than just a story to tell. .....George W. Bryson .

George Bryson is concerned about a monument in the area and asked the commission to protect it. The United Daughters of the Confederacy has a monument dedicated to Confederate Lt. Col. John Pelham at the corner of the airport, at the intersection of U.S. 29 and Beverly Ford Road.

Mr. George Bryson, Culpeper County resident, addressed Council with similar concerns that he had previously expressed regarding his belief that he has been violated by the Historical Society and Citizens Cemetery Committee and stated nothing has been done about it. He stated he had previously requested an investigation on certain things that had occurred at a Committee II meeting. Mr. Bryson noted he was filing complaints with the Virginia Bar Association against at least two of the Town Attorneys and cited complaints regarding the Town’s handling of the Fairview Cemetery Trust Fund and the violation of the area surrounding the Monument. Further, complaints are being filed with the Attorney General on his concerns regarding issues with the Culpeper Star Exponent, Culpeper News, Fairview Cemetery trust fund, Historical Society/Library, Citizens Cemetery Committee, etc. He had concerns with the siltation at Lake Pelham and the fact that more discharge is being put into Mountain Run, and when the water gets low, it is a health hazard.

Mr. George Bryson addressed council expressing his concerns with what he termed as “spot zoning” that allowed the development of the “strip mall” located on Sperryville Pike and provided several pictures of the area. He noted concern with the commercial businesses being so close to residences and his opposition to the proposed inner loop road. He also questioned why the road around the confederate monument within Fairview had not yet been restored. Mr. Bryson discussed the work he and his wife had coordinated on cleaning and checking the monument some years back. He emphasized at that time there was no indication that the monument was leaning. He suggested businesses are always interested in speeding up development, which is not always in the best interest of the citizens. He hoped the Town of Culpeper would remain a town separate from the County. Mr. Bryson requested Council’s consideration of the pictures he had provided and the history of the area and question whether or not the strip mall should have been allowed especially with a lot of the residences being low-income. He questioned why he could not get answers to his questions when he came before Council.

George Bryson, 10103 Rixeyville Road, addressed Council noting he had been before the body many times and the only feedback he had received from the Town and County had been concerning his hat. He explained he had to wear the cap due to eye problems and stressed he was not being disrespectful. He discussed how he believed his civil rights have been violated by various groups and individuals. He stated various concerns, such as being requested by an individual to help with getting stones, etc. fixed in Fairview Cemetery, and then he was violated by that individual; the Town hired someone to do the research on Fairview Cemetery thereby destroying his opportunity to do a book based on his own research; the Town had gone against historical data by closing the drive around the Confederate Monument; his research was used without permission for the Jameson Hill marker project; and he had not received complete information on the archeological find at the Burgandine House. Mr. Bryson stated he continues to approach Council because he wants the issues resolved and noted it was affecting his personal health

George Bryson, 10103 Rixeyville Road, addressed Council noting he had been coming to Council for some years expressing his concerns on how he felt he had been violated. He distributed copies of several documents (filed with Council packet of this date) and discussed how he felt he had been violated in his dealings with the Citizens Cemetery Committee, Historical Society, and Museum. He stated he had told Council that he had served under the flag and taken an oath to defend this country and yet the governing bodies had treated him like less than a citizen. He discussed how he had been turned away by the commonwealth attorney and that he had refused to serve on jury duty, because he could not convict anyone in that court. He stressed how he believed the cemetery trust fund had been violated and the designated 33 foot radius around the confederate monument had been violated by allowing two burials within the area. He stated all he was asking was to be treated fairly. Councilmember Jenkins stated he had witnessed Mr. Bryson coming before Council for over a year and he was having difficulty in understanding exactly what Mr. Bryson’s concerns are. He stated he would like for the Town Manager to sit down with Mr. Bryson to determine his specific concerns and if the Town has done anything wrong that can be addressed. Mayor Rimeikis noted normally he would agree; however, the same issues have come up repeatedly during his tenure on Council, and the town manager and staff have repeatedly tried to resolve the issues. He noted most of the issues were not Town government-related. For example, the Historical Society was a private group and it had been disbanded some years ago. He stated he believed staff has been diligent in trying to resolve anything that has to do with the Town. Further, the Town cannot control the press. He stated he would be happy to hear from other members. Councilmember Jenkins stated he appreciated the Mayor’s comments, and he believed that everyone would like to help Mr. Bryson. He noted prior to his leaving the Board of Supervisors, Mr. Bryson had begun to have concerns. He stated he was only trying to help Mr. Bryson and was just asking Council to give the Manager an opportunity to try to gain some clarity from Mr. Bryson. Mr. Bryson further stressed his feelings that his health and safety have been endangered and his civil rights have been violated.

Mr. George Bryson stated he had been before Council previously to address his concerns and was disturbed that he had not received any comments back from the body. He stressed how he believed he had been violated as a citizen. He noted he had served time in the military and took an oath to defend this country. Mr. Bryson stated he believed he had been violated over issues relative to Fairview Cemetery, the Confederate Monument, and the monument located on the former Catalpa Farm. He noted the history articles he had written. Following further brief comments, he noted this would be the last time he came to a council meeting; however, he was not saying it was over.

Mr. George Bryson addressed council with his concerns on how he believed his rights have been violated by the justice system and the Town and County. He requested that council direct the Chief of Police to set a meeting with the FBI to be held at the court house to investigate his issues. He further discussed how he believed the DAR monument (“probably the most historical site in Culpeper”) is being violated, that not all of Fairview Cemetery is included on the National Register, and his concern with the Town allowing burials within the 33 foot radius around the Confederate monument in Fairview Cemetery.

Mr. George Bryson, County of Culpeper resident, addressed council with concerns regarding several issues including the Confederate monument area within Fairview Cemetery and his desire to see the circle re-opened, the nomination application for the Historic Register shading Culpeper as a racist community. He referenced his research and information on “Clayton Field” and the DAR monument (located off of Monument Lane) and his belief he had been violated as a citizen by the Town of Culpeper and others, and that council minutes were incomplete. Mr. Bryson noted he had certain items that would support his position. Ms. Priscilla Harper, County of Culpeper resident, addressed council relative to several issues including: ? Mr. Perry Cabot’s research pertaining to Fairview Cemetery is progressing and should be available soon; ? The new information found during Mr. Cabot’s research will be submitted to the Department of Historic Resources and the original nomination should be amended; ? Her support of Eastern Memorials being selected to perform the restoration plan of the cemetery; ? Restoration work is needed on the cemetery entrance wall as well as the Confederate monument, which is leaning, but the monument repairs should take precedence; and ? Her agreement with Mr. Bryson’s comments on the research on Clayton’s Field and the DAR monument and his comments on the submitted nomination not being positive for the community. Ms. Harper questioned the status of the maintenance building construction at Fairview Cemetery. Town Manager Godfrey responded the project is under contract. Ms. Harper referenced the funds appropriated for the cemetery master plan and restoration guide project. Town Manager Godfrey noted these are two different projects, and bids were solicited on each, which are being recommended for acceptance. Ms. Harper questioned if the grant money received from DHR in April 2004 had been accepted and/or used. Mayor Rimeikis responded this issue and any other questions Ms. Harper had could be discussed at the committee level. Ms. Harper complimented the town on the tourism brochure. She stressed the need to capitalize on the town’s tourist attractions. She briefly discussed how the historic marker planned for installation in the Oaklawn Drive/Blue Ridge Avenue area covers Revolutionary and Confederate history.

Mr. George Bryson, 10103 Rixeyville Road, addressed council expressing his concerns on the following: the Historical Society and circumstances surrounding it ceasing to function, a plaque being removed from the former library building; how the information he provided on the old Spotswood land grant was not being considered in conjunction with the proposal to enlarge the Town; and how his questions and the information he provides are never responded to.

Mr. George Bryson addressed Council expressing concern that the lot located on Monument Avenue had not been deeded to the DAR as proffered over five years ago. He discussed how steps had been installed and easements had been recorded on the lot up to the fencing around the monument located there. He stated he approached the Town several times and could not understand why this had not been done. Town Engineer Stephenson noted the developer of Lakeview had voluntarily agreed to donate the land around the monument, but it was not a proffered condition. He stated during a meeting with the developer on another issue, staff had asked about this issue, and he believed the developer was waiting on something from the DAR group in order to finalize the transfer of property. He reemphasized that the developer had agreed to this, but it was not a requirement of the Town. Mr. Bryson referenced a meeting during which he was assured that it had been proffered and discussed how his wife had called and was told to go ahead and landscape the area, etc.; however, in the meantime, easements, etc. had been granted. Mayor Rimeikis noted the legal transactions were not under the Town’s control.

Mr. George Bryson addressed Council noting he had been before Council a lot of times and questioned why no action had been taken on his previous concerns regarding the Historical Society of which he is a lifetime member, funds to the Museum, issues with the Fairview Cemetery, DAR and Confederate Monuments, items not being recorded in the minutes of certain Town meetings, his research being used for the Jamison Hill Monument without his permission and damaging his ability to do a book, etc. He discussed how he believed he had been violated by certain organizations and made to feel less than a citizen. He stressed how he had served his country and did not like to be at odds with the governing body.

Mr. George Bryson addressed Council noting his interest in the well being of the Town and County and requested Council consider the views of the people who elected them when allowing changes to the community. He noted his concern with the Star Exponent’s reporting on the joint water and sewer discussions and appearance of the paper trying to coerce the Town into making a decision in the way they want. He noted the increased budget amount from the 1934 timeframe to today and noted his concern with the increased property assessments and suggested a flat tax could be implemented.

Mr. George Bryson, county resident, questioned why there were no comments made on the fact that this would be eliminating an existing subdivision which contained a number of lots. He noted the commercial development will create more traffic. Mr. Bryson also noted that Mr. Butch Davies’ grandfather had handled the subdivision did some years ago and he would like to know more about this change.

Stolen Artifacts,

UDC,

SCV, ,

DAR,

Colonial Dames,

Fairview Cemetery