
Press release:
From The Times, December 21, 1902, which follows up earlier article by the Dispatch:
TROUBLE OVER DOGS
Two Arrests Made by Police at Instance of City Pound Master
Luther Page and Joseph Warriner, employees of the Tredegar Iron Works, were arrested yesterday afternoon by Sergeant Barfoot, of the Third [...]
From Richmond Dispatch, December 20, 1896:
Christmas comes and Christmas goes-
Stayeth with us never,
But the Broad-Street bob-tall car
Mule abideth ever.
Oh, will it be always thus,
‘Spite of all endeavor?
Can we not this antiquate
bond of union sever?
Ask the winds of Oregon
Hill, that blow so, ever;
[...]
The Times Dispatch reports that a man convicted of sexually assaulting a jogger on Belle Island could be facing 40 years in prison. The victim in the case has been lauded for her courage in facing her attacker and testifying in his prosecution.
[...]According to this Facebook page, there is a snowball fight scheduled for Monroe Park this evening. Hopefully there will be some fresh snow for it. NO ROCKS!
[...]From Dec. 19th, 1902 edition of Richmond dispatch:
HOUND MUSES RIOT, Oregon Hill Mob Bulldozes Dog- Catchers Without Avail.
A hound dog on Oregon Hill almost precipitated a riot in that section yesterday morning. The dog-catchers happened to be in the locality, performing their duties, and among the dogs they caught [...]
From the Richmond Dispatch, December 18th, 1900:
Charlie Pettus, a son of Capitol-Policeman Pettus, took an involuntary cold bath Sunday afternoon. He fell into the canal at the foot of Oregon Hill. The youth caught hold of a post and sustained his head above water until Mr. Charles Hartman jumped [...]

I heard people calling out her name last night while searching and I still see the flyers up around the neighborhood, so my guess is that this cat, named ‘Nobody’, is still missing and needs to be found.
[...]From the Preservation Nation blog:
Window Wednesday
by National Trust for Historic Preservation on December 16th, 2009
Original windows matter. From dramatic Gothic masterpieces to the colorful details of stained glass, these gems are instrumental in telling the special stories of our older and historic homes and buildings. For this reason [...]
From announcement:
Come to the Byrd House Renegade Market – Tuesdays from 3 to 6 pm
This week our gang of 5-7 wild bunch vendors will feature such things as Stewing Chickens, Holidays Wreaths & Greens, Chicken Eggs, Egg Noodles, Honey, home-baked Breads, Jams, Pickles, Leafy Greens, Turkey and Turkey Eggs, Sweet [...]
THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE JAMES RIVER AT RICHMOND WESTHAM *
UNTIL SATURDAY MORNING…OR UNTIL THE WARNING IS CANCELLED. * AT 09:30
AM THURSDAY THE STAGE WAS 13.5 FEET * MINOR FLOODING IS OCCURRING AND
MINOR FLOODING IS FORECAST. * FLOOD STAGE IS 12.0 FEET *
[...]
From a neighbor:
Help raise money for
by EATING PIZZA!! That’s right!
Here’s what you do:
Come to CiCi’s
7516 West Broad Street
on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10,
from 5-8 p.m.
and mention your school at the
register.(Tell your friends and family to do the same) Enjoy all the pizza you can eat!
CiCi’s will donate 15% [...]
From a neighbor….
tonite about 10:30PM RPD in what seems to be pursuit of a small truck
going south (wrong way) on S Cherry street. Truck loses control and
hits tree in 200 block S Cherry and driver gets out and runs. Police
swarm all over the place with many cruisers, [...]
From the Times Dispatch (this follows coverage for his arrest in October):
Richmond City Councilman E. Martin Jewell pleaded no contest yesterday to driving under the influence in October and apologized to his constituents and the community.
“I made a mistake. I should not have driven after drinking,” the 5th [...]
From announcement:
SynerGeo would like to invite you to our children’s art show on Thursday,
Dec. 10, 5:30-7pm. We will have some refreshments and we hope you can
make it out to see the great works they have created during our studies of
Chinese art.
We are located on the corner of [...]
Recently the Sierra Club Falls of the James Group blog ran a cursory review of area colleges and universities. It basically cruised through school media to glean more information on environmental initiatives.
Of course the biggest, Virginia Commonwealth University, Oregon Hill’s neighbor to the north, received the treatment:
Checking On [...]
There will be a Pearl Harbor observance at the Virginia War Memorial on Belvidere Street at 11 am, tomorrow (Monday). Pearl Harbor survivors will be on hand to help remember those who died in the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941.
[...]There have been a few reports of petty thefts from yards and porches in the neighborhood.
One neighbor reported that someone cut a electric cord to steal a reindeer Christmas decoration from front yard, while another has had a rocking chair stolen right off front porch.
[...]I have some sad news.
Jack Rose, a musician who spent a lot of time in Oregon Hill, has died
of an apparent heart attack at his home in Philadelphia.
Jack hung out a lot at 238 S. Cherry back when it was the base for
Radioactive Records and [...]
I spent part of yesterday evening enjoying the First Friday Art Walk on Broad Street. I got the chance to briefly speak with its main organizer Christina Newton, who was dutifully working the Curated Culture/First Fridays booth and table right there on Broad. I won ‘nada’ from the “zero [...]
From City press release:
For Immediate Release
Dec. 4, 2009
Media Contacts:
Tesha Davis – (804) 646-3998
Christy Everson – (804) 646-5944
Free holiday performance set for Dec. 6 at Landmark
The Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will present its annual holiday gift to the city, its production of “Amahl and [...]
From announcement:
Graphic design students at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) have
created posters on predatory lending as part of their senior seminar
class. The posters were designed in order to stimulate a discussion on
payday, car title and other types of predatory loans. Jay Speer,
Executive Director of the Virginia Poverty [...]
The Oregon Hill Home Improvement Council will be holding its monthly board meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, December 1st, at the Jacob House at 619 W. Cary St. at 7 PM. All are welcome.
This is a great time to remind that OHHIC has affordable houses for sale in Oregon Hill.
[...]From RichmondBizSense.com:
Gammino practiced law for more than a decade but left the legal profession to start his contracting business, which he grew a knack for after buying and fixing up homes in Oregon Hill. A native of Providence, R.I., Gammino has lived here since 1989, when he moved here [...]
Bryan Green, a Pine Street resident, wrote an editorial that recently appeared in the Times Dispatch newspaper:
One thing advocates of “smart growth” and supporters of historic preservation agree on is the importance of concentrating development where existing infrastructure is already dense — and where houses, businesses, schools, hospitals, and [...]
I have not had time to plug it or refine it as much as I would like, but there is an ‘online store’ at Zazzle.com for buying Oregon Hill-branded clothing and items. Proceeds go to the Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association.
You can get some great deals from the [...]
From The Times, November 25, 1900,
(The article is entitled, “Pushing Work On Hollywood Line”).
It is claimed by friends of the Passenger and Power Company that the placing of this additional line from Hollywood and Oregon Hill down Main Street all the way to Fulton will give [...]
As one of Richmond’s natural high points and one of Richmond’s urban, riverfront neighborhoods, we have a special responsibility to curtail stormwater runoff.
[...]This column appeared in The Times Dispatch, on November 23, 1904:
Editor of The Times-Dispatch:
Sir, -Please answer in your query column what per cent. of grade are the hills in and about Richmond, and oblige,
B.W.
….
Oregon Hill – Albemarle and Pine Streets, elevation 170.6.
…
These elevations are [...]
The next Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association (OHNA) meeting is
scheduled for Tuesday, November 24, at 7 pm. Because some of the
William Byrd Community House staff are on vacation then, I am moving
the location of the meeting to the Jacob House, at the corner of S.
Pine and W. [...]
From announcement:
It’s that week when we feast til we burst! OK, almost burst. As we prepare to grace family and friends by sharing great food and warm company, remember the RENEGADE Market is open this week –Tuesday from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm– to make available the freshest produce, meats [...]

I don’t think this has anything to do with this morning’s Dirt Woman sightings on Grace Street, but I did come upon this spectacle on 100 block of S. Pine:
[...]From the Times-Dispatch edition of November 21, 1903:
Rock Battle Was In Police Court
Alfred King’s Case Continued.
Pat Griffin’s Hearing Goes Over.
Justice John had a big bunch of young Americans before him yesterday morning. The youngsters were up for engaging in a rock battle on Gamble’s Hill against [...]
From announcement :
Hey Oregon Hill! You know the Halloween Parade put on each year by All The Saints Theater Company? Well we’re starting to organize for the May Day Parade and we’re looking for folks who would like help us with that. If you’re interested check out the info below. [...]
According to the blog, Project 4063, which is a VCU Mass Communications class and professor, is hosting a ‘benefit mixer’ at Blackfinn restaurant on the Canal Walk this coming Wednesday. Like a lot of Project 4063’s activities, it will benefit the William Byrd Community House.
Do you [...]

Help commemorate the centennial anniversary of the founding of the Equal Suffrage League of Va, Nov.16-20th, 2009
Click here for more info on this event.
[...]
SynerGeo headquarters, at the corner of Laurel and Albemarle, was recently painted. Click here to see more of Tess’ SynerGeo pictures…
[...]Late notice I know, but here is part of the announcement:
Shop at the Byrd House Market’s Renegade Market, every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. Corner of S. Linden St. and Idlewood Ave (same as BHM) where vendors sell autumn and winter vegetables, meat, chicken, pork, eggs, preserves, baked goods, [...]
Residents need to be aware that the date of the Richmond Marathon approaches, and with it comes street closings.
Here is some other spectator info. I would also be interested in knowing about Oregon Hill residents who are participating as runners.
[...]The John Marshall Memorial Association will hold a ceremony at Hollywood Cemetery on Veteran’s Day, November 11th at 12:00 noon. The ceremony will include artillery fire.
[...]I am a little late getting this posted, and for that I apologize. Personally, I am very excited and thankful for this successful action by Richmond’s finest. Oh behalf of the neighborhood, thanks to the Richmond Police Department!
From the press release:
Trio Charged With Fan/Carver Neighborhood Robberies
Nov. 5, 2009
Thanks to [...]
From Lt. Baltz:
Hello. I hope everyone had a nice October and a quiet Halloween. I know there were a lot of activities taking place over the weekend. First Fridays will be this Friday night, plan to come out and support the businesses that participate in this.
It is unfortunate but [...]
From The Times, November 4, 1900,
The Republicans will hold their final meeting in this city on Oregon Hill tomorrow night. General Edgar Allen and Mr. Hugh Gordon Miller will be the speakers.
Hey, Charles, could this meeting have been at the City Auditorium?
[...]From press release:
TheCollegePlace-Richmond Upcoming Workshop:
Understanding and Applying for Financial Aid: Figuring out how to search for
financial assistance for college can be a complicated and stressful process.
This workshop will help students and parents navigate the world of financial
aid. This topic will cover areas such as understanding financial aid [...]
From announcement:
Last Chance this year for dinner and a documentary night!
Veggie Dinner and a documentary will start again in late winter, early spring of 2010.
Bring your veggies to share (6pm) and come see short segments of Ken Burns “The National Parks” (7pm) Thurs. Nov 5, 2009.
Bring photos [...]
I would like to express my appreciation to neighbors the
Hargers (Shawn, Misty, and their relatives), Kyle Meyer, and Roxanne
Schwartz, who were the primary organizers for the Oregon Hill
Neighborhood Association party/social we had this past Tuesday night.
They prepared a great spread. We also had some wonderful [...]
From the October 28, 1900 copy of the Richmond Times Dispatch :
Mr. Charles E. Barfoot had David Rowe arrested for stealing his orange-and-white hound pup.
The Great Dispenser knows much of human nature, and dreads a dog case.
The parties live on Oregon Hill, and Mr. Rowe declared he [...]
From announcement:
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church is offering basic home energy-saving devices to households on Oregon Hill that want and need assistance in this area. Items include weatherization strips for doors and windows and interior window insulation kits. Windows and doors can account for up to 20% of the air leaks [...]
There is a free screening of the new documentary film Rethink Afghanistan on Wednesday, October 28, at 7:00 PM in the VCU Student Commons Forum Room (907 Floyd Avenue).
Rethink Afghanistan is a documentary about the U.S.’ escalating military involvement in Afghanistan directed by Robert Greenwald and distributed by Brave [...]
Received this notice from neighbor:
Does Richmond Need a Citizen Tree Commission?
Information about Ordinance 2009-174
Council representative, Chris Hilbert, has introduced an ordinance to establish a citizen tree commission to be called the Urban Forestry Commission, to reflect the broad vision for the group. The purpose is to improve the City’s [...]
From the Richmond Dispatch, October, 25, 1902,
Jack Burgess, who lives on Oregon Hill, in Richmond, suffered a terrible accident at work in the plant of the Richmond Standard Steel, Spike and Iron Company in Manchester yesterday afternoon. He was operating one of the heading spike machines when [...]
A neighbor wanted to let people that he found a calico cat in his yard on the 400 block of S. Laurel St. If it is yours, please call 804 216 1441.
Me, I just wanted to reference this young adult book that I remember from my childhood.
[...]First, from Fans of Monroe Park Facebook Group:
Good news, friends- the Monroe Park Master plan/document was unanimously approved by the Planning Commission on Monday, Oct 19th. Now the City needs to come up with some major dollars to make this park the historic jewel the City deserves!
Have we got a deal for you! Join WBCH for a night of fun at the New York
Deli! There will be giveaways, karaoke, drinks specials and more on
October 22nd with WBCH!
When you make a donation to WBCH in the month of October and eat at New
[...]
It’s ironic that Richmond’s Downtown (which has seen over a billion dollars in investment), still lacks its own neighborhood blog. Oh, there is the River District News, which covers a sort of a contrived, loose neighborhood, and that includes parts of downtown.
In the meantime, OregonHill.net will continue to [...]
From the Richmond Police Department press release:
Richmond Police Department
Bryan T. Norwood
Chief of Police
Contact: Gene Lepley
Richmond Police Department
Phone 804-646-0607
Fax 804-646-3496
http://www.richmondgov.com/police
For Immediate Release
News Release
Officer Catches Oregon Hill Graffiti Vandal
Oct. 21, 2009
Thanks to the quality investigation and timely action by the Richmond Police [...]
Not in Oregon Hill, but nearby in Randolph:
Hello,
I am writing to invite you to a roundtable on climate change and national security. Military veterans are embarking on a 21-state tour to talk to citizens and local community leaders about the dangers of climate change and ts threat to national [...]
From the press release:
WHO: City of Richmond Department of Public Works
WHAT: Electronic Recycling Day (E-cycle Day)
WHEN: Saturday, October 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: 2720 Hermitage Rd. (Division of Solid Waste parking lot)
BACKGROUND: The Department of Public Works and the Clean City
Commission are sponsoring an electronic recycling day [...]
On October 24th at approximately 12:15 pm a ceremony will be held at Hollywood Cemetery which will include artillery fire.
Please think about your pets and the seismophobic.
[...]From the October 17, 1902 edition of the Richmond Dispatch :
Prisioners in City Jail Seeking Continuences Rather Than Face The Present Composition
The present jury in th Hustings Court is one after the heart of Judge Witt and Commonwealth’s Attorney Richardson. It has gotten such a reputation for giving good [...]
From article cum press release:
Virginia is offering $119 million in federal stimulus money to help localities make school buildings more energy efficient.
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said today that localities will compete for the money, made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act adopted by Congress this year to [...]
From poster:
St. Andrew’s School, Williams Byrd Community House, and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church would like to invite you to attend the unveiling of the Grace Arents historical marker.
Please join us Friday, October 16th at 5:30 pm at St. Andrew’s School, 227 South Cherry St., Richmond, VA [...]

Many citizens are concerned about protecting neighborhoods’ historic views of the James River from inappropriate development. An event on Wednesday unveils a petition on the subject.
Later that evening, the Sierra Club Falls of the James group holds its October membership monthly meeting at the [...]
But first, imagine what used to be on the Festival site- the Gamble’s Hill park and neighborhood and part of Oregon Hill neighborhood, the State Penitentiary, the functioning Tredegar Iron Works and working Kanawha Canal.
Hopefully the Richmond Folk Festival has proven somewhat sustainable (I know [...]
Seems like just yesterday that I was standing in the Ethyl field with about twenty people taking in crazy Bulgarian wedding music on the very stormy first night of the National Folk Festival’s debut in Richmond.
Last night the second RICHMOND Folk Festival started [...]
From the City’s Department of Community Development October Update:
Monroe Park Master Plan Moving Ahead
Richmond acquired the original 11 acres for Monroe Park in 1851 when the park still lay outside city limits. It was envisioned as a place that would provide opportunities to partake of “invigorating air” and to [...]
From Richmond Police:
ROBBERY
10/09/09 12:30 a.m.
700 block of W. Franklin St.
Two males reported they were robbed by two unknown males with a gun.
The Times Dispatch account has a little more information.
Two young men told Richmond police they were sitting on a wall in the 700 [...]
From the Richmond History Center:
Mon.-Sat. (10:00-11:30a) Through October 31st
HIGHLIGHTS OF HOLLYWOOD CEMETERY A walking tour of historic Hollywood Cemetery, final resting place of soldiers, residents and presidents.Meet your guide just beyond the stone building at the cemetery entrance at Cherry and Albemarle streets. $10 (Pay your [...]
Fourth Precinct Community Assisted Public Safety (CAPS) meeting will be held:
. Date: Thursday, October 15, 2009
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Place: Linwood Holton Elementary School
1600 W Laburnum Avenue
Please bring your concerns, comments and suggestions to this meeting in order that we may address them properly.
Thank you
Jacki Page
Sr. Customer Services Representative
804-646-4150
[...]Just a few quick reminders-
Oregon Hill Home Improvement Council board meeting at the Jacob House at 7 pm.
One of my favorite events of the year and it happens right outside our doors-
Saturday, SCFOJ Bike Ride explores watershed revitalization on the Southside.
[...]The Richmond Road Runners had their Capitol 10M Race this morning. According to the website, the course was “designed by runners for runners”, which is great, except they neglected to tell anyone in the neighborhood, even after the course changed. Oregon Hill is used to these kind of [...]

Around 7:45 last night a bunch of emergency vehicles arrived on Spring Street last night to investigate a burning smell from one of the houses. Unofficial word is that it was a malfunctioning fridge. Also, see related Style story from this week.
[...]I got a request to post this with the calendar list I did a few days ago. I did not have time then, so I am giving it a whole post now. I would love to hear more about plans/events for Open High, Patrick Henry, Clark Springs, and [...]
Don’t you just love the fall? The nights are getting cooler which means we can turn the air conditioner off and crack the windows. If you chose to do this please do not leave them up when you are at work and never open the windows on the first floor, [...]

Community Movie Night
Friday, October 2 at 7:30 P.M.
Pleasants Park
80’s Classic Night: The Goonies
Refreshments served: grilled hotdogs, chips, and beverage
Books on Wheels will be at the St. Andrew’s Church Harvest on the Hill Community Fair today from 12-3PM, behind the William Byrd Community House. Bring your bike out and get that broken whatever attended to and pick up a free book or 3!
[...]Sept. 26- St. Andrew’s Oregon Hill Art Show
Sept. 26- Jerry Seinfeld at the Landmark Theater
Sept. 27- St. Andrew’s Community Fair
Sept. 27- OHHIC annual meeting
Sept. 28- Richmond City Council meeting
Sept. 28- Lady Gaga at the Landmark Theater
Sept. 29- Blood Drive at the Byrd House [...]
Richmond Police Department press release:
For Immediate Release
News Release
RPD Taking Crime Prevention to New Heights
Sept. 24, 2009
The Richmond Police Department has seized the opportunity to lift its crime prevention efforts by using confiscated funds to purchase the SkyWatch mobile surveillance tower.
SkyWatch is a mobile trailer and cabin that can [...]
Richmond BizSense has an article on cuts to higher ed in the state, including VCU.
Virginia Commonwealth University is expected to lose $15.2 million. VCU’s overall budget for 2009-10 is $827 million.
VCU will make cuts by leaving unfilled positions open while cutting down on travel, equipment, supplies and [...]
Potluck Veggie Dinner and a Documentary at the
Next Thursday, 10/1/09
Hosts: John Richmond and Caroline Cox RSVP [Carolion1@yahoo.com] or 783-6316
6pm Potluck- please bring a vegetarian dish, w/ plates, cups and silverware to save landfill space
7pm The Corporation – This film psychologically evaluates what kind of “legal [...]
Recent tests found high levels of toxic chemicals called PCBs in the James River and some tributaries between Richmond and Hopewell.
In some cases, levels of the chemicals were hundreds of times higher than the state limit, state officials said.
The PCBs pose a threat to fish but [...]
Yes, the next month will be a busy one, and there are lots of other things to blog about…but in the meantime, I will try to stir up the local internetz by drawing attention to this post:
Where to find virgins: go to urban churches
The Man Who Would be [...]
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church hosts Harvest on the Hill, the annual Community Fair on Oregon Hill; Sunday, September 27, 2009; Noon-3 p.m.: live music, food, kids games, plus “Green” booths and a one-man show of original watercolors by Anthony Creech celebrating Oregon Hill. More [...]
From Richmond Police press release this morning:
Robbery
9/19/09 4:00 a.m.
700 block of Cumberland Street
A male reported he was robbed at gunpoint by an unknown male.
From the Times Dispatch, September 20, 1887,
Charlie Mann, a ten-year-old boy, residing with his parents at 609 High Street, Oregon Hill, and employed at the Tredegar Iron-Works, yesterday met with an accident which it is thought beyond doubt will prove fatal.
About five o’clock in the afternoon he was [...]
I will be interested in seeing how the SynerGeo arts program and the upcoming St. Andrew’s Art Show do.
But first, dinner:
Hey everyone! I’m Ashley Sigmon from SynerGeo (the non-profit at 349 S. Laurel) and I wanted to invite you guys to the first Community Dinner of the season [...]
Ed from Oregon Hill’s Mamma Zu’s will be cooking for Positive Vibe Cafe tomorrow
Join us for
a Special Evening Benefiting Positive Vibe’s Training Program for People with
Disabilities
The Vibe’s Guest Chef Series
Resumes this Sunday, September 20, 2009 featuring
Ed Vasaio of Mamma Zu.
Please Call 804.560.9622 For
Reservations.
Choose [...]
Around 1 pm on Sunday, there will be a musket volley will be fired as part of a Confederate Memorial dedication ceremony in Hollywood Cemetery. Sorry for the late notice.
[...]
And I thought the piano flyer was kinda random…
Just for fun, here’s a photo of some bicycle polo in Holly Street Playground…
Clean Energy Rally tomorrow evening in Monroe Park! There’s more events and movie showings planned…
I heard the Benny-Fit went well, and there are tentative plans to hold it again next year.
Pete’s virtual roadtrip got some international press.
Noticed this on Oregon Hill’s Wikipedia [...]
For Immediate Release
News Release
Richmond Police Recruiting for Citizen Academy
Sept. 16, 2009
If you have ever wondered what it takes to become a Richmond Police officer or how the Richmond Police Department operates, now is your chance to find out.
Richmond Police will offer an eight-week Citizen Police Academy for those [...]