I loved this sign when we crossed into Brunswick County. Once I had seen it, I had to make a u-turn, backtrack and then make another u-turn to get this shot.
Our first historical marker was for Mabry's Chapel. I wonder if this guy is any relation to the Mabry who had the mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Next up were 3 markers on the same spot. I was in such a hurry that I did not realize they signs were not properly framed in the view finder. At least they are still legible. This is the marker telling about the Brunswick Stew.
Meherrin Indians.
Greensville County. When Cornwallis passed through I hope it was on his way back to England.
After a bit more time on the main roads, Mike had me turn off onto some side roads. We passed where lumber mills used to be that he had worked at, and passed prisons where they got men to work the sawmills from. There were lovely old homes that were in great shape or in great dis-repair. When we got here Mike had me pull off the road into a vacant field and we played guess what this building was. He did give me a few hints and I got close but never got the true purpose. Mike told me it was used as solitary confinement for a prison that used to be down the road a bit, hence the bars on the windows. I had thought it was a small sheriff's office or a jail.
We eventually got to our hotel and rested. The next day we went on a tour of Suffolk, Old Suffolk and other quaint towns. We passed a Smithfield smokehouse and also a packing plant. For lunch we stopped at Edward's in Surry. They make the most incredible sandwiches.
The little shop is also a gift shop and you can buy refrigerated sausages and ham steaks. Not seen in the photo is the curing and packing warehouse behind this place. During the peak of summer they offer tours of the facility.
After a wonderful lunch we hustled back to our hotel to get freshened up and get stuff for the main event, The Chuckatuck Ruritan Oyster Roast! The oyster roast was one of the main reasons for this road trip. When we got down to the field there was already a good crowd going. The beer was flowing freely and all the tables has been staked out by groups of people who came for the food.
The oysters were trucked in from North Carolina.
Once the fire is roaring a crew of men work to get the concrete form covered with steel plates.
Once the steel plates are hot the oysters start coming off the truck. They are rinsed off and then shoveled onto the steel plates.
The older men spend time teaching the younger guys how to do it.
When the oysters are ready they are loaded into wheelbarrows and shoveled into piles all along the very long tables. Everyone gets their knives and gloves and gets to work.
With your ticket you are entitled to all the oysters you can eat, beer, clam chowder and baskets of roasted Virginia peanuts. Also included is quality time with long time friends of Mike's.
Ah, this was really worth the drive.
We already have our knives and gloves ready for the 2015 oyster roast and are working in a list of stuff to bring to make it an even better experience for us.
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