MEMORIES
RANDOM MEMORIES OF VIRGINIA – Part 4
8. Driving out of Seaford and approaching U.S. 17 again, we saw many landmarks that were there when we lived there.
Pop’s Drive-in. – a greasy-spoon diner that had been there longer that we had. We learned just this trip that it has finally closed, just this month! Wow!
Credit Google Search
The Red Barn gas station – right near Pop’s and where we would fill-up the car quite often. It was fairly close to the Newport News Airport, so we would fill the gas tank on our rental car and drive to the airport with a full tank to turn the car in. Still in business.
Credit Google Search
Bill’s Seaford House – a favorite of ours for a long time. The owner was a member of our church. Wonderful seafood, and the restaurant was closed on Sundays. Bill sold it to one of his managers, who essentially turned it into a bar. Not sure it is still there even (just checked Google Search, and it is permanently closed).
Credit Google Search
9. There were a couple of “bases” we remembered as we drove along the Colonial Parkway and Interstate 64. They were – and I suppose still are – shrouded in mystery. Camp Peary was one, and the rumor was that it was a CIA training ground. It was said to be a “body farm.” True? According to Wikipedia, it is true. Wikipedia explains it quite well:
A body farm is a research facility where decomposition of humans and other animals can be studied in a variety of settings. The initial facility was conceived by anthropologist William M. Bass in 1981 at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee, where Bass was interested in studying the decomposition of a human corpse from the time of death to the time of decay. The aim was to gain a better understanding of the decomposition process, permitting the development of techniques for extracting information such as the timing and circumstances of death from human remains. Body farm research is of particular interest in forensic anthropology and related disciplines, and has applications in the fields of law enforcement and forensic science. By placing the bodies outside to face the elements, researchers are able to get a better understanding of the decomposition process.
I find it fascinating that such a place exists. Wikipedia also states that there are seven such body farms throughout the United States. Amazing.
The other “shrouded in mystery” base was Cheatham Annex (pronounced Cheat’ – um). Turns out it isn’t a mystery at all! Wikipedia states: Cheatham Annex is a Naval Base, located near Williamsburg, Virginia on the York River approximately 35 miles northwest of Norfolk in the heart of the famous Jamestown–Williamsburg–Yorktown “Historic Triangle.” Although Cheatham Annex was not commissioned until June 1943, the land on which the base is located can claim the unique distinction of having been associated with every conflict involving the United States freedom and independence. The mission of Cheatham Annex includes supplying Atlantic Fleet ships and providing recreational opportunities to military and civilian personnel.
And: The Navy Morale Welfare and Recreation (NMWR) runs a cabin and recreation facility on Cheatham Annex. Cheatham Annex (CAX).
CAX is home to the largest Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Outdoor Recreation facility on the East Coast. Active duty, Reservists and military retirees and their dependents can take advantage of a wide range of facilities, including 54 cabins, 50 RV parking spots, 20 primitive campsites and more than 10 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Along with fishing on two lakes and the York River, swimming pool and an 18-hole golf course, the MWR Outdoor Recreation is ideal for military families looking for a chance to relax.
While that solves the mystery, Cheatham Annex was never even mentioned to us as a resort and recreation area for the military while we lived in Virginia. Hmmmm…
Well, folks, that’s the end of “Random Memories of Virginia.” There may be more in the future, as Fred and I recall our times in Virginia. Thanks for letting me ramble, and I hope you enjoyed the ride – we certainly did!
~~~~~~~~~~The End~~~~~~~~~~
Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .
Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.
After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.
Old Things R New 
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