Editor’s Note: Since the publication of this story, there has been increased interest in the building site, which was one of the Green Book locations. The Green Book itself was made famous in the 2018 movie. GLOUCESTER – Anyone who has driven Gloucester’s Route 17 knows the W.J. Stokes Tavern.MORE HERE
RICHMOND – Worth a visit is the restored Miller & Rhoads department store building, which is now Miller & Rhoads Residences condominiums and a Hilton Garden Inn. Click on the link above to learn about the condo project and to make reservations in the hotel. It is hard to believeMORE HERE
An enduring independent brand of apple juice, vinegar and apple products is White House of Winchester, Virginia. Today, its products are still American grown, and it is one of the rare brands that has not been taken over and outsourced by private capital. The apples in its products come fromMORE HERE
NORFOLK – Radio stations are one of the more important regional brands that define a community. In a geographic region, and through the years, a radio station’s call letters become associated with a set of numbers, namely the station’s frequency. (A great discussion of the history of the Federal CommunicationsMORE HERE
RICHMOND – Adweek has a Q&A with Virginia’s Gov. Tim Kaine, on the 40th anniversary of the Virginia is for Lovers ad campaign. Great insights into its birth, and where the campaign is going. It’s on their site with ads posted timeline style on their Adfreak blog. Amusing that KaineMORE HERE
CHARLOTTESVILLE – Any person who lived in Virginia in the 1970s would know these regional bank jingles. “F&M’s free banking puts you and your checkbook … a jump ahead.” “Virginia National is the way Virginia Banks today.” The two banks merged, and became Sovran. Something was lost. Little was gained.MORE HERE
RICHMOND — Original neon signs from two well-known Virginia retailers have been restored to original working condition and are on display at the Valentine Richmond History Center. The exterior sign from the former Mill End Shop in Richmond ‘s Carytown and a mid-century A&N Store sign join the History Center’sMORE HERE
MARTINSVILLE – While it is High Point (and North Carolina) that is associated with the American furniture industry, it is the southern part of Virginia that is the hub for traditional American furniture. The region is home to a cluster of old-school, middle class brands including Stanley, Hooker, Pulaski, RoweMORE HERE
PETERSBURG – It’s the greatest pen sign ever. It’s the Remmie Arnold Pen of Petersburg, Virginia. The company was founded by Remmie Arnold, who ran for governor of Virginia, but lost. He won at the pen game, and for a time Remmie Arnold was one of the world’s largest penMORE HERE
Each little region of the United States has its own brand names. These brand names are the most fragile of brands, as even a great (and successful) 75-year-old local retail company can shut down because of real estate, family issues, changing demographics or a myriad of other things. These brandsMORE HERE