Category: neighborhood

double dog

woolen mills walkabout
I’ve been walking with two dogs in the morning

Woolen Mills walkabout
Typically I bike with one dog which makes taking pictures impractical. It is much easier to stop and photograph when walking. This is a view of the Rivanna River, Monticello and Carters mountain are in the distance.

The absence of leaves opens vistas not available in the summer. The water tank and smokestack are architectural remnants from 100 years ago, part of the Charlottesville Woolen Mills INC’s physical plant.

Union Chapel

day of rest

” This is a small, wooden church of Gothic style of the late nineteenth century. It exemplifies a vernacular style common in late nineteenth century residential and secular buildings. It is important as a feature of the Woolen Mills community, which contains many other fine examples of residential and industrial construction of the mid to late nineteenth century. The Woolen Mills Chapel, built in 1887, and located in the Woolen Mills community (approximately 1 1/2 miles east of Courthouse Square) typifies the late 19th century trend of Gothic stylization, often seen in rural vernacular buildings. The chapel was constructed on property which had been deeded by the Woolen Mills’ founder, H.C. Marchant, to be used as a non-denominational chapel for the Woolen Mills community.”-Historic American Buildings Survey

Eminent Domain

3 dogs
I asked Council to seize 21 acres in the floodplain of the Rivanna River, to provide the current owner of the property with just compensation, and create another river park. In the alternative there will be a 15 foot flood wall that blocks access from neighborhoods to the river, a 2 acre parking lot and 245 apartment units.

“that sort of burst on us about a week ago”

(audio from 3 of 5 councilors below.)

Chuck

CWTIII January 1
CWTIII used to bring a taste of Suffolk Virginia to the Woolen Mills January first. He’d make the obligatory Hoppin’ John, not my favorite. But then there were oysters and ham biscuits, delicious. Chuck was my neighbor for 34 years. All good years. Miss him everyday.
chuck and Tilly
Chuck and Matilda, porch sitting

WTJU is raising funds for an initiative: the Chuck Taylor Fund for WTJU History. Email WTJU General Manager Nathan Moore if you’d like to learn more about this fund. nathan.moore@virginia.edu