DATE: Wednesday, September 17, 1997         TAG: 9709160408

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B3   EDITION: FINAL 

COLUMN: Neighborhood Exchange 

TYPE: PUBLIC LIFE 

SOURCE: BY MIKE KNEPLER, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   58 lines

CIVIC-MINDED MAN LEADS THE WAY FOR THE BAYSIDE HISTORY TRAIL

It's not always the descendants of Virginia's first families who promote local history.

Often it's ``come 'eres'' like Steve Hawthorne and Carolyn Caywood who create campaigns such as the proposed Bayside History Trail in Virginia Beach.

Hawthorne, an 11-year resident of Virginia Beach, is a canoeing and bicycling enthusiast from Illinois.

His interest in local history was nourished by coming upon historic sites in the Bayside borough while bicycling with his daughter, Heather-Marie, 11.

Some buildings date to the 17th and 18th centuries, such as the Thoroughgood House, Old Donation Episcopal Church and Pembroke Manor. Later sites include Gracetown and Reedtown.

``We'd pass all these nice spots and realize how convenient they are to get to without having to go on major roadways,'' Hawthorne said.

As Hawthorne and his daughter continued riding, an idea emerged.

``The sites already exist,'' said Hawthorne, who's president of the Pembroke Meadows and Shores Civic League. ``All we want to do is tell people about them and show people how easy it is to link them together in a recreational activity.''

The basic idea was a biking-driving map. But Hawthorne, with Bayside librarian Carolyn Caywood, a former-Ohioan, started thinking of promotions. They found 15 other folks to help.

More ideas. A computer Web page. Compact discs for families to carry as they visit the sites. The discs would feature local actors reading scripts written by winners of school contests.

And more. A brochure with brief descriptions of sites. Lists of nearby eateries that might offer specials to visitors. Wine tastings.

Maps also would note nearby parks with places to picnic and bird-watch and - maybe the best innovation - where to find restrooms open to the public!

The ideas have yet to be implemented. Hawthorne and Caywood want more sites for the map and more volunteers with brainstorms and energy to pursue the project.

``Some of these were the sites or the homes of wealthy people, but we're trying to get a cross-section, as best we can, to give at least a sense that all kinds of people lived here, not just plantation types,'' Caywood said.

And one day, after the Bayside project is done, Hawthorne would like to go regional. ``An entire network of trails and links between them throughout the area,'' he said.

``No matter where I'd be living, I'd probably be doing something similar,'' he said. ``I really feel a passion to be involved with my city and the things I enjoy, and to preserve those things for future generations.''

A public workshop on the Bayside History Trail will be 7 p.m. Tuesday in Bayside library, 936 Independence Blvd. MEMO: For more information, call Caryl Jones, 471-5884, or Bayside

Library, 460-7518.

Story ideas for this column? Call Mike Knepler, 446-2275. ILLUSTRATION: Steve Hawthorne

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