
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 18, 1995                   TAG: 9510180051
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-8   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: CLAYTON BRADDOCK:
DATELINE: PEARISBURG                                LENGTH: Short

GROUND BROKEN FOR GILES MUSEUM

Andrew Johnston's house did what the best artifacts always do.

It survived.

It withstood 166 years of war, cold, summer heat, children and social change. It has now begun to help future citizens understand the past.

It had the help of one of Johnston's heirs and the Giles County Historical Society.

The society broke ground recently for The Giles County Historical Museum, to be erected near the old home at 208 N. Main St., said Cornelia W. Smith of the historical society.

Fowler W. Johnston of Roanoke, son of the late Andrew Johnston, donated the house and surrounding land to the historical society with a contribution for maintenance.

The museum, expected to cost about $165,000, will be financed by gifts to the Museum and Restoration Fund.

As of Oct. 1, cash and pledges had reached more than $138,000 - with a goal of $220,000, Smith said.

by CNB