THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 6, 1994 TAG: 9410040105
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Vicki Lewis
LENGTH: Medium: 65 lines
William C. Wooldridge, an attorney for the Norfolk Southern Corp., is the president of the Norfolk Historical Society.
The society oversees the preservation of historic Fort Norfolk, which is located on a 4 1/2-acre compound at the edge of the eastern shore of the Elizabeth River. It is the only surviving fort of several ordered built by George Washington in 1794. The fort is celebrating its bicentennial this year.
``This is one of only a handful of places left in Norfolk where you can recapture a part of the city's past in a setting as serene as it is authentic,'' Wooldridge said.
Graduating from Harvard with high honors in American history in 1965, Wooldridge studied medieval history at St. Andrews University in Scotland before going on to the University of Virginia Law School.
Over the years, Wooldridge has pursued interests in historic preservation, in state and local history, and genealogy.
Name: William C. Wooldridge.
Nickname: Bill.
What brought you to Norfolk: The 1982 consolidation of NW and Southern Railways.
Birthplace: Miami, Fla; grew up in the Navy; went to high school in Lynchburg, Va.
Birthdate: Feb. 24, 1943.
Occupation: Attorney, Norfolk Southern Corporation
Marital status: Married Joyce L. Norton June 15, 1968.
Children: William C. ``Chuck'' Wooldridge Jr. and John M. Wooldridge.
Last book read: Charles B. Dew, ``Bond of Iron: Master and Slave at Buffalo Forge'' (1994).
Favorite movie: ``Schlinder's List.''
Favorite magazine: Economist.
If you could trade places for just one day with anyone in the world, who would it be? Why? No way!
Biggest accomplishment: Two great kids.
Most embarrassing moment: Being stopped at high noon on Main Street and asked why I was wearing one black and one brown shoe. (I had been interrupted while changing to business clothes that morning.)
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Remember people better.
Perfect way to spend the day: Hiking through splendid scenery anywhere.
Favorite vacation spot: Outer Banks.
Pet peeve: Commerical phone solicitations.
First job: Army JAG officer in Heidelberg, Germany.
Hobbies: Collect 17th and 18th century maps of Virginia; history; genealogy.
Favorite restaurant: Ships Cabin.
What do you like most about Norfolk? Seafood, water views, music.
What do you like least about Norfolk? Too flat and muggy.
Immediate goal: Fund creation of a professional plan for restoration of the rest of Fort Norfolk in time to begin work durings its 1994-95 bicentennial. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by RICHARD L. DUNSTON
William Wooldridge
by CNB