THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 29, 1995 TAG: 9501270368
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Cover Story
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
I am writing in regard to saving the CSX depot, which was recently gutted by fire.
My husband is a road master with CSX Transportation in Lexington. We have both taken personal interest in keeping this old building in good repair. We were greatly distressed to learn that there had been a proposal by the railroad to do away with the structure.
I have long, deep roots in Suffolk. My grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. R.C. Barrett Jr.; my great-grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. C.B. Chase; and my namesake, Elizabeth Chase Barrett, all repose in Cedar Hill Cemetery, just above the old depot.
I remember my aunt, Inez Elliott, now deceased, relating about my grandmother's funeral service. Her husband, my uncle Bruce Elliott, was in the military during World War II. My grandmother's service had just begun when a train pulled up at the old depot and my uncle came running up the hill to the gravesite.
The train and depot made it possible for him to be present to comfort my aunt.
My father, Richard B. Barrett, was born in Suffolk, as were his siblings. While he died when I was only 12 years of age, I remember many of his tales of the Nansemond River, the old depot, hunting camps in the area and much more. He loved to be at the depot as the old steamers came through - he told me about closing his eyes as the trains pulled in to keep from ``getting cinders in his eyes.'' He was fascinated by the way messages were handed off to the train crews as they ran by without stopping.
As an aside, my Uncle Bruce owns several stores on Main Street. It is my understanding that he has restored his storefronts to conform with the ``good old days.'' His father, Milton (Pete) Elliott, was the builder and longtime owner of the Hotel Elliott. We are all concerned about them.
My children and grandchildren have no immediate relatives on my paternal side to pass on this history.
But they can take my father's and aunt's (and Uncle Bruce's) remembrances, go to the gravesites of their ancestors, and look down upon the old depot which has played such an important part in the history of Suffolk and Tidewater, Virginia.
I would also add that, since this portion of Virginia is of such historical importance, our leaders and those in places of power and control recognize this fact and do all that is possible to preserve these structures and assist in keeping our nation's history in place.
If I can add any information, supply photos, etc., please advise.
Betty Barrett Chandler
Lexington, Ky. by CNB