Now for bigger things!
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Working on the premise that Zuni would not be here at all with out the Blackwater River as it’s beginning, we would like to see the formation of a museum dedicated to both of them in the village. On Route 460, West Windsor Blvd, there stands a building that was the former Esso gas/service station built in the late 1920s. This building has also housed a thriving peanut business run by Sol Lastinger, then bought from him by Rose and Peter Gualeni and Virginia Seits, and continued as a peanut retail store, ‘The Peanut Peddler’. It was later remodeled to become a country restaurant and craft store, but never opened. It has stood empty and for sale for some time. We would like to buy this property as the museum, but must raise some money! The building has already had handicap access and rest rooms installed and other updates. A security system up to museum specifics would need to be installed. Being on the main thoroughfare through Isle of Wight County to and from Richmond and Virginia Beach and beyond, it is also out of the famous (or infamous) flood zone of the Blackwater. This site could have an additional use as visitor’s center for Isle of Wight County and tourist sites elsewhere in Virginia. A small sales store for local crafts and seasonal fruits, veggies, peanuts and etc could be a possibility. Much could be done here!
An informative site for river history and on-going activities is www.blackwaternottoway.com, the site of the Blackwater Nottoway Riverkeeper Program.
The peanut industry and soap factory have played an important role in the families and growth of this village, and will have room set aside for their history, as well. So, you see, there is much to fill a museum here! Many items are in storage, and more has been promised when there is a permanent site, so a good start is under way. We looking for those who have expertise in preserving, insuring, and archiving historical documents and other items, who will contribute to this effort when the time comes.
A request has come to the society for help in researching the Edward Crumpler family. He had a son Matthew and other children. Edward is listed on the 1830 census of Southampton County. If you have information, please contact Michael J. Dunn, 784 Park St, Asbury, MO 64832.