The Shadow
ALLEGHANY COUNTY, Va. (VR) – Green Pastures Recreation Area, built by the Civilian Conversation Corps from 1937 to 1940, celebrated their 85th birthday with the theme “Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Future. The park was originally built as a “blacks only” park because Douthat State Park was for “whites only”.
Activists worked to save the park after the funding and attendance became less and less. That all changed in 2020 when the group gained the support from former governor Ralph Northam and the Commonwealth of Virginia iniated plans that would eventually transfer site management to Douthat
State Park, setting in motion the restoration of this historic site. There is so much that could be said about Green Pastures and the wonderful family outings they all remember so well.
The program was opened by Adam Bresnehan, Park Manager Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, providing information to the audience about Monuments Across Appalachian Virginia (MAAV) who generously provided the funds for this project. Adam introduced the authors of Swimming with the Minnows – A Green Pastures Story. The book was written by Fettrula Mooer, Rachel Moore Melecio and Joan Vannorsdal and illustrated by Shabiba Hasan Graphic Design by Jullianne Rainone Jacob was introduced and available for purchase. It’s a wonderful children’s book that tells the Green Pastures story.
Adam then introduced Bishop Isaiah Freeman, III and the Green Pastures Praise Team who entertained the audience with some wonderful gospel music. Clarice Halsey sang “Dear Jesus I Love You”.; Billie Joe Halsey and Romania Jordan sang “I Prayed for You”. Elder Gregory Moore sang
“Hem of His Garment”. Bishop Isaiah Freeman wrote the song “Green Pastures”. Great day for music.
One of the highlights of the day was the Soul Rhythm Line Dancers doing their version of Boots on the Ground. It was a lively dance number with fans as an added attraction. The coordinators of the group are Kim Johnson and Cora Poteat. DJ, Nadina Smith. Supporters Geraldine Allen, Liz Hunter
and Darlene Stewart.
The day ended with tours of mock interpretive trail, CCC demonstration, kids activities and refreshments.
Friendly Fork provided great food to get the day started.
The Green Pastures at 85 was a day full of excitement, great entertainment and food and lots of memories for all those who remember the beginning and the Sunday picnics with their family.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GREEN PASTURES.
