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Friday, January 18, 2013

RED Letter Day at the F&P...

Yes Sirree!!!!  Today is a true RED LETTER day. Today is Lee-Jackson Day here in Virginia and the start of our Annual Frog & PenguINN Anniversary WeekendIMG 9322 Celebration. Ten years ago this weekend we became the owners of the now famous Frog & PenguINN (where there are no strangers, just friends we haven't met yet, and they are always welcome).



Leejackson


But whats that you say!!!!!!!! You've never heard of Lee-Jackson Day????? Well i guess not everyone is a True Virginian, or at least living in Virginia like we are. Ok kids, sit back and Uncle Grenville will tell you about how Lee-Jackson Day came about.
The original holiday, created in 1889, celebrated Lee's birthday. In 1904 Jackson's name was added to the holiday. This holiday is celebrated only in the Commonwealth of Virginia to commemorate the birthdays of both Robert E. Lee (January 19, 1807) and Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson (January 21, 1824). For those of you who may not be familiar with the layout of the United States or are familiar but geographically challenged, Virginia is in the SOUTH…. thats right, Confederate Territory. And they take Lee-Jackson Day seriously. This is an official State Holiday. State offices are closed. BUT banks and ABC (liquor) Stores are open.
So what happens on Lee-Jackson Day?????  Typical events include a wreath laying ceremony with honors at Lee jackson day2Lee's grave in Lexington Va., Civil War themed parades, and a gala ball. Luckily they have stopped hunting Damn Yankee New Jersey Come-Heres.
Now you're probably asking "What does this have to do with their anniversary?????" Well, we closed on the Frog & PenguINN ten years ago on Lee-Jackson Day (actually Jan. 21st that year). We had never heard of the holiday, but were quickly educated by our attorney. He then asked if we wanted our deed right away. We said yes, so he told us to make ourselves a cup of coffee and he would go across the street to the County Clerks office. Twenty minutes later he returned with all of the paperwork signed, sealed and ready for delivery. Oh yes, he apologized for making us wait so long. He had stopped to have coffee with the County Clerk. There are some wonderful pluses to rural, small town life. 

8 comments:

L. D. said...

Great information and great house closing story.

Anonymous said...

Hi Larry, and thanks for the comment. I love posting the odd and absurd.

john bain said...

That is correct Grenville. I had never heard of Mr Jackson. I had heard of Stonewall of course. I actually come across stonewalls quite frequently!

john bain said...

Please forgive me. I have just reread your post Grenville. I am tired it is late at night here.

jp@A Green Ridge said...

Congrats that it's been ten years...perhaps you'll sell soon now that you've been vested!...:)JP

Anvilcloud said...

I hope you enjoyed the holiday.

Karen said...

Lee's birthday is the same day as my granddaughter's! I enjoyed your post today.

Anonymous said...

I have heard of both of them, they showed an exellent tv series here a year ago about the civil war. I learned a lot I didn't know before.

It took several hours before I got the deed to my cottage, they went through the entirely law about hgouse buying before I could buy it and get all papers :-)

Have a great day!
Christer.