Floyd VA Computer Museum provides Graduate Independent Study class room for Virginia Tech student

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We are delighted to be working with Grayson Van Beuren in a Virginia Tech -  Graduate Independent Study program at the museum. Grayson became interested in doing a study after seeing the "Bugbook Historical Microcomputer Museum"  article in the Roanoke times by  Catherine Van Noy.  Grayson also visited our museum during open house last month.  He started his study by making several of our historical microcomputers operational and encouraging folks to give the operating historic computers a try.

Click on photo to enlarge

L-R Grayson Van Beuren, David Larsen-Curator

Here is Grayson's Study plan.
Grayson Van Beuren

Material Culture and Humanities
Computers and Museums Material Culture Project
Independent Study Proposal

This independent study’s purpose is to explore the history of the electronic computer through its material culture. It also aims to facilitate a better understanding of the unique preservation and presentation problems surrounding this delicate and largely esoteric field of material culture.
                                                               

L-R Emily Wilson -Assistant Curator,
 Grayson Van Beuren

The independent study will occur through a partnership with the Bugbook Historical Microcomputer Museum in Floyd, Virginia. The museum’s founder, retired instructor of instrumentation at Virginia Tech David Larsen, has agreed to host a part of the IS. The museum’s collection represents forty years of collecting on the part of Mr. Larsen. From the museum website:

Mr. Larsen’s expertise in the field of microcomputers, and especially the collection and preservation of microcomputers, should make this a valuable independent study for the student.

Grayson with Apple 1 computer project

The independent study will be comprised of two parts: weekly visits to the museum of three to four hours during which the student will act as an intern, learning about the presentation and preservation of computer material culture in the process, and outside research into the history of the preservation of computer hardware and other forms of material culture associated with the computing field. These two parts of the study will culminate in the student writing a 10-15 page paper summing up his experiences at the Bugbook and examining the problems surrounding preservation and presentation of computer material culture in museums and other historic institutions.
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David Larsen

The curators here at the museum are looking forward to working with Grayson. I am sure we will all learn from this independent study.

.^{"by David Larsen"  KK4WW Computer Collector Historian}   
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Chantilly Farm Announces New Partnership with "Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice" and Other News

Chantilly Farm Partners with One of Bluegrass Music's Hottest Acts Chantilly Farm is excited to announce the beginning of a new partnership with one of the most award winning and up and coming bands in traditional Bluegrass music, Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice! Calling Sisk “one of the most prominent rising stars in traditional bluegrass music,” Chantilly Farm lead promoter Jason Gallimore says that the venue’s entire team is excited about the partnership. “We believe this partnership will bring a whole new level of interest in what we are doing here at Chantilly Farm, particularly for our Bluegrass and BBQ Festival." Chantilly Farm Bluegrass & BBQ Festival will now be the “home” festival for Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice, which is based out of nearby Franklin County, and the rapidly growing events venue will become an official sponsor of the band as they travel both nationally and internationally. “Working with Junior and Susan Sisk is a natural because they truly are “home” here at Chantilly Farm,” says executive associate Dee Wallace. The festival will celebrate its fifth year in 2015, and will also expand to two days full of music, arts and crafts, children’s activities, and more. Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice has been a frequent performer at the festival in the past and the band is looking forward to what this year’s festival has to offer. “Entering into a sponsorship agreement with Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice is a true honor,” says David Larsen, owner of Chantilly Farm. “Not only are we huge fans of the band’s music, but they are a band we’ve had in the lineup at our festival nearly every year and they’re always a crowd favorite.” For more information on Chantilly Farm, visit www.chantillyfarm.com or contact Jason Gallimore at chantillyfarm@gmail.com. Press Release by John Goad for BluegrassToday. *Edited for this newsletter. The Region's Best Classic Car Show and Parts Swap Returns August 15-17 Chasing SS Cars will present their annual Floyd Auto Fair at Chantilly Farm in Floyd, Virginia on the weekend of August 15-17, 2014. The three day show will feature show cars in a variety of categories, one the region's largest classic parts swaps, tons of vendors, live music, great food, prizes, camping and more! This show keeps growing each and every year, so don't miss out and make plans to join us! If you'd like to vend or register your classic, call KC or Erik at 540-789-7898. Renaissance Group Hosts Successful Event at Chantilly Farm Over Holiday Weekend The Society for Creative Anachronism, an international living history group focused on the medieval and renaissance time period, hosted it's regional 'Kings Assessment' event at Chantilly Farm over the July 4th holiday weekend. The event drew participants from all over Virginia and several surrounding states. Attendees were in full period dress and participated in a variety of living history re-enactments and activities. Society members camped in period-style tents and shelters. Show organizers raved about the venue and hope to make a return visit to Floyd in the near future.  For more photos, visit our Facebook album, click here. Construction of Indoor Facility Moving Along  Construction of a 4,000 square foot indoor barn-style facility at Chantilly Farm is moving along as planned. Once completed, the newly constructed building will be able to facilitate a wide range of smaller indoor events to include weddings, reunions, and smaller shows. We'll keep you posted as things progress! To learn more about renting Chantilly Farm for your next event, give us a call at (540)353-5898 or email us at chantillyfarm@gmail.com .

LCF Group, P.O. Box 179, Floyd , VA 24091, United States

Legacy of Floyd Virginia - The 'way we were' 25 years ago

Click for more info

Citizens Telephone Coop was celebrating 75 years in business when they made this  video as a tribute to  the people of Floyd County Virginia in (1989). This video is very interesting and is definitely worth a viewing for history buffs. Most of us don't want to see Floyd change to much in the future but looking back  25 years some change took place.  You may see yourself in the video if you lived lived in Floyd during 1989.

Our LCF Group was in business during 1989 as 'Brookfield Christmas Tree Farms'.   It is interesting to see part of Citizens Coop  located on one of our old Christmas Tree farms. We still own the old Christmas tree farm next to Citizens Coop - take a look  when you go by and those big White Pines in back of Citizens Coop and see the  farm we call  'The Olde Christmas Tree VIllage'.

This year Citizens Coop is celebrating "100 Years in Business"  - We all  look forward to this special year for Citizens.

The Legacy of Floyd County 1989 by Citizens Coop

"Thank you Citizens Coop for allowing me to post this video"

Please leave a comment on the  blog about any interesting experiences you may have had  in Floyd County during 1989.

David Larsen

 I plan to write about some of our Christmas tree adventures -  in the late 70's we  pioneered  the Direct shipping of Christmas trees to our customers in a  box by UPS. We have been  in business here in Floyd for 46 years - it seems like time just a few years ago we planted that first Christmas tree - time does 'Fly by' in a hurry.

^{"by David Larsen"  KK4WW Computer Collector Historian}   

Floyd Raceway and Floyd County Virginia's Curtis Turner

Floyd County Virginia had an active Raceway or Race track in the 50's & 60's just outside the town limits.  I have included some information about Curtis Turner (born in Floyd County April 12, 1924). Curtis is considered by many to be the best NASCAR driver of all time.

I have not found much information about the Floyd Raceway on the internet --- if you have any photos or information you would like to share please contact me.

Click on photos to enlarge. 

Floyd Virginia Raceway 

The Floyd Raceway in full operation October 1956. Sure wish it was in operation now.  I know that some here in the county want to restore the raceway and make it into a museum destination. That is a great idea -- hope it can be done in the future.

The Raceway is located on private property owned by Hollingsworth & Vose and is not available to the public.

To see map and current aerial view
"CLICK HERE"

Floyd Virginia Race Tract

Floyd Raceway in operation.



Floyd Raceway today. Photo by ---

Brian Katen, landscape architecture program

chair and associate professor of landscape

architecture, has documented more than 150

current and past Virginia speedway sites.

Curtis Turner

Curtis Turner - Floyd Virginia's famous race car driver. He was born in Floyd County April 12, 1924 and died October 4,1970.

Go here to see more information Wikipedia "CLICK"

Go here to see 'Curtis Turner Museum' web site hosted by his daughter Ms. Margaret Sue Turner Wright. "CLICK"

Go here and do a like on the Curtis Turner Racing Legend Facebook "CLICK" 

More interesting Curtis Turner information "CLICK"

And more good information at web site Full Throttle "CLICK"

 

Curtis Turner Story

This was a great program here in Floyd October, 2013.  The movie shown at the event "Hay Pops" the Curtis Turner story was just great. Margaret Sue Turner Wright presented the program and told many interesting stories about her dad.

 Click on photo's to enlarge. 

Floyd Speedway Poster

Here is a poster of  real action racing in Floyd Virginia.

David Larsen

This has been a fun blog to write.

^{"by David Larsen"  KK4WW Computer Collector Historian}