Please Save a Valuable Smyth County Landmark

Save the Historic Marion, Virginia School. Sorry is a sad word that doesn't make up for the loss of a valuable landmark. Investors want to buy the school from the county to turn it into the Appalachian School of Music and Culture. The county won't sell and wants to tear the school down for a parking lot. Historic photos provided by Smyth County Historical Society and Museum. Music is "Sorry is the Saddest Song" by Elton John.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Smyth County
• Marion
• Virginia
• historic preservation
• historic
• sherwood anderson
• lost landmarks

[harrywamb]

I was taking a break at the office when I came upon this video. Wow, I hope you are able to save the school. I went to the 1st through 3rd grade at that grand old building. I didn't realize how much had been destroyed since I left Marion for the Air Force. My band, the Destinations, performed at the Virginia House in 1964 for the Southwestern Business College Prom. Many of our historic structures are being wasted in the name of progress.If it's sound save it. Harry Stephenson Nashville, TN

[ktown011]

I only live 2 miles from the old Marion  School House!!

[Mekostar3001]

@rubber4wilbur I couldn't agree more!!!

[calisofresh89]

Speaking as a child born and raised in marion (now 20), I must say that these choices made are extremely dissatisfying and a little discouraging, feeling we have little say in what takes place in this town. People who've barely lived here 10 years are the ones deciding this, and those of us that have true ties to this area are left to clean up their messes. Thanks for the video and effort!

[mongilbert]

So much history lost, not only in Marion, but in Saltville, Glade Springs, all around our area. What will that leave our children to look at? An old parking lot? Presidents slept in some of these locations, no longer around now. It is a sad, sad situation. Preserve our culture!

[tngerman]

Thanks for the vid.Seeing the Old Adwolfe Schoolhouse bring back so many memories.I was part of the last class to attend school there. Mrs.Owens 2nd grade class.

[rubber4wilbur]

Frankly these buildings are nothing but bricks and wood. It's the memories of those that we love that matter and what will live. It's this kind of mentality of holding on to the old and resisting change that makes Marion and Smyth County remain in the Dark Ages. Why do you think your young are moving out as fast as they graduate high school? They want to find a job and make a living, not look at 200 year old buildings after their shift at WalMart ends. Stop living in the past.

[vt4life]

I have to say a very nice video. I remember a lot of these buildings and nott being too old. I do miss not seeing some of them. I have to say that the first building shown to go away was a loss but the entire community and surrounding areas have been helped in many ways by the Adwolfe Vol. Fire Dept. which did not have a real home at the time.

[anomopuss]

building like this one and the old Lincoln Estate are/were landmarks. lincoln estate should've been saved so don't destroy the old school.

[metacoboy]

All we have to do is look at these old,lost buildings and see whats there now to know we dont always make the right choices about the future of these sites.W OULD ANYONE NOW TRADE GREYSTONE MANOR FOR A HOTEL THATS ALWAYS CHANGING NAMES AND OWNERS?