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Dixon Hill resident enjoys learning HIghland history
Editor, The Recorder,
My name is Shelby Smith. I am 31 years old. I am the daughter of Rick and Bobbie Griffin of Mustoe, and I reside on Dixon's Hill.
During the recent Republican Primary, I helped out at our local precinct polls. I enjoy any chance I get to do so because I am disabled and get very few chances to get out of the house. Also, by being in a place many people will be in and out of, I get lots of chances to chat, not only with my fellow poll sitters, but also the voters.
This time I worked with Cathy Dray, Paul Doyle and my father. As it was just the primary, we only had 16 voters all day, not bad for our small precinct but it gave us lots of time to chat. We started talking and I discovered that, between my dad, Mr. Doyle, and several other voters, there was a subject I had never heard discussed before.
I found out that years ago there were many stores in the county. I believe that there were five within three or four miles of each other at Mill Gap. I was stunned. I am sure it was similar all over the other areas of Highland as well. My father also mentioned at least three stores in the town of Bolar. I could not imagine enough people to support all those stores. I remember going into my aunt's store, Griffin's Place, as a kid and I remember one or two others but that's it.
I truly appreciate the section of The Recorder dedicated to the past (25 years ago, 50 years ago) because I know that people my age need to know the heritage of Highland and Bath to pass to our kids. Maybe one of these days you could tell us about the plethora of small family owned stores that used to dot our landscape before all who remember forget. I have a feeling that they each had their own distinct ways.
Anyway, thank you for taking the time to read my letter, and please keep up the great work.
Thank you for the lovely article on my ancestors and my father (Recorder's Summer Guide, June 8). I am sure your reporter who did that story thought my dog was crazy.
You have a really nice Web site.
Shelby L. Smith
Monterey, Va.
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