In these stories of magic and memory, clustered around a resort hotel in a small Virginia community, Cary Holladay takes the reader on an excursion through the changes wrought by time on the community and its visitors.
The history of Glen Allen, a suburb of Richmond, unfolds from its origins as a farming community to its transformation into a vibrant hub. Key landmarks include Walkerton tavern, built in the 1820s, and Forest Lodge, a luxurious hotel established by John Cussons in the 1880s. The narrative highlights Virginia Randolph’s contributions to education for Black youth in the 1890s. Despite facing decline in the 1980s, Glen Allen revitalized its cultural and recreational offerings, reclaiming its legacy of hospitality and community spirit.