pole green     One of the things I love about being a real estate agent is stumbling upon those ”little” shrines that dot the landscape of Virginia. One of the closing gifts I have given my clients for years is A Guide to Virginia’s Historical Markers. This book is always given with the admonishment to keep it in your car.  Hey, you just never know when happenstance offers you a little history lesson.

     I think I know my way around eastern Hanover County fairly well, so you could imagine my surprise last fall when I saw the outline of what appeared to be a church on Rural Point Road just off Pole Green Road. I have been on Rural Point Road many many times, but I had never noticed this odd structure with its suspended windows before.  All I can say is that I must of had clients in the car on those past occasions, with me just jabbering away; as is my habit when with clients, not to have noticed Pole Green Church. Boy, was that a mistake.

     I don’t want to spoil this for you, but Pole Green Church, like so many little havens in and around Richmond, is one of those idyllic spots for a picnic lunch. I don’t care if you pick up fast food over on Mechanicsville Pike for your picnic fare, just make time to spend a few minutes at Pole Green. Here’s a little teaser of what you’ll find. The minister for the church was Samuel Davies, a subsequent president of Princeton. The Great Awakening in Virginia has its roots here. Patrick Henry worshipped with Davies and acknowledges Davies taught him “what an orator should be.”  And my personal favorite, the Walk of Religious Freedom. You can learn more about Pole Green Church here.

     With Spring still months away, I think I’ll start a new category for Brick’s Blog. I am going to call it “Perfect Picnic Places.” By Spring maybe I’ll have enough locations for a weekly sojourn for the entire summer. Of course, I’d welcome your submissions, too.