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So, it’s been awhile since season two of History Reinvented, Pine Camp, the stairs to nowhere wrapped up. But as luck would have it, I’ve got a few bonus episodes coming up.

It all started because of listener Andrew Phinney. He grew up all over RVA and he’s a history buff too. He got in touch with me about another story related to Pine Camp, specifically the cemetery near where some of the new bike trails are. 

Now comes the time for me to think about Season three. But I need your help…I’m debating a couple of areas to dive into the history and future of. Those include Brown’s Island and Belle Isle which have a rich and troubled history with the city but are turning into a special space for the city; And it includes the Nickel Bridge, which just celebrated its centennial—that could be lumped in with some transportation history as well, such as the rail cars that once moved Richmonders. 

What are your thoughts? What would you like to hear about? You can let me know in a few different ways—either on my Buzzsprout fan page; or in the comments wherever you listen or via my email, which is in the show notes. 

And here’s where else I need your help…I do these on my own, I’ve got no sponsors or corporate backers–if you are interested in sponsoring the next season, let me know.

Or if you want to help, I’ve created a new Buy me Coffee link that allows you to help support my efforts as a freelance reporter and podcaster. https://buymeacoffee.com/ian_stewart

Or you can Venmo me a few dollars at Ian-Stewart-82 to buy me some coffee or gas. 

You can also help support my efforts by sharing this podcast on all your socials and by rating it and leaving a comment.

Support the show

History Reinvented is a Big Soap Production.
Email me: [email protected]. Venmo: Ian-stewart-82
Follow me on Blue Sky at Ianstewartcycles.bsky.social; Threads & Instagram at just_ianstewart

Send a text

Now comes the time for me to think about Season three. But I need your help…I’m debating a couple of areas to dive into the history and future of and those include Brown’s Island and Belle Isle which have a rich and troubled history with the city but are turning into a special space for the city; And it includes the Nickel Bridge, which just celebrated its centennial—that could be lumped in with some transportation history as well, such as the rail cars that once moved Richmonders. 

What are your thoughts? What would you like to hear about? You can let me know in a few different ways—either on my Buzzsprout fan page; or in the comments wherever you listen or via my email, which is in the show notes. 

And here’s where else I need your help…I do these on my own, I’ve got no sponsors or corporate backers–if you are interested in sponsoring the next season, let me know.

Or if you want to help, I’ve created a new Buy me Coffee link that allows you to help support my efforts as a freelance reporter and podcaster. https://buymeacoffee.com/ian_stewart

Or you can Venmo me a few dollars at Ian-Stewart-82 to buy me some coffee or gas. 

You can also help support my efforts by sharing this podcast on all your socials and by rating it and leaving a comment.

Also, here’s another question…I know many podcasts are moving also to YouTube–is that something you’re interested in? If so, let me know. Not sure how I’ll do that, since I’m an audio reporter by trade but I’d be interested if there’s a demand.

Be sure to check out my other podcast, called The Mechanics of Transportation in which I talk to local Richmond and national experts about all things transportation. And, if you like music, check out Ian’s World O’ Music show on Mixcloud. 

Plus, you can always look for my freelance work on outlets like Virginia Mercury, The Richmonder, Richmond Magazine and on the podcast Full Disclosure with Roben Farzad.

I’m Ian Stewart, thanks for tagging along.

Support the show

History Reinvented is a Big Soap Production.
Email me: [email protected]. Venmo: Ian-stewart-82
Follow me on Blue Sky at Ianstewartcycles.bsky.social; Threads & Instagram at just_ianstewart

Send a text

The conclusion 

Kit West knows his trails in Richmond. He’s a certified trail groomer and designer for the city’s parks and rec department. Usually he and his team just help maintain the trails but at Pine Camp a few months ago, I caught him working on his trail design–one that would connect the glass loop trail to the community center. 

He has to use a tractor to make the trail into something functional, basically taking mounds of dirt and roots that are full of twists and tree roots and yes, historical trash and turning it into something cool–something any kid who grew up riding BMX bikes on homemade trails would love to do as an adult.

History Reinvented is created solely by me, Ian Stewart. I’m a freelance journalist, and a longtime, former public radio reporter. I’ve got no sponsors at this time–so, if you’d like to sponsor this podcast series, let me know. I’d love to do other deep dives into the history of Richmond or surrounding areas.

If you like History Reinvented and want to support my efforts then please consider subscribing to it . You can also help support my efforts by sharing this podcast on all your socials and by rating it and leaving a comment .

If you do subscribe I’ll be sure to thank you at the end of each episode. You can also Venmo me a few dollars at Ian-Stewart-82 to buy me some coffee or gas. Thanks!

That particular connection is open now so go check out Kit’s work.

Well, that’s it for this season of History Reinvented: Pine Camp, the stairs to nowhere. I’d like to thank everyone who I interviewed for this, who took their time to talk with me about Pine Camp, including Professor Marie Vergamini, and her students and the Parks and Recreation Department. And Gray Montrose, for suggesting this as a topic.

I hope to be back soon with another season of History Reivented–I’m debating diving into the history and future of either Brown’s island and Belle Isle or maybe the nickel bridge. Let me know what you’d like to learn more about. 

And if you know any sponsors or are one who’d like to sponsor this podcast, which I do all on my own, let me know. 

Be sure to check out my other podcast, called The Mechanics of Transportation in which I talk to local Richmond and national experts about all things transportation. And, if you like music, check out Ian’s World O’ Music show on Mixcloud. 

Plus, you can always look for my freelance work on outlets like Virginia Mercury, The Richmonder, Richmond Magazine and on the podcast Full Disclosure with Roben Farzad.

Support the show

History Reinvented is a Big Soap Production.
Email me: [email protected]. Venmo: Ian-stewart-82
Follow me on Blue Sky at Ianstewartcycles.bsky.social; Threads & Instagram at just_ianstewart

Send a text

On this episode of History Reinvented, Pine Camp, the stairs to nowhere, part two of my conversation with Emily Monroe, bike advocate and all around cool person, who once fixed my bike when she was a mechanic at Carytown Bikes in Midlothian–RIP that location.

We continue our walk around the Glass Loop, checking out some of the lush greenery and berry plants. Plus we get a visit from some guests. The trail is now a connected biking/walking/running trail in Pine Camp, starting near John Marshall High School.

The trail is filled with invasive species, and families of deer — and historical trash. This is the future of Pine Camp.

History Reinvented is created solely by me, Ian Stewart. I’m a freelance journalist, and a longtime, former public radio reporter. I’ve got no sponsors at this time–so, if you’d like to sponsor this podcast series, let me know. I’d love to do other deep dives into the history of Richmond or surrounding areas.

Please consider subscribing to it and you can also help support my efforts by sharing this podcast on all your socials and by rating it and leaving a comment .

If you do subscribe I’ll be sure to thank you at the end of each episode. You can also Venmo me a few dollars at Ian-Stewart-82 to buy me some coffee or gas. Thanks!

Be sure to check out my other podcast, called The Mechanics of Transportation in which I talk to local Richmond and national experts about all things transportation. And, if you like music, check out Ian’s World O’ Music show on Mixcloud. 

Plus, you can always look for my freelance work on outlets like Virginia Mercury, The Richmonder, Richmond Magazine and on the podcast Full Disclosure with Roben Farzad.

Support the show

History Reinvented is a Big Soap Production.
Email me: [email protected]. Venmo: Ian-stewart-82
Follow me on Blue Sky at Ianstewartcycles.bsky.social; Threads & Instagram at just_ianstewart

Send a text

On this installment of History Reinvented, Pine Camp, the stairs to nowhere, I walk a new bike and running trail on the edge of Pine Camp, right near John Marshall High School with Emily Monroe, a long time bike advocate and all around cool person in Richmond. 

The beginner friendly loop, nicknamed the glass loop, is filled with invasive species, and families of deer — we see it all. The loop was once a pirate loop. This is the future of Pine Camp.

History Reinvented is created solely by me, Ian Stewart. I’m a freelance journalist, and a longtime, former public radio reporter. I’ve got no sponsors at this time–so, if you’d like to sponsor this podcast series, let me know. I’d love to do other deep dives into the history of Richmond or surrounding areas.

If you like History Reinvented and want to support my efforts then please consider subscribing to it . You can also help support my efforts by sharing this podcast on all your socials and by rating it and leaving a comment .

If you do subscribe I’ll be sure to thank you at the end of each episode. You can also Venmo me a few dollars at Ian-Stewart-82 to buy me some coffee or gas. Thanks!

Be sure to check out my other podcast, called The Mechanics of Transportation in which I talk to local Richmond and national experts about all things transportation. And, if you like music, check out Ian’s World O’ Music Show on Mixcloud. 

Plus, you can always look for my freelance work on outlets like Virginia Mercury, The Richmonder, Richmond Magazine and on the podcast Full Disclosure with Roben Farzad.

Support the show

History Reinvented is a Big Soap Production.
Email me: [email protected]. Venmo: Ian-stewart-82
Follow me on Blue Sky at Ianstewartcycles.bsky.social; Threads & Instagram at just_ianstewart

Send a text

In this episode of History Reinvented: Pine Camp the stairs to nowhere, we leave the past and head into the present. I speak with Diane Hayes of the Parks and Rec department in Richmond. She’s the cultural arts manager there at Pine Camp. 

Growing up in Richmond, she’s seen the changes at Pine Camp and is now at the center of all the really cool activities that are going on there. 

History Reinvented is created solely by me, Ian Stewart. I’m a freelance journalist, and a longtime, former public radio reporter. I’ve got no sponsors at this time–so, if you’d like to sponsor this podcast series, let me know. I’d love to do other deep dives into the history of Richmond or surrounding areas.

If you like History Reinvented and want to support my efforts then please consider subscribing to it . You can also help support my efforts by sharing this podcast on all your socials and by rating it and leaving a comment .

If you do subscribe I’ll be sure to thank you at the end of each episode. You can also Venmo me a few dollars at Ian-Stewart-82 to buy me some coffee or gas. Thanks!

Be sure to check out my other podcast, called The Mechanics of Transportation in which I talk to local Richmond and national experts about all things transportation. And, if you like music, check out Ian’s World O’ Music show on Mixcloud. 

Plus, you can always look for my freelance work on outlets like Virginia Mercury, The Richmonder, Richmond Magazine and on the podcast Full Disclosure with Roben Farzad.

Support the show

History Reinvented is a Big Soap Production.
Email me: [email protected]. Venmo: Ian-stewart-82
Follow me on Blue Sky at Ianstewartcycles.bsky.social; Threads & Instagram at just_ianstewart

Send a text

In this episode of History Reinvented: Pine Camp the stairs to nowhere, I take us inside the Library of Virginia. It’s here that the great Librarians pulled a special pamphlet from their collection. 

It’s called "Your Stay at Pine Camp." I say pamphlet but it’s got more than 20 plus pages of information, including drawings of stick figures, and a glossary of terms to help patients. It was put together and distributed by the Richmond Department of Public Health. 

The tiny booklet is not available for checkout, so I could only read it in one of the rooms at the library, which is why this shortened episode is just me, talking above a whisper because, well you know, I’m in a library.

History Reinvented is created solely by me, Ian Stewart. I’m a freelance journalist, and a longtime, former public radio reporter. I’ve got no sponsors at this time–so, if you’d like to sponsor this podcast series, let me know. I’d love to do other deep dives into the history of Richmond or surrounding areas.

If you like History Reinvented and want to support my efforts then please consider subscribing to it . You can also help support my efforts by sharing this podcast on all your socials and by rating it and leaving a comment .

If you do subscribe I’ll be sure to thank you at the end of each episode. You can also Venmo me a few dollars at Ian-Stewart-82 to buy me some coffee or gas. 

Be sure to check out my other podcast, called The Mechanics of Transportation in which I talk to local Richmond and national experts about all things transportation. And, if you like music, check out Ian’s World O’ Music show on Mixcloud. 

Plus, you can always look for my freelance work on outlets like Virginia Mercury, The Richmonder, Richmond Magazine and on the podcast Full Disclosure with Roben Farzad.

Support the show

History Reinvented is a Big Soap Production.
Email me: [email protected]. Venmo: Ian-stewart-82
Follow me on Blue Sky at Ianstewartcycles.bsky.social; Threads & Instagram at just_ianstewart

Send a text

On this episode of History Reinvented – Pine Camp, the stairs to nowhere, VCU professor Marie Vergamini and her students, who’ve been studying and digging into the history of Pine Camp, literally, take me to where they found the stairs to nowhere. 

Once covered in a huge mess of debris, the team dug up the bits and pieces of the stairwell, which looks almost like some weird outdoor giant bath tub or a coffin with stairs. 

History Reinvented is created solely by me, Ian Stewart. I’m a freelance journalist, and a longtime, former public radio reporter. I’ve got no sponsors at this time–so, if you’d like to sponsor this podcast series, let me know. I’d love to do other deep dives into the history of Richmond or surrounding areas.

If you like History Reinvented and want to support my efforts then please consider subscribing to it . You can also help support my efforts by sharing this podcast on all your socials and by rating it and leaving a comment .

If you do subscribe I’ll be sure to thank you at the end of each episode. You can also Venmo me a few dollars at Ian-Stewart-82 to buy me some coffee or gas. 

Be sure to check out my other podcast, called The Mechanics of Transportation in which I talk to local Richmond and national experts about all things transportation. And, if you like music, check out Ian’s World O’ Music show on Mixcloud. 

Plus, you can always look for my freelance work on outlets like Virginia Mercury, The Richmonder, Richmond Magazine and on the podcast Full Disclosure with Roben Farzad.

Support the show

History Reinvented is a Big Soap Production.
Email me: [email protected]. Venmo: Ian-stewart-82
Follow me on Blue Sky at Ianstewartcycles.bsky.social; Threads & Instagram at just_ianstewart

Send a text

On this episode of History Reinvented – Pine Camp, the stairs to nowhere, VCU professor Marie Vergamini and her students, who’ve been studying and digging into the history of Pine Camp, literally, take me on a walk to look over what was the white hospital, which has been shuttered for years. 

If you like History Reinvented and want to support my efforts then please consider subscribing to it by clicking the link in the show notes. By subscribing, you'll stay up to date with new episodes. You can also help support my efforts by sharing this podcast on all your socials and by rating it and leaving a comment in the show notes. 

If you do subscribe I’ll be sure to thank you at the end of each episode. And if you’re a sponsor who’d like to sponsor this show, then let me know. I’d love to do other deep dives into the history of Richmond or surrounding areas. Thanks 

History Reinvented is created solely by me, Ian Stewart. I’m a freelance journalist, and a longtime, former public radio reporter. I’ve got no sponsors at this time–so, if you’d like to sponsor this podcast series, let me know. 

You can also Venmo me a few dollars at Ian-Stewart-82 to buy me some coffee or gas. 

Be sure to check out my other podcast, called The Mechanics of Transportation in which I talk to local Richmond and national experts about all things transportation. And, if you like music, check out Ian’s World O’ Music show on Mixcloud. 

Plus, you can always look for my freelance work on outlets like Virginia Mercury, The Richmonder, Richmond Magazine and on the podcast Full Disclosure with Roben Farzad.

Support the show

History Reinvented is a Big Soap Production.
Email me: [email protected]. Venmo: Ian-stewart-82
Follow me on Blue Sky at Ianstewartcycles.bsky.social; Threads & Instagram at just_ianstewart

Send a text

On this episode of History Reinvented – Pine Camp, the stairs to nowhere, we meet the team doing the research to uncover the history of the Black Hospital, which was torn down basically as soon as the Tuberculosis pandemic began to subside once vaccines became available. The white hospital, at least parts of it, still stands today–though, the building is boarded up.

One of the highlights of our introduction to each other and what they’re doing, is how dedicated they are to digging up the history of the place and the people, like the Black Nurses, who were integral to getting Black patients to seek treatment.

I met Marie Vergamini and her students on a typical humid day a few months ago at Pine Camp. We camped ourselves at a picnic table near the entrance to this really cool trail that weaves around some outdoor sculptures and some recently installed historical markers. 

So pull up a seat and meet Marie and her students. 

If you like History Reinvented and want to support my efforts then please consider subscribing to it by clicking the link in the show notes. You can also help support my efforts by sharing this podcast on all your socials and by rating it and leaving a comment in the show notes. 

If you do subscribe I’ll be sure to thank you at the end of each episode. And if you’re a sponsor who’d like to sponsor this show, then let me know. I’d love to do other deep dives into the history of Richmond or surrounding areas. Thanks!

History Reinvented is created solely by me, Ian Stewart. I’m a freelance journalist, and a longtime, former public radio reporter. I’ve got no sponsors at this time–so, if you’d like to sponsor this podcast series, let me know. 

You can also Venmo me a few dollars at Ian-Stewart-82 to buy me some coffee or gas. 

Be sure to check out my other podcast, called The Mechanics of Transportation in which I talk to local Richmond and national experts about all things transportation. And, if you like music, check out Ian’s World O’ Music show on Mixcloud. 

Plus, you can always look for my freelance work on outlets like Virginia Mercury, The Richmonder, Richmond Magazine and on the podcast Full Disclosure with Roben Farzad.

Support the show

History Reinvented is a Big Soap Production.
Email me: [email protected]. Venmo: Ian-stewart-82
Follow me on Blue Sky at Ianstewartcycles.bsky.social; Threads & Instagram at just_ianstewart