Dedicated volunteers breath new life into Northumberland landmark
Anyone who appreciates antiques will certainly enjoy a visit to Northumberland County's oldest landmark, Rice's Hotel and Hughlett's Tavern, located behind the old courthouse in Heathsville. The building, constructed as lodging for those attending court days, dates to at least 1795, though some historians think it could be much older.
In the early 1990s the Northumberland County Historical Society created a foundation to own and care for the property, after it was bequeathed to the historical society by the estate of Mrs. Cecelia Fallin Rice. The Rice's Hotel/Hughlett's Tavern Foundation, made up of talented and energetic volunteers, has not only saved the property, but returned it to its role of vital community center.
“When the historical society received the property, the writing was on the wall. The building needed urgent rehabilitation or it wasn't going to last much longer,” said foundation president Peggy Fleming.
But volunteers quickly rallied to save the building, raising money and donating their talent and expertise to preserve the long, two-story structure. Dan Purvis, a retired construction supervisor from Alexandria, Virginia, led the effort, organizing a group of men who did the work. One of the volunteers, Bob Robinson, a retired writer from Texas, nicknamed the group the “Tavern Rangers,” and the name stuck. The Rangers continue to provide the muscle and grit required for such a large volunteer project.
“None of this would have been possible without the Rangers,” Peggy said
Through the efforts of the Rangers and the other foundation volunteers, Rice's Hotel/Hughlett's Tavern maintains its vital link to the Northern Neck's past while offering a valuable contribution to modern life. Part of the property is used for a restaurant, which benefits from the colonial décor and ambiance. Another part of the building houses the Tavern Store, offering tasteful gift items. A third function of the property is education and community support.
The third function is also the one that is quickly expanding. There is an active quilting guild operating at the property, as well as special events. The Rangers are in the process of building a working blacksmith shop, where demonstrations will be held. A contractor will soon be hired to build an education/transportation building, which can be used for a variety of community events, such as plays and concerts.
“We plan to bring in fine arts teachers, painters, lecturers, and others for public events, as well as host historical reenactments and antique shows,” Peggy said.
The new building will be named in honor of Dan Purvis, who died in 1999, just before the final work on the tavern was completed.
Currently there are about 350 foundation members, and the public is invited to join. For information about the foundation and its activities, call (804) 580-3377 or visit their Website, www.rhhtfoundation.com.
