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Scottsville Transportation Series LbNA #8436 (ARCHIVED)

Owner:fern sprite
Plant date:May 29, 2004
Location:
City:Scottsville
County:Albemarle
State:Virginia
Boxes:3
Found by: Clotilde (2)
Last found:Dec 30, 2008
Status:FFFFFFFFFFFFF
Last edited:May 29, 2004
These boxes were retired on 4/18/2009. Bonebreaker Box replaced on 5/8/2006. Batteaux box moved slightly on same date - clue updated below.

Boxes: 3
Easy walk, some steps

Scottsville, a pleasant day trip from Richmond, Charlottesville, or Washington, DC, is a Virginia River town with Greek Revival architecture, Civil War sites, charming shops, and well-kept parks. Set on a horseshoe bend of the James River, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and tubing are ready entertainment. If you’d like to learn more about the town’s history and people, visit the Scottsville Museum website at http://avenue.org/smuseum/. Scottsville is a small town - everyone will notice you and probably stop to chat. Which is fun, but you’ll need to be particularly discreet with the letterboxes.

Park at James River Country Store at Valley and West Main Streets or behind the James River Animal Hospital on West Main Street. Close by in Dorrier Park there’s a good children’s playground and tables for picnicking.

Handcar Letterbox:
Start at Bruce Park on the NE corner of West Main and Harrison Streets. This park, dedicated in 2003, is named for Thomas Ellison Bruce, a popular and successful community leader. He served four terms as Mayor of Scottsville, 1935-1943. Check the kiosk for information about Scottsville and maps of the streets. Walk east along West Main and cross Valley Street, where West Main becomes Main Street. On the SE corner stop and read the historical marker about the town. Continue east on Main, cross Mink Creek, till you come to the Scottsville Museum, circa 1846, at 300 Main Street and the Barclay House, circa 1839, next to it. Take the steps up to the right. At the top you’ll find the Town Bell, 1916-1976. As you stand facing the bell with the street behind you, look to your right. The Handcar Letterbox is among the rocks on the other side of the short flight of 5 steps. Rehide it carefully.

Batteaux Letterbox:
Return to Main Street and cross over to Canal Basin Square. Enjoy the exhibits, and if you need a pit stop there’re restrooms and a water fountain. Take particular note of the batteaux. There may be curious children, and adults, about, so take care. The Batteaux Letterbox is under the bow of the Edward Scott, near the main walkway. From the grassy side, step down onto the stones and reach under the boat and around the two concealing large rocks. When you replace, please be sure the box is hidden from view.

Bonebreaker Letterbox:
Once you’re ready to leave Canal Basin Square, follow the path up onto the Levee and walk west, with the James River on your left. Enjoy the views as you follow the Levee Walk above the town, under the bridge, and back to Dorrier Park. Shortly after you pass the second access onto the Levee Walk from the end of Harrison Street, you’ll see below you a ball field. Stop when you’re even with home plate. Then turn toward the river. The Bonebreaker Letterbox is an arm’s reach into the rocks, under a mostly whitish-pink rock. Carefully replace after stamping and be sure the same distinctive rock is clearly visible over the box. Return to the access path and walk down from the Levee toward where you’re parked.

Miss Nannie Harris, mentioned in the Bonebreaker Logbook, is buried at the Scottsville Baptist Church at the end of Page Street, one block west of Harrison Street. If you’d like to pay your respects, drive up Page Street, crossing Bird Street, Lindsay Street, and Clements Street to the cemetery at the back of the Church. Stand next to the large cedar in the midst of the graves with the church behind you and the tree to your right. Look past the curbed plot of Hill family graves. At 11 o’clock you’ll see a small rounded stone to the memory of Nannie Minor Harris, 1854-1885.