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You are here: Home Photos Willis, Virginia - A Community Captured in Photographs 1911-1928

Willis, Virginia - A Community Captured in Photographs 1911-1928

By Susan M. Thigpen © 1985

Issue: November, 1985

The photographs accompanying this short piece document the small Blue Ridge community of Willis, Virginia between 1911 and 1928. Willis is located on US 221 between Floyd and Hillsville, Virginia. It is a picturesque community and was once a hub of commerce in the area.

Photographs are courtesy of Frank Hylton, Martinsville, Virginia, a former native of Willis.

Click on photos to see larger image.

The Graduating class of Willis Agricultural High School in 1928. Frank Hylton is 1st on left, back row.The Graduating class of Willis Agricultural High School in 1928. Frank Hylton is 1st on left, back row.

Frank Hylton, at age 3, in 1910.Frank Hylton, at age 3, in 1910.

Burkes Fork Church of the Brethren Singing School. Jed Sowers, Singing Master on right.Burkes Fork Church of the Brethren Singing School. Jed Sowers, Singing Master on right.

The funeral of Andrew Jackson Weddle, 1924 at Burkes Fork Church. His brothers and sister are on left of casket. His widow on right. His children by first marriage to Anna Harman are to right of widow.The funeral of Andrew Jackson Weddle, 1924 at Burkes Fork Church. His brothers and sister are on left of casket. His widow on right. His children by first marriage to Anna Harman are to right of widow.

Pratt family women: Back row, left - Eliza Weddle (2nd. wife of A.J. Weddle), her sister Katherine Hylton on right. Front row - Margaret Keith, sister; Mary Whorley Pratt, mother.Pratt family women: Back row, left - Eliza Weddle (2nd. wife of A.J. Weddle), her sister Katherine Hylton on right. Front row - Margaret Keith, sister; Mary Whorley Pratt, mother.

On top of Buffalo Mountain, May 22, 1911.On top of Buffalo Mountain, May 22, 1911.

Walking tour led by Andrew Jackson Weddle (1848-1924) pictured on right.Walking tour led by Andrew Jackson Weddle (1848-1924) pictured on right.

Abijah Weddle, the youngest son of Andrew J. Weddle and the only son by second wife, Eliza Pratt. Born 1913, died 1962.Abijah Weddle, the youngest son of Andrew J. Weddle and the only son by second wife, Eliza Pratt. Born 1913, died 1962.

Willis Normal School. Photo by Mrs. O.L. Hendrick. Building was standing until this year (when it was demolished) on highway 221 in Willis, Virginia. Photo taken circa 1910.Willis Normal School. Photo by Mrs. O.L. Hendrick. Building was standing until this year (when it was demolished) on highway 221 in Willis, Virginia. Photo taken circa 1910.