The Bristol Historical Association cordially invite guests to a general membership meeting, which will present an informative program on Civil War memoribilia by Eddie Carter & Tony Marion. Both longtime collectors and retired local businessmen will exhibit items from their personal collections. In observance of Bristol's Sesquicentennial, stories and information directly related to Bristol and its role in the Civil War will be featured in the presentation. This public is invited to this special meeting to be held Tuesday, November 14 at 6:00pm at the Bristol Public Library. (posted 10-30-06)

Bristol's Music In The Castle Debut's October 28. Tennessee High School's Mighty Viking Band presents the annual band festival at Stone Castle Saturday October 28, 2006. This event has 12 bands scheduled to compete in a USSBA judged event beginning at 3pm. Admission is $5.00 at the gate. This is Bristol's 6th button event, which will be available at the Stone Castle during the festival, and at Fandango and the Bristol Mall Customer Service Desk. This is a part of Bristol's long tradition of marching band competitions. (Posted 10-18-06)

Bristol's Sesquicentennial Ball - a grand birthday ball, will be held Saturday, Nov. 4 at The Country Club of Bristol, 6045 Old Jonesboro Road, Bristol, Tennessee, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. This festive gala is being planned by the Bristol Sesquicentennial Steering Committee and Arts Alliance Mountain Empire, with corporate sponsorship provided by King Pharmaceuticals. The ball is anticipated to be one of the highlights of the Sesquicentennial celebration. Attire is black-tie optional. Ball tickets will be sold beginning Oct. 6 at the Paramount Center Box Office. Prices are $15 per ticket or $25 per couple. Please purchase early as tickets are limited. Contact the Paramount Center at 423-274-8920. This will be Bristol's 7th button event. (Posted 10-18-06).

Details are being finalized for the Sesquicentennial Time Capsule. This will be the culmanation of the 10-month celebration. The general public will have the opportunity to participate in this event and help document our city for Bristolians of 2106. This will be a 100 year time capsule that will be set to open for Bristol's 250th anniversary. Watch for upcoming details! (Posted 10-14-06)

Mountain Stage recorded two live performances at the Paramount Center Bristol in July and will be broadcast the week of October 14 and 21. The two hour shows can be heard locally on WETS 89.5. For further details visit www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org. (Posted 10-13-06)

The King College Performing and Visual Arts Department will observe the 250th Anniversary of Mozart's birth with a festival of performances of Mozart's music in Memorial Chapel on Campus. For details contact 423-968-1187.

-October 9 - 8pm, Pianist Andreas Klein Performance, classical musician and a native of Germany

-October 10 - 8pm, The Paramount Players, chamber ensemble will perform with the Kegelstadt Trio

-October 12 - 8pm, Student Recital featuring piano, voice and instruments, free. (Posted 10-5-06)

Mountain Stage recorded two live performances at the Paramount Center Bristol in July and will be broadcast the week of October 14 and 21. The two hour shows can be heard locally on WETS 89.5. For further details visit www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org. (Posted 10-3-06)

"Sweetness on the State Line: A Chronicle of Candy-Making in Bristol, Virginia" will be a featured exhibit at East Tennessee State University's B. Carroll Reece Museum in Johnson City, October 9, 2006, through January 31, 2007. The exhibit is an outgrowth of a class project in the university's "Foodways of Appalachia" course, by Lisa Elliott of Kingsport, a student in the master of arts in liberal studies program. It documents the history of candy companies in Bristol dating to 1909 and is part of Bristol's Sesquicentennial celebration. Frank Loudy, Mr. Senior Bristol for this special year, is one of the persons that will be recognized in this exhibit having owned Loudy Candy Company, a predecessor of Helm's Candy Company of Bristol. An opening reception will be held Thursday, October 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the museum. For information, call the museum at 423-439-4392. (Posted 9-30-06)

Hendrika Schuster to Make Final Performance September 9 - Mrs. Schuster will provide her final living Portrayal of Mrs. Joseph Anderson Saturday, September 9th at the Bristol Public Library at 3:00pm. As the First Mother of Bristol, Mrs. Anderson will give us insight to the founding of Bristol and the character and vision of the cities first residents. This will also be Mrs. Schusters final performance before her retirement and moving from the region. Keep this date on your calendar. DVD's will be made available of this event and her previous portrayal of Mrs. A.D. Reynolds. (posted 9-6-06)

Events to Highlight Virginia Intermont Inauguration - V.I. College has rich traditions and history in Bristol. On October 6 a new era will commence at the college with the inauguration of Dr. Michael Puglisi, the college's 16th president. The ceremony will begin at 1:30pm, Friday October 6 in the J. Henry Kegley Auditorium of Harrison Jones Memorial Hall, followed by a reception in the campus Quadrangle. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Richard Pfau, president of Averett University. Pre-inaugural events include a concert by Dr. Stephen Hamilton on October 3, 8:00pm, in Harrison Jones Hall. Dr. Hamilton has a long tenured history in Bristol, formerly serving as a faculty member of V.I. College and former Minister of Music at Central Presbyterian Church. An art reception at Worrell Fine Arts Center will precede the concert, with hours from 5:00pm - 7:00pm. (posted 9-6-06)

Bristol's Sesquicentennial Quilt On Display. The Holston Quilters Guild recently presented Bristol the Quilt "Postcards From Bristol" as the quilt celebrating the cities century and a half. This quilt contains three different block patterns and is covered with fabulous postcards from Bristol’s past. It also has applications of the Cardinal & Mockingbird, Virginia & Tennessee state birds, and also the state flowers, the Dogwood and the Iris. This one-of-a-kind anniversary quilt was presented at our Star-Spangled Bristol event to the Bristol Public Library to add to their permanent collection. This quilt is now on display in the foyer of the library's Artspace during library hours. We thank the guild for their hours of work and their contribution to this wonderful year! (posted 9-1-06)

Living Portrayal's on DVD. Hendrika Schuster's portrayals of Mrs. Melinda Anderson & Mrs. Senah Reynolds will be available on DVD. During these final performances advanced orders are being accepted for $12.00, which includes shipping & handling. Orders after the September 9 performance will be $15.00 plus shipping & handling. Both portrayals of Bristol's Sesquicentennial will be professionally prepared as a living record of Bristol's past and of Bristol's Sesquicentennial. Advanced orders can be sent by mail: Bristol Sesquicentennial Committee, P.O. Box 2006, Bristol Virginia 24203. Please indicate that this is for the Schuster DVD. This is a perfect one-of-a-kind gift. (Posted 8-22-06)

Bud Phillips has booksigning. Mr. Phillips, Bristol's Grand Historian, will be having a booksigning for his new books at B.Dalton Booksellers, Saturday August 5 between the hours of 1pm and 5pm. Two new books have recently been released, Forgive Me Lord, I Grinned, containing comical church stories, and Bristol, A Good Place To Live, a collection of histories on the Twin Cities. (Posted 8-2-06)

Bristol History Exhibit, A month-long experience. Former Times On The Border: Bristol of the 18th & 19th Centuries, an exhibition of rare historical artifacts and manuscripts has been opened at the historic Old Custom House, formerly the old Bristol Tennessee Post Office on Shelby Street. The exhibit presents for the first time the personal effects of the region's founders. A comprehensive collection from the Colonel & Reverend James King families details the development of Sapling Grove & King's Meadows and provides the original documents for the establishment of the Sapling Grove Post Office, the Beaver Creek Iron Works and ordination sermon, papers & bible for Reverend James King. Also included are historic manuscripts for Bristol's founders, Joseph Anderson & Colonel Samuel Goodson and the earliest settlers dating to the eighteenth century. Numerous items reveal artifacts from Presidents Andrew Johnson & Andrew Jackson and documents from Kentucky Governor Isaac Shelby. This exhibit gives a glimpse of the earliest days of the Bristol area and its founders. The Exhibition is open Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm through July 28. (Posted 7-15-06)

"Bristol Colonel" Nominations Are Now Being Accepted. For Bristol's Sesquicentennial you now have the opportunity to nominate your friends, family members and others you hold in high regard to become appointed as an honorary Colonel of Bristol's State Line Militia. This honor recognizes the community's richest inheritance, its citizens. Upon appointment, the inductee of honorary Colonel will receive a fine certificate as a tribute of his or her citizenship and a keepsake of Bristol's 150^th anniversary. Nomination forms accompanied with $5.00 per submission should be mailed to: Bristol Colonel, P.O. Box 2006, Bristol Virginia 24203. Forms can be found in the Bristol Herald Courier or at Fandango's & Java' J's in Downtown Bristol and the Bristol Mall Customer Service Booth. Also at other retail locations throughout Bristol. There is no limit to nominations. Allow 2 - 4 weeks for delivery. (Posted 7-10-06)

The Second U.S. Post Office Cancellation will be available through the end of July at the downtown Post Office. If you could not attend the Star-Spangled Bristol event at Cumberland Square Park you still have the opportunity to purchase the last Stamp Cancellation of the Sesquicentennial year. This beautiful stamp depicts fireworks over Bristol's historic Bristol trainstation and confederate monument and is on a cover with the full color Sesquicentennial logo. Demand was high for the first cancellation in March so don't miss the opportunity to pick-up the last cancellation of 2006.

(Posted 7-10-06)

Parade Kicks-off Eventful Saturday. Bristol will celebrate its 150th birthday with the Kiwanis Sesquicentennial parade on Saturday, July 1st, beginning at 10:00am. The parade route begins on Morrison Blvd and follows State Street to the Bristol Trainstation. Highlights of this fabulous event will be the inclusion of professional floats and the attendance of Senator George Allen, The Lord Mayor & Mayoress Peter Abraham of Bristol England and numerous local & regional dignitaries. The parade will conclude with a float with Bristol's Own Dixieland Band and will lead parade goers to Cumberland Square Park where the entire city is invited for a FREE citywide picnic, with concerts, a special postal cancellation, free giveaways, book signings, presentations and Bristol's largest birthday cake. Henricka Schuster will make a portrayal of Bristol's first lady, Mrs. Joseph Anderson, at First Baptist Church. Historical, Art & Quilt exhibits will add to Saturdays celebration. (Posted 7-1-06)

The Lord Mayor of Bristol England Visits Bristol During Star-Spangled Bristol.

In special recognition of Bristol's 150th anniversary there will a special visitation from the Lord Mayor of Bristol England for the festivities here for July 4th weekend. The Sesquicentennial Committee is confirming the Lord Mayor Peter Abraham and his wife's arrival in Bristol on Thursday June 29th and will arrive in time for the kick-off of the weekend events. He will also ride in the Kiwanis Sesquicentennial Parade on Saturday July 1. This arrival is of special note considering that the founder of Bristol Tennessee-Virginia, Joseph Anderson, named the Twin-Cities after Great Britain's foremost industrial city of the Nineteenth Century. There has been a standing relationship between Bristol England and our Bristol dating back to Bristol's Centennial of 1956, when a formal letter of recognition was received from the then Lord Mayor Crook. There have been numerous visits from dignitaries from Bristol England over the most recent years. (posted 6-29-06)

Bristol's Sesquicentennial Is A Piece Of Cake. . . A Very Large Cake! Star-Spangled

Bristol will be delicious to the palate and a sight to behold. Chief Richards of Southeast Culinary School has been working since Tuesday on the largest birthday cake in Bristol's history. This 8' x 8' marvel will be about 2' tall and will be a 3-dimensional view of downtown Bristol. Yes, this sweet confection will include buildings in downtown Bristol, The Bristol Trainstation, a lighted Bristol sign as well as a Bristol Motor Speedway re-creation. Four chiefs will work till Saturday's big event and will use 438 sheet cakes, 120 dozen eggs, 250 pounds of sugar, 9 gallons of oil and 75 cups of shortening. This cake will be assembled and decorated in an air-conditioned tent on the grounds of Cumberland Square Park, the site of Saturdays Star-Spangled Bristol events. WOW, Come Be A Part Of The Exciting Day On Saturday. Watch For That Tent! The Sesquicentennial Cake is sponsored by Kroger. (posted 6-29-06)

BOOKSIGNING IS ANNOUNCED. Overmountain Press of Johnson City has announced a booksigning for Bud Phillips for his Sesquicentennial issue on Bristol history. The booksigning for his twentieth century history "Bristol, A Good Place To Live" will be Thursday June 28 at the Bristol Public Library. The hours are 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Additional booksignings will be held during Star-Spangled Bristol events, Saturday July 1 in the Cumberland Square Park and Sunday July 2 at Anderson Park. (posted 6-23-06)

AN OPEN HOUSE AT THE TENNESSEE ERNIE FORD HOUSE is scheduled for July 1 - 3 in celebration of Bristol's 150th birthday. The house, located on Anderson Street, will be open July 1 & July 3 10am - 4pm and Sunday July 2 between the hours of 1pm & 5pm. For details contact Brenda Otis at 276-466-9116. (Posted 6-22-06)

ATTENTION, ATTENTION - Announcing "Bristol Colonel" Nominations. For Bristol’s Sesquicentennial you now have the opportunity to nominate your friends, family members and others you hold in high regard to become appointed as an honorary Colonel of Bristol’s State Line Militia. This honor recognizes the community’s richest inheritance, its citizens. Upon appointment, the inductee of honorary Colonel will receive a fine certificate as a tribute of his or her citizenship and a keepsake of Bristol’s 150^th anniversary. Nomination forms accompanied with $5.00 per submission should be mailed to: Bristol Colonel, P.O. Box 2006, Bristol Virginia 24203. Forms can be found in the Bristol Herald Courier or at Fandango’s & Java’ J’s in Downtown Bristol and the Bristol Mall Customer Service Booth. Also at other etail locations throughout Bristol. There is no limit to nominations. Allow 2 – 4 weeks for delivery. (Posted 5-28-06)

King College Movie Night - A special movie night is planned for Friday evening June 30 on the grounds of King College. The outdoor event will begin with live music & food vendors and a special movie presentation to begin at 9:00pm. This event will be sponsored by King College & WXBQ. (Posted 5-28-06)

Hendrika Schuster to portray Mrs. Joseph Anderson and Mrs. A.D. Reynolds. Relive Bristol history through the historic portrayals of two of Bristol’s most predominant families. Hendrika Schuster has long portrayed dozens of Virginia’s most famous women, like Martha Washington, Mrs. Robert E. Lee & Mrs. JEB Stuart will bring to life Bristol’s history through the eyes of Mrs. Melinda Anderson, who’s husband founded the city, and Mrs. Seneh Reynolds, of the A.D. & R.J. Reynolds families. The performance for Mrs. Anderson will be held at First Baptist Church, Saturday July 1 at 2:00pm, followed by the portrayal of Mrs. Seneh Reynolds at Reynolds United Methodist Church, Saturday August 19 at 6:00pm. (Posted 5-22-06)

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