Oral History: Clara Greinke

Clara Greinke, her husband and three sons moved to the Braddock District in 1960. Roads were narrow and often still dirt-covered. She notes how the area has changed from a woodland rural countryside dotted with ponds for fishing and skating. Active in civic organizations, Clara Greinke remembers working to preserve a strong community as the area developed.

Oral History: Tom Giska

Tom Giska joined the faculty as a science teacher at Lake Braddock High School in 1974, the school's second year in operation. He discusses the growth of the school and historic events in the early history of Fairfax County. Tom Giska has compiled a comprehensive history of the Burke area including people and events.

Oral History: Eileen Garnett

Eileen Garnett moved to Annandale in 1972. She reminisces about development that came to support increasing numbers of homes and subdivisions. She describes the revitalization project which she helped found in the 1980s and continues to guide. The revitalization project worked to upgrade the business district in Annandale.

Oral History: Robert Frye

Robert Frye moved to Fairfax in 1967. Three times a member of the Fairfax County School Board--both appointed and elected--Bob Frye worked for equal opportunity in the county as the area emerged from the era of segregation to diversity. He was the first minority member-at-large on the School Board.

Oral History: John Fox

John Fox was seventeen when his family moved to Annandale in 1939. His father started the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department, and John Fox served with that department. He describes the technology of fire fighting and major blazes facing the volunteers.

Oral History: Richard Ernst

Richard Ernst was the first president of Northern Virginia Community College and served in that capacity for 30 years. He discusses the growth of the institution since 1968.

Oral History: Elly Doyle

Elly Doyle moved to Fairfax County during the early 1950s. A civic activist and former member and chairman of the Fairfax County Park Authority Board, she traces the development of the activities of county parks and her role in that growth.

Oral History: Jim Dillard

By 2005, Jim Dillard had served in the Virginia House of Delegates for 32 years. He analyzes the political scene in the Braddock District, finances, diversity, and growth and change in state and local government.

Oral History: Irv Denton

Irv Denton moved to Annandale in 1967. He discusses Annandale's history, development and notable people from 1685 to the present day.

Oral History: Dan Cragg

Dan Cragg, former Braddock District History Commissioner, traces the history of Braddock District through stories about early families--the Fitzhughs and the Lees, among them. He traces the growth of the railroads through streets now occupied with houses, parks, and shopping facilities. Through careful research, Dan Cragg determined the original location of the Ravensworth mansion, constructed on the Fitzhugh tobacco plantation in 1797.