Oral History: Aubrey Chason

Aubrey Chason's family moved to Annandale in 1931 when he was three years old. He remembers childhood activities, going to school, the area's rural character before development, the home front in World War II, and working for local companies. Aubrey's wife, Ann Chason, joins the discussion near the end of the interview.

Oral History: Edward Carr

Edward Carr took over his father's development firm,
a major corporation in Northern Virginia. He describes the acquisition, planning, development, and home building which his family initiated in the district.

Oral History: Jack Burkholder

Jack Burkholder moved to Fairfax County in 1956. He served as a teacher and in various administrative roles before becoming Superintendent of Schools for Fairfax County. Growth marked his tenure in the school system. He remembers how the school system changed, including the role of teachers' unions, desegregation, and curriculum change.

Oral History: Sharon Bulova

The Honorable Sharon Bulova represents the Braddock District on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, serving as Vice Chairman. Sharon Bulova initiated "A Look Back at Braddock" and speaks about her goals and her life in the county since 1966.

Oral History: Stewart Lynn and Becky Bryce

The Bryce family represents four generations of Fairfax County residents. They discuss daily life growing up in the country from the time of dirt roads to present-day development.

Oral History: Paul Brown (Jul. 25, 1929 - Sep. 16, 2005)

Paul Brown grew up in Fairfax County. He remembers childhood activities, pickup neighborhood baseball, long bus rides to school, and neighborhood grocery stores. He reminisces about family history and about the days when the Braddock District had no electricity and telephones were party lines. Paul Brown's family lived in Brimstone Hill, whose construction dates to the 1820s.

Oral History: Ernest (Buddy) Belote

Ernest (Buddy) Belote can trace his family roots in Northern Virginia to pre-Revolutionary days. His ancestor, Colonel William Fitzhugh of Bedfordshire, England, purchased about 22,000 acres of land in Northern Virginia and began cultivating what would become one of the largest tobacco plantations in Northern Virginia. The property encompassed the current Ravensworth neighborhood in the Braddock District. After discussing the Fitzhughs, Buddy Belote talks about his career in radio and television news, his daughter's Olympic swimming achievements, and Braddock District development.

A Look Back at Braddock Oral History Project

Burke International Airport, Opposition

A newspaper headline in 1951 announced that Burke farmer, Jones Jasper, asked the District Court for a preliminary injunction against any airport within 12,500 feet of his 100-acre farm. The suit charged that "frequent operation of large, heavy, powerful multi-engined civil aircraft over plaintiff's property at an altitude below the navigable air space. . .would constitute a continuing trespass on his property. . .and endanger persons and animals."

unknown newspaper

Oral History: Dale Adler

Dale Adler grew up on a ten-acre farm just off Braddock Road. Despite her father's lengthy absences as a photographer, the family raised their own produce as well as beef cattle. She recalls her school experiences and the beginning of subdivision growth.

A Look Back at Braddock Oral History Project

Oral History: Jennifer Cornelson Addington

Jennifer Cornelson Addington grew up in Old Burke where her family lived in Whiteoaks, the original edifice of the Burke Elementary School. She reminisces about her childhood and neighborhood growth.

A Look Back at Braddock Oral History Project