Patty's Riding School, Burke, Virginia

Patty Ruffner's Riding School in Burke, Virginia, advertised in the Fairfax Times Herald, June 8, 1956. The advertisement read: "PATTY'S RIDING SCHOOL Near Fairfax at Burke Offers Lessons In Riding and Jumping. Lessons: 6 1-Hour - 12.00. Trail Riding: 8 1-Hour - 10.00. Call Mrs. Ruffner - CR 3-4875."
Patty's was the main riding stable in the local area, and horses could travel across areas that are main roads today. In the 1970s, the Ruffner's sold the land for development and it now forms part of the Rollingwoods Estates subdivision. The original house, called Kings Grant and its outbuildings remain, surrounded by newer homes.

Photo by Gilbert Donahue

Copyrighted material, not to be reproduced without permission of owner, Gilbert Donahue

Lee Highway Drive-In Movie Theater, circa 1950

Lee Highway Drive-in Movie Theater, Merrifield, Virginia, circa 1950. The movie theater was an entertainment center for families, since parents could take children along in the car.

Photograph from Fairfax County Public Library, Virginia Room, Photographic Archive, Hill Collection

Annandale Dreadnaughts Baseball Team, circa 1940

The Annandale Dreadnaughts, founded in 1940, played teams from other areas and attracted up to 500 fans at games. The team would "pass the hat" to help pay for uniforms and equipment. Baseball scouts occasionally came to check out local players.

Courtesy John Fox

Fairfax High School, 1954

Sweetheart Dance in the Fairfax High School cafeteria, February 1954

Courtesy Irving Denton