BRISTOL HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Welcome to the official web site for the
Bristol Historical Association!
History is told through the buildings and homes in a city. The mission of the Bristol Historical Association is to promote an interest in the history of Bristol. The Bristol Historical Association is dedicated to the identification, preservation, interpretation, and presentation of local history.
The Historic Preservation Award Committee for the City of Bristol, Virginia will hold outdoor ceremonies on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at each of this year's four awarded properties. The award program was established to recognize and honor property owners and developers for preservation and maintenance projects in the city's five historic districts (Euclid Avenue, Solar Hill, Virginia Hill, Bristol Downtown Commercial, & Bristol Warehouse) and Citywide. This is the tenth award year for the City of Bristol, Virginia.
Congratulations to the 2023 award recipients!
The public is invited to attend the award ceremonies. The winning properties, along with the scheduled award times on Tuesday, May 23rd, are as follows:
CITYWIDE AWARD 10 AM
The Citywide Award is given to a property that is located outside of a historic district, but within the Bristol, Virginia city limits. The New Peoples Bank building at 901 West State Street was built in 1924. The exterior brick was chosen to match a neighboring boutique hotel. The greystone accent was inspired by Bristol, Tennessee's Stone Castle. Lawn space featuring replica musical instruments was added for community gatherings. The parking lot was paved and landscaped. A piece of history has been preserved, beautifying the gateway to Bristol's downtown.
EUCLID AVENUE HISTORIC DISTRICT 11 AM
The Leonard home at 441 Euclid Avenue was built in 1926. Restoration of the Tudor-Revival style home included stucco, a new synthetic slate roof, windows, and garage doors. The driveway and landscaping were also updated. The late Clarence B. Kearfott, an early Bristol architect, originally designed the home for Colonel C. L. and Dixie Kidd. The home's first story is rusticated stone. The second story is half-timbered. An interesting feature is the Tudor-arched porch. This immaculately restored home is a showpiece for the highly traveled historic neighborhood.
SOLAR HILL HISTORIC DISTRICT 1 PM
The Campbell home at 238 Oak Street was built in 1903. Restoration of the Victorian-style home included replacement of the windows, roof, and siding. The exterior of the home was repainted using time period colors. Ornamental details on the front of the home and the porch flooring were replaced. The original foundation was maintained. Spectacular new landscaping can be viewed from the immaculate side yard. This 120-year-old hidden jewel adds beauty and unique charm to Bristol's oldest residential neighborhood.
BRISTOL DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL HISTORIC DISTRICT 2 PM
The building that houses The Southern Churn, located at 627 State Street, was built c. 1910. Karen Hester purchased the two-story building, which included loft apartments, in 2004. Restoration included uncovering cast concrete panels to reveal the original brick facade. Damaged road pavers, originally used in the building, were replaced with salvaged pavers from Northwest railroad station in Roanoke, Virginia. Missing cornices, brackets, decorative window headers, dentils, and emblems, were custom fabricated and installed. The building was restored as authentically as possible to preserve the history, beauty, and retail character of historic downtown Bristol.
NEW LIBRARY EXHIBIT: AMERICAN MILITARIA
The Bristol Historical Association is proud to announce a newly installed exhibit at the Bristol Public Library featuring American Militaria. This patriotic collection is comprised of items on loan from several local Army veterans.
Do you know what an MRE is?
Why were the World War I soldiers called "doughboys?"
What led to the use of dogtags?
Does the folding of our flag into a triangle have any meaning?
Answers to these questions and more can be found by viewing this special exhibit. Items on display include a beautiful blue silk embossed flag of the 319th regiment, officer's mess kit, officer's hats, insignia and medals,
helmets from WWI and WWI, documents, and more.
The exhibit is located on the second floor of the Bristol Public Library near the circulation desk and will be on display through the month of July. For more information, or if you have a collection you would like to share through an exhibit, please contact Joyce Kistner at joyceannkistner@gmail.com or 276 669 2448.
History for Sale!
BHA is honored to offer for sale to the public a number of rare Virginia Intermont College mementos. These are the last vestiges of "new" VI memorabilia and will be prized by collectors of VI College history as well as ever faithful and proud alums of this grand institution of higher learning. Proceeds will be used to fund storage costs for the remainder of the VI Collection. Quantities are limited. Prices for each item are shown below. To purchase items, please visit either
Willow Creek Antiques and Collectibles at 619 State Street in Bristol, VA, or
Believe in Bristol Headquarters at 20 Sixth Street in Bristol, TN.
Composition Book $2.50
Silver Photo Album $25
Honors Program Bronze Medal $20
VI Lapel Pin $10
VI Cobra Cheer Horn $5
License Plate Frame $15
Cobra Folder $2
Pencil 0.50 cents
Postcards $1
VIC Picture 8x12 0.25 cents
VIC Sticker Sheets 0.25 cents
VIC Decals 0.25 cents
Historic Sites.
History is told through the buildings and homes in a city. The Bristol Historical Association promotes an interest in the history of Bristol by designating properties with historical significance. A generous contribution from Mr. William W. “Bud” Walling financed the cost of the first twenty-five plaques. Much credit is due to the late Mr Walling for his vital part in the promotion of the Landmark Designation program.
Are you interested in applying for a Landmark Marker for your historical building? If so, please complete the Historical Landmark Marker Application Form.
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