
LOTTSBURG—More than 25 friends of the historic Holley Graded School assembled recently, including seven who were alumni of the primary school in Lottsburg that closed in 1959.
Garfield Parker presided over the gathering that brought together many with memories of friendships formed.
“Today is a family reunion of sorts,” said Harold Blackwell, chairman of the Holley Graded School trustees. “We are here to celebrate all the people who have contributed their time, talent and resources.”
Named for property owner and founder Sallie Holley, known well on the abolitionist speaker circuit, the school became an icon of Black education in the Northern Neck. It opened in 1866 for the education of newly freed enslaved people of Lottsburg.
Among the August 9 attendees were seven who had attended….






