Truckin' on the Western Branch

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A nonprofit, 501 (c) 3 foundation, Suffolk River Heritage promotes an awareness and appreciation of the history and heritage of villages and neighborhoods along the Nansemond, James and Elizabeth Rivers. The trio of waterways are as inter connected as the farmers, watermen, businesses, and families living along and near their shorelines. Since 2006 foundation members have been collecting oral histories and other primary source material relevant to those communities. From that work the foundation developed a series of books in which we share stories, photography and a touch of historical research, creating a sense of place to share with a rapidly changing region. Peninsula in Passage , published 2012 , the story of the villages of Bennett’s Creek, Driver and Pughsville as they evolved into the suburban area surrounding the planned community of Harbour View. Truckin’ on the Western Branch , published 2014 , the story of how a thriving region of truck farmers — Churchland, West Norfolk, Western Branch and Bowers Hill — grew into a diverse, suburban community while retaining some of its village culture and closeness. The River Binds Us , published 2007, the story of the farms and watermen’s villages of Crittenden, Eclipse and Hobson.

The Churchland/West Norfolk/Western Branch/Bowers Hill communities owe their unique heritage to the truck farmers who grew vegetables, fruit and flowers across the area. Those “truckers” and their commitment to family, friends and neighbors nurtured a culture of caring that remained after truck farming faded. The community at large also nurtured scores of youngsters who went on to become highly successful in a wide range of careers—and credit their hometown with fostering their achievements. Truckin’ on the Western Branch, created by journalists John H. Sheally II and Phyllis Speidell with educator Karla Smith, captures the story of the truckers and the community through the recollections of more than 100 people, the documented history of the area and a collection of compelling vintage and contemporary photos.

ISBN 978-1-57864-939-6

ISBN 978-1-57864-939-6

Cover design and photography by John H. Sheally II

9 781578 649396