The Good: Luray is situated in fertile Page County, Virginia, between the Blue Ridge and the Massanutten Mountains. Much of the county is rural, with productive farms.
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| Sharing with The Barn Collective and Mosaic Monday. |
Legend and narrative testimonies describe this stone as A Slave Auction Block.
From the Page News & Courier, August 31, 1961: “This native sandstone block . . . which stood at the corner of Main and Court Streets at the Chamber of Commerce building . . . was used as a perch for slaves about to be sold at auction . . . The stone is said to be one of the few now in existence.” It is similar to many which existed in the South prior to the Civil War.
As a part of everyday life, black men, women and children would be displayed and examined on slave blocks and sold for the highest bid. Family groups were frequently sold apart; husbands from wives, mothers from children, etc.
This block is an historic symbol of a dark past of man’s inhumanity toward his fellow man. It is also a symbol of how far we have come in learning to respect its victims and in resolving to go forward into the future with mutual respect and understanding.(Recommended Reading: The Narrative of Bethany Veney, A Slave Woman.)
The Fun: Across the street from that sad reminder of the past is a town park. Here citizens can gather and children can play.
It's sometimes necessary to be reminded of the past and the cruel injustices that mankind has inflicted. Good too to see children playing in the park enjoying the freedom that others died for.
ReplyDelete...Linda, you live in such beautiful, historic area, Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHello, pretty views of Luray. I like the mosaic and gazebo. Happy Tuesday, enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteA fine series. A great looking gazebo.
ReplyDeleteThe block is thought provoking, and needed to remind us, especially now.
ReplyDeleteWe do need to be reminded of the past, no matter how painful.
ReplyDeleteI do like how you've presented this Linda.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
All the best Jan
The block is a sad symbol of the past indeed. The gazebo is a pretty scene.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sad symbol of lives torn apart and of the lack of value of the human spirit. It's good to remember even the hard things.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad there is a beautiful park across from the auction stone where all kids can play and community members can recreate. <3.
ReplyDeleteI agree with others that it is good to be reminded of our past in order to learn from it. Of course, the debate rages on in terms of WHERE these reminders should be - such as flags on government property. Thanks for the thought-provoking images.
ReplyDeleteYes, location is important. Anything on government property implies approval of what the symbol stands for.
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