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Dear Classmates:
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Paul Peters -
revised 09/12/2021

David Anderson

I thought some might enjoy this from the Washington Post (John Kelly) this past weekend.  I'm sure many of you have fond memories of Walnut Hill.  I do.

"Can you tell me anything about the estate known as Walnut Hill, which was in Annandale, Va., on Annandale Road between Graham Road and Gallows Road? I believe it was once owned by O. Roy Chalk, a businessman who owned the old bus line that was a precursor to Metro. The estate had a glorious long hill that started near the house and ended near Annandale Road. It was perfect for sledding, and in the late 1950s to early ’60s neighborhood kids and parents used to gather there for afternoons of sheer delight. — Libby Kephart, Falls Church, Va."

Before there was Walnut Hill, there was Holly Hill. That was the name of the house built by a family called the Masons, who owned the property in question from the 1850s to 1912, when its journey through a series of different owners began. In 1927, Thomas E. Waggaman — a Washington real estate man and antiques collector — bought the 30-acre parcel. A year later, the Holly Hill house burned to the ground, taking much of Waggaman’s collection with it.

It’s in 1941 that the property becomes associated with local transportation. That’s when it was purchased by Joseph and Antoinette “Toni” Arnold, who are apparently the ones who built a large, 12-room mansion there. The name Walnut Hill applies to both the house and the property. Joseph Arnold was the son of Leon Arnold, who in 1927 founded what was officially known as the Washington, Virginia & Maryland Coach Co., but which everyone called the Arnold Bus Lines. Leon Arnold oversaw a network of buses that crisscrossed the region. He was killed in a car crash in 1946. By then, his son had assumed control of the family business. Transit was a messy world back then. Newspapers were full of stories of fare hikes, driver strikes and government probes. Things were no different for the Arnold Lines. Perhaps the Arnolds found respite at their impressive Annandale mansion. According to a 2010 story by M. Callahan in the Annandale Chamber of Commerce’s Endeavor magazine, the house was built to resemble Tara, the house from “Gone With the Wind.” It had only three bedrooms, but each was the size of a basketball court. A guest lodge behind the main house could seat 200 in its dining room. The grounds of Walnut Hill boasted a 12-stall stable, a track for equine workouts, a clover-shaped swimming pool and a duck pond.

Walnut Hill was the scene of frequent parties and fundraisers. Toni Arnold — nee Biazzi (she was born in Milan and came to the District at age 7) — hosted war bond rallies and fundraisers for the Metropolitan Police Boys Club. She also raised St. Bernard dogs. Joseph Arnold died in 1953. Toni — who held a law degree from Columbia College, now George Washington University — took over the bus company. In 1955, she married George Faraco, a designer and builder of swimming pools. When Toni died in 1962, control of the company and the house passed to Faraco. By 1964, he had sold both to O. Roy Chalk, the controversial transportation magnate. (Faraco would later marry a former Miss Greece and split his time between Middleburg and the Greek island of Kos, which is where he died in 1971.)

While the Arnolds were beloved members of the community, Chalk was not. His streetcar and bus company — eventually known as DC Transit — was frequently embroiled in controversy. He was accused of stripping Walnut Hill of its fine furnishings and moving them to a house he owned in the Caribbean. In 1970, Chalk announced plans to turn Walnut Hill into a private men’s club and conference center. Chalk promised that the “high caliber” club would be limited to a membership of 1,000 “gentlemen of distinction, successful men who have made their mark in life or are about to.” Neighbors were not impressed. If Walnut Hill was going to become anything, they argued, it should be a residential development. Chalk switched gears. In 1972, he inked a deal with a group called Chess International Ltd. that would turn Walnut Hill into a private chess and bridge club. But this project fell apart when it was learned one of Chess International’s executives had signed the papers using a fake name. He was a felon who had served time in prison for transporting a stolen car. Chalk finally sold Walnut Hill in 1985 to the Chrisland Corp.

The following year, the Arnold mansion was torn down and construction began on the single-family homes that grace the property today

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Clinton McKinney

Thanks for posting that Dave, it's a great article! It's unfortunate that the mansion was torn down. I never knew 

about anything behind the mansion but the front with the pond below was gorgous. I always enjoyed looking up at it when driving by. 

Maryalice Conmy (Dorries)

Excellent article Dave! Sorry to see Walnut Hill's demise, but I sure do love the history. I never knew any of it, so this is great to learn. Thanks so much for sharing!

Nancy Blum

My bus stop was at Walnut Hill. We were afraid of the owners although we had no concrete evidence of their meanness. However, their German shepherd sure was mean, it ran off the property and seriously bit my sister. No leash laws back then!

Nancy Blum

My bus stop was at Walnut Hill. We were afraid of the owners although we had no concrete evidence of their meanness. However, their German shepherd sure was mean, it ran off the property and seriously bit my sister. No leash laws back then!

Nancy Badin (Helmke)

Cool me memory of the. Annandale area.

Michael Guthrie

Nancy, this was a different property than our bus stop. Farther down Annandale Road toward Falls Church. But yes, that German shepherd was the real deal especially when trying to collect for the Washington Post 😳

David Anderson

Annandale Rd out of Annandale and then bear right at the intersection with Hummer as Annandale Rd heads toward Falls Church.  After bearing right first intersection is Masonville Dr (John Meana lived on the left side).  Walnut Hill was a couple more blocks on the left.  There is also a Mason Dr.  Mason was the name of the original owners of the property.  Beautiful homes on the property now, still up on the hill with the pond at the bottom.  Streets around there have names associated with Walnut Hill.

Sorry the two pictures from the article didn't come through.  Many of you would probably remember it if you see the pics.  Mike is going to try to get them on the site as I couldn't figure it out.  It was a great place for sledding.

Kathryn Moore (Crowe)

My main recollection of Walnut Hill is trying to get a parent to drive us there for trick or treat on Halloween.  They had a reputation for great treats.  I think we were only successful once or twice. 

Michael Gassmann

Here are the two photos of Walnut Hill from the Washington Post article Dave Anderson posted a few days ago.  I remember sledding there; I lived on Gallows Road not far from its intersection with Hummer Road and Annandale Road, so for me it was an easy walk to Walnut Hill for some of the best sledding around.   Our classmate Jeannine Martin lived on Annandale Road almost directly across from Walnut Hill.

Michael Gassmann

I have created a new photo gallery under the tab Classmate Photo Galleries called "70th Birthday Party," which includes all of the photos I have received so far from last week's celebration at Shenandoah Crossing in Gordonsville.  Many thanks to Maureen, Maryalice, Linda, and Pam Power for their photos.  If anyone else has any photos from last week's event they'd like to add to the photo gallery, it should be possible for you to add them directly to the gallery.  If that's a problem, just email them to me at mlg7string@gmail.com and I'll get them posted.  Enjoy!

Mike Gassmann

Michael Guthrie

Bummed I had to miss the time with you all. 

Maryalice Conmy (Dorries)

Mike, thanks for the excellent job and uploading all those photos from our 70th birthday party! And thanks to everyone that sent pictures in. It was so much fun. Thanks to Maureen, and all her abilities in organization!!

Cynthia Taylor (Zook)

Dear Friends, 

Bill and i were sorry to miss the fabulous reunion - i had work in Pasadena, CA that week and Bill was with his son in Del Mar. We both loved seeing everyone's posts on Facebook! 

You may or may not have seen on my social media that my son, Ryan, has taken on the crazy idea of hosting a country music benefit concert on behalf of Type 1 Diabetes and JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) this Wednesday, September 20th at the State Theatre in Falls Church, VA! 

When Ryan’s youngest son, Reid, was diagnosed with Type 1 at age 3, he had his finger pricked 7-10 times and received more than a handful of shots every single day. Technology has helped us manage, but it’s something Reid will live with for his entire life, until they find a cure. Reid often asks, “I wonder when they will find a cure for Type 1?” Earlier this summer, Ryan woke up with a plan a host a benefit event to raise money and spread awareness for this cause that is near and dear to our hearts! See the pix of Ryan and Reid from this summer. 

I know this is short notice … but sometimes serendipity happens, and people commit at the last minute … so I am sending out the invitation and hope you will help me spread the word. We still have tickets available. 

If you’re free, I’d LOVE for you to join Bill and I and see JORDAN DAVIS and DANIELLE BRADBERY. Jordan Davis, nominated for 2023 ACM Male Artist of the Year, has six number 1 hits (so far) including “Buy Dirt,” “When My World Spins Around,” and “Next Thing You Know.” Danielle Bradbery, winner of NBC’s The Voice with Blake Shelton, sings a handful of songs you may have heard listening to The Highway on Sirius XM. I’m super excited!

If you’re already registered, I wanted to say a huge THANK YOU. Please spread the word by passing along the registration link to your colleagues and friends and family! If you know a family affected by Type 1, they’ll be very excited that you’re getting involved. Artist contracts with Ticketmaster and LiveNation prevent us from posting this link on public social media, but feel free to share through text, email, DM, private groups, word of mouth and more.

Doors open at 6:00pm and the benefit tickets are $200. Thanks for taking the time to read this note and I hope that Bill and I get to see you on Wednesday! Let me know if you have any questions.

Best,

Cindy

Maureen Hamilton (Hackert)

Today is Robbie Lindholm's birthday! Although some of us have not yet turned 70, he is celebrating his 71st birthday! He might be the first person from the Class of 71 to turn 71!   Please sent him some birthday wishes!! If you have already turned 71, let us know!!  In case you are wondering, the theme for next years party will be, The Class of 1971 turns 71!!!!!

Leon Graybill

Happy Birthday Robbie

Michael Guthrie

Some of the Guthries catching up with Steve Wendt 😃

Gregory Porter

Happy New Year! Just thought that I would share my latest news with my friends. After we moved to Shenandoah County, I continued to practice law out of my house on a very limited basis. Then I learned that all of the assistant prosecutors had left our local Commonwealth's Attorney's office, leaving just the Commonwealth Attorney and a person who worked only on Mondays. I decided to join the law enforcement team by becoming an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney. For the past 14.5 months I have been proud to serve the people of Shenandoah County. 

The recent election brought a new Commonwealth Attorney to office (starting today), and she offered me a position, which I was about to accept. However, Friday I was advised by a defense attorney of a new policy, which had been intentionally kept from me, and I made a big decision. I am now fully retired. Now I have to figure out how to spend 168 hours a week. I guess there is spending time with Jane, my daughter and grandson, fixing up the farm, farming, travel, hunting, fishing, shooting, church, teaching, staying in good physical shape, and...., well, maybe there still will not be enough hours in the day. 

Judy Owen

Congratulations Greg...good choice...one I am sure you will not regret!  Hidden things that come to the light are very freeing. Please enjoy your farm and family and health with the time given to you. Happy New Year and many blessings...Judy Owen

Maureen Hamilton (Hackert)

Once again it is time for the Annual Sunday Brunch!!  Please join us on Sunday, March 10th at 11:00 at the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse, 102 Lake of the Woods Way, Locust Grove, VA 22508. The cost for the Brunch is $18.95 a person. If you plan to attend, please text me at 910-279-2643 to RSVP. Hope to see you there!

Marsha Gallagher

I'm sorry I won't be able to join you for the brunch next month. I'm singing in a concert that day. You probably remember me as a band geek, not a chorus kid and you're right. I didn't start singing until about 10 years ago and this year I joined a community choir that's pretty serious about its music.

Judy Owen

Hi eveyone! Marsha so great you are singing! We all need to stay active and engaged...I also may be unable to attend.  I am having hip replacement surgery that week before.  I am also still dealing with my old horse's injury that kept me from our 70th birthday gathering.  He is better, but it has been a slow process with back and forth setbacks and progress.  I hope he will stay healthy so I can get through this surgery.  I had to postpone the January surgery date because of another setback.  Right now he is less lame than I am!!! If I can drive by the 10th I will see you guys!

Pamela Moore (Power)

I am very excited to share the “Pam Moore and Sam Juliano Love Connection Story” with my AHS ’71 classmates.  As I document our story here, I hope you will enjoy reading how it has played out…

Sam and I did not know each other during our Annandale years, even though we both attended Poe Intermediate and Annandale High School.  In fact, we met for the first time at the 45th AHS reunion in Fairfax in 2016.  It was a very brief encounter… Maryalice Conmy introduced me to Sam during the reunion dinner party as I was heading back to my table.  Much later that evening, at the “after party” hosted by Fred Chandler, Sam and I had a longer conversation about our aging parents, as we had both dealt with mothers who suffered with dementia.

Somehow, during that “serious” discussion, we both experienced a very special moment that could not be forgotten.  I call it magical.

“Magical” because for several years after our meeting in 2016, I could not get Sam out of my thoughts… and as I later found out, the feeling was mutual!

Shortly after the reunion, we became Facebook friends.  Sam would write an occasional comment on one of my “travel” posts, and I would “like” a photo he posted, often from a visit with his mother at her assisted living center.  Nothing more than that, until in 2019, Sam recorded an album of his singing, and I asked for a copy of his CD.  I realized we had similar tastes in music, and I listened to his CD often.  I wrote him a private Facebook message, thanking him for the CD, and he responded quickly.

Suddenly we were writing each other often.  Even more suddenly, I was looking forward to his morning message.  I told him he didn’t HAVE to write every day… but when one day he didn’t, I was, frankly, a little angry!

I lived in Alabama and Sam lived almost a thousand miles away in Texas. I was going through a divorce after a 40+ year marriage.  Sam had been single for almost 20 years and was definitely a confirmed bachelor, as he never dated after his divorce.  But our relationship progressed with lots of notes… then phone calls… and finally (gulp!) a visit to Austin in 2021… where Sam met me at the airport holding a dozen roses.  We quickly realized we had so much in common.  Sam has a way of making my heart race and making me simply at a loss for words.  It was like being back in high school and experiencing the excitement of a new crush! Never mind that we were both approaching 70 years of age!

Once we spent time together in Austin, we both knew it was meant to be.  So, just like Jed Clampett, I loaded up a truck and moved to Beverly… Hills, that is.  Swimming pools and movie stars.

Well, actually, the Austin hill country, and instead of a swimming pool, Sam has a hot tub… and he used to act in dinner theater.  So, we’re close, right?

Sam asked me to marry him on Christmas Day, 2022 (I said “yes”!).  We had a small but beautiful sunset wedding on October 7, 2023.

Yes, it sounds like something out of a Hallmark movie, but the magical moments at the AHS Reunion in 2016 set in motion our life-changing story.  Needless to say, I will always be thankful to our AHS reunion committee, and I am so happy to be a part of the AHS Class of ‘71.  Our class definitely seems to have the Guinness World Record for reunion love connections!  Let’s see who the next love connection will be… it’s my understanding some are in the making! ❤️

I hope you will enjoy some of our wedding photos. Sam and I grew up in the seventies and we got married at age seventy… it’s never too late!

PS. Maureen, we both appreciate your AHS reunion event planning skills.  Looking forward to the next one!

Laura Twiford (Harrington)

Constance Menefee

I am SO SO happy for you, Sam and Pam (you even RHYME!!) Congratulations!! May you enjoy many many happy years together! All the best, Connie in California