A Message From the Chairman
I am pleased to report that the Board, which added 3 new members, has made great progress this year. After a self analysis of the physical structure, we determined that much work needs to be done. This includes repairing and painting (or replacing) the bank’s windows and shutters, a second floor HVAC system, and repairs caused by water damage. To address these, we applied for two grants, one from Cameron and one from the Dunlop Fund. In the meantime, the renovation of the kitchen outbuilding and the apartment has progressed nicely and will soon be ready for rental.
On the administrative side, we added three permanent committees. They are: Sustainability and Fund Raising, Marketing and Social Media, and Physical Plant Maintenance. Combined, they address several major goals including more funding, greater public awareness, the cultivation of partnerships, and the preservation of the bank structure.
Socially, we held two soirees, one in April at FOLAR, where we learned about their initiatives, and one in July, at the home of Mark and Beth Hall. In the hopes of expanding membership, potential members were invited to each. On a sad note, we lost Honorary Board Member Betsy Booth (see below.) This, of course, is just an overview. For more detail, go online or watch for a special email. Other initiatives not mentioned here will be discussed at our annual meeting of Friends on September 28 at PAAL. See you there!
In Memoriam: Leslie M. (Betsy) Booth
Sadly, board member Betsy Booth passed away on May 15, 2025, just shy of her 94th birthday. A friend to many and stranger to none, Betsy lived a life of joy, adventure and interest in many things, including history and historic preservation.
Born and raised in Petersburg, Betsy attended Mary Baldwin college in Staunton. After graduating, she moved to Richmond to teach at Tuckahoe Elementary School. Wanting to experience more of the world, she then moved to Washington D.C. and eventually to New York City. There she worked at Tiffany & Company, the Katherine Gibbs School, and for Mayor John Lindsay.
Later in life, Betsy moved back to Petersburg to care for her ailing brother, Johnny. She settled back into the family home on Marshall Street, happy to be back in the Poplar Lawn neighborhood, became an active member of the Methodist Church, and embraced many of the same causes as her cousin, Patrick Booth.
The Farmers Bank held a special place in Betsy’s heart. Over the years, she contributed in many ways to its restoration and advancement as an important historical site. Now a Petersburg legend, Betsy’s vibrant spirit will most certainly live on within our hearts.
Bank Receives Grant From Dunlop Fund
On August 20, Will Glasco, CEO of Preservation Virginia delivered a grant from the Dunlop Fund to further our preservation of the Bank. The Dunlop Fund is a legacy of Nannette Dunlop (see portrait right) who set aside monies to further preservation and enhancement of Petersburg’s storied history. It was in her home at Ellerslie that the Fort Henry Branch of Preservation Virginia was established in 1956 That entity would become the Friends of the Historic Farmers Bank in 2013. Mrs.Dunlop’s foresight and generosity continues to benefit Petersburg and our Bank to this very day. These funds will allow for the replacement of the HVAC systems that serve the upper floors of the Bank and plaster repairs to the ceilings and walls that have occurred over the years.
New Board Members bring valuable perspectives to Bank
Mark Hall
Mark has lived in Petersburg for over 25 years. A Virginia Tech graduate, he’s been in some sort of technical sales for most of his career. He now owns a small business that designs, installs, and manages business phone systems. He and his wife, Beth, have three grown children, and one granddaughter. He enjoys woodworking, as well as building or repairing fine and antique furniture. He looks forward to sharing his knowledge of the Bank with the community and helping to keep the building well preserved.
Rachel Hurst
As a child, Rachel visited Petersburg many times with her history-enthusiast dad. Those early visits blossomed into a true love for the City and its fascinating history. She also saw opportunity here and is now deeply rooted in the community both personally and professionally. She is the proud owner of Evermore Bridal Boutique and also holds the position of Assistant Vice President and Branch Leader at Truist Bank. She says with conviction, “I’m honored to be a part of the Historic Farmers Bank board.”
Chris Johnson
A lifelong resident of Petersburg, Chris has always been interested in the historical buildings in Petersburg. Professionally, he has been associated with the building industry for almost 60 years in both the residential and commercial fields. Married for 50 years, he and his wife Peachie have two children, Martin and Jenny, and two grandchildren. He enjoys training Labrador retrievers, running them in field competitions, and going waterfowl hunting with them. He is a lifetime member of Saint Pauls Episcopal church. He proclaims, “I am delighted to be asked to join the Bank board!”
Louis Malon takes on role of Executive Director
Following the retirement of Wayne Tucker, board member Louis Malon agreed to step into the position. His extensive history with the Farmers Bank goes back to the days when it was owned by the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, who maintained a chapter in Petersburg. He oversaw the ownership transition from the APVA to the Friends of the Farmers Bank and has stayed involved ever since. He looks forward keeping the organization humming!
Meetings of the Friends of the Farmers Bank were held in April and July. Both were well attended. Our sincere thanks to both the Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR) and Mark and Beth Hall for providing the venues.
With our deepest gratitude, Wayne Tucker
Long time Executive Director C. Wayne Tucker announced his retirement from that post earlier this year. Wayne is a retired Classics professor at Hampden Sydney College and remains as an Honorary Board Member of the Friends. His intellect, organizational ability and good humor guided the organization for many years. He established the docent program which opens the Bank every weekend for ten months a year. We will continue to count on his wisdom and guidance for years to come. Many, thanks, Wayne! Enjoy your second retirement.
Know someone who might want to rent one of the apartments?
Let Jim or Louis know!
Mark Your Calendar for the Annual Meeting!
September 28, 4:00 p.m.
Petersburg Area Art League, Old Street in Old Town
Get important updates, hear future plans and meet other members!
Support the Historic Farmers Bank
The Historic Farmers Bank depends on generous supporters like you to help keep the building operational and open to the public.
Please consider a tax-deductible donation today.
You may mail a check to:
Friends of the Historic Farmers Bank
P.O. Box 3751
Petersburg, VA 23805
The Friends of the Farmers Bank is a a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
Thank you!