The Virginia Hills Citizens Association Papers, 1955-2015

Access and use

Location of collection:
Fairfax County Public Library
Fairfax County Public Library
City of Fairfax Regional Library
Virginia Room
10360 North Street
Fairfax, VA 22030-2514
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Chris Barbuschak
Phone: (703) 293-2142
Phone: (703) 293-6227 ext. 6 (Virginia Room)
Fax: (703) 293-2155

Summary

Extent:
2.0 linear feet
Creator:
Virginia Hills Citizens Association (Alexandria, Va.)
Abstract:
The Virginia Hills Citizens Association Papers consist of 2.0 linear feet, span the years 1955-2015, and consist of meeting minutes and community newsletters.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Series 1: Meeting Minutes, 1991-2000, Box 1

This series consists of minutes from meetings of the Virginia Hills Citizens Association from 1991 to 2000.

Series 2: Newsletters: Virginia Hills Echo, 1955-2015, Boxes 2-3

This series consists of community newsletters published and distributed by the Virginia Hills Citizens Association from 1955 to 2015 (years missing).

Biographical / historical:

Virginia Hills is a community of about 750 homes that is located in the eastern portion of Fairfax County, Virginia. It is roughly bounded by the community of Wilton Woods, Telegraph Road, Lee District Park, and South Kings Highway. It belongs to Fairfax County's Lee District. The Virginia Hills Citizens Association also serves 90 additional homes in Country Club Estates, Glassellwood, and parts of Groveton, small adjoining communities that did not have citizens associations.

Virginia Hills was built on farmland and developed by builders Banks and Lee and realtor Art Post between 1951 and 1956. The land was zoned R-3 (three dwelling units per acre) and R-4 (four dwelling units per acre). While the original houses were small ramblers, many have since been added onto and renovated.

On September 16, 1952, 71 residents of Virginia Hills met and voted for the adoption of the by-laws forming the Virginia Hills Citizens Association (VHCA). The first Echo was published as a single sheet circular on June 16, 1953 with neither name nor advertising. It reported the admission of the VHCA into the Federation of Citizens Associations of Fairfax County.

The work of the citizens association over the years involved obtaining street lights, sidewalks, new street signs, and bus service for their residential community. The Association fought commercial development on Telegraph road and prevented townhouses from being built on land that is now Stoneybrook, Vantage, Kings Landing, and the intersection of Franconia and Telegraph Roads. VHCA helped bring about the conversion of the old gravel pit behind the school into Lee District Park. Until 1975, VHCA put on the annual 4th of July fireworks display, until Fairfax County took over. The month-to-month activities of the Association have included Candidates Nights in election years, social events, a teen organization, and, from 1964 to the mid-1980s, award of a college scholarship to a Virginia Hills senior.

In 1985, VHCA became dormant due to lack of interest among community members. The Citizens Association was reorganized and restarted in September 1991 to address the neighborhood problems of crime, cut-through traffic, and gypsy moths and to interface with local government.

Acquisition information:
Donation from the Virginia Hills Citizens Association (VHCA) through Doug Boulter. Boulter was president of VHCA from 2000-2006 and again from 2008-2010.
Arrangement:

Series 1: Meeting Minutes, 1991-2000, Box 1

Series 2: Newsletters: Virginia Hills Echo, 1955-2015, Boxes 2-3