October 11, 2026
Local History
Claudia Chisholm
In addition to serving as the Historical Society President, Claudia Chisholm was a stalwart of preservation and historical documentation for Louisa County. Co-author of the first Old Homes Places of Louisa County book, Claudia documented historic structures within the county and had a hand in restoring several too. Claudia, not a Louisa native, married Louis Chisholm in 1950 and raised their two children Randy and Brenda here. Louis and Claudia are pictured here in 1992 as part of the County’s 250th Founding Celebration.
Crank
William Earle Crank served as the Louisa County Historical Society’s 4th President. He was born in Louisa in 1891 where he was raised. He married Phyllis Fry Collins in 1925 and raised two daughters. Crank was a lawyer and served as the Commonwealth’s Attorney for 40 years. His law office is located on Courthouse Square. Pictured here (top row, first on the left) is a young Earle Crank upon his graduation from Louisa High School in 1911.
60TH ANNIVERSARY: LOUISA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the formation of the Louisa County Historical Society. While the Society has changed over those years, our commitment remains the same: to bring to light, preserve, and share the history of Louisa County. Founded in December of 1966, the Louisa County Historical Society was organized as a non-profit led by our first board of directors (pictured here). These founding members were critical in building the infrastructure of our organization and we are grateful for their commitment to local history!
Woodward-Vaughan Motor Company
Woodward Vaughan Motor Company was an automotive business in Louisa, Virginia starting in the 1920’s. Staff pictured in this pre-1930s photo are: Jim Poore, Robert Whitlock, Arthur Hallett, Sadie Cosby, Buck Boyd, and Casper Smith.
Virginia War Memorial honors Louisa hero
Legacy of Col. Samuel Nelson Drew documented
LOUISA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Pictured is a circa 1900 photograph of Frank Harris who was an agent/operator of the Mineral Depot.
Ely steps down as Historic Green Springs President
Concludes 50-year stewardship tenure; Lucas elected new president
LOUISA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
An estimated 4,000 - 5,000 people gathered for the dedication of the new Louisa Courthouse and unveiling of the Confederate Monument on August 17, 1905.
Lake Anna Power Plant construction
Construction of the Westinghouse pressurized water reactors at Lake Anna began in 1971, which went on-line in 1978 and
Stuart Swift Property
Can you help us identify where this home is located in this undated photo? If you recognize the house, landmarks, or surrounding area, please share your details with the Louisa County Historical Society. Every clue helps us gather more information about this historical home!