A surprising find was made behind the baseboard of the former Botetourt Museum before it was torn down. These report cards belonged to Garland Richie Stevens (1921-2004). They are from his junior year at Fincastle High School dated 1937-1938. Every year the Botetourt Historical Society presents a Garland Stevens Award for “Volunteer Service” at their Founder’s Day Dinner.
Garland was born and raised in Fincastle. He attended local schools and went on to UVA. After serving in the army he was a teacher at Fincastle High School, Lord Botetourt and Botetourt Intermediate. He remained a bachelor and lived with his mother on the corner of Rt. 220 and Main Street in Fincastle until the home was removed during the widening of 220 to four lanes. He continued to live in Fincastle.
After retiring from teaching English and French, he volunteered as Sunday School Superintendent of Fincastle Baptist Church for many years and founded the Botetourt County
Chorus. He also became the Director of the Botetourt County Historical Society and Museum and served as a board member for many years until his death.
These artifacts tell stories and continue to be amazing.
~ Botetourt County Museum of History & Culture
