Local News
Newtown History Center Revisits Belsnickel Traditions, Shenandoah Valley Style
The Newtown History Center is bringing back an old Pennsylvania Dutch tradition. According to Rick Kriebel, Manager of Collections and Programs, Newtown History Center of the Stone House Foundation, Stephens City is bringing back the Christmas season tradition of Belsnickeling, Shenandoah Valley style. Kriebel, dressed as Belsnickel strolled down Main Street, visiting Dragon Fire Comics (gaming store), and the Kris Kringle Market in Stephens City on Saturday, December 3rd.
Rick Kriebel, dressed as Belsnickel, visiting Kris Kringle Market at Trinity Lutheran Church. Courtesy Nancy Gunderman.
Belsnickel conversed with folks and handed out gifts from a burlap sack for people who had been good. Fortunately, Belsnickel did not find anyone who had been bad, eliminating the need to use his wooden switch. Belsnickel reminisced about how celebrating the Christmas season has changed over the centuries and generally entertained all who met him.
German immigrants carried Belsnickeling traditions to America in the early 1800s, where they eventually transitioned down to the Shenandoah Valley from Southeastern Pennsylvania. Belsnickel’s origins can be traced to the Palatinate region of Southwestern Germany, where he is also sometimes called “Kriskinkle,” “Beltznickle,” and “Pelsnichol.” The name “Belsnickel” itself is a combination of the German word “bels,” which translates into fur, and “nickel,” which refers to St. Nicholas. Belsnickel made his presence known when he rapped on the windows and doors of German homes several weeks before Christmas.
Belsnickeling was common in towns located in Shenandoah, Page, and Rockingham Counties, where there was a large German population. “However, Belsnickeling did take place in Stephens City during the late 19th and early 20th centuries,’ said Kriebel.
“We do have some records of belsnickeling and similar activities that give us an idea of the tradition’s origins. The original Belsnickel was “Saint Nicholas in Furs,” a grouchy version of Santa Claus who walked from house to house, handing out small cakes, candies, fruits and nuts to good children and smacking bad children with a switch (a small wooden whip),” Kriebel said.
Kriebel provides more detail, “The earliest record we have of anything belsnickel-esque in Stephens City comes from 1860. Milton Boyd Steele wrote about “Phantastics” who rode through town for Easter or April Fool’s Day (it was the same day that year). Phantastics basically dressed in silly costumes and acted boisterous to celebrate the holiday. They were not directly connected to Belsnickel, but were also a Christmas tradition that involved dressing up in outrageous costumes and acting in a loud and unusual manner. (Alfred Shoemaker, Christmas in Pennsylvania: A Folk-Cultural Study, Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1959, pp. 109-110).
Belsnickel morphed a great deal in the Shenandoah Valley, and may have become blurred with the Phantastic tradition. Instead of a single Santa-like figure, a group of merrymakers would all dress in ridiculous costumes, covering their faces with homemade or store-bought masks. They then went to their neighbors’ houses to see if these friends could guess who they were; this was known as Belsnickeling. While the original Belsnickel was expected to wear fur, Belsnickels made their costumes out of furs and rags or anything available; we even have a family story of someone wearing a cardboard Belsnickeling outfit in the 1910s.”
Unlike with the stern figure in German folklore, belsnickeling took on a fun-loving attitude in Virginia. “Belsnickel transitioned into a more lighthearted activity in the Shenandoah Valley. Good-natured young men and teenage boys went belsnickeling by dressing up like it was Halloween and going from house to house asking their neighbors to guess who was under each disguise. Some even stuffed their costumes to make them appear larger than their actual size. Belsnickels had to lift their masks up if someone guessed their identity correctly,” said Kriebel.
If the neighbor guessed incorrectly, the individual Belsnickeler kept the mask on until the entire group went inside the house for refreshments. Home owners might offer the visitors candies or cakes, or maybe even a cup of hard cider, moonshine, or whiskey. The Belsnickelers then moved on to the next friendly home in the neighborhood to repeat the game.
A. Nicholas Powers, Curator of Collections, Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, provides some additional insight. “Belsnickeling might seem like a tradition that has come and gone, but I have been surprised since first writing my article, ‘Belsnickel-wha?: Holiday Traditions in the Shenandoah Valley, Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, December 11 2017,’ how many people still have memories of it either directly or as part of their family lore,” said Powers. “The recollection by my grandfather Tunstall Chenault ‘T.C.’ Powers of belsnickeling to his Kline cousins was recovered almost by accident, but a fortunate one that allowed my father (the late David Powers) to capture this piece of family history. According to my father, when he was young the family was watching The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh, a Walt Disney film from 1963 set-in eighteenth-century England where the Reverend Doctor Christopher Syn donned a mask and costume to fight back against the king’s impressment gangs. The costuming reminded my grandfather of what he wore when he belsnickeled, which is when he told my father the story I documented in my article.” Powers said, “T.C. was never very good at belsnickeling, though, because his distinctive gait gave him away as he trudged up the hill towards Kline’s Mill [halfway between Middletown and Stephens City]. Before he could even get to the door, the cousins would see him coming and say something along the lines of ‘Tunstall, it’s nice to see you,’ forcing him to take off his mask without their even needing to guess.”
According to Powers, since writing the article, he has had numerous people reach out with stories of their own. Not surprisingly, most of them pertain to families in the central Valley like Shenandoah, Page, and Rockingham Counties. But belsnickeling did also happen in Frederick County, as evidenced by his family’s story and those of a few others who have shared stories with Powers. One person who lived in Mountain Falls west of Kernstown recalled belsnickelers visiting and her being scared to death of them in their costumes. Another person in Lebanon Church, just over the Frederick-Shenandoah County line, recalled the visitors coming to the door and announcing themselves with “Belsnickelers are here! Belsnickelers are here!” (To shout their names would have negated the whole point). After guessing who they were, the belsnickelers were always invited in for refreshments, including spirits in the form of spiked eggnog.
Powers concludes with another interesting tidbit of history. “Belsnickeling also should not be confused with “belling,” which was a different Valley tradition. Belling occurred as a raucous “homecoming” of sorts for newlywed couples, where friends and neighbors would show up at the newlywed’s house banging pots and pans, invite themselves in, and help the couple ‘celebrate,’ often by imbibing. Unlike belsnickeling, belling continued for a bit longer into the twentieth century. A family friend once told me that upon moving to Pendleton County, West Virginia, she, and her husband were “belled,” where the new neighbors put her in a wheelbarrow and pushed the wheelbarrow around the house. Belling, though, could on the rare occasion have fatal consequences. In 1953, a Shenandoah County man was killed when he used three sticks of dynamite to wake the couple being belled. When the dynamite did not go off as expected, he approached to inspect the fuse and the delayed blast killed him.”
The Newtown History Center is bringing this fun and educational belsnickeling activity back for another holiday season. Anyone who is open to talking about Belsnickeling traditions in their families, or want to learn more about this crotchety, ill-tempered fellow, Belsnickel events, and future costume competitions can contact Rick Kriebel at info@newtownhistorycenter.org.
Local News
Eastham Park Loop Enhanced with New Safety Measures for Pedestrians
As the athletic, recreational, and outdoor community expands in Front Royal, ensuring safe and accessible infrastructure remains a priority. Recognizing that the Eastham Park to Skyline High School to West Criser Road loop is a heavily trafficked recreational route, the Front Royal Advisory Committee for Environmental Sustainability (ACES) sought ways to improve the loop’s safety.
The section of West Criser Road that completes this loop was identified as a critical area needing attention. With its narrow shoulder and reduced visibility along a curve, this stretch was particularly dangerous due to the high traffic speeds. The road is used recreationally and is a main pathway for students traveling to and from Skyline High and Middle Schools. Additionally, it’s a key part of a local 5K course hosted by Shenandoah Valley Runners.
Over the past two years, ACES collaborated with Front Royal’s Department of Public Works to improve this stretch of road. During a scheduled repaving project, the team widened the road to provide additional shoulder space and added a double-white line to highlight the new shoulder. Recognizing further improvements were needed, ACES partnered with the Rotary Club of Front Royal to fundraise for vertical delineators along the entire stretch. These vertical markers create a tangible barrier between the roadway and the pedestrian path, enhancing visibility and safety.
The response to the new delineators has been overwhelmingly positive. One longtime runner wrote, “I’ve always wanted to complete the Eastham Park Loop but would turn back at West Criser Road because of the high traffic and limited visibility. The new delineators encouraged me to run that stretch, and I completed the loop for the first time ever.”
With this recent success, ACES is now examining further pedestrian infrastructure improvements along West Criser Road between Route 340 and the back entrance of Skyline High School. The project was made possible through ongoing collaboration with the Department of Public Works, contributions from the Rotary Club of Front Royal, and generous support from over 15 community donors.
ACES remains dedicated to promoting safe and accessible outdoor activities in Front Royal. Visit their website to learn more about their efforts or attend a monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the back of Vibrissa.
Local News
POLICE: 7 Day FRPD Arrest Report 4/28/2024
Front Royal Police Department’s arrest report for the past 7 days:
Local News
VDOT: Warren County Traffic Alert for May 6 – 10, 2024
The following is a list of highway work that may affect traffic in Warren County during the coming weeks. Scheduled work is subject to change due to inclement weather and material supplies. Motorists are advised to watch for slow-moving tractors during mowing operations. When traveling through a work zone, be alert to periodic changes in traffic patterns and lane closures.
*NEW* or *UPDATE* indicates a new or revised entry since last week’s report.
INTERSTATE 66
*NEW* Mile marker 0 to 15, eastbound and westbound – Overnight alternating lane closures for pavement marking installations, 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Monday and Tuesday nights.
*NEW* Mile marker 0 to 2, eastbound – Right shoulder closures for utility work, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. through May 31.
*NEW* Mile marker 8 to 7, westbound – Right shoulder closures for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Mile marker 9 to 7, westbound – Overnight right lane closures at Shenandoah River bridge for utility work, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Thursday night.
INTERSTATE 81
*UPDATE* Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound – Overnight alternating lane closures for overhead sign repairs, 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Monday night.
Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound – Right shoulder closures for utility work, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. through May 31.
Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound and southbound –Overnight lane closures and traffic-lane shifts as needed, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through December 2024. Shoulder closures 24/7. Work zone speed limit: 55 miles an hour. Work is related to southbound acceleration ramp extension and bridge widening, with estimated completion in late 2024.
PRIMARY ROADS
*NEW* Route 55 (John Marshall Highway) – Flagger traffic control between Front Royal town limits and Route 647 (Dismal Hollow Road) for guardrail upgrades, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday (May 2) and Tuesday (May 7).
*NEW* Route 340 (Stonewall Jackson Highway) – Flagger traffic control between Route 674 (Limeton Church Road) and Route 607 (Rocky Lane) for pipe replacement, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 7 – May 14.
SECONDARY ROADS
Route 658 (Rockland Road) – Closed to through traffic between Route 340/522 (Winchester Road) and Route 705 (Fishnet Boulevard) for the construction of a bridge over Norfolk Southern Railway. Estimated completion December 2025.
Vegetation management may take place district-wide on various routes. Motorists are reminded to use extreme caution when traveling through work zones.
Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511 or at www.511Virginia.org.
Local News
VSP Investigating I-81 Dump Truck/Sheriff’s Vehicle Accident
The Virginia State Police are investigating a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 81 in Shenandoah County. The crash occurred Friday, May 3, at 5:46 a.m. at the Route 646 overpass at the 292-mile maker of I-81.
A 2005 Kenworth dump truck was traveling north on I-81 when the driver accidentally engaged the dump bed, which raised it and caused it to collide with the bridge overpass. The collision caused the dump bed to detach from the truck, slide backward, and land on a northbound 2022 Ford Explorer, which was driven by a Frederick County Sheriff’s deputy.
The dump truck driver, Gaylon R. Miller, 71, of Toms Brook, Va., was not injured in the crash. He was wearing his seatbelt.
The sheriff’s deputy suffered minor injuries and was transported to Winchester Medical Center for treatment.
Miller was charged with reckless driving.
These photos indicate what a close call this deputy appears to have had. – Photos by Virginia State Police who authorize their publication.
(From a Release by the Virginia State Police)
Local News
WCSB Approves New LFK Principal; Accepts Scholarships for Baseball, Softball Seniors
The Warren County School Board unanimously approved the appointment of a new principal who will take over at Leslie Fox Keyser (LFK) Elementary School starting this summer and accepted baseball and softball scholarships being offered by the Front Royal Cardinals for four seniors attending Warren County Public Schools (WCPS).
Board chair Kristen Pence, vice chair Antoinette Funk, and board members Andrea Lo, Thomas McFadden, Jr., and Melanie Salins, during their regular meeting on Wednesday, May 1, voted 5-0 to have Jennifer Cameron appointed as the LFK principal effective July 1.
School Division Superintendent Christopher Ballenger (right), on May 1, introduced School Board members to Jennifer Cameron (left), the new 2024-2025 principal at Leslie Fox Keyser Elementary School.
“Ms. Cameron is an experienced educator and leader in Warren County,” said WCPS Superintendent Christopher Ballenger in recommending her appointment to the School Board.
Previously, Cameron has taught as a fourth- and fifth-grade teacher and has experience as a literacy coach who supported grade-level teachers in her school building, Ballenger said, adding that as an administrator, Cameron has served as the dean of students and as an assistant principal.
“During her years of service, Ms. Cameron was selected as the Rotary Teacher of the Year in 2008 and was the [WCPS] Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2015-2016,” he added.
As a leader, Ballenger also said that Cameron has been integral in transforming E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School and has served as the chair for the division’s Attendance Committee for the past two years.
“Ms. Cameron is a great fit for LFK, and I know that her skill set will continue to move LFK forward,” said the superintendent.
Following the board’s vote, Cameron told board members she was honored to accept the LFK principal position and said she’s excited to rejoin the Lil’ Cat family.
“Thank you for entrusting me with this opportunity to nurture young minds and to foster the continued excellence of LFK,” she said. “I look forward to working with you to continue the path to excellence at Warren County Public Schools. I’m truly humbled at this huge responsibility that you have entrusted to me, and I look forward to the coming school year and this new adventure that awaits me.”
In other action items, the School Board unanimously accepted four scholarships with gratitude from the Front Royal Cardinals and approved the donation of auditorium seating from E. Wilson Morrison (EWM) Elementary School.
Donna Settle, president of Front Royal Cardinals Baseball, a nonprofit organization that is part of the Valley Baseball League, said that as part of the group’s fundraising activities, the board will sponsor Little League for both girls and boys and will give back to the WCPS baseball and softball programs.
“This year, our board has voted to bring scholarships back to Warren County,” Settle told the board. “I know we’re a little late in the season, but we have enough money set aside for the scholarships for the 2024 student-athletes.”
There are four new $500 scholarship opportunities beginning with the Class of 2024 that are available for a Skyline baseball and softball senior who plans to continue their education and for a Warren County baseball and softball senior who plans to continue their education.
The School Board also voted 5-0 to permit two auditorium seats to be donated to Robert MacDougall, founding principal of Transform Development, a commercial landlord and developer based in the Shenandoah Valley.
Seating in the EWM auditorium, which is being renovated to provide an indoor facility for students and staff, has been removed and is set to go to auction. MacDougall offered a facility to store the auditorium seating until they could be auctioned.
With the School Board’s blessing, WCPS will now donate two seats to MacDougall, who will display them in the theater once its renovation is completed.
Regarding a request to have the Warren County Board of Supervisors (BOS) appropriate the fiscal year 2022 School Operating Fund Surplus, the School Board voted unanimously to table the item to a work session and FY2025 budget resolution.
Ballenger explained that the total fiscal year 2021-2022 school operating surplus is $973,098, and said it was being requested that the Warren County Board of Supervisors (BOS) appropriate $300,000 of the surplus to the School Transportation Fund that is held by the County and the remaining $673,098 to the School Capital Improvement Fund that is also held by the County.
The $300,000 designated for the Transportation Fund was originally included in the FY2025 Proposed School Operating Budget to purchase replacement buses and vehicle(s) but has since been removed contingent upon the funding appropriated to the Transportation Fund, he said.
Of the $673,098 requested for the County’s School Capital Improvement Fund, $40,000 was originally included in the FY2025 Proposed School Operating Budget to cover the repair/replacement of the chiller at Hilda J Barbour Elementary School and to upgrade the HVAC management systems at several schools. The remaining balance ($633,098) being requested for the Capital Improvement Fund would be requested at a future date for other capital priorities, such as the replacement of the tennis courts at the high schools.
As the budget process continues unfolding for both WCPS and the BOS, the School Board members agreed to work more on the item before taking action.
During the School Board’s community participation portion of its meeting, Leslie Mathews (above), a parent with two children attending Skyline Middle School, said that some of the School Board members are using the concerns expressed through emails by parents as “a crutch” for their own political motives. She called it a disgrace.
“I and we parents are only given three minutes a month [during School Board meetings] to get up here and express our concerns to you, or we’re told we can email you,” said Mathews. “But I no longer trust that method of emailing.”
Mathews, who last fall unsuccessfully challenged School Board incumbent Pence for the South River School Board seat, said “it’s such a disgrace for you as a public servant to go and encourage others to FOIA the concerns of parents who are not like-minded as yourself.
“So, therefore, our concerns are going public,” said Mathews, who didn’t name names. “If we want more positive in Warren County Public Schools, then we need to start at our leadership.”
Chamber News
Front Royal Welcomes CBM Team of Supreme Lending with Enthusiasm and Optimism
Front Royal, Virginia, celebrated a significant business merger that marks a promising future for local economic development. The CBM Team, a longstanding local business entity, has officially joined forces with Supreme Lending, expanding its reach and capacity to serve the community more effectively.
Nike Foster, Executive Director of the Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce, and Mayor Lori Cockrell welcomed the CBM Team to our community. The event underscored a vibrant community spirit and the potential for economic growth. Byron Biggs, Chairman of the Chamber, highlighted the merger as a symbol of positive evolution in the local business landscape. It is now poised to extend its influence beyond Virginia.
Mayor Cockrell shared personal anecdotes, reflecting on the profound local ties and the exceptional character of the individuals involved, particularly noting the entrepreneurial spirit of Cory Michael, a former student of hers and now a regional manager for Team CBM. Her words painted a picture of a community that values deep personal connections and collective growth.
The merger promises substantial benefits to Front Royal, bringing enhanced services and opportunities for home ownership that were previously out of reach for many residents. This union is a merger of two companies and a fusion of cultures and aspirations, aiming to enrich the local community while maintaining the cherished CBM brand identity.
Attendees left the event with a sense of excitement and anticipation for the future, confident in the continued prosperity and communal strength of Front Royal.
Thank You to our Local Business Participants:
