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Flashback chronicles the local experience How to submit Flashback photos

Growing up in Fredericksburg gives writer a special insight into Town & County magazine's Flashback feature. By Jennifer Strobel

Date published: 3/18/2006

By JENNIFER STROBEL

"THAT'S WHERE I'M going to work."

My dad sat at the steering wheel of the green '54 Ford Victoria, my mom beside him, and 5-year-old me on her lap.

I scrunched down so I could glimpse out the window to the top of the building he pointed to as we drove by.

I'd never seen a big star like that on top of a building, and it made an impression. It was March 1961, nearly spring, time for a new beginning in this new place, the small town of Fredericksburg, near the big city of Washington.

That's why my parents chose it, wanting the best of both worlds after several moves.

My father would work at The Free Lance-Star newspaper at 303 and 305 William St. My mother, who stayed home, had it all mapped out for me, the youngest daughter.

I would walk to the nearby elementary school, go to the local college, and belong to the local Lutheran church.

I did, I did, and I still do.

I must have been an amazingly docile child.

For our first six years here, we lived two blocks from Lafayette Elementary School, now the Central Rappahannock Regional Library.

Then we lived in College Heights. Yes, I graduated from Mary Washington College, Class of 1977.

I was confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church in College Heights, and, detours notwithstanding, found my way back to the faith my mother intended.

As my son said, "You've had the entire Fredericksburg experience."

He should talk. He was born at Mary Washington Hospital, now attends the University of Mary Washington and took his girlfriend to Carl's ice cream stand, that neon-signed Fredericksburg landmark, on their first date.

I love the looks I get.

"You grew up here?" people ask in amazement.

I have two responses, depending on my audience. Response No. 1: I cringe and change the topic as quickly as I gracefully can, imagining their secret thoughts that I must have some handicap of will that kept me grounded in the same spot for life. This is for people who complain about Dead Fred.

Response No. 2: I reply with cheerful energy, "Well, I've thought of moving, but I'd look for a place just like this so I might as well stay."

Readers are encouraged to submit Flashback photos for publication in Town & County. Photos should be at least 15 years old and of general interest. Include identifications and other helpful information, as well as contact numbers. Flashback is a free service, and photos are returned after publication. Care is used to safeguard the photos at the newspaper, but it would be a wise precaution to make an extra copy if possible. Flashback forms are available at The Free Lance-Star offices. You may drop off the photo at the newspaper's Fredericksburg office at 616 Amelia St., or the North Stafford Bureau at 616 Garrisonville Road. Or, you may mail it to Gwen Woolf, Town & County editor, the Free Lance-Star, 616 Amelia St., Fredericksburg, Va. 22401. You also may e-mail the photo to gwoolf@freelance star.com. Questions? Call Gwen Woolf at 540/374-5432.

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Date published: 3/18/2006