Read More about Severndale
Severndale Community Facts
The Severndale community was developed in 1962 by the Washington Lumber Company and built by the Flatt Realty Company.
In September 1962, the Articles of Incorporations were drawn up and approved for the Severndale Community Association.
In September 1962, 1.18 acres of water accessed land at the end of Richard Way was deeded to the Severndale Community Association.
The Severndale Community Association – A Perspective of Progress
(written late 70’s, author unknown)
The Severndale Community Association is an organization dedicated to the improvement of the community in its entirety, with special emphasis on protection of your rights as a property owner.
During the short years of SCA’s existence, it has successfully dealt with many problems confronting the community and initiated numerous improvements for the ultimate benefit of all residents.
The decade of the 60’s, although not notable for major strides forward, may be credited with managing to establish the solid foundation upon which the 70’s built.
Before the first house of Severndale was constructed by Flatt Realty, James Rooney occupied 13 Earleigh Heights Road (located to be known as Truckhouse Road). This was the original structure which exists now known as 13 Truckhouse Road and which became part of Severndale as it flourished around it. The houses were built by Flatt Realty while Washington Lumber Company was the developer. The Articles of Incorporation for the community association were drawn and approved in September 1962. On this date the Association was also deeded the beach property (having one pier and one cottage) located on Forked Creek.
At this time there were about 8 to 12 houses existing in Severndale, most being located on Earleigh Heights Road. The next area to be developed was Springhaven Court, accessed by a dirt road diagonally crossing the vacant lot on Benfield and Truckhouse, followed by a few spaced out houses on Southway and the first block of Severndale.
The original officers, were recorded in the Articles of Incorporation, were: PRESIDENT and DIRECTOR William J. Schucknecht residing at 17 Earleigh Heights Road; SECRETARY and VICE PRESIDENT and DIRECTOR James Rooney, residing at 13 Earleigh heights Road; and TREASURER and DIRECTOR Guilford Flatt )representing Washington Lumber Company) and residing at 10 Boone Trail, with the principal office of the association. (The Washington Lumber Company wanted a member on the board to protect their vested interest). The Presidents of the 60’s were William Schucknecht, September 1962 through 1963; Joseph Gillespie, 1964; Charles Holmon, 1965; William French, 1966; Peter Tribulshi, 1967; Richard Swanson, 1968; and Bill Hoffman, 1969.
The 60’s were concerned with wrestling from the Washington Lumber Company all that was promised. Along with this, they had to take care of general housekeeping, working constantly on the beach property which was reached by a dirt road requiring constant maintenance. There was also the maintenance and beautifying the heart of Severndale. Among committees now defunct, there was the Beautification Committee and the Architectural Committee. The Beautification Committee made the first of three tree plantings in the 60’s, and also started towards having signs posted at the entrances (Severndale Road, Northway and Truckhouse Roads) to Severndale. The Architectural Committee was responsible for seeing that the covenants of the association were carried out. All plans for structures had to be presented to this committee for approval and they maintained a strict vigilance during Severndale’s infancy contributing greatly to the lovely community we now enjoy.
In 1967, shortly after Recreational Areas II and III has been deeded to the association an alert resident (Art Clark) noted the subject properties in the newspaper as being delinquent on payment of taxes. The board was notified and promptly appropriated the funds and retained the property.
The 60’s also initiated many annual events, including the Annual Easter Egg Hunt, the 4th of July Parade and the Annual Beach Clean-up, which at one time was done on Memorial Day with refreshments provided. At this time, the association would get everyone together to repair the winter and spring damage. This was usually a big job as the association had very little capital and no improvements had yet been made to the beach area. There was only a dirt road, with no drainage ditch and no picnic area, leading to a beach covered with dirt and grass. Every year they had tons of sand delivered and spent hours of back-breaking labor raking out the grass and debris and replacing it with smooth, clean, soft sand. The cottage, which sat up on the hill, was burned down at the request of SCA by the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Department in 1966 or 1967. After that, the area was cleared and was set up for a picnic site.
In 1968, Severndale was first plagued by House bill 59-68 which threatened to remove our beach property. This continued to plague all the Presidents into the 70’s and was finally resolved in 1972. Also at this time, a new developer was building Sections II and III of Severndale and referred to his new construction (Northway, Eastway, Belhaven Court and Fairhaven Court) as Captains Cove. It wasn’t long before the Association had him use the proper name, Severndale.
Finally in 1968, the then current President, Richard Swanson, was successful in getting the address of the Severndale Community Association changed from 10 Boone Trail to our current address P.O. Box 552. This seems to be the final cutting of the apron strings which tied up to our paternal organization.
In the decade of the seventies, the following individuals served as SCA presidents: Joe McClellan, 1970; Carl Wise, 1971; Cliff Martin, 1972; Howard Hoffman, 1973; Bob Heller, 1973; Brian Haas, 1974, Doug Evarstine, 1975; Dich Morgan, 1975; and Bob Barget, 1977.
Historically, Severndale’s beach property rights have been the center of attention and contention in the community. However, it has consistently been the belief of the association’s general membership that the beach property enhances the value of each resident’s home. In 1971 – 1972, when the loss of this property was imminent, SCA was one of the few communities successful in winning a zoning exception to keep its beach as a community recreation area. The conditions under which the exception was granted required many and continued improvements to be made at the beach. These included the “johnny-on-the-spot” (1972), trash containers, road surfacing and drainage to reduce erosion, and a gate to protect and limit usage to its community members.
In 1972 the stairs to the picnic area were installed and in 1973 charcoal grills and additional picnic tables were purchased. A dumpster replaced the trash cans, new charcoal grills were made and new picnic tables were ordered in 1977. The committee has also monitored the testing of beach water to insure that it met health standards.
All Severndale residents have benefitted from the efforts of SCA’s Beach Committee to maintain the requirements of the exception, and as a result, the value and advantages of community water rights. And while all have benefitted, SCA’s organization and funds made it possible.
In 1973, with improved beach facilities, the Memorial Day Picnic was begun as a follow-up to the annual beach clean-up. Since that time, the picnic has become an annual event for all Severndale families, but it is no longer a part of the spring refurbishing.
The Association obtained permission in 1973 to maintain the Severndale sign at the entrance of the community on Benfield and Truckhouse Roads. Plantings and maintenance were done by the SCA Sign Committee until the sign’s removal during the “improvements” of Benfield Road. In 1977, the Association has been working toward the eventual construction of a new Severndale sign to be erected new Truckhouse and Benfield Roads. The planting of trees in the area between the sidewalk and curb throughout Severndale continued into the 70’s and they are an important contribution to the community’s aesthetics.
To combat a series of “breaking and enterings”, SCA implemented “Operation Identification” in 1973, a deterrent which greatly reduced the vandalism in the community. Engraving tools were purchased by SCA and may be used by any Severndale resident who wished to participate in the program.
SCA has been a constant source of information on matters which affect the community. In March 1974, the Severndale Water Plant made application to increase its capacity, which would also increase it back wash.
The flood plain, behind Severndale, occasionally a problem, became a matter of substance to be resolved. Through SCA’s efforts and diligence, the county now has definite plans for reforming the flood plain.
The roads in Severndale had badly deteriorated by 1972. Through SCA, county authorities were advised and convinced of the need for repairs which were made.
In the past few years, the SCA has kept residents abreast of county plans and progress on the installation of a sewer system. When all construction is complete, SCA plans to apply for the resurfacing of the community’s streets.
SCA often serves as a vehicle to remind residents to keep shrubs and tree branches back for the streets and sidewalks. In 1975, SCA rented traps from the county in a successful effort to capture feral dogs that had invaded the community.
Always alert to meeting the changing needs of the community, SCA sponsored a Senior High Teen Club in 1974. In 1975 the Severndale Association of Teens for seventh to ninth graders was sponsored, culminating in a trip to King’s Dominion.
In addition to meeting the important issues which affect the community’s desirability as a “great place to live”, SCA has served also as a focal point for social activities.
The annual Easter Egg Hunt, Fourth of July parade and Christmas Party are organized and funded by SCA for all Severndale children. The annual Crab Feast, open to all residents, is free to SCA members. Dances, boat cruises, and trips to dinner theaters and professional sporting events are also sponsored by the Association.
For any one family, the accomplishments of SCA in protecting and improving our community would be impossible. Residents who have joined their community association have invested their time to work together in meeting the challenges of suburban living.
Although each SCA member family pays nominal dues (about .0004% of the average home value), the time and effort which are expended by members on behalf of the community is incalculable. As effective as SCA has been through the years, the continuation of this success can only be assured by total community participation involvement and support.
The Severndale community was developed in 1962 by the Washington Lumber Company and built by the Flatt Realty Company.
In September 1962, the Articles of Incorporations were drawn up and approved for the Severndale Community Association.
In September 1962, 1.18 acres of water accessed land at the end of Richard Way was deeded to the Severndale Community Association.
The Severndale Community Association – A Perspective of Progress
(written late 70’s, author unknown)
The Severndale Community Association is an organization dedicated to the improvement of the community in its entirety, with special emphasis on protection of your rights as a property owner.
During the short years of SCA’s existence, it has successfully dealt with many problems confronting the community and initiated numerous improvements for the ultimate benefit of all residents.
The decade of the 60’s, although not notable for major strides forward, may be credited with managing to establish the solid foundation upon which the 70’s built.
Before the first house of Severndale was constructed by Flatt Realty, James Rooney occupied 13 Earleigh Heights Road (located to be known as Truckhouse Road). This was the original structure which exists now known as 13 Truckhouse Road and which became part of Severndale as it flourished around it. The houses were built by Flatt Realty while Washington Lumber Company was the developer. The Articles of Incorporation for the community association were drawn and approved in September 1962. On this date the Association was also deeded the beach property (having one pier and one cottage) located on Forked Creek.
At this time there were about 8 to 12 houses existing in Severndale, most being located on Earleigh Heights Road. The next area to be developed was Springhaven Court, accessed by a dirt road diagonally crossing the vacant lot on Benfield and Truckhouse, followed by a few spaced out houses on Southway and the first block of Severndale.
The original officers, were recorded in the Articles of Incorporation, were: PRESIDENT and DIRECTOR William J. Schucknecht residing at 17 Earleigh Heights Road; SECRETARY and VICE PRESIDENT and DIRECTOR James Rooney, residing at 13 Earleigh heights Road; and TREASURER and DIRECTOR Guilford Flatt )representing Washington Lumber Company) and residing at 10 Boone Trail, with the principal office of the association. (The Washington Lumber Company wanted a member on the board to protect their vested interest). The Presidents of the 60’s were William Schucknecht, September 1962 through 1963; Joseph Gillespie, 1964; Charles Holmon, 1965; William French, 1966; Peter Tribulshi, 1967; Richard Swanson, 1968; and Bill Hoffman, 1969.
The 60’s were concerned with wrestling from the Washington Lumber Company all that was promised. Along with this, they had to take care of general housekeeping, working constantly on the beach property which was reached by a dirt road requiring constant maintenance. There was also the maintenance and beautifying the heart of Severndale. Among committees now defunct, there was the Beautification Committee and the Architectural Committee. The Beautification Committee made the first of three tree plantings in the 60’s, and also started towards having signs posted at the entrances (Severndale Road, Northway and Truckhouse Roads) to Severndale. The Architectural Committee was responsible for seeing that the covenants of the association were carried out. All plans for structures had to be presented to this committee for approval and they maintained a strict vigilance during Severndale’s infancy contributing greatly to the lovely community we now enjoy.
In 1967, shortly after Recreational Areas II and III has been deeded to the association an alert resident (Art Clark) noted the subject properties in the newspaper as being delinquent on payment of taxes. The board was notified and promptly appropriated the funds and retained the property.
The 60’s also initiated many annual events, including the Annual Easter Egg Hunt, the 4th of July Parade and the Annual Beach Clean-up, which at one time was done on Memorial Day with refreshments provided. At this time, the association would get everyone together to repair the winter and spring damage. This was usually a big job as the association had very little capital and no improvements had yet been made to the beach area. There was only a dirt road, with no drainage ditch and no picnic area, leading to a beach covered with dirt and grass. Every year they had tons of sand delivered and spent hours of back-breaking labor raking out the grass and debris and replacing it with smooth, clean, soft sand. The cottage, which sat up on the hill, was burned down at the request of SCA by the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Department in 1966 or 1967. After that, the area was cleared and was set up for a picnic site.
In 1968, Severndale was first plagued by House bill 59-68 which threatened to remove our beach property. This continued to plague all the Presidents into the 70’s and was finally resolved in 1972. Also at this time, a new developer was building Sections II and III of Severndale and referred to his new construction (Northway, Eastway, Belhaven Court and Fairhaven Court) as Captains Cove. It wasn’t long before the Association had him use the proper name, Severndale.
Finally in 1968, the then current President, Richard Swanson, was successful in getting the address of the Severndale Community Association changed from 10 Boone Trail to our current address P.O. Box 552. This seems to be the final cutting of the apron strings which tied up to our paternal organization.
In the decade of the seventies, the following individuals served as SCA presidents: Joe McClellan, 1970; Carl Wise, 1971; Cliff Martin, 1972; Howard Hoffman, 1973; Bob Heller, 1973; Brian Haas, 1974, Doug Evarstine, 1975; Dich Morgan, 1975; and Bob Barget, 1977.
Historically, Severndale’s beach property rights have been the center of attention and contention in the community. However, it has consistently been the belief of the association’s general membership that the beach property enhances the value of each resident’s home. In 1971 – 1972, when the loss of this property was imminent, SCA was one of the few communities successful in winning a zoning exception to keep its beach as a community recreation area. The conditions under which the exception was granted required many and continued improvements to be made at the beach. These included the “johnny-on-the-spot” (1972), trash containers, road surfacing and drainage to reduce erosion, and a gate to protect and limit usage to its community members.
In 1972 the stairs to the picnic area were installed and in 1973 charcoal grills and additional picnic tables were purchased. A dumpster replaced the trash cans, new charcoal grills were made and new picnic tables were ordered in 1977. The committee has also monitored the testing of beach water to insure that it met health standards.
All Severndale residents have benefitted from the efforts of SCA’s Beach Committee to maintain the requirements of the exception, and as a result, the value and advantages of community water rights. And while all have benefitted, SCA’s organization and funds made it possible.
In 1973, with improved beach facilities, the Memorial Day Picnic was begun as a follow-up to the annual beach clean-up. Since that time, the picnic has become an annual event for all Severndale families, but it is no longer a part of the spring refurbishing.
The Association obtained permission in 1973 to maintain the Severndale sign at the entrance of the community on Benfield and Truckhouse Roads. Plantings and maintenance were done by the SCA Sign Committee until the sign’s removal during the “improvements” of Benfield Road. In 1977, the Association has been working toward the eventual construction of a new Severndale sign to be erected new Truckhouse and Benfield Roads. The planting of trees in the area between the sidewalk and curb throughout Severndale continued into the 70’s and they are an important contribution to the community’s aesthetics.
To combat a series of “breaking and enterings”, SCA implemented “Operation Identification” in 1973, a deterrent which greatly reduced the vandalism in the community. Engraving tools were purchased by SCA and may be used by any Severndale resident who wished to participate in the program.
SCA has been a constant source of information on matters which affect the community. In March 1974, the Severndale Water Plant made application to increase its capacity, which would also increase it back wash.
The flood plain, behind Severndale, occasionally a problem, became a matter of substance to be resolved. Through SCA’s efforts and diligence, the county now has definite plans for reforming the flood plain.
The roads in Severndale had badly deteriorated by 1972. Through SCA, county authorities were advised and convinced of the need for repairs which were made.
In the past few years, the SCA has kept residents abreast of county plans and progress on the installation of a sewer system. When all construction is complete, SCA plans to apply for the resurfacing of the community’s streets.
SCA often serves as a vehicle to remind residents to keep shrubs and tree branches back for the streets and sidewalks. In 1975, SCA rented traps from the county in a successful effort to capture feral dogs that had invaded the community.
Always alert to meeting the changing needs of the community, SCA sponsored a Senior High Teen Club in 1974. In 1975 the Severndale Association of Teens for seventh to ninth graders was sponsored, culminating in a trip to King’s Dominion.
In addition to meeting the important issues which affect the community’s desirability as a “great place to live”, SCA has served also as a focal point for social activities.
The annual Easter Egg Hunt, Fourth of July parade and Christmas Party are organized and funded by SCA for all Severndale children. The annual Crab Feast, open to all residents, is free to SCA members. Dances, boat cruises, and trips to dinner theaters and professional sporting events are also sponsored by the Association.
For any one family, the accomplishments of SCA in protecting and improving our community would be impossible. Residents who have joined their community association have invested their time to work together in meeting the challenges of suburban living.
Although each SCA member family pays nominal dues (about .0004% of the average home value), the time and effort which are expended by members on behalf of the community is incalculable. As effective as SCA has been through the years, the continuation of this success can only be assured by total community participation involvement and support.
