Join

Found photos illustrate Prince William County’s past

[ngg_images gallery_ids=”701″ display_type=”ds-nextgen_royalslider”]

Photos by Ed Stallknecht

Pictured: NOVA Woodbridge Campus, Gordon Plaza at Route 123 and Horner Road in Woodbridge, Manassas Train Station in Old Town Manassas, Pilot House restaurant on Neabsco Creek (destroyed by Hurricane Isabel in 2003), the old Holiday Inn in Dumfries.

072914-First-on-pl

Last fall, we saw some images of Prince William County taken more than 40 years ago appeared on Facebook. 

We wondered who took them, and how the photos wound up on social media so many years later.

Today, we have that story. 

From Historic Prince William President David Cuff: 

After a career in the Marines, Edward S. Stallknecht became a realtor based in Dumfries in the late 1960s through the mid-1980s. Ed learned to fly while in the Marines and would rent airplanes from the Flying Club based at Quantico.

Besides just a love of flying, Ed used the flights to take pictures of the fast changing landscape below. He used the images in a slideshow presentation he would give to other realtors, associations, and clients looking for large tracts of land to develop.

I serve as the current president of Historic Prince William, and on a warm afternoon last May, I noticed an aerial image on the wall of Aden Grocery while getting a drink and e BLT sandwich. The image was an aerial photo of the store taken in 1972 and was signed “Ed Stallknecht, Flying Realtor.” Intrigued, I searched the internet for more information.

Through internet searches, Ed’s daughter was located, and an email was sent asking for information on the image and if other images existed. Ed’s daughter, Leslie Stallknecht found and loaned me two metal cases of 35mm slides Ed used in his slideshow.

I started scanning the slides to really get a good look at them. Leslie was able to find more images, a cassette recording of the presentation with a script, and newspapers Ed had saved because they either contained ads he had placed or images he had taken.

Over 400 images of the area are in the collection, and 32 pages of newspaper print were scanned and added to Historic Prince William’s Website. The cassette recording was digitized, and a video was made using Ed’s voice with the images he used in the presentation.

Ed had the foresight to save the images in protected cases, not knowing if anyone would ever view them again. Thanks to a picture hanging on a local store’s wall for the last 30 plus years and a little effort by a local history nut, current, and future generations will be able to see the area like Ed said, through “the eyes of a flying realtor.”

With today’s fast-paced world of unlimited digital images, it’s important to find and preserve the previous generation’s images that show a life young people aren’t familiar with today. Today’s seniors might be the last who have memories and possibly images of rural Prince William County. Often they pass away, and old images get discarded, lost forever.

The entire Ed Stallknecht photo collection can be viewed on Historic Prince William’s website. If you or family members have images or memories to share, please contact Historic Prince William through their website.

Recent Stories

Stafford residents will have a chance to weigh in on a proposed county government budget that would see the average homeowner pay $276 in Real Estate taxes next year, amounting to an average homeowner’s $3,866 Real Estate tax bill.

Stafford County could get a new skate park at St. Clair Brooks Memorial Park, 80 Butler Road in Falmouth.

Stafford County’s Historical Commission could soon be a thing of the past.

To conduct disaster recovery testing, the Interstate 95/395 E-ZPass Lanes will undergo a double-reversal overnight from March 22 to March 23, 2024.

Are you facing life’s challenges, feeling overwhelmed, or seeking personal growth? Embrace the path to emotional well-being with our expert psychotherapy services!

Why Choose Us?

Our team of compassionate and experienced psychotherapists is here to guide you on your journey to inner peace, self-discovery, and positive change. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Dreaming of small-town charm with big-city convenience? Look no further than 7156 Main St in Clifton, Virginia! Nestled just 30 miles from the heart of Washington D.C., this picturesque property offers the best of both worlds.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city to find tranquility in this quaint, historic town. With its tree-lined streets and friendly community atmosphere, Clifton is the perfect place to call home. Yet, with its close proximity to the nation’s capital, you’ll never be far from the excitement and opportunities of urban living.

Imagine weekends exploring local shops, dining at charming cafes, and enjoying outdoor adventures in nearby parks. Then, commute to D.C. for work or play, soaking in all the culture, entertainment, and career opportunities the city has to offer.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Van Metre 5K Run

Participate in the 32nd Annual Van Metre 5K Run, a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, and every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and

Ă—

Subscribe to our mailing list