DATE: Wednesday, April 2, 1997              TAG: 9704010240

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B3   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: PUBLIC LIFE 
SOURCE: BY MIKE KNEPLER, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   49 lines

NEIGHBORHOOD EXCHANGE: OCEAN VIEW MUSEUM HAS NEED OF HOME

The memories of old Ocean View are all packed up - but with no place to go.

It's been like that since the Ocean View Station community museum closed in April 1995 after a five-year run.

The museum, named for a former trolley station, had operated in a storefront near the northern end of Granby Street. The space was donated by landlord Red Thornton, but only until he could get a paying tenant.

That day came. And for the last two years, all the photographs, memorabilia and community records once displayed in the tiny museum have been stored away.

``It's a shame,'' said Virginia Roger, a civic activist. The museum was becoming a local gathering point for current and former residents as well as visitors.

There were many photos from yesteryear: classic bayfront cottages, bathing beauties, fishermen, beachfront hotels, storm wreckage, boardwalks crowded with white-capped sailors and, naturally, the famous Ocean View Amusement Park.

Ocean View Station's operation suggested how history could be knitted with modern life.

David B. Lawrence Jr., 86, led a team of volunteer docents who entranced visitors with living-history stories.

Lawrence says the exhibits inspired residents to strive harder to revitalize Ocean View.

Now, museum supporters fear the museum will be forgotten if it is not reopened soon. They hope to raise public awareness at the May 9-11 Ocean View Beach Festival.

Assistant City Manager Shurl Montgomery has promised some proceeds from a May 24-26 hydroplane race if Ocean View volunteers help out.

Still, the museum needs free temporary housing just to get going again. The temporary site should be visible and convenient to the public.

For a permanent location, some suggest the grassy area between Ocean View Avenue and the Pretlow branch public library. The new museum would cost $50,000. MEMO: For more information, call Donald L. Williams, 587-5305.

Got an idea for this column? Contact Mike Knepler at 150 W. Brambleton

Ave., Norfolk, Va. 23510; phones 436-6195 or 446-2275; or e-mail

knep(a)pilotonline.com ILLUSTRATION: David B. Lawrence Jr.

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