If you’ve never been to one of Dr. Jim Jordan’s campfires, you’re missing out on a treat!
Jim has been the Park Naturalist at Holliday Lake State Park for 11 years. Before that, he volunteered here while his daughter, Anna was Park Naturalist. In that time, he has learned a great deal about the local folklore and old time stories. His keen interest in Native American history and his rapport with local historians blend together in a fascinating way.
Young and old alike become enraptured by his tales about young Native Americans immersed in nature, struggling pioneer farmers scraping out a living in the brutal mid-1800s, Civil War soldiers coming home from the war, and the young men building the dam here during the Great Depression. You feel what the characters feel, see what they see, and smell what they smell. Yes, he is a gifted story-teller. But more than just a story-teller, he is a naturalist. He weaves nature, wildlife, preservation, conservation into every word. He makes you want to jump right up and make things right with the world around you.
Dr. Jim Jordan has collected a number of TALES and LEGENDS of local folklore.
On Saturday, October 29, at 6:00 p.m. at the Campground Amphitheater he’ll build a roaring fire and tell some of these tales of times past. He’ll end by toasting some marshmallows.
Holliday Lake State Park is located about 20 minutes from historic Appomattox. Access is via State Route 24 between Appomattox and U. S. 60 and from Routes 626, 640, and 692 (also State Park Road). The address is 2759 State Park Road, Appomattox, Virginia.