Some Families of Damascus, Virginia, Part XV

The Retirement of Dave Wright
by Glenn N. Holliman

Over many articles I have been posting information on Damascus, Virginia and the life of my Great Uncle and Aunt, Dave and Pearl Osborne Wright.  The couple lived in the small mountain town until time ran out for Dave in 1962 and Pearl in 1980.  Childless, they generously raised two nieces and a nephew who came to live with them in 1923 when Pearl's sister-in-law died.  For two generations, Dave kept the lights on literally in town first as the manager of the Damascus Light and Power Company and later Appalachian Power.

Right, Pearl and Dave Wright.  The unidentified child may be a great niece.

Dave on the far right at a civic function.  The men shaking hands are not identified.  

Nor are those below.  Perhaps these photos, ca. 1950, will strike a memory with someone in Damascus, Virginia. By 1950,a niece's husband, E.F. Akers, ran the Beaver Chemical Company.

After retirement in 1952, Dave repaired radios from his home.  He died in 1962.  Pearl would live another 18 years, passing away in 1980.