Larry Hypes
Contributing Writer
Sunnyside – A jewel sparkles in the peaceful hills of Montgomery County.
Nestled gently on the hill above Glade Road, the Sunnyside/Tom’s Creek Memorial Park is a winding few miles from University Park in Blacksburg, a lovingly cared-for vista honoring memories of times gone by and sacrifices across the years of the past century.
“This park, these monuments, all that you see here is about preserving our heritage, the tribute that the Sunnyside and Tom’s Creek community citizens combined to show our appreciation for the people who did so much for our area, state, nation and the world,” says Gloria Smith, who along her husband, Earl Smith, is one of many local residents who continue to help with maintenance and upkeep of the impressive array of monuments and displays.
Most recently, a section adorned with American flags, coordinated by efforts of Ernestine Saville-Brock and her husband, Kenneth Brock, was placed on the grounds.
Judy Ridinger, whose late father, World War II veteran Ira D. Long, late husband Jack Ridinger, and her son each have an honorary flag, is a local native and proud supporter of the park.
“I think this park is amazing, here in such a beautiful setting and so well maintained by the dedicated relatives, neighbors and friends of the Tom’s Creek – Sunnyside area who care about the past and present and want to preserve this for future generations to enjoy,” she said.
The park was dedicated in September 2001, at which time it was decided to honor all community members who had served to protect the freedoms that all enjoy.
Giant granite monuments, alternately gray and black, are silent sentinels commemorating past conflicts, as they remain on guard along with a pair of loaded coal cars, amid a stately stand of flags including Old Glory and all branches of the United States Armed Forces.
There also stands an old mill stone, a memorial cracked like Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell, in honor of the millstone workers from the old nearby Price Quarry. The company was founded in the mid-1700s and lasted until the property was sold in 2006 with the last millstone produced in 1954.
“These stones were used locally and as far away as Japan and South Africa,” noted Mr. Price, “and they were used for grinding flour, corn meal and paint pigments.”
A dedicated combination of the Brush Mountain Miner’s Memorial Association and the Veteran’s Association of Sunnyside/Tom’s Creek is responsible for maintaining the area.
“We have two associations, but we work together as one,” said Gloria Smith, adding, “and we tell everyone involved that if you helped in any way, from building to selling hot dogs, you are a part of everything we do here.”
The military monuments include World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm (including Persian Gulf, Saudia Arabia, Bosnia and Afghanistan), and the Cold War Memorial– noted as the longest (1945—91) of all the conflicts. Flags for all branches including the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space fly proudly.
Donald Shepherd, 92 years young and a proud U.S. Navy (1951—55) as well as Korean War veteran, is the community’s oldest soldier, still an active participant in all local events.
“I wanted to serve, like many of my relatives and it was one of the greatest honors of my life to do that for my country,” he said.
Two loaded coal cars represent the Brush Mountain Coal Miners, and there is a granite monument adored with coal mining scenes emblazoned with names of miners who lost their lives beginning in 1921 and continuing through 1957.
At the crest of the hill stands a restored house, with a plaque commemorating the James O. Hoge, Jr. Family/Walnut Springs Farm, whose donation of land made the park possible.
“We will have another celebration in September 2026, and we look forward to having everyone join us in remembrance of our shared heritage,” concluded Gloria Smith.
