Let’s take a trip down memory lane. We dove into the archives to see what July has looked like in Richmond’s past, from 1975 to 1989. All photos are courtesy of The Valentine and its meticulously curated Richmond Times-Dispatch Collection.
Note: Dates and photo titles are also provided by The Valentine.
July 8, 1975
“Rooting for the Home Team”
A batboy for the (formerly named) Richmond Braves sits in front of Virginia Governor Mills E. Godwin, Jr. and Attorney General Andrew P. Miller.
July 7, 1977
“Have Board, Will Travel”
You could pass a similar sight on any Richmond street today, but a few elements may differ.
July 17, 1977
“Men Fish from Bank of James River as Haze Lends Gray Texture to New Federal Reserve Building”
Compare this view to Richmond’s skyline today.
July 2, 1983
“Betsy Berry, 19, and Scott Vermillera, 23, on the James River”
Memories are always made along the James — photograph taken from Huguenot Bridge.
July 31, 1983
“People Sunbathe on Rocks Near Pony Pasture”
I wonder what the parking situation was like back then...
July 10, 1984
“Gayton Kirk Members Entertain Visiting Scots and Massachusetts Group at a Picnic”
Nothing says “July” like a buffet-style picnic, and nothing says “the 1980s” like that “M*A*S*H” shirt.
July 20, 1984
“William McCoy Jumps Rope”
Buy double-dutch ropes and recruit your friends immediately; jumping rope is a summer-of-childhood-whimsy must.
July 28, 1984
“Getting Down”
At the time, the owner of Didgie’s on Grove Avenue hired break-dancers to promote a summer sale.
July 19, 1987
“Hardware Cat”
You weren’t leaving Lorraine Hardware without Hero the cat checking your bag.
July 12, 1989
“Fan Park Music”
Folks in the Fan district gather in the park for a jazz performance.
July 14, 1989
“Porch Proud”
Plants, trinkets, crochet crafts, and a cat — this is what a front-porch summer in RVA is all about.
July 24, 1989
“Games at Joe + Brenda’s Barber Shop”
A father and son play checkers in a barber shop at 25th and P Streets, Church Hill.
