Priscilla Richardson

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A group of us women were talking about some church project when one of them said, "You know, if it weren't for the women, nothing would ever get done." That reminded me to write more about those who help get things done. And Janice Wood Thompson, 87, certainly falls into that category.

Recently honored by the Botetourt Historical Society for her work and dedication over the years, Thompson received the Garland Stevens Award. The award was presented at the annual Founders Day dinner, but she missed it. "Weldon [Martin] had thought I'd be there," she said. "He wanted me to be surprised. Well, I was. I had fallen and had damaged my shoulder, so I didn't know about it until I read the paper. It was a very gracious thing for them to do. I don't think I deserve it."

A member of the society's board of directors, a volunteer docent at the Historical Museum and a close ally to the late Emily Honts and the late Bessie Stoner, she spent "countless hours" working for the society and museum. And hours working with her sister, Blue Ridge's Lucille Cribb. "I have a twin sister, she's made out of the same piece of fabric but in an entirely different pattern. She's very artistic." They set up exhibits together, including the American Indian artifacts exhibit upstairs at the museum.

Thompson fits the pattern of so many quiet hard-working women who create worthwhile projects without asking for or expecting glory. And she didn't work on any of them because she lacked for something to do.

Thompson's husband Howard, a Gala native, for many years ran a garage and she kept the books. "I kept him out of trouble with the IRS," she quips. He started his working life at the Naval yard in Norfolk and went into the service for World War II. They were married in 1942. Nowadays, "he helps me trying to learn to help with the housekeeping. He played golf for many years, but he's now past the golfing stage. He's not into as many things as I am. He's content to be at home and take it easy." One aspect of his life today: "He's almost speechless at what they charge to look after a car."

Thompson herself, born in Glen Wilton, was raised in Eagle Rock. "I may be from northern Botetourt but I have a southern accent," she laughed. She did clue me in to the old-time pronunciation of Botetourt: "Botet't," leaving out the last vowel sound. Thompson worked in a bank after college until her retirement. Recently, she had to downsize and move to an apartment at Friendship Manor. But she still misses her former home in Hollins. And still goes to any Botetourt event she can manage to drive to during the day.

When she enters the Botetourt Historical Museum, she sees many things that belonged to her grandmother more than 100 years ago. The items include a wash bowl and pitcher set and one of the old wall telephones. "And so many things I don't remember." She does remember clearly, however, the collection of early American pressed glass. She did research on each piece and knew the pattern name and which factory made it.

Working with the Botetourt Historical Society taught her the importance of keeping records and artifacts. So she helped set up a heritage room in her church, Northminster Presbyterian, in Roanoke. She also was active in the garden club. However, "since I fell, I've had use of only one arm. It takes me twice as long to do cooking and housework. I take therapy two hours a day, but I do take time to play bridge. I can do that with one hand, and my husband plays also. I've been playing with a group of ladies for over 35 years, our children all grew up together. We do a little bit of talk along with the card playing."

Thompson believes that the "medical profession and all aspects of health are much better than they were." So maybe that's why she says with confidence, "If they need help with anything at the museum, I go down and help."