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Ringing for dollars for half a lifetime
John Graves: a Salvation Army institution for 40 years
By ERIN CARNAHAN
Alexandria Times Special Writer
John Graves has spent every Scottish Walk of the past 40 years trying to
raise money for the Salvation Army.
Graves, 80, said he took part in initiating a long-term friendship
between the Salvation Army and Old Dominion Boat Club, of which he is a
member. Now, half a lifetime of bell-ringing leaves him with many
stories to tell.
He said that over the years on the day of Alexandria’s Scottish Walk
parade, “I’ve seen the weather turn from bitter cold, sleeting, rain and
snow [to times with] people out in shorts and short sleeves.”
Graves said he began his holiday fund-raising in 1967.
At that time, members of the boat club also provided dolls for needy
children, so members took turns ringing bells in front of Murphy’s Five
and Dime as the dolls were displayed in the store’s front window.
People wishing to donate could choose to give cash to
help outfit a doll or go into the store and dress a doll themselves.
Graves recalled that some ladies affiliated with the boat club would sew
outfits for the dolls. But Graves said that eventually the doll program
lost popularity and was discontinued.
 He
also said that years ago the Salvation Army bell-ringers were not the
established seasonal tradition they are today. Back then, “it was all
nickels and dimes; no one gave a dollar.”
With its widespread acceptance today, he joked that “now
we take checks but no Visa, yet.”
Graves also recalled a complaint lodged against the
bell-ringers over the years, from a “mini-mall that called the police
and said that the group I had ringing bells in front of their place was
giving the employees a headache. The cops asked if I would remove our
presence, and those cops were laughing. Those stores felt we took
attention away from their goods.”
Graves said he has enjoyed his entire life in Old Town,
having been born and raised here himself, and then raising a daughter
here.
He not only lives in the area, but has lived on the same
street — though in different houses — his whole life. Now widowed and
retired from the banking industry, Graves said his daughter, Carolyn, is
“very attentive to her father.”
Still an active member of the boat club, Graves said his
fond memories of fellow members’ involvement in his charity effort
included an old friend, Skippy Whitestone.
“Skippy used to always bring a bag of suckers for the
kids, and the parents would feel they couldn’t leave without giving
money once their kid had a candy. Once, Skippy was out ringing his bell,
and who should come by but that football star Sonny Jurgenson [the
Washington Redskins’ quarterback of 1964-’74]. Sonny gave some money and
had a cigar with Skippy. Sonny said, ‘You guys are doing a good job,’
and Skippy replied, ‘I can’t be doing that good of a job; you only gave
a dollar.’ ”
When Graves began his bell-ringing operation, he said,
the Old Dominion Boat Club was happy to raise a few hundred dollars.
Now, its members raise thousands, and the club is a 125-year-old, Old
Town institution.
Located at 1 King St., this club once served as a gathering place for
those participating in the sport of rowing, rather than today’s yachting
emphasis. Its members support many charitable activities.
Donations to the Salvation Army can still be made via
the Old Dominion Boat Club. Graves said those wanting to leave checks
there should make them made payable to the Salvation Army, in envelopes
marked “Attention: John Graves.” |
