her family cemetery, along with other Orange County attractions and black history sites. Over 20 Orange County businesses participated in the execution of this program in one way or another. Writers were hosted by Orange County lodging and restaurant facilities, they drank Orange County wine and beer, they toured Orange County historic sites and were introduced to Orange County organizations and citizens. The community was able to embrace this program and participate in a variety of ways – including the ongoing Edna Lewis Menu Trail. Orange County ’ s Department of Economic Development also used the Menu Trail and Media Event to spur other efforts such as the installation of a new Highway Marker honoring Lewis and a proclamation by Representative Abigail Spanberger honoring Lewis ’ s many contributions to the Commonwealth. Family, friends, and officials from the Orange County African American Historical Society and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources recently gathered on Saturday, April 13, to dedicate a new highway marker
Photograph courtesy of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.
alongside a country road near Lewis ’ birthplace in the Freetown community of Orange County. The dedication was made particularly special since the date coincided with what would have been her 108th birthday. The historical marker leaves a lasting reminder of the impactful and remarkable life of Chef Edna Lewis. The text of the marker is included below:
Edna Lewis (1916 - 2006)
Edna Lewis was born here in Freetown, a community established by people emancipated from slavery, including her grandfather Chester Lewis. She learned to cook from her family using local meat and produce. In 1949 she became the chef and a partner in New York ’ s celebrated Café Nicholson. Lewis later cooked in other elite restaurants, where Black female chefs were rare. As the author of four cookbooks, including the seminal Taste of Country Cooking, she generated national interest in southern cuisine and in fresh, seasonal ingredients. She received an honorary doctorate from Johnson & Wales University and in 2014 was depicted on a U.S. postage stamp. Lewis is buried in a family plot near here.
This new historic marker, JJ - 38, is located at 14311 Marquis Road, Unionville, VA 22567.
Page 8 | May 2024
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