Gregg Prillaman RESIDENT ARTICLE

March 21, 2022 at 11:55 am

Some Interesting History About Canterbury Woods
Written by Gregg Prillaman 8415 Queen Elizabeth Blvd., Jan. 21, 2022

My wife, Cindy, and I were at an open house here in Canterbury Woods a few months ago and struck up a conversation with two newer residents about the history of the neighborhood going back to colonial days and the Civil War and then when the houses were built in the 1960s. Susan DiMaina was also in the conversation and asked if I would write a piece to share with the rest of the community – particularly those folks who are recent arrivals. Susan is pretty persuasive, so I agreed.

By way of history, Cindy and I moved into our house at 8415 Queen Elizabeth Blvd. (at the corner of QE and Wakefield Chapel Road) in August of 1979 and, except for a few years overseas, have lived here ever since (42 years). We bought the house from Dalton and Auguste Bell who were the original owners. They signed the contract with the builders on March 21, 1964 to buy the lot (#114 in Phase 2) and have the house built, and took possession of the house on April 20 of 1965. The Bells left us a folder with the original sales information for the house and some marketing materials for Canterbury Woods. We also learned about the history of CW from our neighbors Bill and Betty Bowman who were the original owners of 8414 QE. Bill had always been active in the community, and Betty had been part of the sales team for the builders. When people came to the sales office Betty was one of the reps who described the development, house models, prices, options, etc. So she knew a lot about the community, the houses, and the builder. And we heard early stories from our neighbors Jack and Ann Crogan who moved into 8417 QE about 1968 with their family, including their son, Pat, who still lives there with his wife Pam. Pat grew up in Canterbury Woods and remembers clearly when houses were still being built, when Queen Elizabeth ended before the school, when all of the back yards ran together, when the two houses on Magdalene Ct. were destroyed by a gas leak, and much more.
So here are some of the things we learned from those sources and others.

Good dogs–good owners

November 1, 2021 at 7:33 pm

Like many other communities across the nation, Canterbury Woods welcomed many new pets to the community during the pandemic. Neighbors have come to recognize both new and old pets, especially dogs, as their owners take them on daily walks through the neighborhood. 

This is a good time to remind all owners that Fairfax County has a Leash Law stating that dogs are required to be on a leash at all times in public areas unless they’re in a designated off-leash area.” Please remember how “friendly” you feel your dog might be is a very subjective assessment. Animals are unpredictable and owners may not know the comfort level of both adults and children sharing the sidewalks and trails with you as you walk your pet.  Also, please be informed that pets are not allowed on FCPS school grounds at any time for a number of health and safety reasons. Please stay off school property with your pets.  Thank you for being responsible with your dogs and if you prefer off-leash experiences please seek out a formal dog park where that behavior is safety allowed.  

It should also go without saying as well that it is the law to clean up after your pet – State of Virginia Code, “ “It shall be unlawful for any person owning, keeping, or having custody or control of a dog to fail to remove immediately the dog’s excrement …” You would be surprised how often poop is left on the new paved trail for unsuspecting walkers, runners and bikers to come upon.  Let’s all enjoy a safe and clean community for both humans and their pets.

It’s that time again…

May 7, 2021 at 11:04 am

When you pay your CW dues you may not become more attractive, a better speller, or gain muscle strength, but you WILL support the efforts of the CWCA to do nice things for our community — like painting house numbers on the curbs and maintaining the entrance markers. We also use the dues money to keep you informed:  snail-mail newsletters, our website, our sandwich boards, and the CW Directory (new one coming this fall!). In non-Covid times, we sponsor community events like Yard Sale Day, Fall Festival, National Night Out, and Holiday Party.  All of this for $30 per year. That’s a deal. If you haven’t paid, please do. Send (or drop off) your check (made out to CWCA) or cash to Susan DiMaina, 5001 Chanticleer Ave. OR use PayPal — right here on our website!

CW Holiday Decorating Contest

November 24, 2020 at 12:50 pm

It’s the 8th year of our annual contest! Think FESTIVE — think FUN. Let’s end 2020 with color and sparkle. There’s no entry application; just decorate your home and yard however best expresses your holiday self! Judging will take place on Dec. 15-18, so make sure your decorative lights are on those evenings.

Awards will be given in these 4 categories: Best Wreath/Door Display, Best Use of Lighting, Most Original/Creative, Best in Show