“By city beautification committee” are the words etched at the base of the Charles W. Hendryx Memorial Plaque. What vision did this committee have?
The Charles W. Hendryx Memorial Plaque stands as a tribute to a man who significantly shaped Alexandria’s landscape. It honors Charles W. Hendryx. Hendryx served as the city’s first arborist from 1959 to 1971.
Hendryx wasn’t just an employee. He was a visionary who left an indelible mark on Fort Ward Park. In April 2011, the Fort Ward Observer sought information about Hendryx. The goal was to understand his contributions better.
James B. Spengler from Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities said staff had been contacted but no information had been returned yet. Jennifer Hollings, another member of the same department, recalled hearing good things about Hendryx from her tree foreman. She remembered a stone with his name on it at Fort Ward Park.
Jackie Cohan from Archives & Records Center wondered if the memorial was specifically created to honor Hendryx. Wanda Dowell, a former city employee, provided key insights. Dowell explained that Hendryx was the City Arborist when Fort Ward first opened. He meticulously planned all the azalea beds. He sourced different azalea types from cuttings. These cuttings came from the National Arboretum and the Azalea Gardens in Norfolk. Hendryx even prepared an inventory of all plantings. Dowell typed it for him. He had a booklet available for handout.
Slides at Fort Ward showed the early azalea beds being installed. Hendryx planned additional azalea beds throughout the city. Cuttings were propagated for replacements. One-year-old cuttings were moved to beds in the Nursery. This area later became the infamous maintenance yard. Under Hendryx’s direction, Fort Ward became an azalea showplace each spring. Sadly, Hendryx died suddenly. The city decided to create the memorial area. This recognized his work at Fort Ward.
Dowell noted the memorial area was beautiful when completed. Several weddings were even held there. Over time, neglect affected the Memorial Area. Many memorial trees planted in the park suffered. Dowell wasn’t sure if a copy of the planting inventory still existed.
Susan Cumbey from Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site lacked specific information on Hendryx. She was unsure about a “memorial” to him in the park. She suggested a tree might have been dedicated to him or a memorial existed elsewhere in the city. The RPCA kept a list of memorial trees, but it wasn’t known how far back the records went.
Pam Cressey from the Office of Historic Alexandria believed the memorial was on Shorts Homestead land. Wally Owen from Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site hadn’t heard of a memorial. He suggested it might not have been brought to their attention.
A 1959 letter was discovered. It was between Charles W. Hendryx and Mrs. R.F.S. Starr. Hendryx provided information to Starr about Fort Ward Park’s development. Starr used this vision to develop the city’s original plan for Fort Ward Park in 1962. Mrs. Starr advocated for the park’s protection and development. The City Beautification Committee recognized Hendryx’s contribution. They created a memorial in the park near the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery.
Charles W. Hendryx died on December 20 1971 at the age of 53. He was an arborist for 12 years. He made a significant impact. The Charles W. Hendryx Memorial Plaque serves as a lasting reminder of his dedication to Alexandria’s natural beauty. His work continues to inspire those who appreciate the city’s green spaces.