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The town of Windsor will be turning 123 on Saturday, March 15, and that, fittingly, will be the date of its Happy 123rd Birthday event held at the Windsor Town Center at 2 p.m.

The Isle of Wight County Museum has been hosting this event since 2020.

In the museum’s description of the birthday festivities, officials noted that as Windsor was founded March 15, 1902, that day this year will feature a celebration of the town’s history, affording a chance to hear more of its railroad stories.

“Local historian Clyde Parker will tell the story of the 1912-26 Roanoke Railway Company that enabled large quantities of lumber supplying the Camp mill in southwestern Isle of Wight County,” museum officials stated. “The museum will bring artifacts from its collection which highlight the town of Windsor.”

Isle of Wight County Museum Director Jennifer England said the birthday event “is a wonderful opportunity for us to reach out into the community and celebrate its history with locals who will often bring in artifacts or stories of their own to share. 

“Any outreach event is a time for the museum to share our county’s history, and it is also a time to expand our knowledge about Isle of Wight County,” she added. “As the custodians of our local history and culture, preserving artifacts and collections allows us to learn about the past, and hearing stories from our residents and former residents helps provide that tangible connection to our heritage.”

She shared some details on the Windsor-focused artifacts that the museum has brought to the event in the past and those that it will be bringing this year.

“In years past, we have brought yearbooks, diplomas, a Windsor baseball jersey and photographs,” she said. “This year, we will bring, among other items, some canceled bank checks from the Bank of Windsor, photographs and two 1895 letters on letterhead from C.F. Joyner, dealer in general merchandise and country produce of Windsor, Virginia. Both letters are from H.B. Chapman asking Mr. P.D. Gwaltney about a job.”

England noted that letterhead, ephemera and advertisements tell a lot about former businesses.

Windsor Mayor George Stubbs took a moment to address Windsor residents in reference to the birthday event, which he said museum officials work hard to put on.

“These people go to some trouble getting everything together and getting all this (ready), and they’re volunteering their time,” he said. “I definitely extend an invitation to any and all that can come and listen to the presentation and little celebration that we have. It would be nice to have a good turnout from town people.”

England said she looks forward to seeing the Windsor community at the event.

“Also come for cake!” she said, alluding to the birthday cake that will be served at the conclusion of festivities.

The Town Center is located at 23361 Courthouse Highway in Windsor.