From Slavery to Satellites, by Peter Viemeister
Reviewed by Becky Mushko

Peter Viemeister's book, From Slavery to Satellites, could easily be titled The Biography of a Bedford Farm. In 1980, the author, a New Yorker, moved to Bedford where two years he had purchased a farm with a view of the Peaks of Otter. The farm, he learned, had an interesting history which he set out to record. The resulting book, From Slavery to Satellites, is divided into two parts, "The Slavery Era" (which covers the 1600's to 1865) and "A New South" (which covers 1866 to the present).

Viemeister's farm dates back 250 years, when the only satellite was the moon. Now called Solaridge, and known as the old Thomas place when Viemeister bought it, the farm originally belonged to John Beard, whose grandfather came from England. As he learned the history of the farm, Viemeister also learned the history of the area that became Bedford County. He recounts his learning in his book.

The farm has changed considerably since Viemeister moved in. Part of it has been developed for houses, but part is still under cultivation, though crops and farming methods have changed considerably in 250 years. The view of the Peaks of Otter is still the same, however. Though no one knows what the future may bring, Viemeister points out, "The land will still be here."

The book-illustrated with many photos, maps, and drawings- would be of particular interest to anyone descended from the Thomases, for it includes inventories, photos of gravestones, and pictures of some of the Thomases. For newcomers to the area, the book could provide an introduction to-or overview of-the Blue Ridge region. 

From Slaves to Satellites is available from Hamilton's, P.O. Box 932, Bedford, VA 24523 (Phone 540-586-5592), or on the Internet at www.peterv.com.