Burke Historical Society meeting

Please join us at the Silas Burke House (the lovely white home at the top of the hill, with the historic marker at the driveway), built ca. 1824.  Longtime Burke resident Bill Sheads will speak about his work in the Fairfax County Fire Department in the early 1940s.  Refreshments will be served.

The Burke Historical Society is a group of local enthusiasts interested in exploring and preserving the history of Burke.  We are seeking new members who share this interest.  No commitment is needed; all are welcome!

Delbert (Bill) Sheads was born in September 1923 in Burke.  He grew up here, worked for his family's lumber business, and joined the Fairfax County Fire Department at the age of 18.  In this position he helped fight the wildfire that burned in Burke for a week in April 1941.  He was drafted into the Army in January 1942 at the age of 19 and was assigned to the 113th Armored Cavalry Reconnaissance Regiment.  He landed in Normandy in June 1944 after D-Day, and served in France, Belgium, and Germany.

Mr. Sheads returned home from the war in 1945, bought property in Burke, and continued to work as a volunteer fireman, becoming chief training officer for the Fairfax County Fire Department.  He also worked in forestry, starting a Christmas tree farm in 1947, becoming chief forester for Fairfax County, and then serving for 35 years in the state forestry department.  Mr. Sheads continues to live in Burke, where he is active in local organizations and speaks regularly on his experiences.