Preserving Virginia’s Art Deco History
One Building at a Time
Virginia’s Art Deco architectural marvels are nestled throughout the Commonwealth. While some remain a beacon in the community, others have become a victim of time and neglect.
Through ADSVA’s preservation program, we hope not only to increase public awareness and historic knowledge of these structures but also to work with the National Park Service to secure qualifying buildings a space on the National Register of Historic Places.
Past Preservation Issues
Vote for Virginia’s Top 10 Endangered Artifacts: Office Door of Pioneering Artist and Cartoonist Billy DeBeck; circa 1920’s
A one-of-a-kind art piece by cultural icon and Jazz age cartoonist William Morgan DeBeck recently made the list of Virginia’s Top 10 Endangered Artifacts. The door, which once was DeBeck’s office door, contains an original painting by the famed cartoonist. It is currently owned by VCU’s Cabell Library and is up for vote as to whether the piece should be fully restored by the Virginia Association of Museums.
DeBeck (1890–1942) was a giant in the art form. To comic strip readers in the Jazz Age and Depression era, his characters were as beloved as Superman, Peanuts and Doonesbury became to later generations. Dialogue from Barney Google became part of the cultural syntax of the time. Catchphrases from his strips included: “Horsefeathers!” “Heebie-jeebies;” “Jeepers Creepers!” “Bus’ mah britches!” and “Time’s a’wastin’!” Google “with the goo-goo-googly eyes” was the subject of a 1923 hit song by Vaudeville great Billy Rose.”
The Art Deco Society of Virginia is asking for your help to preserve this important piece of history. All you have to do is visit this page, scroll down and vote to preserve DeBeck’s door. You do not have to register and you can vote as many times as you like. Voting ends on Aug. 29, 2012. Please help us spread the word!