Save The Yoder Barn Petition: Signature List Feed http://www.gopetition.com/signatures/save-the-yoder-barn.html Online petition signatures en-us Thu, 9 Apr 2026 05:48 UTC GoPetition RSS Feed Generator Copyright 2026 GoPetition Kurt Brown [Signature #87] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/24537435?utm_medium=rss Fri, 7 Nov 2025 11:19:28 UTC 24537435 Charles Raynor [Signature #86] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/22047337?utm_medium=rss It’s a shame that corporate entities will treat an historic landmark as just another asset.
If only they were as passionate about its retention as they were in its acquisition. CNU is making the common mistake of putting more emphasis on what they can do instead of what they should do. Their petitions are in the name of progress. Just remember! A step forward when you’re on the edge of a cliff is not progress. Erasing a legacy in the name of progress or profit is often just plain foolishness.

]]> Fri, 16 Feb 2018 03:15:09 UTC 22047337 Bill Fink, Jr. [Signature #85] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21515513?utm_medium=rss I grew up on the farm, living on the farm and working on the farm. I learned to embrace life, not just wander through it. I not only remember the cows (God knows I milked plenty of them), but I remember the people who made it a functioning dairy. I remember Wardell and Buck in the processing plant - they taught me to sing SWING LOW, SWEET CHARIOT, and to this day I can't think of anyone who sings in nicer. I remember going into the storage cooler and getting chocolate milk and then drinking it while sitting in the boiler room. It is a memory that needs to be embraced.

]]> Wed, 19 Jul 2017 11:02:16 UTC 21515513 Anonymous [Signature #84] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21456250?utm_medium=rss Sat, 24 Jun 2017 12:30:41 UTC 21456250 Karen Owens [Signature #83] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21452050?utm_medium=rss CNU should not profit off of a gift. It should be passed on to someone who will maintain its intended purpose.

]]> Thu, 22 Jun 2017 03:23:30 UTC 21452050 Noah Shenk [Signature #82] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21451956?utm_medium=rss Thu, 22 Jun 2017 02:27:01 UTC 21451956 stephen truitt [Signature #81] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21322885?utm_medium=rss Tue, 9 May 2017 03:04:55 UTC 21322885 Janice Banks [Signature #80] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21177019?utm_medium=rss Sun, 12 Mar 2017 11:57:27 UTC 21177019 Sue Wills [Signature #79] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21069060?utm_medium=rss If they are not allowed to sell it, then it will probably fall into disrepair, since it is an older structure. It shouldn't be sold to tear down for retail, either. This structure is part of the history and heritage of Newport News, and as such, should be preserved.

]]> Mon, 20 Feb 2017 09:01:05 UTC 21069060 Selah Shenk [Signature #78] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21068901?utm_medium=rss The Yoder barn is such a huge part of my family history. I would love to see it still standing in the years to come. What a wonderful symbol of the Mennonite heritage of Newport News.

]]> Mon, 20 Feb 2017 08:10:10 UTC 21068901 Michael Taylor [Signature #77] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21067994?utm_medium=rss Mon, 20 Feb 2017 02:59:07 UTC 21067994 Anonymous [Signature #76] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21066571?utm_medium=rss Mon, 20 Feb 2017 12:59:44 UTC 21066571 Debra Durham [Signature #75] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21066312?utm_medium=rss Sun, 19 Feb 2017 10:26:16 UTC 21066312 Michael McCarron [Signature #74] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21063353?utm_medium=rss CNU must not be allowed to break trust with the Yoder family and the people of Newport News, indeed our Commonwealth. The history of this area and the people who settled it, is too precious to be lost.

]]> Sun, 19 Feb 2017 02:06:41 UTC 21063353 Leslie Smith [Signature #73] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21063344?utm_medium=rss Sun, 19 Feb 2017 02:00:38 UTC 21063344 Ernest Wright [Signature #72] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21063159?utm_medium=rss I worked for the Yoders for a many year on the farm this barn was part of. They donated this barn and land with good intentions for its use none of which was for the financial windfall the college seeks.

]]> Sun, 19 Feb 2017 12:19:19 UTC 21063159 Anonymous [Signature #71] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21063021?utm_medium=rss Sat, 18 Feb 2017 11:19:39 UTC 21063021 Anonymous [Signature #70] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21062994?utm_medium=rss CNU should not be allowed to sell, per their original agreement.

]]> Sat, 18 Feb 2017 11:10:42 UTC 21062994 Connie Zolcinski [Signature #69] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21062724?utm_medium=rss Sat, 18 Feb 2017 09:39:02 UTC 21062724 Terry Gooding [Signature #68] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21062670?utm_medium=rss Save the Yoder Barn!!!! It should be given historical status.

]]> Sat, 18 Feb 2017 09:24:13 UTC 21062670 Maureen Coon [Signature #67] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21062541?utm_medium=rss This is a historic site and should be preserved

]]> Sat, 18 Feb 2017 08:47:49 UTC 21062541 Susan Sharp [Signature #66] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21061876?utm_medium=rss Sat, 18 Feb 2017 05:43:53 UTC 21061876 Timo Madrid [Signature #65] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21061664?utm_medium=rss Sat, 18 Feb 2017 04:44:15 UTC 21061664 Teresa Garnand Hassard [Signature #64] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21060847?utm_medium=rss I was born in Denbigh and grew up in the Mennonite community, raised in a house built by my great-grandfather, a Mennonite settler many years ago. Circumstances changed for us, our family moved away from Denbigh, but our "family home" was safe in the hands of John David and Esther Mable Yoder. They purchased and restored our home, honoring history, tradition and our heritage. I believe we should save the Yoder barn, in effect preserving history and honoring the intentions of the Yoders.

]]> Sat, 18 Feb 2017 01:42:47 UTC 21060847 Jewell Schaefer [Signature #63] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21060260?utm_medium=rss Sat, 18 Feb 2017 12:07:46 UTC 21060260 Victoria Yoder [Signature #62] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21058902?utm_medium=rss Sat, 18 Feb 2017 04:00:21 UTC 21058902 Chelsea Reichert [Signature #61] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21058883?utm_medium=rss Grew up right by Colony Pool, which was also a part of the Yoder family farm. The barn still stands today and is enjoyed by the community.

]]> Sat, 18 Feb 2017 03:36:36 UTC 21058883 Dawna D'Urso [Signature #60] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21058879?utm_medium=rss Sat, 18 Feb 2017 03:33:25 UTC 21058879 Anonymous [Signature #59] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21058816?utm_medium=rss Sat, 18 Feb 2017 02:34:25 UTC 21058816 Patti Mantey [Signature #58] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21058770?utm_medium=rss Sat, 18 Feb 2017 01:56:07 UTC 21058770 Denise Phillips [Signature #57] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21058705?utm_medium=rss I am totally against the sale of this property. The barn holds many great memories for those of us who grew up on the farm and in the community. We do not need anymore development in this area of the city. Congestion is bad enough

]]> Sat, 18 Feb 2017 12:58:53 UTC 21058705 Anonymous [Signature #56] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21058682?utm_medium=rss Sat, 18 Feb 2017 12:37:54 UTC 21058682 Dianna Larsen [Signature #55] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21058629?utm_medium=rss I cant belive this is even a subject! It's so much a part of our History!

]]> Fri, 17 Feb 2017 11:35:19 UTC 21058629 Patricia Harris [Signature #54] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21058547?utm_medium=rss CNU's casual dismissal of its stewardship of the Yoder barn and property is unconscienceable. The barn is as important as any Monument to our diverse culture in Newport News. Greed is not an acceptable reason to dismiss responsibility.

]]> Fri, 17 Feb 2017 10:05:38 UTC 21058547 Cynthia Murchison-Grice [Signature #53] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21058536?utm_medium=rss Fri, 17 Feb 2017 09:44:57 UTC 21058536 Douglas Preyna [Signature #52] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21058531?utm_medium=rss Fri, 17 Feb 2017 09:37:48 UTC 21058531 Carol Berg [Signature #51] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21058492?utm_medium=rss Fri, 17 Feb 2017 09:07:04 UTC 21058492 Cathlyn McPoland [Signature #50] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21058469?utm_medium=rss I grew up in Newport News with the Yoder Dairy Barn and loved to see all those cows. I also lives at Criston townhouses with my kids for about 7 years after my divorce. I used to do alot of scavenger hunts for birthdays around that barn. I even went to some of the events held there. CNU should NOT benefit from its sale..it was gifted to the Commonwealth. I would like to see it remain on the property.

]]> Fri, 17 Feb 2017 08:52:19 UTC 21058469 Rhoda Schwartz [Signature #49] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21058434?utm_medium=rss Fri, 17 Feb 2017 08:19:19 UTC 21058434 Paul Creal [Signature #48] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21058422?utm_medium=rss As a CNU alumni and one who values the history of our local community, this ENRAGES me. This is simply another gross example of the EXCESSES implemented and perpetuated by CNU under Trible's tenure as president in the interest of "growth". I am ashamed to learn David Yancey is playing a role to advance this action.

]]> Fri, 17 Feb 2017 08:14:49 UTC 21058422 Norman Silsby [Signature #47] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21058409?utm_medium=rss I was born and raised in Newport News from the time Yoder Dairy was a thriving business -- well before I-64 cut through their property. Temporarily expatriated to NC, I am still a loyal native Virginian and Newport Newsian. If CNU no longer wants the responsibility of the Yoder barn, have them cede it to an organization that will..

]]> Fri, 17 Feb 2017 07:59:32 UTC 21058409 Heather Sterling [Signature #46] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21058384?utm_medium=rss Fri, 17 Feb 2017 07:33:24 UTC 21058384 Brenda Snead [Signature #45] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21058306?utm_medium=rss Fri, 17 Feb 2017 06:25:50 UTC 21058306 Jean Skorupa [Signature #44] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21058044?utm_medium=rss Fri, 17 Feb 2017 03:09:09 UTC 21058044 JUDITH SHELDON [Signature #43] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21058004?utm_medium=rss Too much of this country's history is being let go to commercial enterprise. For example: The church I grew up in was a historical landmark in our town as important to the forming of the government of our state in the 1700s. The building is still there but it's now a mall inside. Better put to use as a museum. Please don't let the same thing happen to Yoder Barn. Make it a positive to history, not a negative.

]]> Fri, 17 Feb 2017 02:45:54 UTC 21058004 Madeline McMillan [Signature #42] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057969?utm_medium=rss I was at the gifting ceremony when those promises were made. Current actions my CNU are a betrayal of the public trust.

]]> Fri, 17 Feb 2017 02:24:58 UTC 21057969 Marcia Jenkins [Signature #41] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057953?utm_medium=rss Please do not sell that wonderful landmark! That intersection is already extremely congested and the Yoder Barn is the only thing that is left as a reminder to a more beautiful, simpler way of life. Seeing that barn still standing is like coming home!

]]> Fri, 17 Feb 2017 02:16:44 UTC 21057953 Laura Mann [Signature #40] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057753?utm_medium=rss Fri, 17 Feb 2017 11:11:14 UTC 21057753 Pamela Klavenski [Signature #39] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057735?utm_medium=rss Fri, 17 Feb 2017 10:48:47 UTC 21057735 Barbara Morotini [Signature #38] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057687?utm_medium=rss Save the Barn!!!

]]> Fri, 17 Feb 2017 09:50:39 UTC 21057687 Kaitlyn Mccoy [Signature #37] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057621?utm_medium=rss Fri, 17 Feb 2017 08:33:53 UTC 21057621 Ken Franklin [Signature #36] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057573?utm_medium=rss Please join in saving the Yoder Barn!!

]]> Fri, 17 Feb 2017 07:11:32 UTC 21057573 Wylie Crane [Signature #35] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057544?utm_medium=rss I grew up in the community that cherishes this landmark, even performing in the play when the space was first restored and converted to a performance venue. It represents an idyllic, simple time in the midst of modern changes and unstable environments. Protect the innocence of an irreplaceable time, place, and culture. Protect the Yoder Barn.

]]> Fri, 17 Feb 2017 06:29:33 UTC 21057544 DON REIMERT [Signature #34] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057395?utm_medium=rss Fri, 17 Feb 2017 03:53:45 UTC 21057395 Christie Stiff [Signature #33] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057374?utm_medium=rss Fri, 17 Feb 2017 03:38:11 UTC 21057374 Anonymous [Signature #32] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057350?utm_medium=rss Fri, 17 Feb 2017 03:15:34 UTC 21057350 Laura Swingle [Signature #31] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057307?utm_medium=rss The Yoder Barn is an integral part of the Mennonite community and the history of Newport News. Though the city has grown immensely in last 50 years or so for various reasons, the diversity of those who have come to call it home recently is as significant as are the ties with those who initially colonized the area. New neighbors and descendants of Mennonites all deserve the opportunity to learn about and be aware of the city's history.

]]> Fri, 17 Feb 2017 02:42:28 UTC 21057307 Anonymous [Signature #30] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057305?utm_medium=rss Fri, 17 Feb 2017 02:41:03 UTC 21057305 Anonymous [Signature #29] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057300?utm_medium=rss The barn is an amazing piece of local history.

]]> Fri, 17 Feb 2017 02:38:27 UTC 21057300 Sheryl Bruce [Signature #28] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057286?utm_medium=rss Fri, 17 Feb 2017 02:28:47 UTC 21057286 John Mumaw [Signature #27] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057283?utm_medium=rss Fri, 17 Feb 2017 02:25:06 UTC 21057283 Michael Waddell [Signature #26] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057280?utm_medium=rss Fri, 17 Feb 2017 02:24:13 UTC 21057280 Kaye Bates [Signature #25] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057274?utm_medium=rss My kids grew up in the barn as members of the folk opera casts. The connections they made and experiences they had will benefit their lives forever. Do the right thing, CNU. It was not given to you for financial enrichment. It belongs to the community who cherish it.

]]> Fri, 17 Feb 2017 02:18:47 UTC 21057274 Anonymous [Signature #24] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057269?utm_medium=rss Fri, 17 Feb 2017 02:14:28 UTC 21057269 Tabitha Packer [Signature #23] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057267?utm_medium=rss Fri, 17 Feb 2017 02:12:30 UTC 21057267 Amie Whitehurst [Signature #22] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057263?utm_medium=rss Fri, 17 Feb 2017 02:10:11 UTC 21057263 Minnie Wilson [Signature #21] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057254?utm_medium=rss Let's keep Yoder barn, It's a piece of History.

]]> Fri, 17 Feb 2017 02:04:06 UTC 21057254 Jackie Taylor [Signature #20] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057247?utm_medium=rss Fri, 17 Feb 2017 01:59:01 UTC 21057247 Rebecca Busic [Signature #19] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057243?utm_medium=rss Fri, 17 Feb 2017 01:57:39 UTC 21057243 Christina Nimmo [Signature #18] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057227?utm_medium=rss I grew up across the street from the Yoder's, and I will adore them as long as I am living. Esther Mable was the kindest person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. The Yoder barn is much more to me than a landmark. It's a way to keep the family that kept Newport News wholesome alive. The gift the Yoder's gave to CNU so many years go astounded me of such generosity, although not surprised this remarkable family would give such a gift but I was well aware of its worth. Their intentions were to keep the barn alive within the community for lifetimes ahead. It was not given as a piece of property for monetary gain. I am just completely taken back that CNU and its respectable leaders would find this to be remotely acceptable.

]]> Fri, 17 Feb 2017 01:47:54 UTC 21057227 Kristina Madrid [Signature #17] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057207?utm_medium=rss Many of us grew up performing in that barn, and for CNU to just try to sell if off for their own profit is sickening! Don't allow this historical gem to be cast into the wind!

]]> Fri, 17 Feb 2017 01:30:11 UTC 21057207 Kathy Dennehey [Signature #16] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057206?utm_medium=rss Fri, 17 Feb 2017 01:30:08 UTC 21057206 Debbie Waddell [Signature #15] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057198?utm_medium=rss Fri, 17 Feb 2017 01:26:21 UTC 21057198 Lynn Bobbitt [Signature #14] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21057062?utm_medium=rss The Yoder Barn is a historical landmark in Newport News. Our community should be looking at methods for maintaining the history of the barn since Mr. Tribble and CNU apparently are not willing to take care of the gift they were given by the Yoder family. Seeking the ability to sell the barn is a disgusting demonstration of greed. Do NOT allow this to happen!

]]> Thu, 16 Feb 2017 11:39:01 UTC 21057062 Anonymous [Signature #13] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21056995?utm_medium=rss I grew up in the area near Yoder farm. I remember the cattle crossing from one side of Jefferson Ave to the other. Yoder farm is a landmark. We don't have many landmarks in the area still standing due to development. Please do not take this away for our younger people. Thank you

]]> Thu, 16 Feb 2017 10:46:45 UTC 21056995 Susan Yoder Ackerman [Signature #12] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21056699?utm_medium=rss Let this gift be guarded and maintained in the spirit with which it was both given and received. The community will continue to be enriched by its presence.

]]> Thu, 16 Feb 2017 08:49:40 UTC 21056699 Carolyn Butler [Signature #11] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21056442?utm_medium=rss Thu, 16 Feb 2017 06:03:20 UTC 21056442 Paul Dunham [Signature #10] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21056306?utm_medium=rss I remember seeing this barn for years as we drove up and down Jefferson Ave. When it was a working dairy farm. There was a tunnel under the highway for the cattle to move to other fields. Please keep this icon in tack for the history and community.

]]> Thu, 16 Feb 2017 04:35:34 UTC 21056306 Susan Horne [Signature #9] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21056297?utm_medium=rss Thu, 16 Feb 2017 04:33:03 UTC 21056297 Shelby Duffer [Signature #8] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21056160?utm_medium=rss No one erects monuments to honor a farm or a rural lifestyle. The Yoder barn is more than a statue. It adds a living value to the community, and serves as a reminder of how the Mennonite and other farming communities have influenced and aided the development of Newport News. My family is from Denbigh and my mother is an alum of Christopher Newport. I would love to see a healthy relationship between CNU and the Yoder Barn community continue.

]]> Thu, 16 Feb 2017 03:17:58 UTC 21056160 Dennis Rohrer [Signature #7] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21056148?utm_medium=rss Please do not betray the faith and trust that the Yoder family placed in the Commonwealth of Virginia to preserve this unique and irreplaceable symbol of local heritage and history.

]]> Thu, 16 Feb 2017 03:09:45 UTC 21056148 Ilse Ackerman [Signature #6] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21056115?utm_medium=rss Thu, 16 Feb 2017 02:53:13 UTC 21056115 Anonymous [Signature #5] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21056078?utm_medium=rss This should be recognized as a historic landmark

]]> Thu, 16 Feb 2017 02:31:53 UTC 21056078 Anonymous [Signature #4] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21055802?utm_medium=rss Thu, 16 Feb 2017 12:00:49 UTC 21055802 Lisa Furr Wilkins [Signature #3] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21055233?utm_medium=rss I wholeheartedly agree with this petition!

]]> Thu, 16 Feb 2017 03:57:17 UTC 21055233 Rose Troyer [Signature #2] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21055185?utm_medium=rss Yoder Dairy is current and historical part of the Denbigh area of Newport News. The Yoder Preservation Trust was created to provide a space for the growing community to experience Cultural Arts in it's many forms and to be a gathering space for community activities.

Please don't let CNU sell this gift for their profit. Please transfer this property to another entity that will support it's use for ongoing community use & enjoyment.

I grew up in Denbigh & Yoder Dariy was always there. When I return to spend time with family & friends, it is a space that reminds me of the value of growing up in an area that embraces people with all their talents & energy.

]]> Thu, 16 Feb 2017 03:37:21 UTC 21055185 Amy Hertzler [Signature #1] https://www.gopetition.com/signature/locate/21054888?utm_medium=rss Thu, 16 Feb 2017 01:23:22 UTC 21054888