When we think about the strong and vibrant town of Ashland, Virginia, we must also consider those who make it the best place to live, thrive, and do business. The Downtown Ashland Association is a huge part of who we are, and this month, we are thrilled to learn a little more about Louise “Lou” Keeton, the extraordinary Director of Operations for the Downtown Ashland Association. She also volunteers as the Artistic Director of the Whistle Stop Theatre Company.
Lou is one of three children and the only daughter of Craig and Barbara Keeton, who moved here in 2001 after seeing “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Of this production, the Keetons describe one of their favorite memories, “We were so moved by the spirit of that movie as we walked out onto the streets of this town, feeling so welcomed by the community.”
Craig and Barbara met during a production of “Our Town” while they were in college. They were later engaged during a “Cinderella” production, where Craig played the prince and Barbara played Cinderella. “Cinderella” became the Whistle Stop Theatre Company’s first children’s show, and “Our Town” was produced at the Ashland Theatre as a part of the Whistle Stop’s 10th anniversary Celebration.
Craig attended Emerson College as an actor and graduated from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Management. Now retired, he spent 41 years in the television business, the last 22 at Richmond VPM, where he served as the Director of Production and Television Studios. He produced and directed countless events, from Gubernatorial Inaugurations to sporting events to the Richmond Symphony. He volunteers as the Technical Director of the Whistle Stop Theatre Company.
Barbara Keeton graduated from the Mississippi University for Women and is now the administrative officer of Division 38 of the American Psychological Association, where she has served for 27 years. She has an award named after her for the great work she has done with the society. She volunteers as the Managing, Props, and Costume Director at the Whistle Stop Theatre Company.
Craig loves playing with his record album collection, online chess, boxing at Vintage Gym in Richmond, and golf at the Hollows. Barbara enjoys yard sale treasure-hunting, refurnishing furniture, creating costumes, and sewing. Both volunteer in multiple capacities at their church, St. Ann’s in Ashland.
Lou Keeton graduated with a BFA in Theatre for Youth from Shenandoah Conservatory. In her roles with the Downtown Ashland Association and the Whistle Stop Theatre Company, she is often seen planning events on behalf of the Association, dressing up for interviews about Ashland, and, of course, writing new stage adaptations of beloved tales to produce at Whistle Stop.
Craig and Barbara have lived on Maple Street for over 20 years. They moved here after their son Ben was accepted into William and Mary. They were attracted to Hanover Public Schools because of their youngest, Lou, who was in middle school then. They were immediately charmed by Ashland’s picturesque downtown, friendly neighbors, and the Ashland Variety Show. They figured any town that could include everyone in a show has got to be a great place to live.
“We live in Ashland proper on Maple Street across from the Slash Cottage neighborhood on the same block as Carter Park. We have lived here since 2001, 23 years. We moved from Germantown, Maryland, and Barbara developed a process for projecting our needs in a new town and trying to find a forever home after our younger son began college at W&M and our daughter entered middle school. Ashland was so welcoming, and we have never looked back.
