When John Singleton learned of the work that Reggie Hall of Rowan Precision Machine was doing for the N.C. Transportation Museum Foundation in Spencer, he wanted to help.

The director of the Mocksville-based Smith-Davis Foundation brought it to his board, which agreed to provide a $4,000 grant to support the museum.

The foundation also provided $3,000 to the Virginia Transportation Museum.

“I think it is very important for people to know their roots and understand where they came from,” Singleton said, who collects antique farm equipment. “The younger generation needs to understand how we used to work a lot harder than we do now, without all of our modern technology.”

The award was given because the museum focuses on preservation.

“We are very grateful for this generous gift,” said NCTMF President Steve Mersch. “We are excited about the improvements we’ve made at the museum, as well as the many new programs we now offer, and are glad to have the Smith and Davis Foundaiton supporting that work.

The foundation also funds scholarships for Davie graduates who plan to study nursing, law enforcement or agriculture. It supports other worthwhile projects in the community. Past grant recipients include local churches, fire departments, A Storehouse for Jesus, the Davie County Humane Society and the Davie County Law Enforcement Association.

The foundation is led by Singleton. His mother, the late Wilma Motley, was the benefactor who created the foundation. Dr. James Evans serves as the board president.