Historical Society Minutes - 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013 - 3:00 pm at the Museum in Marlinton
Members and Visitors in Attendance: Melanie Hornsby, Dave Holmes, Matt Tate, Diana Clarke, Ashley Fleming, Denise McNeel, Nancy Cochran Woolridge, JoAnn Lister, Bob Lister, Geoff Hamill, Bill McNeel, Mark Mengele
The meeting began at 3:10 in the Pearl Buck Library. Thanks to Bill McNeel, who located and brought in a replacement projector when the bulb of our visitor’s died, and to Pam Hoover , who opened McClintic Library to loan it to us. Hardly any time was lost! Bill introduced our speaker, Bob Beanblossom, a district administrator for the state parks system, who had driven in from Charleston that day to talk to us about the history of the state park system. The history was enlivened by beautiful pictures of the many and varied parks, forests and wildlife management areas and he had a fund of amusing anecdotes.
Bob took us back to the beginning of interest in “utilitarian conservation”, which followed the national publication of George Perkins Marsh’s book, Man and Nature in 1864. Nationally and among the states, land began to be set aside “for public use, resort and recreation” and Bob spoke about historical events, both nationally and within the state, that helped West Virginia to build up the impressive array of state parks, forests and wildlife centers that make our state’s facilities among the best in the country, and which continue to be fee free for use and admission to both state residents and visitors. These include 24 state parks, 9 state forests, 4 wildlife management areas (There are 66 in the state all told), and 2 long distance rail trails. In those areas the State Parks operate: 7 golf courses, 10 lodges (802 rooms), 333 cabins, 1,729 camp sites, 1,036 miles of hiking trails, 3,863 picnic tables, numerous swimming pools, trams, tennis courts, picnic shelters, and even a railroad.
After his presentation, Mr. Beanblossom took questions and people adjourned for refreshments and conversation. During our meeting a couple of people had toured the grounds, two more had self-toured the museum and a woman from Maine had come in search of information about her Slovenian grand-parents who had come to Cass in 1913 to work for The West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company, moved with that company to Spruce and then moved to another lumber company in Richwood, later moving on to Pennsylvania. She had quite a lot of information and found an interested group of local historians willing to help her with her quest. Her name is Amy Fradel and her relatives included John and Mary Fradel, Josip Ban , and members of the Tomazic and Siskovic families. If any members have information, contact Denise to get her contact details.
The following business meeting was short, beginning with approval of the minutes of the August meeting, and approval of the treasurer’s report. The newsletter has gone out. (Enormous thanks to Bill for doing this singlehandedly!), and memberships and additional donations have already come in. Undesignated donations will go into the museum building fund. We are in good shape financially for the year at the museum, which has few remaining expenses to come in. There is a need for volunteers for the few remaining weekends that it will be open. We had a good summer selling books, and Bill and Denise even sold over $350 worth last weekend at the Hillsboro Literary event (half of these were additions to the Hillsboro Library collection). The museum will be open on September 28 from 9-5 (Smithsonian Museum Day), if we can find volunteers to put in a few hours each there that day. We also hope to have other volunteers selling books in town at the Roadkill Cook-Off and also at Huntersville’s Tradition Days. A second shuttle tour of the county, which will stop at the museum, will take place on Saturday, October 19. We do not yet know, of course, the year’s total visitors, but we know it will be more than last year (the year of the Derecho and moving of Pioneer Days), but do not know how the number will compare to those of previous years. Our e- list and FaceBook users have increased considerably, with close to 10,000 “hits” on one museum posting. Denise has put a not on the door and she and Bill will open the museum if contacted, when they are free. Ashley volunteered to have her name and phone # added to the notice.
There was discussion about the formation of a building committee for the society to go over the building and prioritize our needs. Several people are willing to serve on this committee and other names were suggested. If you would like to work with this group, please contact our president, Matt Tate.
There was concern expressed over the light fitting on the River Porch which streams with water at every rainfall. This has been a problem all summer long, but despite several phone calls to our builder, Dan Burdette, nothing has been done. David Holmes volunteered to examine this with Bill on Monday and to fix it.
There was discussion of future programs. A field trip to Fort McCoy at Williamsburg seemed a popular idea, possibly on September 26 or 27. Members are invited to contact any of the officers to say if this idea interests them or if they have other program suggestions. The meeting adjourned at 4:50PM (Moved Mark).
Sunday, August 25, 2013 - 2:00 pm at the Marlinton Presbyterian Church - Annual Meeting
People in attendance: Bill McNeel, Ruth Taylor, Mike Smith, Chris Smith, Rob Lister, B.J. Gudmundsson, Brent Moore, Denise McNeel, Geoff Hamill, Mark Mengele, Robert Laing
Apologies: Zach Grimes, Roger Furman, David Holmes
Robert Laing stopped by to give us a copy of his new publication, the records of Pocahontas County School Superintendent Davies Barlow, 1895-1899, which includes the names of addresses of school teachers during that period, Mr. Davies’ reports and copies of the Teacher exams—very difficult, at that period.
The subject of the program was, The History of the Pocahontas Times, presented by the paper’s former editor, Bill McNeel, grandson of Calvin Price and great –nephew of James, Andrew and Norman Price and nephew of Jane Price Sharp, the editors who preceded him after the family bought the newspaper in 1893, when it had moved from Huntersville to Marlinton to be located in the new county seat. Bill also talked about the former non-family owners. The Pocahontas Times is the oldest family-owned business in Pocahontas County. He also had brought old original copies of the paper (which made fascinating reading) and some photographs: one of Calvin (editor for 51 years) in a Golden seal issue , one of the paper being written by candlelight in his living room , by Jane on a manual typewriter spewing mud right after the 1985 flood, when Marlinton district was without electricity for 5 days, one of the newspaper’s finest hours, and another, again in his living room, after the1996 flood with Doug Van Gundy working on one of the apple computers, aided by the family dog.
The group then adjourned to the Old Times Office, now operated by another Price family member and former Pocahontas Times worker, Janie Sharp, as an antique shop. Here, Bill showed off the various pieces of equipment, including the huge Babcock press and the job press. and talked about the machines used over the 120 year period of Price ownership. (Bill is still a part owner of the paper.) There were many questions and surmisals from this highly interested group. He also showed off the hand type (much of it still muddy from the floods) took a stick and showed how to hand set. Bill, coincidentally, had learned to set type as a seventh grader in Charleston. Geoff Hamill filmed the talk and demonstration, so if you missed this program, you might contact him to see the re-enactment of this stage in communication history.
Back then to the Presbyterian Church for more discussion, and then a short annual meeting. The minutes were read (B.J, Chris) and the financial report accepted (Ruth, Denise). The slate of officers was re-elected: Matt Tate, President, B.J Gudmundsson, Vice –President, Bill McNeel, Treasurer, Denise McNeel, secretary.(Ruth, Brent).
Bill proposed that our September meeting feature Bob Beanblossom, District Administrator of Parks and Recreation, who would speak on the history of the State Parks. The group decided to hold this meeting in Cass, if the date and location suit our speaker, since we have not met there in a long time. Also, since this is also the 50th anniversary of the Cass Scenic Railroad, we thought we might invite member Hank Ieager to show us the power house he has been working on and talked to us about. Since our usual meeting day weekend has a host of conflicts it was decided to hold this meeting in the afternoon of Sunday, August 22.
Discussion then led to recent and future historical events in the county (What a year!). B.J. will be in charge of the writer’s tent at the Roadkill Cookoff, which this year, will be in a prominent location and members will be able to sell books (the mainstay of our income) there and will read extracts from prominent local history writings. That day is also the national Smithsonian Museum Day, so we will open at 9 AM. We heard about the rededication of the Mingo monument and also the grant of $30-35,000 for the preservation of the Battle of Bartow site. Next weekend, Labor Day weekend, lots will be going on at Droop Mountain Battlefield. The 3rd commemorative hike will leave at 7AM from Hillsboro; 30 people (1/3 to ½ will be descendants of soldiers who fought in the battle), re-enactments will take place at 3PM on Saturday and 1PM on Sunday; there will also be living history talks and tours. Civil War authors will be there and we are invited to sell book in our collection also. Jon Averell will have his new movie on General Averell available in DVD format. On Saturday evening there will be a dance where the public is invited to join re-enactors.
Molly Must is now back home to work on Marlinton’s second mural which will depict Civil Wartime life. She is doing a lot of research before she begins to paint and the mural’s location has been moved to the wall of Hudson’s on Main Street, Marlinton. Despite a comparatively short business meeting, we went on our way (moved Brent) at 5:15PM, having had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon of history.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013 - 7:00 pm at the Museum in Marlinton
Members in attendance: Ashley Fleming, Matt Tate, Mark Mengele, B.J. Gudmundssen, Bill McNeel, Denise McNeel (apologies from Ruth Taylor)
This meeting was a short –notice substitute for the planned meeting during the Sequicentennial celebrations on June 21 at Huntersville. Fifteen members were in attendance at this and there were 72 people in attendance at the talk on the legal questions and steps followed to achieve the formation of our state 150 years ago. The speaker, Dr David Janersak, visited the museum the following morning. Several members attended the bell ringing at the Droop lookout tower on June 20 and several more participated in the first of the four memorial hikes up to Droop Mountain battlefield on June 22.
The meeting came to order at 7:10 PM. The minutes of the May meeting were approved as written. (BJ, Matt).
The current balance in the society’s account is $6,000, which includes 5 “pass-through” accounts (Anna Wallace Marker, McNeel Mill, Droop Mountain Sesquicentennial, and Pioneer Days Pioneer Village. Membership dues have started arriving, though the newsletter is not in the mail yet. Our big expense is the running of the museum; attendance is running about the same as this time last year. Allegheny Echoes is having a banjo class each morning this week on the front porch.
Local interest has been shown in a Mill Point marker, which would refer to the Gibbs sewing machine. We established that such a marker does exist, but that it had been taken to Charleston for refurbishment, but has returned. It was suggested that its location could be moved or trees trimmed so that it is both visible and more accessible to viewing.
The Anna Wallace fund has received $250 from WVAATF and $275 from WVNEA. The check from Pioneer Days was handed to the treasurer. The treasurer pointed out that we have some leaks that need to be repaired very soon. BJ suggested that screens be added and the windows opened up in the attic to reduce the musty smell up there. The treasurer’s report were approved as read (Mark, BJ)
Today is Pearl Buck’s birthday and this was featured at noon on NPR!
Larry Ewing, a descendant of Pioneer John Ewing, has requested that a monument (sketch submitted) to Pioneer Ewing and family be located on the grounds of the museum. BJ moved that this be allowed and discussion ensued. Many questions and concerns emerged, both as to its form, further information, maintenance and location. It was decided to table this motion and Bill, who has been in communication with Mr. Ewing, will contact him about these concerns. The idea was discussed as to whether we should have a memorial plaque location (which would reflect donations to the museum). Bill will also inform Mr Ewing that a commemorative road marker might be obtained, installed and maintained by the Department of Highways for a payment of $1500.
Pioneer Days this year coincides with the “HOG” rally, as well as the official opening of the new Health Center. The museum will be open 9-5 on the Saturday and Sunday and 1-5 on Sunday. Normal admission fees will apply (members free, of course!). Denise had prepared a flyer promoting the museum this 50 year birthday season and, with the addition of directions (!) to the museum and opening hours, this will be duplicated and distributed widely in town prior to the festival. Outside activities at the museum will include: the 2 history contests and spelling bees, blacksmithing, rope making and doll making, quilting, natural inks. There will be no paid musicians, but jamming on the porch, where BJ will have a Preserving Pocahontas exhibit. Pioneer Days has given us a grant of $850 towards these activities and we will have a shuttle to and from the museum on the Friday and Saturday. Mark volunteered his 1962 truck for our 50th birthday themed float (sixties clothing). Zachary has volunteered to work at the museum over Pioneer Days.
Book Sales are a main source of our income. Besides our sales at the Museum and the Pocahontas Times, members sell at festivals (Jan and Roger Orndorff at Cass, BJ at Hillsboro, Bill at Huntersville Traditions). We will have a distribution of brochures about the museum in the next week or two. Members willing to help in this should contact Bill or Khristian at the museum, Denise will contact Candy about last year’s Pioneer Days badges to sell at the museum. 2013 badges are on sale at the museum for $3 apiece.
Programs: Next month will be the annual meeting. Members will investigate having this at Seneca State Forest (fire tower and cabins) and/or Dunmore on either the Sunday or Monday (July 21/22), possibly with a picnic. Other programs could include the McNeel Mill, visiting the Beverly Heritage Center and Rich Mountain Battlefield in Randolph County and visiting the McCoy fort in Greenbrier County. Member input and suggestions would be appreciated.
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM.
Monday, May 13, 2013 - 7:00 pm at the Marlinton Presbyterian Church
Members in attendance: Susie Landis, Bill McNeel, BJ Gudmundsson, Joe Smith, Denise McNeel, Matthew Tate. Ashley Fleming, Gail Hyer, Geoff Hamill, Michael Smith, Ruth Taylor
Since the Battle of Droop Mountain was fought on November 6, 1863 and this year is the 150th anniversary of this event, this anniversary was selected for its depiction on the Pioneer Days badge, which will show a cannon, of the type used at Droop, and will have blue and gray lettering. Our program this evening was presented by Superintendent Mike Smith of Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, therefore, on the Battle of Droop Mountain, putting it into perspective within the context of the Civil War in 1863 and explaining the events leading up to the battle, the tactics of the battle and the troops and officers involved. Particularly interesting were anecdotes from letters of men who fought there. There were 400 casualties and this was the last significant battle in West Virginia, since it effectively ended Confederate efforts in Western Virginia. Mike has organized 3 hikes (3-12 miles) in June, July and August, which will follow terrain covered by Union troops moving towards the confrontation on Droop; it is hoped that descendants of the participants will join local people in these. The battle re-enactment will take place on August 31. The actual date of the battle will be marked by a 30 mile overnight hike from Lewisburg November 5-6, to commemorate the Confederate march to the battleground. On the afternoon of November 6 there will be a public ceremony to dedicate a monument listing the names of soldiers from both sides known to have died that day or later from their wounds. The names of these men will be read aloud.
After a break for refreshments, we had a society meeting. The minutes were approved as read. (Ruth, BJ). Denise reviewed the many and varied activities of the society last year. Bill presented the financial report. Book sales are the main source of revenue, and donations follow. Our most generous supporter, Bob Jacobsen, died in February. There is much sadness over his loss, since he was one of the main forces behind the opening of the museum. Other sources of income include membership dues and museum admissions. Our main expenditure is the museum, of course, with payment of the host, and maintenance of the house and grounds. Repairs are needed on the house. Bill reported that visitors last year numbered 564, which is down from the previous year, but is partly attributable to the Derecho and the ensuing change in the date of Pioneer Days. The financial report was accepted (Denise, Ashley).
Ashley was thanked for mowing the grounds recently and for hosting the Shepherd University Appalachian Studies group for their April visit. Host this summer will again be Khristian Smith. It was decided to open the museum over the Memorial Day weekend with volunteers and to begin the season on June 1. Sundays and Mondays the museum will be operated by volunteers. Denise, Bill, Ashley and BJ offered to help with this. Other members willing to volunteer should contact Denise. Geoff offered to sell books online for the society. And BJ suggested that there were several reunions scheduled this summer and that we should publicize the museum at those reunions.
Joe Smith led a discussion about the celebration of West Virginia’s birthday. BJ suggested a countywide clean up by young people. Joe will schedule another meeting on this.
It was decided that the 50th birthday of the opening of the museum should be the subject of a display at the museum throughout the season and the theme of a float during Pioneer Days. BJ will do the photos for the display.
Pioneer Days: BJ has applied for a $1000 grant for Pioneer crafters at the museum over Pioneer Days. It is hoped that we can again have a shuttle to and from the museum, either through Snowshoe or the Senior Citizens. Geoff suggested that we have a dedication of the Confederate cemetery at the museum and will contact reenactment units about this. (We put up a new sign for the cemetery last year).
The theme of the Little Levels Heritage Fair (June 28-30) is; A Commemoration of the Sesquicentennial of W.V. Statehood and the Civil War. Members are encouraged to borrow outfits and participate (Smithsonian Exhibit collection). They are especially invited to attend the Dedication at the Pleasant Green Church and School on the Saturday afternoon.
The Historical Society will join with the Huntersville Traditions group to celebrate the Sesquicentennial on June 21 (which will be our June meeting). There will be a picnic at 5PM, followed by a play by Rene White and a talk on the Wheeling Convention in the Huntersville Presbyterian Church. We hope that our group will be able to get together and have a short planning meeting there.
Denise moved and Ruth seconded the motion that the Historical Society sponsor the application by Mill Point residents to have a historical marker erected in Mill Point in honor of local resident, Anna Wallace, who was one of the earliest female superintendents of schools in West Virginia. Carried. The cost of this sign will be $2,000 and will be paid by individual donations.
On display was a Gibbs and Willcox sewing machine c.1881 (and explanatory information). James Gibbs patented the chain stitch sewing machine while living in Mill Point. This machine was purchased by several members and donated to the museum to be displayed in the loom room.
The meeting was adjourned at 10 PM (B J)
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Minutes 2012
