Pocahontas County is a treasure chest of history. The first settlers crossed the Alleghenies in 1749, and thus, the roots of families and communities run deep.
Without special effort and proper care of collections local history can quickly disappear. Pocahontas County is rich in people who care about its history. This project will provide the resources to help them preserve it and share it with the world.
The Historic Preservation Project will identify, stabilize, curate and store papers, pictures, records, recordings and artifacts. We will capture writings, photographs, interviews, buildings, and artifacts as digital images, sound files and text. We will create and maintain a Digital Library on the World Wide Web where digitized material will be freely available to researchers, historians, students and genealogists. And, we will facilitate community building by working with individuals and organizations as they exchange ideas and showcase their hard work.
Neighbor working with neighbor is the cornerstone of "Preserving Pocahontas." People in our communities will be actively engaged in this project as they are trained in the digitization process. Families and individuals will be encouraged to have their records and photographs digitized and to share those materials with the project.
To learn more, visit pocahontaspreservation.org.
Servicemen Enlisting in Marlinton, 1943
Cal Gay photographed this group of World War II enlistees at the Pocahontas County Courthouse in Marlinton on August 6, 1943. Ed Keller contributed the photo and he is in the picture standing fourth from the left. Mr. Keller would like to identify others in the group. Please contact the Preservation Officer if you can name any of these servicemen. (Photo courtesy of Ed Keller, ID: PHP000507)
Access the “Preserving Pocahontas” Digital Library at www.pocahontaspreservation.org
If you have photographs or documents to be scanned for the county Historical Archive Project contact Preservation Officer B. J. Gudmundsson at 304-799-3989 or email info@pocahontaspreservation.org
Marlinton Parade ca. 1910
The upcoming Pioneer Days Grand Parade will follow the same route as seen in this photograph from 1910. Pictured is the Fourth of July Parade looking west on Second Avenue in Marlinton. At that time the street was Camden Avenue. Take a peek "through the looking glass" and try to name the buildings that are still standing today. (Photo courtesy of Pocahontas County Historical Society, ID: PHS003489)
Access the “Preserving Pocahontas” Digital Library at www.pocahontaspreservation.org
If you have photographs or documents to be scanned for the county Historical Archive Project contact Preservation Officer B. J. Gudmundsson at 304-799-3989 or email info@pocahontaspreservation.org
Preservation News
The Pocahontas County Historical Society will hold its monthly meeting on Sunday, July 22, at 2 p.m. The group will meet in Green Bank at the Robert Sheets Farm to tour the site of the historic Revolutionary War fort, Fort Warwick. Archeological excavation and study has been ongoing there for the past 10 years and exciting discoveries have been made. All are welcome and invited to join in on what promises to be an exciting Sunday afternoon outing of learning and adventure! For directions call Bill at 304-799-4369 or B.J. at 304-799-3989.
Pioneer Days has been rescheduled for the last weekend in July and the Historical Society's Hunter House Museum will be open for tours and demonstrations on Friday and Saturday, July 27 and 28. Admission is half price and a free shuttle from the Presbyterian Church to the Museum will be provided by the Pocahontas County Senior Programs.
The honoree on the 2012 Pioneer Days Badge is the Huntersville Methodist Church, established in 1886 and now celebrating 126 years of continuous service. The church's oldest member, Hazel Sherbs, will serve as Grand Marshal of the Parade on Saturday.
Quarry Workers in Hillsboro ca. 1922
The road that we affectionately call “Route 219” was first known as the Seneca Trail. Until the 1920s, the section from the county line on Droop Mountain through Hillsboro and continuing northward was a sand road. Travel during winter months was nearly impossible. In 1921 the West Virginia State Road Commission was established. Its first major project was to hard-surface the roads connecting the county seats. By 1929 State Route No. 24 from the Greenbrier-Pocahontas County line to Campbelltown, through Hillsboro, Mill Point, Buckeye and Marlinton, was a good paved road. Workers in this photograph include William Gum, John Jordan, Bill Cleek, James Jordan, William Clendenen, Albert Kelley, Ernest Scott, and Alex McNeil who handled the mule team. (Photo courtesy of Priscilla Sheets, ID: PHP000404)
Access the “Preserving Pocahontas” Digital Library at www.pocahontaspreservation.org
If you have photographs or documents to be scanned for the county Historical Archive Project contact Preservation Officer B. J. Gudmundsson at 304-799-3989 or email info@pocahontaspreservation.org
Preservation News
While volunteering to clean showers and hand out water at the Hillsboro Fire Department last week I ran into a lady who had located a panoramic photograph of the CCC Camp at Watoga. She has donated the photo to “Preserving Pocahontas” and wanted to make sure that we make a copy and give it to Watoga State Park. Here was a person with no electricity, needing water, and wanting to get that photograph into the hands of those who would protect it. Truly amazing!
Cooling Off at the El Poca Pool
A view of the in-ground swimming pool at the El Poca Motel and Restaurant on US Rt. 219 north of Marlinton. The photo comes from a color postcard dated about 1965. (Photo courtesy of Susie Smith, ID: PHP000422)
Access the “Preserving Pocahontas” Digital Library at www.pocahontaspreservation.org
If you have photographs or documents to be scanned for the county Historical Archive Project contact Preservation Officer B. J. Gudmundsson at 304-799-3989 or email info@pocahontaspreservation.org
Preservation News
"Preserving Pocahontas" was at the Little Levels Heritage Fair with its booth and an exhibit of historic photos from the Little Levels. The Heritage Fair is a wonderful event and reminds me of all the good things connected to our small communities. Ruth Taylor is the top dog running the show. She and all of the townspeople who work with her to make this happen every year deserve a pat on the back from the entire county.
I really enjoyed visiting with all the folks that stopped by to look at the pictures. Some people brought in photos and items to be scanned for our county's digital archive. There was a lot of storytelling, tall-tale swapping and reuniting.
It was nice to visit with Sherman Beard and Opal Moore. I'll be visiting both of them soon so they can share more of their history for our preservation project.
Pioneer Days is upon us as you're reading this paper. The Huntersville United Methodist Church is celebrating its long history. The church is on this year's badge and the 126-year-old religious institution will be honored as Grand Marshal of the Pioneer Day Parade.
The Historical Society's Museum, The Hunter House, will be open for tours throughout the weekend. Bring the kids and learn about making brooms, blacksmithing, wet-plate photography, herbal teas and working with ink. There will be music on the porch and "Preserving Pocahontas" will have an exhibition of new acquisitions. You may also bring photographs and documents to be scanned for the archives.
Doyle Family Portrait
This portrait of the Doyle Family was taken around 1912 at their home in Mace, W.Va. Pictured left to right: Edgar Jacob Doyle, eight-years-old, born 1905; Harvey Woodford Doyle, father, born 1873; William Oliver Doyle, 15-years-old, born 1898; Lucy Ellen Mace Doyle, mother; Ada Margaret Doyle, 13-years-old, born 1900; Grady Richard Doyle, four-years-old, born 1909. (Photo courtesy of Ellen Doyle, ID: PHP000439)
Access the “Preserving Pocahontas” Digital Library at www.pocahontaspreservation.org
If you have photographs or documents to be scanned for the county Historical Archive Project contact Preservation Officer B. J. Gudmundsson at 304-799-3989 or email info@pocahontaspreservation.org
Preservation News
“Preserving Pocahontas” will have a booth at the Little Levels Heritage Fair on June 22 and 23. Please stop by and visit us in the McNeel gymnasium where we will have a photographic exhibit on “People and Places in the Historic Little Levels.” Photographs have been provided by local residents as well as the Historical Society and the county archives. The exhibit is under the direction of Ruth Taylor and curated by B. J. Gudmundsson. The photographic reproductions are done by Dr. Arthur E. Kreft with the Pocahontas County Arts Council.
Teamsters Near Denmar - 1916
This group of teamsters worked for the Maryland Lumber Company at Camp No. 14 near Denmar. The photograph was taken on May 20, 1916. Historical Society files indicate that one teamster is identified: Reed Griffith is fourth from the right wearing the bibbed overalls. (Photo courtesy of Pocahontas County Historical Society , ID: PHS000101)
Access the “Preserving Pocahontas” Digital Library at www.pocahontaspreservation.org
If you have photographs or documents to be scanned for the county Historical Archive Project contact Preservation Officer B. J. Gudmundsson at 304-799-3989 or email info@pocahontaspreservation.org
Preservation News
“Preserving Pocahontas” will have a booth at the Little Levels Heritage Fair on June 22 and 23. Please stop by and visit us in the McNeel gymasium. Learn more about our Historic Archive Project and how you can share your photos with others. Feel free to bring photographs and documents that you would like to have scanned. The Preservation Officer will be there to answer your preservation questions.
Also at the Heritage Fair will be a photographic exhibit on “People and Places in the Historic Little Levels.” Photographs have been provided by local residents as well as the Historical Society and the county archives. The exhibit is under the direction of Ruth Taylor and curated by B. J. Gudmundsson. The photographic reproductions are done by Dr. Arthur E. Kreft with the Pocahontas County Arts Council.
See you at the Fair!
Who Am I?
This unknown baby girl was a member of the Hill Family in Lobelia. The photograph dates to approximately 1898 and is on page 11 of the Florence Miriam Hill Morgan Photo Album. (Photo courtesy of Joe Hollandsworth , ID: PHP000015)
Access the “Preserving Pocahontas” Digital Library at www.pocahontaspreservation.org
If you have photographs or documents to be scanned for the county Historical Archive Project contact Preservation Officer B. J. Gudmundsson at 304-799-3989 or email info@pocahontaspreservation.org
Edray 1919
The Barlow-Moore Store can be seen at the lower left of this 1919 photograph of Edray. The community of Edray was first settled by the Thomas Drinnon family. Drinnon fought with General Andrew Lewis at the Battle of Point Pleasant. The fascinating history of Edray can be found in "History of Pocahontas County, West Virginia, 1981."
(Photo courtesy of Pocahontas County Historical Society, ID: PHS000159)
Access the "Preserving Pocahontas" Digital Library at www.pocahontaspreservation.org
If you have photographs or documents to be scanned for the county Historical Archive Project contact Preservation Officer B. J. Gudmundsson at 304-799-3989 or email info@pocahontaspreservation.org
Preservation News - "When Disaster Strikes!"
"Preserving Pocahontas" wraps up our celebration of National Preservation Month with a few final tips on caring for your personal collections.
Most natural or man-made disasters, such as floods or fire, involve water. Even a small amount of water from a leaky roof or pipe can do significant damage to a paper or photograph collection. Immediate response within the first 48 hours is crucial to the successful salvage of materials and the prevention of mold growth.
The location and manner in which photographs are stored can be the first line of defense. Remove all potentially damaging materials such as paper clips and poor-quality enclosures. Store negatives and prints in separate locations to increase the possibility of an image surviving a catastrophe. If a disaster occurs, protect the collection from damage by covering it with plastic sheeting and/or removing it from the affected area. If using plastic, make sure not to trap in moisture as this could lead to mold growth.
High-humidity environments or direct exposure to liquids can cause photographs to adhere to frame glass or enclosure materials. This is a very difficult problem to resolve, and great care must be taken to reduce the possibility of further damage. If a photograph becomes attached to adjacent materials, consult a conservator before attempting to remove the adhered materials.
Do not clean photographs with erasers. Brush soiled photographs carefully with a clean, soft brush. Proceed from the center of the photograph outward toward the edges. Do not attempt to clean photographs with water- or solvent-based cleaners, such as window cleaner or film cleaner. Improper cleaning of photographic materials can cause serious and often irreversible damage, such as permanent staining, abrasion, alteration, or loss of binder and image.
Help is available when disaster strikes. Contact your local Preservation Officer or Historical Society and we will be glad to assist you.
(Source: The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works)
Watoga Swimming Pool Construction - 1939
A photograph from 1939 shows workers pouring concrete during construction of the swimming pool at Watoga State Park. This was the last major project completed by the Civilian Conservation Corps at Camp Watoga.
(Photo courtesy of Mark Mengele, ID: PHP000367)
Access the "Preserving Pocahontas" Digital Library at www.pocahontaspreservation.org
If you have photographs or documents to be scanned for the county Historical Archive Project contact Preservation Officer B. J. Gudmundsson at 304-799-3989 or email info@pocahontaspreservation.org
Preservation News
May is National Preservation Month and "Preserving Pocahontas" is celebrating by reminding folks about the care of collections stored in your home, store or office.
This week's tips are about the environment where you store photographs, because environment matters.
Photographic materials benefit from a cool, dry, well-ventilated storage environment. High temperature and relative humidity increase deterioration and promote the growth of mold and mildew, which could mar surfaces and break down binder layers. Avoid storing photographs in the attic, the basement, or along the outside walls of a building where environmental conditions are more prone to extremes and fluctuations and where condensation may occur. In some storage situations, seasonal adjustments such as dehumidifiers or fans may be necessary to improve problematic environmental conditions.
The optimal storage conditions for most photographs are a temperature of 68ﾰF and relative humidity in the range of 30-40 percent. Film-based negatives and contemporary color photographs benefit from storage in cooler environments of 30-40ﾰF and 30-40 percent relative humidity.
Exposure to visible and ultraviolet (UV) light is potentially damaging to photographs. Light can cause embrittlement, yellowing and color fading in prints and hand-colored surfaces. Extended display of photographs is not recommended; however if they must be displayed, use UV-filtering plastic or glass in framing. Exposure of color slides to the light in the projector should be kept to a minimum. Use duplicate slides instead.
Atmospheric pollutants, particularly sulfur compounds, will cause black and white images to fade and discolor. Gas by-products given off by fresh paint fumes, plywood, deteriorated cardboard and many cleaning supplies may cause accelerated image deterioration. Storage in non-acidic containers is recommended.
If photographs are handled improperly, they can suffer disastrous damage, including tears, cracks, losses, abrasions, fingerprints, and stains. Avoid touching fragile photographic materials; salts in human perspiration may damage surfaces. Wear clean cotton gloves if possible when handling negatives and prints. (Source: Library of Congress)
Next week: When Disaster Strikes!
Arbovale Methodist Church Board - 1927
The Offical Board of the Arbovale Methodist Church in 1927. The names of those in the photo come from the records at the Historical Society Museum.
Standing left to right: Jesse Shears, Jim Sutton, O. Glen Arbogast, Ernest Shears, Rachel Thompson, Oscar Orndorff, Rev. Robert Greynolds, Ray Shears, Lee Earvin, Morgan Rader.
Seated left to right: Jesse Orndorff, Jo Riley, D. O. Woods, C. C. ("Criss") Arbogast, Carl Arbogast, Herbert Sutton
(Photo courtesy of Pocahontas County Historical Society, ID: PHS000752)
Access the "Preserving Pocahontas" Digital Library at www.pocahontaspreservation.org
If you have photographs or documents to be scanned for the county Historical Archive Project contact Preservation Officer B. J. Gudmundsson at 304-799-3989 or email info@pocahontaspreservation.org
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