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Literature
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1826
Anne Royall wrote Sketches of History, Life, and Manners in the United States Other events that happened on or around 1826 Capt. William Jenkins moved to Green Bottom with his family Edward Brake Jackson died Jonathan Jackson died John Jeremiah Jacob gave his account of Dunmore's War Wheeling, Morgantown, Romney, Harpers Ferry, Lewisburg and Martinsburg had libraries The first steamboat arrived in Morgantown School sessions were held regularly in Moundsville Holly Grove was opened as a house of public entertainment The General Assembly changed end of Staunton Turnpike to be Parkersburg George Summers graduated from Ohio University
1827
Anne Royall wrote The Tennessean Other events that happened on or around 1827 B&O chartered Alexander Campbell's wife, Margaret Brown, died Churches of Berkeley and Jefferson organized ecumenical Sabbath School Union David E. Jackson, William Sublette and Jedediah Smith became partners in the Rocky Mountain Fur Company City of Logan was laid out and first named Lawnsville The stogie became popular when George W. Black of Wheeling sold the cigars to wagon drivers on the National Road The Northwestern Virginia Turnpike was chartered by the General Assembly to connect Winchester to Parkersburg Dick Pointer died. James Blaine built a gristmill on Blaine Island George Summers was admitted to the bar The General Assembly established the town of Virginius Alexander Withers moved to Harrison County
1830
Anne Royall wrote Letters from Alabama Other events that happened on or around 1830 Burnsville founded Clay was first mined in Hancock County Contentment was built at Ansted Col. Stephen H. Long patented the Long truss system Philip Doddridge was reelected to Congress Horse-powered ferry was advertised in the Kanawha Register John Gallaher was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates Charleston had 750 people The Methodist Protestant Church was created in West Virginia Elizabethtown was incorporated The South Branch Intelligencer was established in Romney John North sold his house to James Frazier Harry Ripley died at Mill Creek The 1829 Virginia Constitution left residents of the Trans-Allegheny dissatisfied George Summers was first elected to the General Assembly James Swan died in debtors prison in France Christian Newcomer died
1831
Alexander Scott Withers wrote and Joseph Israel published Chronicles of Border Warfare Other events that happened on or around 1831 Alexander Scott Withers wrote and Joseph Israel published Chronicles of Border Warfare Martin Delany moved to Pittsburgh Harpers Ferry Free Press became the Virginia Free Press Ripley, the county seat of Jackson County, was laid out by Jacob Starcher George Jackson died Julie Neale Jackson died Terra Salis became Malden when David Ruffner laid out lots, streets and alleys Daniel Lamb was elected city clerk of Wheeling A state law library was established in Lewisburg The Western Virginian and People's Press was established in Elizabethtown The trustees of Monongalia Academy established Morgantown Female Collegiate Institute Anne Royall established Paul Pry newspaper in Washington William Chapman Sr.'s Chapman Floating Theater floated down the Ohio River from Pittsburgh Construction began at Staunton on turnpike Wheeling was declared an inland port of entry Richard Whelan was ordained to the priesthood Waitman Willey graduated from Madison College in Pennsylvania
1851
Wills De Hass wrote History of the Early Settlement and Indian Wars of Western Virginia Other events that happened on or around 1851 Philip Pendleton Kennedy wrote an account of his visit to the Blackwater area, Blackwater Chronicle "Winchester" span of Harpers Ferry bridge was constructed to carry Winchester & Potomac Railroad Wills De Hass published History of the Early Settlement and Indian Wars of Western Virginia Daniel Farnsworth became one of early magistrates in new Upshur County Morris Harvey served as county jailer John Jay Jackson Jr. began serving the General Assembly of Virginia as a Whig Stonewall Jackson left the army to teach at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington Canal construction on the James River was extended to Buchanan City of Harpers Ferry was established Benjamin Kelley became freight agent for the B&O Railroad Joseph Lightburn left the army at rank of sergeant Mountain Cove Spiritualist Community was founded by James L. Scott The Virginia legislature approved the charter for railroad to run from the B&O mainline to Parkersburg William S. Miller planted his first orchard in Gerrardstown George Summers was the Whig candidate for the first popularly elected governor of Virginia Virginius Island was absorbed into the corporate boundaries of Harpers Ferry Bushrod Corbin Washington died
1859
Martin Delany wrote Blake: or, The Huts of America Other events that happened on or around 1859 The African Methodist Episcopal Church aided slaves in Western Virginia after John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry Gordon Battelle moved to a church in Wheeling Charles James Faulkner Sr. was appointed minister to France by President Buchanan Alexander Boteler was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Whig Boyds moved to 500 block of South Queen Street, Martinsburg Meshach Browning died First oil-producing well drilled in Pennsylvania Construction of stone-filled timber crib dams and timber-crib locks were completed on the Coal River Claude Crozet became principal of Richmond Academy Henry Koontz bought a 600-acre farm in Easton, near Morgantown Weston College was sold at public auction Granville Davisson Hall moved to Wheeling Morris Harvey began his service as Fayette County sheriff George Imboden married Mary Franes Tyree Martin Robison Delany and 34 others met with John Brown in Canada to develop a provisional constitution for the liberated slaves Mother Jones began teaching in a convent school in Michigan George Latham was admitted to the bar Construction of Weston Hospital began A library company in Wheeling was chartered by Virginia Linsly Institute built a new three-story building Daniel Lucas was admitted to the practice of law Michael J. Owens was born The Weston & Gauley Bridge Turnpike was completed The Greenbrier Historical Society begun Frederick Lemon sold the Ritchie Mines Nathan Scott travelled to Leavenworth Kansas Traveller took top prizes in the Lewisburg fair Only 94 of 162 state chartered turnpike companies operated within West Virginia The U.S. Customs House was built A new U.S. Custom House was completed at Wheeling Waitman Willey was defeated as a candidate for lieutenant governor of Virginia The three-story front section of Henderson Hall was completed
1861
Rebecca Davis' "Life in the Iron Mills: A Story of Today" was published in the Atlantic Monthly Other events that happened on or around 1861 Lincoln called on states to supply 75,000 militiamen for three month service Retreating Confederate soldiers burned the Harpers Ferry arsenal buildings John Jay Jackson Sr. voted against secession in the secession convention
1876
George Wesley Atkinson wrote The History of Kanawha County Other events that happened on or around 1876 Booker T. Washington graduated from Hampton Normal Institute in Virginia and returned to teach Sunday school at the African Zion Baptist Church Edward Willis moved the Broaddus Female College (now part of Alderson Broaddus University) to Clarksburg Cumberland Valley Railroad reached Martinsburg Joseph Beury left Quinnimont Benjamin C. Criswell won the Congressional Medal of Honor at the Battle of Little Big Horn James Putney died Henry Koontz died and Easton Roller Mill was taken over by the Anderson family The Grange had 378 lodges and 10,700 members in West Virginia Jedediah Hotchkiss' Virginia: A Geographical and Political Summary was published for the Virginia legislature The impeachment trial of John Burdett in the Senate removed him from office of Treasurer Maurice Sullivan sold his land atop Irish Mountain to J. J. Kane for a church and cemetery Jackson's Mill was sold outside the Jackson family after the death of Catherin Jackson White Kudzu was first introduced in the U.S. at Philadelphia trade exposition as an ornamental George Wesley Atkinson wrote The History of Kanawha County The new Berkeley Hotel opened in Martinsburg John McGraw received a law degree at Yale University The New Dominion was established by Julian Fleming and William Jacos The second courthouse in Elizabethtown was built New Cumberland's first newspaper, The Independent began publication Samuel Price unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Senate. Daniel Purinton married Florence A. Lyon. William MacCorkle came to West Virginia to teach in Pocahontas County. Nathan Scott became the president of Central Glass Company Robert Simmons was a delegate to the Republican national convention The Wheeling firm, Wheeling Centre Tannery, became known as J. G. Hoffman and Sons Alexander Wade held his first exams A cabin built by "Uncle Doc" Smith replaced the original Watters Smith cabin in southern Harrison County Originally called "New Hall," Woodburn Hall was completed at WVU I.C. White began working for the Pennsylvania Geological Survey
1886
John P. Hale produced book, Trans-Allegheny Pioneers Other events that happened on or around 1886 Park was built on the upper end of Blennerhassett Island Railroad line was built through the area of New Cumberland by Pennsylvania Railroad William Edwin Chilton ran unsuccessfully for state senate Aretas Fleming's fortunes were joined with U.S. Sen. Johnson Newlon Camden Millard F. Giesey opened his own architecture office in Wheeling John P. Hale produced book, Trans-Allegheny Pioneers A "substantial brick jail" was added to the courthouse in Hamlin A referendum was unsuccessfully proposed to make Ravenswood the new county seat of Jackson County Harriet Jones opened a private practice in Wheeling Marlin's Bottom changed its name to Marlinton John McGraw was appointed collector of internal revenue for West Virginia by President Cleveland A branch of the B&O reached Morgantown A permanent Mormon presence in West Virginia began with the creation of the West Virginia Conference The first public high school for blacks, Sumner High, was established in Parkersburg. The Ravenswood, Spencer, & Glenville Railroad was established. A referendum confirmed Ripley as county seat of Jackson County Anne Spence and mother moved to Bramwell Telephone switchboards were installed at Martinsburg A fire burned much of the Valley Falls area Clarence W. Watson graduated from Fairmont State Normal School James O. Watson and Aretas B. Fleming started the Montana mine Henry Everett Engle copyrighted the music to "The West Virginia Hills" The drilling of the first gas well in Hundred Frank Reeves was born in Fairmont
1908
William Alexander MacCorkle wrote Some Southern Questions Other events that happened on or around 1908 Charles Ambler received a doctorate in social sciences Virginian Railway began building a new line Louis Bennett Sr. unsuccessfully ran for governor Legislature authorized the purchase of land to serve as training base Fannie Cobb Carter organized teacher-training department at West Virginia Colored Institute (now West Virginia State University) William Conley was appointed to unexpired term as West Virginia attorney general Forest fires destroyed 1.7 million acres Congress prepared way for establishment of National Forest Reserve in Monongahela Legislature replaced the Board of Examiners with state Board of Education 4-H movement in West Virginia began in Monroe County The German Dunkards changed their name to the Church of the Brethren William Glasscock resigned as internal revenue collector to run for governor Henry Hatfield became a member of the West Virginia Senate Herman Kump elected prosecuting attorney in Randolph County Clark W. May died I. T. Mann served as a delegate to the Republican national convention Johnson Camden McKinley became a millionaire coal operator The Mercer Healing Springs Corporation was bought out by Rufus G. Meador James Miller published History of Summers County Mrs. Alex. McVeigh Miller divorced her husband and moved to Boston after discovering his infidelities West Virginia legislature rejected every mine safety law proposed President Teddy Roosevelt advocated the formation of a federal agency to investigate mine accidents, teach accident prevention and conduct mine safety research Margaret Montague published In Calvert's Valley The Morgantown Weekly Post and the Morgantown Chronicle merged Anna Jarvis founded Mother's Day The Church of the Nazarene was established as a national body Matthew M. Neely was elected mayor of Fairmont There were 2,592 normal school-students Oak Park opened Poles became the third-largest immigrant group working in the West Virginia coal mines Responding to a worldwide epidemic, the Board of Health recommended that West Virginia make provision for the care and treatment of tuberculosis Ritter Park was originally purchased by the city of Huntington The last log drive of the St. Lawrence Boom and Manufacturing Company The West Virginia Socialist Party spread to Huntington E. M. Statler opened the Buffalo Statler The Wellsburg, Bethany & Washington interurban railway was built William P. Tams launched the Gulf Smokeless Coal Company in the new Winding Gulf coalfield An act of Congress provided for a battlefield monument at Point Pleasant Sistersville General Hospital was founded A. Fremont Gold and W. Alfred Gold built twin houses in Mason Vitrolite was manufactured by the Meyercord-Carter Company in Vienna Fire destroyed the building of the Baptist State Convention I.C. White wrote an extensive report on the coal resources of Brazil I.C. White was invited by the Teddy Roosevelt administration to speak at the first White House Conference on conservation Lenna Yost became the state president of WCTU Credit unions began appearing in the United States
1916
William Alexander MacCorkle wrote The White Sulphur Springs Other events that happened on or around 1916 Kanawha Park was built in Charleston for baseball Kanawha Park was built for baseball Beckley street paving began Newton Diehl Baker was appointed Secretary of War by President Wilson John T. Harris produced the first volume of the West Virginia Blue Book Izetta Brown took over management of Preston County farm and established modern dairy operation after husband's death Elk River Coal & Lumber Company built a sawmill at Swandale Col. E. G. Via bought the Camden Park George Carter moved to Coalwood The first fire towers were erected Fairmont High School class wrote Marion County in the Making Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company located one of its main plants in Clarksburg Letter from former Governor MacCorkle to state archivist Henry S. Green confuses John Hardy with John Henry The West Virginia Asylum name changed to Huntington State Hospital The company town of Itmann was built Fanny Johnson published her only novel, The Beloved Son Libbey-Owens-Ford built its large plate glass plant in Kanawha City Herman Kump was defeated for prosecuting attorney Blanche Lazzell began working in the method of single block color print Howard B. Lee began serving as Mercer County prosecuting attorney Joseph Long became the postmaster of Huntington Sam Mallison became city editor of the Clarksburg Telegram Publication of the Market Bulletin began when James H. Stewart was agriculture commissioner The Tilton family regained ownership of the Marlinton Opera House John McGraw was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention Six passenger trains a day operated from Charleston to Blakeley on Kellys Creek 12 passenger trains a day were scheduled into Charleston The Point Pleasant Register became a daily Michael Owens launched a Charleston glass factory Paden City was incorporated Pendleton Land Company took over Paden City Pottery The Wyoming County courthouse was built Rat Rodgers was named to the All-American teams Socialists controlled both District 29 and District 17 of the UMWA The Charleston Interurban Railroad was built to Cabin Creek The earliest recorded instance of surface mining in West Virginia occurred The Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Company of West Virginia was incorporated The USS Huntington was on the West Coast The National Guard was activated after a call for troops to pursue Pancho Villa on the Mexican border The National Guard was activated in call for troops to pursue Pancho Villa on the Mexican border Statewide constitutional referendum for women's suffrage passed Carter G. Woodson began publication of the Journal of Negro History A courthouse at Pineville was built Frank Reeves received his Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University
1928
William A. MacCorkle published The Recollections of Fifty Years of West Virginia Other events that happened on or around 1928 Reported 88 junior high schools were open in the state The Raleigh Register became a daily newspaper William Thomas Bland died Ernest Farrow was born in Huntington The Jones Diamond was found by Grover Jones and William "Punch" Jones in Monroe County An edition of Samuel Kerchival's A History of the Valley of Virginia incorporating editorial notes was printed Fiddler Clark Kessinger began recording The Kimball War Memorial was dedicated Waitman Linger relocated his family-run chair business to the French Creek William A. MacCorkle published The Recollections of Fifty Years of West Virginia Minnie Lowther wrote Friendship Hill, Home of Albert Gallatin Louis Marx & Company introduced the yo-yo The Concrete Steel Bridge Company of Clarksburg encountered unexpected difficulties with Pennsylvania bridge project A record 31.6 million board feet was sawed by the Meadow River Lumber Company Margaret Montague's Tony Beaver tales were published as Up Eel River
1935
Tom Kromer wrote Waiting For Nothing Other events that happened on or around 1935 Roy Bird Cook became president of Cook Drug Company Civilian Conservation Corps established Camp Price Families began moving into their new homes in Eleanor The Myers brothers filmed One Room Schoolhouses Susanne Fisher sang with the New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra School of Forestry was established at WVU Cheat Mountain salamander was discovered on White Top Mountain Howard Mason Gore served as director of the federal rural rehabilitation program for Harrison County West Virginia bought the park lands of Hawks Nest State Park and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) made improvements The National Industrial Recovery Act was declared unconstitutional The Wagner Act revived many parts of the NIRA relating to labor after the Supreme Court ruled the NIRA unconstitutional Joseph Hodges was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Richmond Fanny Johnson's story "The Dinner Set" was published in Weird Tales Morris Harvey College (now University of Charleston) moved to Charleston from Barboursville UMWA President John L. Lewis challenged the American Federation of Labor by initiating campaign to organize workers by industry rather than craft Governor Kump declared he wanted to see a library within reach of every citizen 89 percent of all families in Lincoln County regularly accepted government relief Tom Kromer wrote Waiting For Nothing Logan Banner became an afternoon daily
1939
Harcourt, Brace and Company published Louise McNeill's book of poems, Gauley Mountain Other events that happened on or around 1939 Robert Strider became bishop of the Episcopal Church George Bird Evans bought a historic farm near Brandonville Farm tenancy prevailed on 25% of all West Virginia farms Harcourt, Brace and Company published Louise McNeill's book of poems, Gauley Mountain There were reported 55 one-room schools in Gilmer County West Virginia Conservation Commission purchased land for roadside park, now Grandview Davis Grubb went to New York City as a page for NBC Davis Grubb's first commercial writing was a show for WBLK-Clarksburg Gov. Homer Holt sent a letter promising support if the striking miners in Fayette, Raleigh, Mercer and McDowell counties returned to work without labor contract Big Bill Lias opened a string of casino-nightclubs along Market Street in Wheeling Enrollment at Marshall College (now University) peaked at 2,177 students Louise McNeill married Roger Pease Bishop Edwin Holt Hughes was instrumental in uniting the three branches of the Methodist Church
1941
Hubert Skidmore wrote Hawks Nest Other events that happened on or around 1941 UMWA eliminated the traditional wage differences between northern and southern coalfields Cleve Bailey appointed director of the state budget Main structure of the Buckhannon Highways Garage was built by prison labor The administration building was built at Buckhannon Highways Garage Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper were married Rose Cousins went to Tuskegee Institute to try out for the Air Force training program for black combat pilots West Virginia: A Guide to the Mountain State was published An extension was added to the original 1927 Diamond Department Store building Joanne Dru married Dick Haymes West Virginia Farm Bureau Service Company was sold to Southern States Cooperative Ruel Foster joined the faculty of WVU Earle T. Andrews became general manager of operations of the Berkeley Glass Sand Mining Plant in Morgan County Governor Neely appointed Howard Gore to the state's three-man Public Service Commission Alberta Pierson Hannum wrote The Gods and One Roy Lee Harmon wrote Around the Mountains Homer Holt began practicing law in Charleston Another Textile Workers of America strike occurred at Interwoven Mills It's Wheeling Steel radio program moved to the NBC Blue Network Johnnie Johnson left West Virginia The first funds were allocated by legislature for libraries Hubert Skidmore wrote Hawks Nest The Little Beaver Lake was created with the damming of Little Beaver Creek Joseph Long left office as president of Huntington Chamber of Commerce The electric railway from McMechen and Moundsville were replaced by buses Walter Martens began a partnership with his son Robert Martens Sandy Mason died Matilda Mason became the president of Mason College of Music and Fine Arts Labor leader Joe Powell began work as a glass cutter for Roland Glass Company in Clarksburg. Attorney General Abraham A. "Cousin Abe" Lilly resided in the penthouse at the Ruffner Hotel An article by Clay Perry in the Saturday Evening Post describes four cavers trapped in the Sinks of Gandy for five hours Col. H. Clare Hess was appointed superintendent at the State Police Academy The National Labor Relations Board found Weirton Steel guilty of unfairly promoting its company union The Stone & Thomas department store chain came to Charleston The butadiene plant at Institute had capacity of 80,000 tons/year Morris Harvey College became a self-governing independent college The Navy named a light cruiser the U.S.S. Huntington Volkmar Wentzel enlisted in the Air Force A mine strike at Widen occurred WSAZ radio began fulltime operation and assumed frequency of 930 kHz New River State College was renamed the West Virginia Institute of Technology (now WVU Institute of Technology) Chuck Yeager enlisted in the Army Air Corps Hurry-up Yost retired as Michigan's athletic director Helen Froelich married Rush Holt
1945
Julia Davis published The Shenandoah Other events that happened on or around 1945 Alderson-Broaddus College (now University) established the first baccalaureate nursing program in West Virginia William "Wally" Barron was discharged from the army as a sergeant Normantown won unclassified basketball tournaments against all Florence Blanchfield received the Distinguished Service Medal Bill Blizzard was appointed president of UMWA District 17 Harry Brawley became director of political affairs at Charleston radio WCHS Bill approved for a city-county hospital in Huntington Fannie Cobb Carter became dean of women at National Trade and Professional School for Women and Girls in Washington Extension of Route 39 linking Richwood to Marlinton was finished Oliver Chitwood published the first volume of A Short History of the American People George W. Hand became the president of Fairmont State College Ann Flagg graduated from West Virginia State College (now University) U.S. Forest Service reports 8.7 billion board feet of timber volume Gunner Gatski played at Auburn University General Dwight D. Eisenhower vacationed at the Greenbrier resort hospital upon returning from Europe Alberta Pierson Hannum wrote Spin a Silver dollar: The Story of a Desert Trading Post The name Happy Retreat was restored after being named Mordington by Isaac Douglas The West Virginia Health Department assumed advisory medical supervision of state hospitals Joseph Hodges began serving as director of the Roman Catholic Diocesan Mission Band in Richmond, VA Italian POWs were repatriated, and many returned to America Maryat Lee graduated from Wellesley College in religious studies Big Bill Lias purchased Wheeling downs racetrack on Wheeling Island Dora Ruth Parks became the executive secretary of the Library Commission The United Zinc Smelting Corporation ceased operations in Marshall County Bernard McDonough began a concrete business in Houston The UMWA proposed a royalty to 10 cents per ton of coal to be paid to the union to provide medical services in the coalfields The Monongahela Power & Railway Company changed to Monongahela Power Company, discontinuing street car business The first issue of the bi-monthly National Hillbilly News appeared Otis Rice received an M.A. in education at WVU Eleanor Roosevelt began serving as U.S. representative to the United Nations Louis Jordan composed "Salt Pork, West Virginia" The one-room Cave School located in Germany Valley, Pendleton County, closed Julia Davis published The Shenandoah The Strayer Report recommended basic reforms in the delivery of public education in West Virginia The Sunrise mansion and adjoining mansion were acquired by the Salvation Army Legislation to protect the environment from surface mining was enacted The state of West Virginia purchased the Sweet Springs property and established the Andrew S. Rowan Memorial Home Clint Thomas began working in the state capitol as messenger for the Department of Mines Morris Harvey College (now University of Charleston) enrollment was at 2,000 students There were 225 students enrolled at West Liberty Kelly Miller was hired to coach at West Virginia State Victorine Louistall became the first African-America female to earn a graduate degree from WVU Reported 6,000 wild turkeys in West Virginia M.J. Horsch became president of West Virginia Institute of Technology John Ross Eakin suffered a stroke, ending his National Park Service career
1952
Hobert Skidmore wrote The Years Are Even Other events that happened on or around 1952 Raleigh County Memorial Airport built Charleston baseball joined the American Association, class AAA Henry Lake Dickason retired as president of Bluefield State Teachers College (now University) The Lilly Brothers of Raleigh County relocated to Boston Widen was scene of fatal labor confrontation Consolidated Bus Lines traveled 5,873,468 miles Virginia Ruth "Dagmar" Egnor began own variety show, Dagmar's Canteen John W. Davis argued for the continuation of racial segregation in South Carolina before the U.S. Supreme Court Briggs v. Elliot, later Brown v. Board of Education John Warren Davis accepted a U.S. government appointment in Liberia A wing to the Denmar Hospital building was completed Fairmont State College president George W. Hand lost his position by refusing to fire Luella Raab Mundell Ann Kathryn Flagg resigned her teaching position at Dunbar High School in Fairmont and became director of Children's Theater in Cleveland U.S. Forest Service published reports on West Virginia Forests Report stated that 64% of the state was forested Gunner Gatski earned All-Pro honors in football The Health and Physical Education Building at Glenville State College was dedicated Original Mound Museum opened at Grave Creek Mound K. K. Hall became circuit judge of West Virginia's 25th Judicial Circuit Joseph Hodges was made an auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Richmond Johnnie Johnson moved to St. Louis and hired Chuck Berry to be in the Johnnie Johnson Trio The 167th Fighter Squadron returned to West Virginia The current number of members was established for the House of Delegates The Wheeling Downs racetrack and other assets of Big Bill Lias were seized by the federal government Library service was improved with creation of regional library systems Lock No. 1 on the Big Sandy was closed Walter Martens became a fellow of the American Institute of Architects, a distinctive honor The Toledo & Ohio Central Railroad was merged into the New York Central System Walter Reuther was elected president of the Congress of Industrial Organizations Jack Rollins wrote "Smokey the Bear" WVU's Mark Workman became All-American in basketball Jim Sprouse began serving with the Central Intelligence Agency Spruce Knob Lake was constructed as a fishing lake P. D. Strausbaugh published Part One of Flora of West Virginia Planning for Sutton Dam was suspended because of Korean War WSAZ-TV in Huntington became channel 3 S. A. Abram began redevelopment of the old seminary grounds at Hilltop, near Oak Hill in Fayette County The Bluestone Dam and Lake was completed A strike at Widen occurred Virginia Mae Brown was named West Virginia’s first woman assistant attorney general
1956
Jean Lee Latham won the Newbery Award for Carry On, Mr. Bowditch Other events that happened on or around 1956 The end of private education at Storer College in Harpers Ferry New campus for Appalachian Bible Institute opened in Bradley Gray Barker wrote his best-known book, They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers Blackwater Lodge opened at Blackwater State Park Boundary dispute between West Virginia and Virginia involving Monroe, Giles, and Alleghany Counties Chauncey H. Browning was Chief Justice of the state Supreme Court Cabell Huntington Hospital first opened for business Lodge at Cacapon State Park was completed with a restaurant and banquet hall The "golden" trout was spawned with regular rainbow trout at state fire hatchery Charles Town Opera House was condemned City National Bank was organized in Charleston Roy Clarkson joined Department of Biology at WVU Mine at Bishop exploded Chapman Revercomb last Republican to be elected to the Senate in West Virginia Associated Dry Goods bought the Diamond Department Store Elizabeth Drewry helped pass constitutional amendment allowing women to serve on juries in West Virginia Pete Everest graduated from Armed Forces Staff College Pete Everest flew the X-2 at Mach 3 Ruel Foster wrote Elizabeth Madox Roberts, American Novelist Charleston's Garnet High School closed The state Board of Education authorized the construction of the student center, Pioneer Center, at Glenville State College Joseph C. Gluck became pastor of the Forks-of-Cheat Baptist Church The U.S. Government approached the C&O with proposal to build an "emergency relocation center" at the Greenbrier for reassembly of Congress Davis Grubb wrote Shadow of My Brother Minnie Buckingham Harper's second husband John B. Paterson died Hazel Atlas Company operated 12 plants across the U.S. Chuck Howley was named the Southern Conference Athlete of the Year Sam Huff played with the New York Giants to win a championship game The peak patient population at the Huntington State Hospital was 1,460 The federal Interstate Highway Act was passed Jean Lee Latham won the Newbery Award for Carry On, Mr. Bowditch The Library Services Act by Congress enabled the Library Commission to acquire federal funding for public libraries in West Virginia Clagg and Britton produced an atlas of West Virginia emphasizing historical factors and statewide economic data Camden Eli "Cam" Henderson died William Marland tried to fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat G. Ogden Nutting started his newspaper career as a reporter and news editor for the Martinsburg Journal Mason College of Music and Fine Arts merged with Morris Harvey College (now University of Charleston) Thomas Miller graduated from the WVU College of Law The West Virginia Mountain State Gospel Singers Corporation was chartered Alfred Knobler opened the new Pilgrim Glass plant on Walker Branch Road in Ceredo The community of Port Amherst received that name The Pruntytown Industrial School for Boys was reintegrated The N&W was West Virginia's last steam powered railroad Mary Lee Settle wrote O Beulah Land The Mann's Creek Railroad line closed Planning for Sutton Dam continued Direct distance telephone dialing was introduced in Wheeling and Moundsville The Greenbrier art colony was reopened with the work of Gladys Tuke and Jeanne Eleanore Coyne Cecil Underwood became a leading spokesman for the Republican Party A silicones products plant was built in Sistersville Andre Van Damme founded the Charleston Ballet Jerry West led East Bank High School to the state basketball championship The West Virginia Publishing Company changed name to West Virginia Education Foundation The timber flooring of the Wheeling Suspension Bridge was replaced with open steel grid West Virginia Institute of Technology was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Katherine Johnson's first husband died of a brain tumor Ellie Schaul moved to West Virginia
1959
John Knowles wrote his first novel, A Separate Peace Other events that happened on or around 1959 Alderson-Broaddus College (now University) achieved accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Three-class format based on school size, each class having eight teams was created for the state high school basketball tournament Berwind Lake Wildlife Management Area began J. G. Bradley sold the Widen Mine to Clinchfield Coal Company Owners of Maryland's Pimlico Race Course bought Charles Town Race Track Name changed from Barber Sanatorium to Kanawha Valley Memorial Hospital Goodyear plant built near Apple Grove There were 47 covered bridges still in existence in West Virginia Donald Duncan sold the Duncan Parking Meter Corporation Ellis Dungan Productions produced Wheels to Progress Medium green was introduced for fiestaware Hal Greer advanced to the National Basketball Association after graduation from Marshall Perry Gresham wrote Sage of Bethany Four Boone County businessmen opened the first Heck's department store in Charleston Dixie Kilham bought the Hilltop House William Hoffman wrote Days in the Yellow Leaf Homer Laughlin China Company began producing restaurant china John Knowles wrote his first novel, A Separate Peace Catherine Marshall married Leonard E. LeSourd Kyle McCormick wrote The New-Kanawha River and the Mine War of West Virginia Charlie McCoy moved to Nashville New Mennonite congregation started in Pocahontas County The Mill Point Prison Camp closed Moncove Lake was created by the damming of Devil Creek Size of the Moundsville prison doubled John Forbes Nash was hospitalized for schizophrenia The first radio telescopes were in operation at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Green Bank The historic Reber Radio Telescope moved to Green Bank Warden M. Lane outline a proposal for reorganization of the Conservation Commission to correct an overlapping of duties Lewis Keller, Sr. purchased the Oakhurst Links property from Cary Montague Don Gardner became the first president of Ohio Valley College (now University) Rex and Eleanor Parker had a conversion experience and thereafter performed only sacred music Rebel Records was founded in Maryland Nat Reese returned to West Virginia to work for the State Road Commission ABC-TV first aired Lunch with Soupy Sales WVU basketball team lost 71-70 to California in the National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament final Reported 2,843 schools in West Virginia Shenandoah Downs opened in Charles Town Agnes Smith published An Edge of the Forest Hulett Smith left the state Aeronautics Commission Blaze Starr met Louisiana Gov. Earl Long while performing in New Orleans Jerry West was named most valuable player of the NCAA tournament Jerry West was unanimous All American first-team choice Patrick Gainer became president of the West Virginia Folklore Society The Mountaineers went to the national basketball championships Water ski shows failed to draw a crowd William F. Troy, S.J. became president of Wheeling College (now Wheeling University) Katherine Johnson married Lt. Colonel James A. Johnson Tunney Hunsaker fought Ernie Terrell The Special Forces (Green Berets) were created in the Army National Guard
1973
Chuck Kinder wrote Snakehunter Other events that happened on or around 1973 Happy Retreat was added to the National Register of Historic Places The Energy Crisis occurred The original Fiestaware was discontinued Chuck Howley retired from the Dallas Cowboys football team at the end of the season West Virginia Library Commission expanded its construction project to include the Instant Libraries building program The Buffalo Creek Memorial Library was the first Instant Library The Supreme Court of Appeals held that the system of funding justice of the peace courts from fines was unconstitutional in State ex rel. Reece v. Giles, J.P. An additional 2,500 acres were acquired for Kanawha State Forest Maryat Lee founded EcoTheater in Hinton A program was established between the Library Commission and Marshall University to train library personnel in small and remote libraries The Lilly Brothers toured Japan Governor Moore names A. James Manchin head of the Rehabilitation Environmental Action Program (REAP) Dan Maroney served as international president of the Amalgamated Transit Union The Palace of Gold began construction in the Hare Krishna community M. Blane Michael operated a solo law practice in Petersburg Mildred Mitchell-Bateman became the vice president of the American Psychiatric Association The Mountain Artisans Quilting Book was published by Macmillan Publishing Molly O'Day and Lynn Davis started a gospel record program at WEMM-FM Huntington Allegheny Wood Products was formed Congress created Conrail through the Regional Rail Reorganization Act Joe Powell directed the AFL-CIO Committee on Political Education. The Prato Rio house was added to the National Register of Historic Places Dallas Bailey became president of Salem International University Mary Lee Settle wrote Prisons The Shepherdstown historic district was added to the National Register of Historic Places Harold M. McNeill became president of West Virginia State College (now University) John D. Rockefeller IV became president of West Virginia Wesleyan College Jeff Holland Cook became conductor of the Wheeling Symphony WVU at Parkersburg Jackson County Center opened Clyde Ware directed the West Virginia-set film, When the Line Goes Through
1978
John Knowles wrote A Vein of Riches dealing with Fairmont history Other events that happened on or around 1978 The authority to end the Greenbrier Division line was granted Charles Town Opera House added to National Register of Historic Places Kenton Corporation bought Charles Town and Shenandoah Downs racetracks J. D. Maurice retired as publisher of the Charleston Daily Mail New Davis Child Shelter established in South Charleston Arden Cogar set the world record for underhand chopping a 12-inch block of yellow polar in 15.15 seconds Delta tau Delta renovated its original house on Bethany College campus The Dunbar wine cellars were added to the National Register of Historic Places The DuPont Belle Works plant stopped producing ammonia Easton Roller Mill was placed on the National Register of Historic Places John Knowles wrote A Vein of Riches dealing with Fairmont history Robert Gates released the film, In Memory of the Land and People Francis Ford Coppola filmed the Deer Hunter in the Northern Panhandle U.S. report stated that 75% of the state was forested Gauley Bridge became an incorporated municipality The Delf Norona Museum opened at Grave Creek Mound The General Albert Gallatin Jenkins house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places Huntington renamed 16th Street as Hal Greer Boulevard Roy Lee Harmon wrote Roses in December Morris Harvey College became the University of Charleston The Hinton Daily News became the weekly Hinton News William Hoffman wrote Virginia Reels Marshall University School of Medicine admitted its first class The Job's Temple Association was incorporated
1979
Louise McNeill was appointed poet laureate by Governor Rockefeller Other events that happened on or around 1979 Governor Rockefeller gave Roy Lee Harmon emeritus status s poet laureate The Huntington Advertiser ceased publication and merged into the Herald-Dispatch Boar hunting began in West Virginia The Allegheny Indian Council and Cultural Center was founded in Phillipi The court ruled that unequal per pupil funding among West Virginia counties violated the state constitution's mandate for a "thorough and efficient" school system in Pauley v. Kelly Maryat Lee wrote John Henry The military program was discontinued at Linsly School Jack Maurice became a contributing editor and columnist to the Charleston Daily Mail Jon McBride became an astronaut Arnold Miller resigned as president of UMWA State Supreme Court ruled on Morningstar v. Black and Decker, which held that the court had the ability to create common law State Supreme Court ruled on Bradley v. Appalachian Power Co., where the court abolished the comparative negligence rule A second Mormon "stake" was organized in Fairmont Deadly riots prompted Arthur Recht to place Moundsville Penitentiary under judicial control The WVU Personal Rapid Transit system was completed Jayne Anne Phillips published Black Tickets Gov. Jay Rockefeller persuades legislature to gradually eliminate the 3% sales tax on food Jim Sprouse was appointed a judge of the 4th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals by President Jimmy Carter Building C was added to the state police academy Sam Church Jr. became president of UMWA Marshall Buckalew was elected president of the West Virginia Historical Education Foundation The West Virginia Historical Society ceased publication of West Virginia History West Virginia Independence Hall was opened as a museum by the Department of Culture and History (now Arts, Culture & History) The West Virginia Juried Exhibition was first held at the Cultural Center Mack Samples began serving as festival president of the West Virginia State Folk Festival The Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places Meredith Sue Willis wrote A Space Apart Tom Wolfe published The Right Stuff, celebrating Chuck Yeager Virginia Maw Brown left the Interstate Commerce Commission Actor Bob Denver married Dreama Perry of Bluefield
1980
Keith Mailard wrote Alex Driving South Other events that happened on or around 1980 Camp Washington-Carver was placed on National Register of Historic Places Third program for ex-cons to rejust to community life and address matters concerning criminal justice system West Virginia crime rate peaked Richard Currey published collection of poetry, Crossing Over: A Vietnam Journal Harrison H. Ferrell Administration Building was dedicated at West Virginia State Reckless was filmed in Weirton The R. D. Bailey Dam was completed Increase in festivals, recordings and craft outlets showed awareness of folk heritage was firmly established The Greenbrier River Trail State Park was created Perry Gresham wrote With Wings as Eagles Hancock County population peaked at 40,418 Harold Hayslett was awarded the gold medal for cello tone Forbes Magazine ranked Heck's third nationally in profitability and growth The homestead exemption was increased to $10,000 and expanded to include owners who are permanently and totally disabled T. D. Jakes started his first church, Greater Emmanuel Temple of Faith in Montgomery Supreme Court ruled in State ex rel. Barker v. Manchin, regarding separation of powers among different branches of government Maryat Lee wrote The Hinton Play The Libertarian Party fielded its first candidate for statewide office, Jack K. Kelley for governor Much of Malden was listed as a historic district in the National Register of Historic Places Catherine Marshall wrote Meeting God at Every Turn College of Graduate Studies administrative offices were located on the campus of West Virginia State College Irene McKinney received her Ph.D. from the University of Utah M. Blane Michael stopped serving as special counsel to Gov. Rockefeller Fairmont No. 3 Mine closed Mildred Mitchell-Bateman helped develop the Mental Health Systems Act The Fairmont State College (now University) Library was renamed the Ruth Ann Musick Library Walter Dean Myers received the Coretta Scott King Award for his books Don Nehlen came to coach football at WVU Nicholas County population peaked at 28,126 Chris Sarandon starred as Jesus Christ in The Day Christ Died Mary Lee Settle wrote The Scapegoat Sam Snead joined the Senior PGA Tour Don Blankenship joined Rawl Sales & Processing Company, an A. T. Massey Coal Company subsidiary
1982
Cynthia Rylant wrote When I was Young in the Mountains Other events that happened on or around 1982 Governor Rockefeller called for broad changes in the state banking system. Reagan administration implemented stricter eligibility standards for black lung compensation Colonel Florence A. Blanchfield Army Community Hospital at Fort Campbell was dedicated Kanawha Valley Memorial Hospital (later CAMC) moved to new complex Assets of City National Bank at over $81 million Bernard Coffindaffer underwent open heart surgery The Louisville & Nashville railroad line merged into the Seaboard Coast Line Corporation Davis Grubb's Ancient Lights was published posthumously The High Gate mansion was listed in the National Register of Historic Places William Hoffman wrote The Land That Drank the Rain Bill Hopen completed his first public sculpture commission, a Mother's Day memorial Sam Huff was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Weirton workers purchased the plant from National Steel Corporation Marshall University presented Howard B. Lee with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree Cynthia Rylant wrote When I was Young in the Mountains
1987
Denise Giardina wrote Storming Heaven Other events that happened on or around 1987 Clay Communications sold Charleston Daily Mail and other newspapers to Thomson Newspapers Quibell-brand water bottled at Sweet Springs Camp Creek State Park entered the West Virginia park system Robert L. Smith Jr name Daily Gazette Co. president Four families bought the Cheat Mountain Club and opened the lodge to the public Clay Foundation funded by proceeds of the sale of Clay Communications to Thomson Newspapers Franklin Cleckley received the W. Robert Ming Advocacy Award from the NAACP Richard Currey published first novel Fatal Light Ellis Dungan's last film, Josiah Fox-Architect of the United States' First Navy, was released Alan Briceland claimed Batts and Fallam turned southwestward from New River to East River Mountain and continued to Mingo County Point Man for God documentary was released by Jacob Young Hammer on the Slammer documentary was released by Jacob Young Ruel Foster retired The Freshwater Institute was launched as a national program Denise Giardina wrote Storming Heaven West Virginia National Cemetery was dedicated near Grafton Heck's Department Stores filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Sam Huff and Carol Holden founded the West Virginia Breeders Classic in Charles Town
1988
Lee Maynard published the novel Crum Other events that happened on or around 1988 South Charleston Stamping and Manufacturing Company took over the VW plant at Charleston Ordnance Center Stephen Coonts wrote Final Flight Ken Joseph of Ashland, Kentucky bought the Edwards Moonlight to renovate it as a restaurant Daniel Boyd released the movie Chillers The Stonewall Jackson Dam was completed A report stated that 78% of the state was forested Henry Louis Gates wrote The Signifying Monkey: A Theory of Afro-American Literary Criticism Mrs. Ailes retired as assistant editor of the Hampshire Review The first woman, Bessie Horn, was admitted to the He-Man Club The state's original interstate system was completed The state budget was $3.3 billion William Hoffman wrote By Land By Sea Kaiser Aluminum plant was sold to Ravenswood Aluminum Corporation Girls were again admitted to Linsly school Louise McNeill published The Milkweed Ladies Louise McNeill published TheMilkweed Ladies Richard Osborne was promoted to publisher of the Logan Banner West Virginia became a charter member of the multi-state "Lotto America" game Irene McKinney published a collection of poetry, Quick Fire and Slow Fire The section of the Midland Trail from White Sulphur Springs to Charleston was designated as West Virginia's first state scenic highway
1989
Cynthia Rylant wrote But I'll Be Back Again Other events that happened on or around 1989 Governor Moore designated U.S. 60 from White Sulphur Springs to Charleston as the Midland Trail Scenic Byway Lawmakers dedicated lottery profits to programs benefiting education, senior citizens, and tourism The West Virginia College of Graduate Studies officially became the University of West Virginia College of Graduate Studies Kathy Mattea was named the Country Music Association's Female Vocalist of the Year Jon McBride retired from NASA and the Navy Irene McKinney published a collection of poetry, Six O'clock Mine Report The Minnehaha Springs post office closed Public Radio International took over distribution of Mountain Stage George Balsama left presidency of Beckley College (now Mountain State University) The United Methodist Temple building, now John W. Eye Conference Center, was acquired by Beckley College (now Mountain State University) Walter Dean Myers received the Newbery Honor Book Award for Scorpions Walter Dean Myers received the Coretta Scott King Award for his books First National Bank of Morgantown was acquired by Huntington Banks The old Norwalk Motor Car Company burned down in Martinsburg Marc Harshman’s first children’s book, A Little Excitement, was published
1990
Richard Currey published collection of short stories The Wars of Heaven Other events that happened on or around 1990 West Virginia had 180 commercial banks and 15 saving institutions Robert C. Byrd said "I want to be West Virginia's billion-dollar industry." The Weirton-Steubenville cable-stayed bridge opened for traffic across the Ohio Roy Clarkson published On Beyond Leatherbark: The Cass Saga Franklin Cleckley formed the Franklin D. Cleckley Foundation Contemporary American Theater Festival was founded by Ed Herendeen and Michael Riccards Stephen Coonts wrote Under Siege Richard Currey published collection of short stories The Wars of Heaven Daniel Boyd released the movie, Space Preachers West Virginia's forest fire towers were closed Division of Forestry became a freestanding agency under the Department of Commerce U.S. Forest Service published reports on West Virginia Forests Franklin population peaked at 914 Swami Bhaktipada was accused of ordering the deaths of two of his followers and charged with racketeering, fraud and conspiracy
1991
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor published Shiloh Other events that happened on or around 1991 Chuck Howley was inducted into the inaugural class of the WVU Sports Hall of Fame J. Holmes Morrison became president of One Valley Bancorp of Virginia The Kimball War Memorial was gutted by fire Donna Jean Boley was the only Republican among 34 state senators The Governor's council on Literacy was created Roger Howdyshell died Dave McCullough began to create several color designs of marbles for a limited run each spring and fall The Marlinton Opera House was acquired by the Pocahontas County Landmarks Commission to be restored Louise McNeill published Hill Daughter: New and Selected Poems The Department of Mines was renamed the West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training A floodwall was built at Williamson to protect the town from the Tug River Moncove Lake State Park was created Walter Dean Myers received the Coretta Scott King Award for his books The National Bank of Commerce changed its name to Commerce Bank A television version of Night of the Hunter was produced Noah Cottrell died The Philippi bridge's exterior was reconstructed
1992
Denise Giardina published The Unquiet Earth Other events that happened on or around 1992 U.S. 48 redesignated as I-68 Study concluded a $23 million plan for a lodge, cottages, and a golf course Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital added a Medical Office in Parkersburg Robert L. Smith retired as Charleston Gazette publisher Key Centurion Bancshares purchased by Bank One Roy Clarkson retired as professor emeritus at WVU Clover Archeological Site was added to the National Register of Historic Places Jim Comstock sold the West Virginia Hillbilly to Sandy McCauley Stephen Coonts was inducted into the WVU Academy of Distinguished Alumni Drover's Inn was placed on the National Register of Historic Places L. A. Puopolo directed The Turning Ruel Foster co-wrote with Bob Conner Buck: A Life Sketch of James H. Harless Denise Giardina published The Unquiet Earth Little Sleepy Glenn was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame Charles James III moved the James Produce Company to California Pickney Benedict published Wrecking Yard Mail Pouch Tobacco stopped painting signs Ellie Mannette arrived in Morgantown The William Penn Association closed the Mount St. George facility MTR Gaming Group purchased the Chester track and named it Mountaineer Park
1994
Henry Louis Gates wrote Colored People Other events that happened on or around 1994 William Hoffman wrote Follow Me Home "Who'll Watch the Homeplace" named Song of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association A new hospital for the mentally ill was opened in Lewis County The Libertarian Party regrouped under leadership of John K Brown Henry Louis Gates wrote Colored People Pinckney Benedict published The Dogs of God Pinckney Benedict published The Dogs of God Luxury skyboxes were added to Mountaineer Field The Racetrack Video Lottery Act passed John Nash was honored with the Nobel Prize in Economics for his dissertation Phyllis Reynolds Naylor was Awarded the West Virginia Children's Book Award for Shiloh
1994
Jayne Anne Phillips published Shelter Other events that happened on or around 1994 Ohio Valley College expanded The Stories of Breece D'J Pancake was published in Brazilian Portuguese Jayne Anne Phillips published Shelter The Rural Electrification Administration was abolished Chris Sarandon married Joanna Hall Gleason Michael Smith founded Rocketown Ministries West Virginia became the third state to file suit against the tobacco industry to recover costs for smoking-related illnesses The Tri-State Racetrack installed 400 video lottery slot machines Hinchcliff Lumber Company added a scragg mill Union Carbide's silicones products plant at Sistersville was sold The present Unitarian Universalists building in Charleston was dedicated The United Carbon Building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places Melvin Lentz became wood chopping champion Ginny Hawker began serving as president of West Virginia State Folk Festival The West Virginia Lottery Commission approved the first 400 video slot machines at Wheeling Downs The first open heart surgery in the area was performed at Wheeling Hospital The Howard Long Wellness Center opened at Wheeling Hospital Jesco White was featured in a brief cameo on Roseanne Meredith Sue Willis wrote The Secret Super Powers of Marco Meredith Sue Willis wrote In The Mountains of America Tommy Thompson left the Red Clay Ramblers A bridge on U.S. 19 south of Summerville was renamed the Ralph Eugene Pomeroy Memory Bridge.
1995
Keith Mailard wrote Hazard Zones Other events that happened on or around 1995 Legislature changed the name of Huntington State Hospital to Huntington Hospital Ravenswood Aluminum Corporation became part of Century Aluminum June Kilgore was honored with the Distinguished West Virginian award by Governor Gaston Caperton Melvin Lentz chopped a 13-inch horizontal yellow poplar in 18.85 seconds and a 12-inch yellow poplar vertical block in 15.97 seconds Andy Davis began working in antique style with solid core, diachronic, and mica-flake designs glass marbles The Moundsville State Penitentiary closed Randy Moss was chosen West Virginia high school football player of the year The Woodlands Institute changed its name to Mountain Institute The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence was revived in Project Phoenix State Parks administration was returned to Natural Resources from the Division of Tourism Donald Rasmussen was named "Civil Libertarian of the Year" by the West Virginia Civil Liberties Union.
1997
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor published Saving Shiloh, the last of the Shiloh trilogy Other events that happened on or around 1997 The Night of the Hunter was adapted for television Arnout "Sonny" Hyde resumed editorship of the Wonderful West Virginia under a private contract Jackson County was reported with the second-highest number of farms in West Virginia D-Mac Industries bought the nail plant and began operating it as Wheeling-La Belle Nail Company The Robert C. Byrd Clinic opened at the School of Osteopathic Medicine David Price was hired as Library Commission executive secretary Richard Curry wrote Lost Highway The International Documentary Association created the Pare Lorentz Award to honor the best documentary film of the year Video slot machines began operating at Charles Town Racetrack The West Virginia Graduate College in South Charleston merged with Marshall University Robert Drasnin recorded an album of standards titled The Blue Dahlias Butch Miles rejoined the Count Basie Orchestra Vicky Bullett began playing for the Charlotte Sting in the Women's National Basketball Association.
1998
Homer Hickam published Rocket Boys: A Memoir, about Coalwood Other events that happened on or around 1998 Denise Giardina wrote Saints and Villains William K. Simmons stepped down as president of Glenville State College The state began to collaborate with private landowners in sharing cost of aerially treating forestland with insecticides Judge K. K. Hall argued that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration should have the power to regulate tobacco The He-Man Golf Tournament was first held Homer Hickam retired from NASA Homer Hickam published Rocket Boys: A Memoir, about Coalwood Rocket Boys: A Memoir was selected by New York Times as one its "Great Books of the Year" Rocket Boys: A Memoir was nominated by the National Book Critics Circle as Best Biography William Hoffman wrote Tidewater Blood Lonnie Bender purchased the Linger Chair Factory Mary Lee Settle wrote Addie Mary Lee Settle wrote Addie Reported 40,149 marijuana plants destroyed in West Virginia Paul Marshall retired from architecture and moved to South Carolina The McLure Hotel was purchased by Pelican International Properties
1999
Keith Mailard published Gloria Other events that happened on or around 1999 Henry Louis Gates edited Africana: The Encyclopedia of the African and the African-American Experience Mountains and Music was published by the University of Illinois Press A golf course was added to the Hawks Nest State Park John Hendricks formed the Womens United Soccer Association Homer Hickam published his first novel, Back to the Moon William Hoffman published Doors William Hoffman won the Dashiell Hammett Prize for Tidewater Blood The 42-megawatt facility on the Ohio River at Belleville began producing electricity Century Aluminum divided and sold part of the operation to Pechiney Rolled Products Charles James III sold the James Produce Company First National Bank of Keystone was closed by federal agencies Jedediah Purdy published For Common Things Melvin Lentz and Paul Cogar cut an 8x8 yellow poplar log through two times in 5.08 seconds using a crosscut saw Ellie Mannette received a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts Mount Olive Prison began operating above capacity City of Morgantown agreed to lease the Tibbs Run Reservoir property to West Virginia Botanic Garden
2000
Barbara Smith and Kirk Judd edited Wild Sweet Notes: Fifty Years of West Virginia Poetry, 1950-1999 Other events that happened on or around 2000 Only four ferries still operating on Ohio River The liturgies at St. George were still being chanted in Arabic Louie Glass was sold to Glassworks West Virginia Ellie Mannette founded Mannette Steel Drums, Ltd Ellie Mannette received the Trinidad and Tobago Chaconia Silver Medal from the minister of culture Darrell McGraw won an important settlement against Ohio direct mail operator Benjamin Suarez New Mennonite congregation started in Hampshire County Reported 13 Mennonite congregations in West Virginia with total of 568 adherents Randy Moss led the NFL in touchdown catches Randy Moss signed a $75 million contract extension with an $18 million signing bonus making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL The Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia received a national award from the National Endowment for the Arts West Virginia experienced high losses of native mussels in the Ohio River due to competition of zebra mussels Walter Dean Myers received the first ever Printz Award for Monster First Market Bank locations in West Virginia adopted the name National Bank of Commerce Leonard "Lynn" Davis died Ohio Valley College (now University) began offering secondary education in English math, natural sciences, physical ed, and social studies and special education Brad Paisley was named "Top New Male Vocalist" by the Academy of Country Music Vicky Bullett joined the Charlotte Mystics WNBA team.
2001
John O'Brien wrote At Home in the Heart of Appalachia Other events that happened on or around 2001 The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation had assets exceeding $100 million Cam Henderson's win-loss record for Marshall football was beat Homer Hickam published Sky of Stone: A Memoir Bill Hopen married Ai Qiu Chen The 80-megawatt power station on the Summersville Dam went into use The Midland Trail (U.S. 60) from Charleston to Kenova became a State Scenic Byway David Price resigned as executive secretary of Library Commission The Official Marx Toy Museum opened in Moundsville The state Board of Education took over administration of the McDowell County school system
2002
Meredith Sue Willis published Oradell at Sea Other events that happened on or around 2002 Glen Ferris ceased generating hydroelectric energy Few descendants of the original settlers lived on Irish mountain Stonewall Jackson Lake State park opened William W. Clem was reelected Jefferson County surveyor J. D. Waggoner became executive secretary of West Virginia Library Commission The Lilly Brothers and Don Stover were inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association's Hall of Honor The West Virginia-Western Maryland Snod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America claimed 15,488 baptized members in 62 congregations Excel Homes built a factory at Ghent with plans to build more than 1,000 modular homes West Virginia legislature legalized the cultivation of hemp under tightly controlled circumstances A doctorate of psychology was added to Marshall University
2003
Keith Mailard wrote Clarinet Polka Other events that happened on or around 2003 Mountaineer Race Track became Hancock County's second-largest employer The state Board of Education voted to replace Lincoln County's four high schools with one consolidated high school Gretchen Laska wrote The Midwife's Tale Jessica Lynch was selected as the West Virginian of the Year by Charleston's Sunday Gazette-Mail I Am a Soldier, Too: The Jessica Lynch Story was published by Rick Bragg Joe Manchin announced his intention to run for governor in 2004
2004
William Drennen and Kojo Jones wrote Red, White, Black & Blue: A Dual Memoir of Race and Class in Appalachia Other events that happened on or around 2004 The speaker of the House of Delegates was Robert "Bob" Kiss Weirton Steel ceased to be an employee-owned company Literacy West Virginia was formed from the merger of the Literacy volunteers of America and Lauback Literacy Action Plans were made to consolidate Iaeger and Big Creek high schools in McDowell County Chuck Kinder wrote The Last Mountain Dancer which includes the Mothman The Mountain State University Cougars won the NAIA Division I national basketball championship Mylan Laboratories announced plans to acquire non-generic drug maker King Pharmaceuticals Huntington Banks became the third-largest bank holding company in West Virginia The National Bank of Commerce became SunTrust The New River Community and Technical College was made independent of Bluefield State College The U.S. 60 bridge connecting Cabell and Wayne counties was named the Colonel Justice M. Chambers Memorial Bridge. View Articles by Existing Key Dates or Specify Your Own Date Range |
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