1930s Santa Claus Card
Arthurdale Heritage is proud to announce that the world’s jolliest elf will be visiting Arthurdale on Friday, December 12.
Children of all ages are invited to visit with Santa at the Arthurdale Center Hall and enjoy goodie bags, cookies and refreshments provided by Arthurdale Heritage and the Arthurdale Tire Kickers.
Doors open at 7 p.m. Santa arrives at 7:30 p.m.
Join AHI for weekley beginning blacksmithing workshops in January! All workshops will take place at the Metal Creations workshop on Route 7 in Kingwood on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Dates available are January 10, 17, 24, and 31. Choose from a leaf pendant necklace, tiangle Chuck Wagon dinner bell, wall mount heart flower pot holder, hinges, latches, key rings, and hooks. Each project is $50. All participants must be at least 18 years old and provide cotton clothing, safety glasses, gloves (leather is preferred), and hearing protection (optional). Please complete the Blacksmith Registration form and return by December 31. For more information contact AHI at 304.864.3959 or ahi@arthurdaleheritage.org.
Arthurdale Heritage is sponsoring a Christmas Food Drive for the Raymond Wolfe Center. Donations of pasta, spaghetti sauce, crackers, peanut butter, vegetables (frozen or canned) and other staples. Raymond Wolfe also accepts specialty items for diabetics and low salt items. Monetary donations will also be accepted. All donations can be dropped off at Arthurdale Heritage Tuesday through Friday from 12 Noon until 4 pm or anytime Center Hall is open.
Arthurdale Heritage is also sponsoring an Angel Tree for local children from Valley Elementary and Tunnelton Denver schools. We have approximately 30 children who are in need of clothing for Christmas. Please stop by the AHI office and claim your angel or call us for a child.
The Craft Shop Holiday Open House is Saturday, November 29 from 10 am – 4 pm. Other holiday hours are December 6, 13 and 20 from 12 Noon until 4 pm. Items are made by local artisans as well as West Virginia made items. Examples of items available: Cat’s Meows, Allegheny Treenware, pottery, jams & jellies, hard tack candy, peanut butter crunch, honey, soap, books, jewelry, afghans, hand-made towels, tatted and crocheted items as well as many Christmas items. Regular operating hours are Tuesday-Friday, noon to 4 p.m.
On October 12, Arthurdale Heritage celebrated its 23rd year as a non-profit organization. The date of the dinner was additionally significant, because 75 years previously on October 12, the Federal government signed documents to officially create the community of Arthurdale. AH members, volunteers, Board members, and staff congregated at the Center Hall to acknowledge the accomplishments achieved over the past fiscal year and look forward to the upcoming events to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the homesteading of Arthurdale. The 75th Anniversary Committee also revealed the 75th Anniversary theme as “Welcome Home to Arthurdale” and presented 75 limited edition mugs to attendees as a gift.
During October 2008, Spark Media visited Arthurdale several times to film portions of its upcoming documentary entitled “Soul of a People: Voices from the Writers’ Project.” Produced in association with the Library of Congress, “Soul of a People” will tell the story of the WPA Writers’ Project, comprised of workers who used pen and paper instead of shovels and picks to contribute to the revitalizing the United States’ economy. The project’s efforts resulted in a series of state guide books, oral histories, photographs, and recordings of voice and music. For more information about the documentary visit SOUL OF A PEOPLE: WRITING AMERICA’S STORY.
Ed Bucklew, Terry Smith, and Dave Hall smile for the camera while in 1930s costume.
Director Andrea Kalin, also in 1930s costume, sets up a shot.
Filming at the Esso Station.
Arthurdale Heritage participated as a featured exhibitor for the 2008 Buckwheat Festival Pride Display held in Kingwood, WV, September 24-28. The Buckwheat Pride Display Committee selected Arthurdale as the “Best of Pride Community” exhibit. A big “Thank You” goes out to volunteer Marilee Hall who created the wonderful display that celebrated the upcoming 75th Anniversary of the homesteading of Arthurdale.
AHI will be continuing last year’s successful fundraising program by volunteering as event staff at WVU Basketball games. All volunteers must be at least 18 years old. If you are interested in volunteering at games or would like more information, contact Joe Wolfe at (304) 864-3066.
Mark your calendars to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the homesteading of Arthurdale, July 10-12, 2009!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2008 NEW DEAL FESTIVAL
Thanks to all the visitors and participants who came to the 2008 New Deal Festival which featured exhibits in the New Deal Homestead Museum, artisan demonstrations, local artisan craft market, the Arthurdale Heritage Craft Shop, local musician performances, a visit from Eleanor Roosevelt, haywagon rides, and much more!
Start of 2007 race photo courtesy of Ella Belling
5K RUN & 2-MILE WALK
4th Annual Beth Bonner Memorial 5K Run and 2-mile walk was held Saturday morning on the community roads of historic Arthurdale. Congratulations to all participants! 2008 Race Results
Antique cars in front of E-15 Homestead photo courtesy of Ella Belling.
ANTIQUE CAR & TRACTOR SHOW
The antique car and tractor show featured over sixty participants who displayed their antique cars and tractors for festival visitors to enjoy.
MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT
Festival goers enjoyed an old-time community sing courtsey of the Gospel Bluebirds and the Crossroad Quartet at the Arthurdale Presbyterian Church. The Center Hall main stage featured the musical stylings of Keith and Joan Pitzer (along with their son Jake), the Riggins Brothers, and Hickory Wind.
PEDAL TRACTOR PULLS
Kids of all ages participated in this new event to the New Deal Festival! The first 50 registered received a commemorative badge featuring the Arthurdale Co-Op Tractor. Ribbons were given to the top three winners in each weight category.
QUILT SHOW
This new event to the New Deal Festival featured local hand-crafted quilts on display at the Arthurdale Inn and was co-sponsored by the Preston County Literacy Volunteers Quilt Group. This group meets at the WVU Extension Office in Kingwood and promotes literacy through quilting. Contact Bev Tasker for more information about the PCLV Quilt Group at 304.892.2853. The use of the Inn is courtesy of Hospice Care Corporation.
ARTISAN DEMONSTRATIONS AND CRAFT MARKET
Local artisans demonstrated their skills and displayed their hand-crafted goods at the 2008 New Deal Festival. Featured artists included:
The Appalachian Blacksmith Association who demonstrated throughout the day in the Arthurdale Forge. This was the fourth “Hammer-In” the ABA has held at the festival.
Seat weavers Debbie & Amee Price and Molly Superfesky practice their craft through the seat weaving classes offered at the Monongalia Technical Education Center (MTEC). The class is ten weeks in the fall and spring and addresses techniques including caning, splint weave, and rush. For more information about the classes contact MTEC at 304.291.9226.
The Scott’s Run Quilters Club is dedicated to promoting the craft of quilting and offers ongoing opportunities to learn or enhance quilting skills. The club meets every Monday at the Scott’s Run Settlement House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information contact Melissa Jeffries at 304.599.8692.
CRAFT MARKET VENDORS
A La Carte Fine Chocolates, 304.842.4047
Appalachian milk Soap, 304.478.4378
Creative Stitches, 304.329.8280
Earth Jewels, 304.692.1721
Keith and Deborah Coffman, 304.265.0406
Samara’s Arts, 304.864.6242
Summer Kitchen Pottery, 304.449.1337
Treehouse Herbal, 304.265.1437
Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. would like to thank the following sponsors of the 2008 New Deal Festival!!
Gold Sponsors
Advanced Land Services
Belldina’s Health Mart Pharmacy
Mountaineer Family Care Center
Mylan Pharmaceuticals
84 Lumber
Silver Sponsors
Clear Mountain Bank
Jennmar Corp. of WV
Kingwood Family Dental
PARCS Equipment Superstore
Snyder Motor & Towing
Bronze Sponsors
Alan Mollohan for Congress
Chico Enterprises
Crown Homes
Hartley Insurance Agency
Hunter’s Truck Sales & Service
Lumberport-Shinnston Gas Company
Preston Silver Eagle Distributors
Reedsville Dairy Queen
Rotruck-Lobb Funeral Home & Sunset Memorial Gardens
Tire Lady’s Rainbow Tire
Street’s Store, Ltd.
Gerald Zinn & Sons
Entering Preston County, West Virginia. Sign refers to Arthurdale Project. John Vachon, May 1939. Library of Congress.
A full sized replica of an 1850s General Store and exhibits related to the history of the Union District of Preston County. Located on Route 50 in Aurora.
Home to an ancient hemlock forest. Trees 90 feet tall and 21 feet in circumference form the park’s dramatic “cloisters”. An old-growth mixed forest with Eastern Hemlock being the dominant species. Located on Route 50 in Aurora.
An astonishing boreal bog harboring plants and birds that usually occur much farther north. 1,650 acres protected by The Nature Conservancy. Boardwalk. Located on the Maryland/WV border. Follow wildlife signs in Terra Alta.
FAIRFAX STONE
One of oldest markers in the US. Marks boundary between Maryland and West Virginia, and is a state park. Located 2 miles off US 219, 4 miles north of Thomas.
GREATER MORGANTOWN AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
The primary resource for visitors to the “Scenic Mountain Home of West Virginia University” features information on the area’s heritage, arts & culture, outdoor recreation, lodging, dining, and shopping.
GREATEST GENERATION SOCIETY EXHIBIT & MUSEUM
The exhibit has scenes from U.S., British, German and Russian soldiers. The home front (1940s living room) is also depicted and will be completed with a Rosie the Riviter reading letters from her soldier at the front. A WAAC/Red Cross display with several uniforms, a wall of honor with photos of our veterans, and other artifacts will capture your imagination.
Operated by the Preston County Historical Society and housed in the former 1892 Terra Alta Bank, the museum features railroad artifacts, old photos, maps, firearms, Indian artifacts, Civil War memorabilia and other items of historical interest for the Terra Alta area.
The wildest place on earth! Over 100 animals. Have your picture taken with exotic baby animals when available. Located between Reedsville and Kingwood.
KINGWOOD
Only 8 miles east of Arthurdale is Kingwood, the county seat of Preston County. Visitors can visit the historic James McGrew House or visit another old-fashioned Esso Station. Enjoy the Buckwheat Festival the last weekend in September every year.
MARION COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Operated by the Tunnelton Historical Society, this depot was constructed during the period of 1912 through 1913. Open by appointment only. Located on Route 72.
Located just 40 minutes across Preston County from Arthurdale, this community offers interesting things to do for the outdoor recreationalist as well as history buffs. Enjoy the Civil War Battle site of Cannon Hill or a World War II reenactment the last weekend in June.
VIRGINIA IRON FURNACE
A cut-stone blast furnace, standing roughly 30 feet high with a square base of 34 feet. Constructed in 1854, it was the second blast furnace in Preston County, but remained in operation from 1854 to 1880, well past other industrial sites in nearby counties. The Furnace is on the National Register and is open year round. Located on Route 26, 3 miles north of Albright.
Nov. 1-Apr. 30: Tues.-Fri., 12-4 p.m.
May 1-Oct. 31: Tues.-Sun., 12-4 p.m.
Closed Mondays
