Latest news with #GreenbrierHistoricalSociety
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The State Fair of West Virginia in the 1950s
FAIRLEA, WV (WVNS) — A sense of normalcy returned to the State Fair of West Virginia in the 1950s thanks to a time of prosperity after the end of the Second World War. Luckily for those that made the Fair a family event, the event went on annually in its fourth decade, thanks to the period of peace after the conclusion of World War II. The 1950s brought with it the typical State Fair staples: animals, connection, and entertainment. Animals at the event were always a big deal and were heavily advertised in newspapers, magazines, and other means. This was especially true for cattle. The State Fair of West Virginia in the 1940s Also as popular as ever were the horses. The equine events have always been a draw for the crowds, from jousting tournaments, horse shows, and harness racing. Interestingly, jousting tournaments were brought to the Fair in 1953 and 1954, with members from the well-known Tuckwiller family taking part in the festivities. Fashion of the Fair: style trends throughout the last century at the State Fair of West Virginia The history section on the State Fair of West Virginia's website stated that 1956 brought another change to the event, as the fairgrounds expanded when the 'Simons Property' was bought, along with land at the south end of the racetrack. The 1950s also brought further additions due to a motion that was passed for the building of a sheep pavilion, to change the rabbit show area to a facility for the pigs, and to create a new rabbit house. Additions and changes were also made to the industrial building in 1958, according to the Fair's website. According to photos from the Greenbrier Historical Society, in 1957, a horse, owned by David and Grace Anne Tuckwiller, broke the track record at the fair during a harness race. Along with the animals, some fairgoers made traditions and even returned to remake memories of their previous times at the Fair. The State Fair of West Virginia not only gives fairgoers a chance to experience fun events and activities, it gives them a chance to make memories that could last a lifetime. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lewisburg to host its first Juneteenth Celebration
LEWISBURG, WV (WVNS) — The Greenbrier County Juneteenth Steering Committee has teamed up with the Greenbrier Historical Society to announce the first Juneteenth Celebration in Greenbrier County. On June 19, 1865, federal troops, led by General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas taking control of the state and ensuring that all enslaved people were freed. That day became an annual celebration and the name Juneteenth was created (shortened for June 19th). It is a day to be celebrated by all who recognize the importance of freedom. In conjunction with the Greenbrier Historical Society, we have planned an evening to highlight the historical significance of the day. Yvonne Jones | Juneteenth Steering Committee Popular comedian Jeff Dunham brings dummies to State Fair of West Virginia According to a press release, on Thursday, June 19, 2025, the celebration will be marked with an exhibit review and remarks from Maurice Cooley. Details are as follows: 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.: Keynote Speaker – Maurice Cooley in the Old Stone Room at Carnegie Hall 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.: 'Echoes of Slavery' Exhibit Review at the Greenbrier Historical Society North House Museum. Maurice Cooley is the former Associate Vice President of the Marshall University Office of Intercultural Affairs, now retired. Juneteenth recognizes both the pain of the past and the hope for a more just future. As we honor this day, we also lift up the stories of the Black community in Greenbrier County whose lives, labor, and legacies helped shape the region even in the face of injustice and exclusion Janice Cooley | Board of Directors, Greenbrier Historical Society Fashion of the Fair: style trends throughout the last century at the State Fair of West Virginia On June 21, 2025, the Juneteenth Steering Committee is set to hold a celebration at Dorie Miller Park, located on Feamster Road in Lewisburg, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., the release stated. Juneteenth is a time of celebration. It is also a time of reflection upon the stony road we have trodden. The festival provides an opportunity to fellowship with family, friends, and neighbors. Everyone is welcome to attend. Dallas Jones | Juneteenth Steering Committee The event will also have food and drinks, entertainment, information booths, in addition to crafts and games for guests to enjoy. Health screenings will also be available thanks to the Rainelle Medical Center. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Lauryn Trill, The Resurrection Praise Community Choir, J-Mane, and local gospel singers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The Greenbrier Historical Society names a new executive director
LEWISBURG, WV (WVNS) — The Greenbrier Historical Society (GHS) announced the selection of a new executive director. WVSOM's ASPIRE counseling crew named 'Mental Health Care Hero' According to a press release, Dara Vance, a resident of the Mountain State for a more than four years, was chosen for the position. Vance possesses multiple degrees in Fine Art, Educational Leadership, U.S. History, and recently gained her Ph.D. in U.S. History from the University of Kentucky. Vance came to the area through service as an AmeriCorps VISTA for the Meadow River Valley Association. She has collaborated with non-profit community organizations, including God's Way Home, Robert C. Byrd Clinic, Greenbrier County Family Support Center, and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, the release noted. Through her experience as an artist and historian, Vance expressed that the study and presentation of history should ask bug questions in small areas. She also expressed that the change from residing in Florida to residing in West Virginia felt similar to a homecoming. WVSOM gears up for their third annual C.A.S.E. camp Artists and historians ask questions in the same way. We want to understand more than facts. We want to understand the 'why' and reveal unanticipated connections. From parents back to ancestors in the 1600s, my family has a long history in this country. I may have grown up in Florida, but I was raised on brown beans and corn bread. The beauty of the area and the drama of the landscape does not give a moment to miss Florida. I feel like I am finally among my people. Dara Vance | Executive Director, Greenbrier Historical Society We are very excited to have Dara joining us as our new Executive Director. Her extensive experience with non-profits in this area coupled with her management skills, creativity, and deep interest in history make her a natural for this job. Al Emch | President, Greenbrier Historical Society WVU Tech hosts regional math field day Vance's appointment coincides with exciting projects coming to fruition, such as the 1834 Supreme Court of Appeals of Virginia Law Library and Study Building, Rhoda's House-Enslaved Quarters, archaeology at the Barracks, and more. The Greenbrier Historical Society is an integral part of telling the stories that live in all our communities. I am honored to serve in the capacity to preserve the past while also teaching for a brighter future. Dara Vance | Executive Director, Greenbrier Historical Society For more information regarding the Greenbrier Historical Society, call 304-645-3398 or visit their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How locally owned businesses help small towns
RAINELLE, WV (WVNS) – Rainelle is a town that once suffered from a lack of booming businesses and a large number of people leaving the area. Zach Top announced for the 100th State Fair of West Virginia During recent years, this town has really turned a corner, with businesses popping up all around town. The Coal Creek Salon Boutique opened in October 2024. Owner and operator Christi Sims said that she has seen a lot of positive change throughout the community since their opening. 'We are providing a service not only through the Boutique within and also hair care services, and I think that brings people that were going other places to shop at, bringing them back to the town that they live in, where they can buy the stuff they need instead of having to go elsewhere,' said Sims. Jeff Dunham to make an appearance at the State Fair of West Virginia in 2025 This new shop offers folks something a little different than what you would expect in a small town. It provides a place for people to get their hair cut locally as well as a place to shop for clothes, beauty supplies, and much more. Sims told 59News her shop is not the only one that is bettering their community. There are several other businesses in Rainelle that have really helped the town and its residents be able to stay closer to home. Places like these even give opportunities for employment to locals – something that is a boom in every community. 'We're hoping to add a nail tech, a hairstylist, and other things over time. Small towns need these things, so they do not just die off and people move into the bigger towns,' added Sims. Sims recently moved to Rainelle in the summer of 2024. Since then, she has easily integrated into the community. She said the feeling of belonging is in no small part thanks to the people she gets to be around in the town. Greenbrier Historical Society honors long-serving member on his 90th birthday 'The people here are wonderful. They are so kind. [My husband and I] have not met one person yet that that has not been super welcoming and so and so nice. They check on you when you need help, or [even when] they think you might need help. It is just a great community and people that have not been to Rainelle in a while need to come back and visit just to see how it has changed,' said Sims. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Greenbrier Historical Society honors long-serving member on his 90th birthday
LEWISBURG, WV (WVNS) — The Greenbrier Historical Society (GHS) recently celebrated to 90th birthday of long-time member and former Archivist Jim Talbert. According to a press release, Talbert was celebrated by having his name included on the GHS Roll of Honor. The listing, which began in 2024, recognizes those that have demonstrated immense passion for the history of the Greenbrier Valley, as well as a dedication to its preservation. The first inductee was Robert Teldford, Jr., whose Telford Foundation gives crucial financial and other support to the society. Nate Smith to perform at the 100th State Fair of West Virginia Talbert has assisted in the preservation and expansion of Greenbrier Valley history for decades. Through his work in the GHS archives, he assisted large numbers of locals find out about their family history. His published work on the original Lewisburg Town Lots, which was created from countless hours in the courthouse deed vault, is an incredible resource for historians. Talbert played a critical role in GHS projects, including the North House Museum, the Coffman wagon and wagon house, and the salvage and preservation of record from the Greenbrier County courthouse. Talbert and other selected inductees will be placed on a list to be displayed in the North House Museum. For more information, visit the Greenbrier Historical Society's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
