History was again "made alive" as Debra
Conner portrayed yet another important figure of
our past. Though few of the fifty-two people attending
were familiar with the works of Rebecca
Davis Harding, at the end of the evening, the 19th
century author may have had a new following.
As with all her portrayals through the History
Alive program of the West Virginia Humanities
Council, Debra did an excellent job. The
WCHPS is fortunate to have three History Alive
performers in our membership. In addition to
Debra, Patty Cooper and Betty Leavengood do
portrayals of people who have made a difference.
Attendance for the February meeting was also
good, as 42 persons were in attendance to hear of
the Kanalz family and a oration by "Mr. Lincoln".
Our May meeting will occur in the Underwood
Shelter at Fort Boreman Park. All members of our
historical society are urged to participate in this
Spring outing and enjoy the atmosphere and fantastic
views of Fort Boreman Park.
The WCHPS will provide the main course- barbecue
sandwiches and drinks. Members and
guests should bring their favorite side dishes and/
or desserts, and a table serving.
Arrive whenever you want; eating will begin at
6:00pm. HOPE YOU CAN MAKE IT!
H & P Page 4
NEWS AND VIEWS FROM WITHIN THE WCHPS
J.P. VAUGHAN PRESERVATION AWARDS DINNER - MAY 5
The ninth annual preservation awards dinner,
honoring the founder of the Wood County Historical
and Preservation Society, will occur May 5, in
the Hall of Banners at the First Baptist Church on
Market Street. The evening will begin with a reception
period at 6:00; dinner will be served at
6:30. The meal will consist of stuffed chicken
breast, baked potato, green beans, salad, dessert
and drink; cost per meal is $15.00 Please make
every effort to support your historical society and
our preservation efforts by attending this event.
- P. (Jim) Vaughan was a driving force in the
preservation of buildings and local history.
Vaughan passed away in January of 2000. In May
of that year the first awards were given, perpetuating
the memory and efforts of Jim Vaughan.
Awards are presented to local preservationists in
the categories of Arts and Letters, Building Preservation
and General Preservation of History.
More about the Vaughan Awards Dinner and
reservation form on page 11.
Tavenner Cemetery Association
to be Revived; Improvements to the
Cemetery to be Completed.
2008 Meetings Begin
With Great Attendance
SPRING IS PICNIC TIME!
Wood County Historical and Preservation Society
OF WEST VIRGINIA
Spring, being the time of revival, is perhaps the
ideal time to return the Tavenner Cemetery Association
to life. The Secretary of State of West Virginia
awarded corporation status to the association
in 1948. The main purpose of the association was
to take over control and management of the cemetery,
in order to "improve, beautify, protect and
preserve the same perpetually".
The original incorporators were- A.H. George;
- W. Stuart; H.W. Piggott; Mrs. Shirley Bee; Ray
Tavenner and Rolla M. McDougle.
The last member of that group, Mrs. Bee, passed
away in 1997.
Though new members for the association have
not been finalized, Stuart McDougle of Vienna, a
brother to one of the original members, has offered
to serve as a member of the Association.
Though total restoration work in Tavenner
Cemetery may take years, it is hoped that comfortable
steps, leading from the Camden Avenue sidewalk
into the cemetery can be completed soon.
The newly revived cemetery association will be
able to take ownership of a small strip of land between
the cemetery and Camden Avenue. It is on
this property that we plan to do landscaping.
The fence that was installed last fall, steps and
landscaping should create an appearance of beauty
and concern that has been lacking for years. We
thank everyone who has contributed to this effort
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