Wood County Historical and Preservation Society
On a day that was beautiful in every way, our own Dr. Hovis was the feature speaker who officially opened Wood County’s newest park to the world. The Dr’s voice didn’t carry near as far as the three blasts from the park cannon that spread the news of the event to our neighbors across the Ohio River. In fact, much of Washington County, Ohio and Wood County heard the roar created by 10 ounces of black powder!
In a great show of unity, several re-enacting units along with their support groups, added a bit of realism to the opening of Fort Boreman Park. Camp scenes, including a Confederate camp, and a field hospital all added to the flavor of the day. One of the favorites was the 6th Ohio Cavalry who with but six horses, were able to put on an interesting field demonstration.
Louisville Courier
A useful man to Stonewall Jackson was old Miles, the Virginia bridge-builder. Bridges were swept away so often by floods or burned by the enemy that miles was as necessary to the Confederate Army as Jackson himself.
One day the Union troops had retreated and burned a bridge across the Shenandoah. Jackson, determined to follow them, summoned Miles.
“You must put all your men on that bridge,” said he, “they must work all night, and the bridge must be completed by daylight. My engineer shall furnish you the plan, and you can go right ahead.”
Early next morning Jackson, in a very doubtful frame of mind, met the old bridge-builder. “Well,” said the General, “did the engineer give you the plans for the bridge?” “General,” returned Miles slowly, “the bridge is done. I don’t know whether the picture is or not!”
Contrary to what we often imply, preservation efforts do occur. The photo below shows exterior work being done at St. Xavier Catholic Church on Market Street. Our readers may recall that two or three years ago, Trinity Episcopal Church on Juliana Street completed major exterior work at their historic Church. The board and congregations of these two churches are to be commended for their commitment.
H & P Page 5
Dr. Logan Hovis Makes It Official-
Fort Boreman Historic Park is Open!
Initiated by letters to the Editor from Brian Kesterson and Terry McVey, acted upon by the WCHPS, supported by the Wood County Commission, and with assistance by many persons, the people of Parkersburg and Wood County have another place of which they can be very proud.
Enoch Receives “Spirit Award”
On Saturday, June 9, 2007, Dr. Logan Hovis shared remarks and recollections about the building of Fort Boreman and Fort Boreman Historic Park.
In a surprise presentation at the opening ceremony of the park, Commissioner Rick Modesitt, honored Bob Enoch, WCHPS president and chairman of the Fort Boreman Park Commission, with The Spirit of Wood County Award.
Fort Boreman Is Once Again Occupied With the
Blue and the Gray!
The Civil War
– from P-burg DSJ, 10/3/1883
Stonewall’s Bridge Builder
Preservation Does Occur in Parkersburg
Now, if we can just get the city to officially have the same commitment of “preserving the past for the future” the future will be brighter!
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