newsletter 2 -10

Junior High students in Chicago were studying the Seven Wonders of the World. At the end of the lesson, the students were asked to list what they considered to be the Seven Wonders of the World. The following received the most votes: the Great Pyramids, the Taj Mahal, the Grand Canyon, Panama Canal, Empire State Building, St. Peter’s Basilica and China’s Great Wall.
While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student, a quiet girl, hadn’t turned in her paper. The teacher asked if she was having trouble with the list. The quiet girl replied, “ Yes, a little. I couldn’t quite make up my mind because there are so many.” The teacher said, “well tell us what you have listed and maybe we can help.” The girl hesitated, then read, “I think the Seven Wonders of the World are:

to touch…
to taste…
to see…
to hear… (she hesitated and added)
to feel…
to laugh…
and to love.

The classroom became so quiet, you could have heard a pin drop. Think about it and try to enjoy all your gifts to the max!

Our Dream Comes True– The last leg of the period lighting project has been completed! Juliana Street, from 11th Street to 9th Street, is now glowing brightly like the rest of the Square. We have also purchased different banners for the light posts. The new banners announce the coming of Spring and Summer, displaying a lovely Iris. The City of Parkersburg has been so kind to switch the banners in time for the Victorian Garden Tour on June 2 & 3. We are thankful to those who have supported us and our tours over the past eight years. Our thanks also go to the City Council and the Wood County Commission for making our Historic District be brighter and more beautiful.
The New Project- When a Master Plan for restoration of Julia-Ann Square Historic District was done by West Virginia University, one of the recommendations was to erect arches at the four corners of the District. We are currently trying to get at least one of the four arches put into place.
Guided Historic Cemetery Tour- The Second Annual Historic Cemetery Tour, “Riverview/Cook Cemetery Comes Alive”, will be presented on Saturday, September 29, at the cemetery.
Current residents will portray the following former residents: 1) General John J. Jackson, 2) James Wetherall, 3) Henry Logan, 4) Elizabeth Cook, 5) Captain George Deming, 6) Henry H. Dils, 7) Ann Logan Dils, 8) Col. Wellington Vrooman, 9) Narcissa Neal Vrooman, 10) Clara Diss Debar (wife of Joseph H. Diss Debar.)
Mark your calendars today!
We have three DVD’s of the Julia-Ann Square for sale. 1) “A Historic Walking Tour”- shows exterior and gives history of the homes. $10.00;
2) “2006 Victorian Christmas Tour”- shows interior of homes. $10.00; 3) “Riverview/Cook Cemetery Comes Alive”- 2006. $5.00

A 1993 survey by R.J .Ankron Associates reveals that burials were held at that site before the Cooks acquired it. The oldest grave they found was that of B.W. Jackson who died in 1801. The first Cook family member buried there was James Thomas Cook who died in 1809.

What is that which you and every living person has seen,but will never see again?
The answer ( backwards) yadretsey

The annual Ritchie County Historical Society ice cream social will be Saturday, July 7, starting at 2:00 p.m. Prior to the ice cream social, Depot Market Days will be held from 10 a.m. until 2:00.
The events will take place at the old Pennsboro Railroad Station and will celebrate the station being placed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is hoped that Governor Manchin, Delegate Woody Ireland and Senators Edgell and Kessler will be in attendance.
Following the ceremony, free ice cream will be served and country music will fill the air. There is NO CHARGE!!!