newsletter 4-2

Though West Virginia politics are probably no different than in other state, they were possibly responsible for the loss of an employee who has dedicated more than thirty years to faithfully preserve state and local history. Fred Armstrong was director of West Virginia State History and Archives Collection and very few can find any fault with the collection during his tenure.
Unfortunately, his was a “politically appointed” position, vulnerable to the whims of those above him.
Why was he escorted out of a building that he had reign over for years? An issue that was possibly involved was Fred’s opinion about a cafeteria that the Governor has proposed for the Culture and History Building. If this is the case, Governor Manchin has made a unfortunate mistake

History and Preservation is printed quarterly by the Wood County Historical and Preservation Society. Items for consideration can be mailed to Bob Enoch, 85 Phoenix Street, Parkersburg, WV 26104 or call 485-8655.

2007 Officers and Board of Directors are:
President– Bob Enoch
robertenoch@netzero.net
First Vice President– Gerry Kohler
gkohler@access.k12.wv.us
Second Vice president– Barbara Radiker
barbararadiker@yahoo.com
Secretary– Ed McHenry
ejmchenry@suddenlink.net
Treasurer– Paul Hawkins
phawk@casinternet.net
Directors– MaryJo Blythe, David Kanalz and
Bruce McCoy.

The Society normally meets the last Monday of each month in the Summers Auditorium at the Parkersburg/Wood County Public Library on Emerson Avenue, at 7p.m. The society does not meet in December and the November meeting is the annual business/dinner meeting and is held at a site other than the library.
Visitors Are Always Welcome!

If this issue of History and Preservation seems different, it is– four pages have been added. We’re experimenting!
Adding 4-pages also means 25% more material is needed, not necessarily an easy task. But, with the writing talent that our membership possesses, literary contributions should be readily available. In this issue, in addition to history related articles, you’ll also find “human interest” type writings. We hope that these will be well received. Please make your comments known to any board member.
Larger also means a bit more printing and more postage costs. These extra expenses might be offset somewhat by offering small-advertising blocks and as was announced at our November business meeting, dues in 2009 will be increased to $15.00.
We hope that these changes meet with your approval. Please share your thoughts and any concerns that you may have.

The historical society always welcomes new members. Our only requirements are that members have a sincere interest in history and a desire to see that history preserved and shared. We hope that members can be active and attend meetings, but we realize that not everybody can do that; there are many who can support our preservation efforts only through their membership. Dues are only $10/year for an individual or family membership.