newsletter 4-4

In mid-October, your president finally took time to visit with Sam Harford. For those who have had the good fortune of knowing Sam, either as a pastor, history professor or long-time first vice-president of our historical society, it is my pleasure to report that Sam is very well! Though he will still probably not be able to make our meetings, he still exercises every day, reads extensively (as he always did) and is enjoying the comfort and support of his family.
On December 14, Sam celebrated his 92 birth date! Glancing at a calendar, Sam stated that “it only tells you how long you’ve lived– not how old you are. Age is what you make it; how old you are is determined by your heart and your mind.” These are words of wisdom that Sam has definitely taken to heart!

Pleas, prayers and pleadings have finally been answered– Thank you! It is with great pleasure (and relief) that I acknowledge that two men have stepped forward and offered assistance with work at our cemeteries. Stacy Warner began offering his help in late summer and has assisted at Tavenner and Dils Cemeteries. In October, WCHPS member Rod King spent a few hours at Holliday Cemetery, helping “lay it aside” for the winter months.
Their offering to help is very encouraging and will make the coming of spring even better!

Results of the annual Parkersburg News and Sentinel cookbook contest were announced in October. Our historical society was well represented in the list of winners.
In the category of soups, Jean Hilton was awarded 3rd place for her “Chicken Corn Rival” soup; in the main dish category, Jim Miracle took 1st place for his “Smokin Tortugas Chicken Enchiladas”, and in the grouping of baked desserts, a first place award also went to Betty Leavengood who apparently impressed the judges with her Pecan Grand Marnier Cheesecake.
Perhaps someday day, other members of the WCHPS will have the opportunity to sample these winning recipes.

At the October meeting, it was decided to donate $500 toward reroofing the caretakers building at Riverview Cemetery. When complete, Matt will use the project to advance into the elite group known as Eagle Scouts.

Not since the previous woven-wire fence was installed in the 1950’s, has Tavenner Cemetery appeared so well.
With local donations that totaled over $4,000., $1,200 from our fundraising boat trip, and a $2,500 grant from The Oakland Foundation, the fence is paid for.
In addition to the new fence, WCHPS member Jack Wigal repainted and added lettering to the cemetery sign. He did an excellent job.
We also plan to install concrete steps from the Camden Avenue sidewalk into the cemetery.

One of our long-time supporters at Holliday Cemetery has been Ruth Merriman. Over the years Ruth has decorated graves, planted flowers, supplied the cemetery caretakers with soda and water, called when things weren’t right, supplied tools and planted trees.
It was one of the trees that she had planted that brought her gentle wrath down on your president/caretaker; it was a deserved chastisement! I decided to get rid of what I thought was a 3” locust tree growing from the middle of a rose bush. A telephone call from the normally very cordial Mrs. Merriman informed me that I had cut down a crepe myrtle that she had planted. MY BAD!!! But, she forgave me and we’re friends again!