Tuesday, June 30, 2009
June 20, 2009.
Early in my political experience I was appointed to LOCEA, the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability by then Speaker of the House, Bob Kiss of which my responsibility was to review and recommend any changes associated with education.
One project of note that came before the Commission was the new State History Museum, although not entirely new the museum had been around for more than 100 years when it was determined that a redesign was long overdue.
The design idea was different; create a show path as opposed to the present “find a state artifact and find a place for it.” What you previously had was a disoriented, disassociated mess, whereas, most artifacts lacked signage and relevance to the artifact next to it…of course there were exceptions. The log cabin, general store and 35 Star National flag where and remain some of our states’ prized possessions.
The design plan was simple; create a show path which displays objects in chronological order, beginning with the year 500 BC and the evolution of coal. Pretty simple, so it would seem, but the project required in excess of $24 million dollars and gutting the present museum in order to make room for the new design.
While many eyebrows were raised with the estimated cost to the project, the design team of four soon went to work reevaluating the project and value engineering every inch of the 25,000 square foot space, which fortunately for all of us brought the project in under $17 million. 2002 marked the beginning of a very lengthy project that would not come to fruition until June 20, 2009 with the grand opening of the new State Museum.
Even if you are not a museum going person this show path of our state’s history is worth the walk, consisting of an 1/8 of a mile walk beginning with 500 B.C. West Virginia and culminating in visual display of digital information and sights of West Virginia.
The museum walks you through our history creating an overall picture of our roots, our heritage and storied past and yes at times, a violent past. While the corner store, moonshine still, coal wars and military experience are vital to our past, State hood plays central to my museum experience. Perhaps, it’s because I am member of the legislature or maybe something simpler, perhaps it’s the pride I take in being a West Virginian. Either way, I delight in the experience the museum gives me and would strongly encourage anyone to visit the West Virginia State Museum.
What can you look forward to seeing during your visit to the museum? One can’t miss item is the 35 Star National Flag that was flown at Gettysburg during Lincolns Gettysburg Address in November of 1863. Just imagine, we were but a state for 5 months when Lincoln delivered, ”Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal…” What more can I say?
Other artifacts of interest include; Daniel Boones Long rifle, the first journal of the House of Delegates, Philippi Covered Bridge, a coal mine, log cabin, log fort and over 3,000 additional artifacts and stories.
So I ask you, why stay home this weekend?
The WV State Museum is located in the Charleston Capitol Complex and is open Tuesday through Sunday. 9:00am -5:00pm Admission is free.
WEST VIRGINIA RESORT SPRINGS
Summer is here and as always I try and find something adventurous to do, and with the escalation of fuel cost I've determined that maybe Rachel and I should stay close to home.
That being said, several months ago Rachel and I came across a book which described the location and the history behind some of the resort style springs here in West Virginia and Virginia. So I thought, maybe this summer Rachel and I would pack up the truck, camping gear and all, and try to find a few of the lesser known Springs here in West Virginia, many of which have fallen into ruins and are for the most part non-existent.
To those of you unfamiliar with spring style resorts; "springs" came into in fashion during the 1800's when the social elite escaped the cities for cooler mountain locations and to socialize with those of social distinction. Many of the resorts warm waters supposedly held medicinal purposes and attracted visitors to the region in an attempt heal whatever ailed them at the time. One such visitor was George Washington who was rumored to visit spring locations on a regular basis. Perhaps you have heard of his favorite spring? In the 1700's it was known as Bath, Virginia... you may know it today as Berkeley Springs WV.
Visiting springs throughout the south was not uncommon as a matter of fact "making the circuit" was common practice as the social elite would travel from one spring resort to another. Although, the practice began as means to escape the stifling heat of the city and to receive treatment for ailments, it to quickly became an indicator of social status to be seen at several resorts each season, thus "making the circuit" evolved.
This past weekend while visiting Rachel's friends in Keyser WV we made a little side trip to one of those many springs here in WV; Green Springs located an hour southeast of Cumberland MD and 2 hours west of Washington DC offers a ghost tale of the past.
The community of Green Springs still host a population of 75 or so people, the community itself is unique in that it sits at a cross roads for rail service, with lines approaching the town from the south with intersecting lines heading east to west just north of the community.
The spring and buildings associated with the resort have long since disappeared leaving nothing more than a green space of heavy trees and underbrush to hide its former location, as a matter fact the community itself does little to advertise the former resort location. If I for the small community kiosk information I would have missed the map that was on display which detailed the community building by building.
Although not drawn to scale, the child like map did help in determining the original location of Green Springs resort. If for some strange reason you find yourself in the area of Green Springs please make note of the Wild Horse Saloon on the edge of town, directly behind the saloon is the original location of the resort. While in the town make a right at the first major intersection you come to and drive approximately half a mile until you come to the low level bridge across the Potomac, just across the river lies the C&O Canal and tow path.
Rachel and I were unable to cross the river during our visit due to the recent flooding, but for the adventurous the bridge appears to be in sound condition and is used daily by local residents working in Cumberland area and for those who catch commuter trains from the Cumberland depot heading east to DC.
Would I recommend Green Springs to tourist? Probably not as a destination, but if you are in the area certainly stop by. Make sure and top off the tank before you leave the main road; maybe pick up a few supplies for a make shift picnic lunch as well, Green Springs offers a very nice community park which is located just 200 ft east of the original resort site.
Next stop Capon and Lost Springs, later this summer we head south in search of more former resort style springs located here in the state, many located in the hills around the Greenbrier Resort.
Explore West Virginia you'll be glad you did and remember the destination is not always as important as the trip getting there.
That being said, several months ago Rachel and I came across a book which described the location and the history behind some of the resort style springs here in West Virginia and Virginia. So I thought, maybe this summer Rachel and I would pack up the truck, camping gear and all, and try to find a few of the lesser known Springs here in West Virginia, many of which have fallen into ruins and are for the most part non-existent.
To those of you unfamiliar with spring style resorts; "springs" came into in fashion during the 1800's when the social elite escaped the cities for cooler mountain locations and to socialize with those of social distinction. Many of the resorts warm waters supposedly held medicinal purposes and attracted visitors to the region in an attempt heal whatever ailed them at the time. One such visitor was George Washington who was rumored to visit spring locations on a regular basis. Perhaps you have heard of his favorite spring? In the 1700's it was known as Bath, Virginia... you may know it today as Berkeley Springs WV.
Visiting springs throughout the south was not uncommon as a matter of fact "making the circuit" was common practice as the social elite would travel from one spring resort to another. Although, the practice began as means to escape the stifling heat of the city and to receive treatment for ailments, it to quickly became an indicator of social status to be seen at several resorts each season, thus "making the circuit" evolved.
This past weekend while visiting Rachel's friends in Keyser WV we made a little side trip to one of those many springs here in WV; Green Springs located an hour southeast of Cumberland MD and 2 hours west of Washington DC offers a ghost tale of the past.
The community of Green Springs still host a population of 75 or so people, the community itself is unique in that it sits at a cross roads for rail service, with lines approaching the town from the south with intersecting lines heading east to west just north of the community.
The spring and buildings associated with the resort have long since disappeared leaving nothing more than a green space of heavy trees and underbrush to hide its former location, as a matter fact the community itself does little to advertise the former resort location. If I for the small community kiosk information I would have missed the map that was on display which detailed the community building by building.
Although not drawn to scale, the child like map did help in determining the original location of Green Springs resort. If for some strange reason you find yourself in the area of Green Springs please make note of the Wild Horse Saloon on the edge of town, directly behind the saloon is the original location of the resort. While in the town make a right at the first major intersection you come to and drive approximately half a mile until you come to the low level bridge across the Potomac, just across the river lies the C&O Canal and tow path.
Rachel and I were unable to cross the river during our visit due to the recent flooding, but for the adventurous the bridge appears to be in sound condition and is used daily by local residents working in Cumberland area and for those who catch commuter trains from the Cumberland depot heading east to DC.
Would I recommend Green Springs to tourist? Probably not as a destination, but if you are in the area certainly stop by. Make sure and top off the tank before you leave the main road; maybe pick up a few supplies for a make shift picnic lunch as well, Green Springs offers a very nice community park which is located just 200 ft east of the original resort site.
Next stop Capon and Lost Springs, later this summer we head south in search of more former resort style springs located here in the state, many located in the hills around the Greenbrier Resort.
Explore West Virginia you'll be glad you did and remember the destination is not always as important as the trip getting there.
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