Preston County History Day celebrates various aspects of life in earlier centuries, proudly restored and preserved by volunteers. On June 15, celebrate West Virginia’s 162nd birthday early by learning more about Preston County’s history and who and what came before us.
Preston County History Day will be observed on the 15th at Arthurdale Heritage, open 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; the Aurora Area Historical Society Museum, 1-4 p.m.; the McGrew House in Kingwood, 1-3 p.m.; the Head, Heart, Hands & Health Museum in Reedsville, 2-4 p.m.; the Szilagyi Center museums in Rowlesburg from 1-4 p.m.; the History House Museum in Terra Alta, 1:30-4:30 p.m.; and the Tunnelton Train Depot from 1-3 p.m.
Learn why the groundbreaking efforts of the nation’s first New Deal subsistence homestead project at Arthurdale were made. Eleanor Roosevelt, America’s first lady, was involved from the very first days in creating the prototype settlement. Her annual visits to pass out diplomas at the high school commencements were important occasions. Appreciate why Aurora, one of the first areas settled in the county, was once a summer resort town for wealthy city residents coming to “take the mountain air.” It was a stylish place in the late Victorian era.
Understand the unique legacy of Kingwood businessman, James C. McGrew, who also helped West Virginia to become our nation’s 35th state. Learn how Persis McGrew, his wife, also enhanced Preston County life in the mid- and late-1800s.
As many know, the 4-H program has been part of county life for over 100 years. The Reedsville museum contains mementos of the varied projects young people undertook. Initially related to farm life, working on their own or in teams, members learned as they worked and built character for generations of Prestonians. The Szilagyi Center in Rowlesburg has multiple museums which give visitors extensive connections to World War II’s challenges and its servicemen, Preston County’s own high school sports heroes, and railroad bridges. The History House’s exhibits on antique weapons and armor, cameras, musical instruments, farm and carpentry tools will give young and old an opportunity to learn about life as it was lived many generations ago. The Tunnelton Train Depot museum explains railroad life and commerce that continued late into the 20th Century. The 1913 brick depot was used by the B&O Railroad, and there are two historic tunnels nearby.
Also, there are three outdoor Civil War Trail sites near Aurora and Rowlesburg. Another aspect of county history is the 1854 Virginia Iron Furnace along Route 26 north of Albright where iron ore was mined. A combination of waterpower and a charcoal-fired blast furnace produced iron ingots.
These county sites will be open on the third Sunday of each month through October 19.
