by David Kurtz, inquisineer.blogspot.com

When I was a youngster, if we wanted to do something special (such as if there was someone visiting), a popular thing to do was to picnic at North Bend State Park. It is only about 30 miles from where I grew up, and was the only state park in the vicinity (although now Blennerhassett Island is a state park). To me, North Bend has always been a wonderful place.

My earliest memories involve piling into our 1960 Oldsmobile and heading out two-lane (not four-lane) Route 50. During those picnics in the old days, pop only came in bottles with metal caps (requiring a bottle opener—no twist offs—and don’t forget to put them back in the six-pack when empty to return to the store) or cans (don’t throw your pop top pull ring on the ground!). There were no styrofoam plates or plastic cups, just paper versions. The ice chest and drink jug were not heavy duty plastic, they were metal.

In the late ’60s during these day trips, we also played “Jarts”–a game best described as horseshoes using lawn darts (with big fins and a heavy point on the end). Because a poorly aimed Jart could penetrate a skull, they have since been banned from the marketplace.

Unlike today’s kids, while the adults set up the picnic, we (usually my cousins) were encouraged to head over to the nearest playground, to do all sorts of “dangerous” activities like monkey bars without the benefit of a rubberized landing area. We also were set free to hike the many trails (with names like the River Trail, the Nature Trail, the Giant Trees trail) within the park, without worrying about deer ticks, timber rattlers, or child predators. One of the best trails involved crossing the low water bridge to Castle Rock. When you could reach the pinnacle of Castle Rock and peer around the countryside above the treetops, you were someone special—and you knew this state park was someplace special, too.

If we were really lucky, we brought our swim suits and trudged up the steps to the pool on top of the hill. There was even natural rock formations bordering the pool area, and it was nice to climb up, spread your towel on the hot rocks, and sit during the mandatory breaks. By the way, I earned my lifesaving certificate my senior year in high school, because my plan was to work for Geraldine (?) as a lifeguard at North Bend before college. She ran the pool, and promised me a job there if I wanted it. However, I had to pass it up when the chemical plant where my dad worked selected me for summer work at a much higher wage.

When my sister and I got older, my parents bought a camping trailer. We visited lots of West Virginia State Parks, but North Bend was our home base. We would often set up camp there for the weekend. In addition to hiking and swimming, we also frequented the miniature golf (no windmills or clowns, just green carpet, brown 4 x 4s, and difficult angles). We always enjoyed the “ranger programs” and got to know the people who worked there pretty well (such as Geraldine, mentioned above).

In particular, Dave Meador was a local teacher who worked as a ranger during the summer. Mr. Meador eventually became Ritchie County School Superintendent, and I was glad that our paths crossed again when I was elected to the Wood County Board of Education. I learned lots of history and science from him. Sometimes there would be nature hikes, or even night hikes (where I learned to hold a flashlight vertically above a tombstone at night to make weather-worn engravings easy to read). He took us to see the Cairo Marble Factory when it was still in business. I remember being fascinated watching those red-hot glass blobs roll down the twin screws, eventually cooling into finished marbles.

We learned all about the oil and gas industry, even visiting a working oil well. The history of the nearby railroads and tunnels and crashes were explained. The sport of orienteering (using a map and compass to find the quickest path to the finish) was tried. We visited the Smithville hermit’s cave, which had been hewn from solid rock by a guy who preferred living a simple life away from society. We explored the remnants of the old town of Cornwallis, including a visit to an old store there that was still full of antiques. I learned lots of Ritchie County lore during time spent with Mr. Meador or the other rangers.

Some major memories took place at North Bend. When I “graduated” from Murphytown Elementary, our class trip was to North Bend State Park. Before junior high school, I was picked to participate in a regional science camp. We stayed at the Harrisville 4-H camp, but many of the activities took place at North Bend.

As a high schooler, I even got to stay alone a time or two when we would leave the trailer there between two weekends. One of these times, I hopped in a small rubber raft and floated down the rain-swollen river, through the park and past Bonds Creek before landing on a big rock, deflating the raft, packing it up into a Hefty garbage bag, and hiking back over the hill past the lodge on my way back to the campground.

Those who weren’t around in 1976 don’t realize what a big deal our nation’s Bicentennial was. Those who do can remember all the hype. Among other things, the TV networks running “Bicentennial Minutes”–short announcements related to what was going on 200 years ago that day. Many families planned where they wanted to be to celebrate that special Fourth of July. For our family, the place to be was North Bend—Dad and I went to the big “Spirit of ’76” race at nearby Pennsboro Speedway on July 4, 1976. Finally, although it brings up a topic better left untouched, my ill-fated marriage began with a honeymoon in a cabin at North Bend.

Although I have not spent much time there in recent decades, at one time I knew North Bend like the back of my hand. That’s why I didn’t mind holding down a campsite there this week and commuting to work like other Ritchie Countians coworkers do. I was glad when Anna and her brothers realized that North Bend would be an equidistant point for the three of them to gather for a family reunion weekend. It let me spend time this week with an old friend.

Dear Sarah,
I wish you could have joined us on our weekend in Lewisburg! We had such a good time. The girls and I arrived at the General Lewis Inn early Friday evening. This lovely place sits at the top of Washington Street, the main drag in Lewisburg. We settled in the inviting white rocking chairs on the front porch where we sat and watched the world go by while we reviewed the evening’s entertainment choices. There were live shows scheduled at Greenbrier Valley Theater, Lewis Theater & Trillium and Carnegie Hall.

We slept in a bit Saturday morning before having the most delicious brunch on the main floor of The General Lewis Inn. We all ordered different foods so we could sample each other’s meal. All the food was wonderful, but I was particularly curious about the rice, it was so moist and full of flavor. Our server shared the chef’s secret — he cooked it in chicken broth.

Having done some homework on what to do before we came, we decided to just leave the car in the parking lot until we left again on Sunday. How nice is that? We did have to walk back up the hill a few times but we counted that as exercise and felt virtuous in the process.  Jim Morgan, who runs the Inn, said his father used to say the walk to downtown was, “Three blocks there and six blocks back.” He wasn’t kidding.

We started our Lewisburg adventure shopping, of course. The shops of Lewisburg are a quirky mix of old and new, antiques, art galleries, dress shops and, oh – we’ll just have to visit again so you can see for yourself. Truly, there is something for everyone. There are more than five galleries in town, plus  more than a dozen specialty shops. We got waylaid in a few, talking to the owners, all of whom are just like Aunt Linnibelle. I felt Linda at Howe’s Things would offer us a glass of iced tea and lemon cookies at any moment.

While we were shopping we paused at a new bike shop called, I love this, “Hill and Holler.”  We decided not to act our age and rented a few bikes in the afternoon. What fun. The owner, Merrick, helped us pick out bikes with baskets and we peddled down the street. We got some strange looks; let me tell you, but the wind in our hair made us feel like we were 12 years old again.

We made a detour to Bella’s ~ a kitchen shop on the main street ~ and picked out a huge market basket of goodies for a late picnic lunch. The shop girl, Amy, recommended the best cheese twists ever. Next time, when you can join us, we‘ll get food and pick out a few bottles of wine.

Oh Sarah — Carnegie Hall. Stately, exquisitely restored, nestled at the end of town next to the college and the North House (a museum for our next trip). We parked our bikes and ourselves under a blooming tree in the Hall yard for our picnic. When we finished eating, we ventured inside to view the free art exhibit. Next trip, when you join us, we’ll catch a performance there.

     That afternoon, we rode around the town towards our scheduled highlight of our Girl’s Day Out ~ a spa treatment! What heaven. Remember how we were told not to miss Botanique Skin Studio? Well, Kacie, the owner, is about as sweet as can be. Susan and I got facials, but Peggy went shopping some  more. (I think she saw something earlier that she wanted to buy for Susan’s upcoming birthday.)

Pampered and primed, we returned to the Inn for a quick change and then back downtown for dinner and some drinks. So many choices to make. Traditional? Upscale? Mexican? American? Cafe? We ended up at the Irish Pub, which felt as though we took a detour and somehow, ended up in Ireland. We enjoyed Irish stew,  and could choose from dozens of select beers.  Peggy had margaritas, but Susan and I tried a few of the darker beers. Giggling afterwards, we kicked off our heels for the walk back to the Inn and felt as though we were all back in high school.

I slept late Sunday morning, and found the girls walking the halls of the Inn when I left my room, admiring all the antiques on display. You would have loved the antique furnishings and decorations that fill the Inn.  In fact, this town is flourishing with antiques. Sarah, you would just drool.

We had brunch at the Inn before we gathered our bags to leave. During brunch, a lady at the neighboring table suggested we stop on our way out of town at Fortunate Finds, the most adorable little vendor mall. I found yet another Brownie camera for my collection, Sarah, and you would have spent a pretty penny there too I am sure.

We missed you this weekend Sarah. I hope you are recoup-erating well. Next time, you will join us on our little escape. We’ll just have to come back so you can enjoy it with us. OK? Really! Get out your calendar and see how July looks for you, because next time we’re taking  bikes along the Greenbrier River Trail and a trip down the Greenbrier River too.

I can’t wait to see you, Love Jane

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2

SEED SNAP BEANS

THURSDAY, MAY 3

SEED HEAD LETTUCE

FRIDAY, MAY 4

Burnsville Methodist Church Rummage/Bake Sale, Thru May  5. 9 – 4 each day.  304-853-2476. Right beside Little General Store

Gilmer VFD Spring Fling Begins – (thru 5/60). Gilmer County Recreation Center. Entertainment, games, food. 304-462-7700

The McKameys with special guest Forgiven 4, 7 p.m. at Spencer Middle School Auditorium. Advance Tickets are $12, at door $15. Tickets may be purchased at with credit card or PayPal at  www.roanehomecoming.com.

Roundup Country, Big Otter Community Center, 7 pm

SATURDAY, MAY 5

FULL FLOWER MOON

Mountain Flea Market, Methodist Church, Mountain WV (Ritchie County) 9 am to 2 pm. Rent a table by calling 304-659-3140.

Ohio Valley Limousin Association Sale, 1 pm. Interstate & Exhibition Fairgrounds, Mineral Wells. For info, 304-483-1748

Ramp Dinner – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Erbacon Community Center, 304-742-3903

17th Annual Marble Festival – Cairo Community Building,  10am-3pm.  No admission, no set-up fee. 304.628.3445

Longaberger Basket Bingo Saturday, Heritage Park Community Building, Spencer, WV. Doors open at 3:00 p.m.

The Round Ups, 7 pm. UWF Park, Rt 16, Chloe, WV

SUNDAY, MAY 6

Ramp Dinner, 11 am, Frametown VFD. For info, 304-364-5519

Sunday Dinner – 12:00-2:00, Big Otter Community Center.  $8 adults,   $4 children.

MONDAY, MAY 7

SEED CUCUMBERS

Monthly Meeting  at the show-grounds for the Bluegrass Riding Club,  6:30 p.m.

Bingo, 6 pm, Gilmer County VFD

American Legion Post 33 Meets, Braxton Senior Center, 7pm. All Veterans Welcome, 304-765-4107.

TUESDAY, MAY 8

PRIMARY ELECTION DAY

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9

SEED SWEET CORN

FRIDAY, MAY 11

Basket Bingo, Calhoun County Middle High School Commons Area, 6:00 p.m.

Appalachian String Band, Big Otter Community Center, 7 pm, Doors open at 5.

SATURDAY, MAY 12

West Virginia Strawberry Festival – “An Exciting Family Tradition”. May 12 – May 20
Buckhannon, West Virginia – www.wvstrawberryfestival.com, ( 304) 472-9036

Yard Sale – Big Otter Community Center, 8 a.m. – ? To rent a table for $10.00 call 304-286-2383.

Bluegrass Riding Club Show at showgrounds – 3 p.m.  For information call (304) 927-1977.

Sharpshooters, 7 pm. UWF Park, Rt 16, Chloe, WV

1st WVSF Horse & Carriage Parade, 5 pm. Strawberry Lane, Buckhannon. 304-472-9036

SUNDAY, MAY 13

MOTHER’S  DAY

MONDAY, MAY 14

Bingo, 6 pm, Gilmer County VFD

FRIDAY, MAY 18

Sharp Shooters, Big Otter Community Center, 7 pm

SATURDAY, MAY 19

Calhoun Tire Collection – Cabot Recycling Station, 9a.m.- 4 p.m.  Residents of Calhoun may bring old tires for disposal. Only car, ATV, and light truck tires 16 inches or less.  304-354-7786.

Second Annual Charity Bike Show., Weston,  Main Street, 8am-8pm. 304-439-1085

Elk River Pedal & Paddle Challenge, Clay County, For info, 304-587-4455

County Line Country, 7 pm. UWF Park, Rt 16, Chloe, WV

Ki No Me Bonsai Show – Town Square, Cairo, WV.  304.628.3905,   saturdaysonthesquare@yahoo.com

SUNDAY, MAY 20

NEW  MOON

MONDAY, MAY 21

Gospel Sing – Big Otter Community Center.  Opens at 4p.m. w/ concessions available. Singing starts at 6.

Bingo, 6 pm, Gilmer County VFD

TUESDAY, MAY 22

SEED  SWEET CORN

THURSDAY, MAY 24

Webster County Woodchopping Festival Begins, Webster Springs, for info – 304-847-7666. Runs thru 5/27

FRIDAY, MAY 25

37th annual Vandalia Gathering Beings, thru 5/27. Charleston Capitol Complex. www.wvculture.org/vandalia/

Upper West Fork Park Music Festival Begins. Rt. 16, Chloe, WV. Runs thru 5/27.

Sharp Shooters, Big Otter Community Center, 7 pm

SUNDAY, MAY 27

Memorial Balloon Launch – purchase & release a balloon in memory of a loved one. Sales begin @ 2 PM, Launch is @ 4: pm.  Clay County Park at Maysel, WV. 304-587-7530

MONDAY, MAY 28

MEMORIAL DAY

Bingo, 6 pm, Gilmer County VFD

THURSDAY, MAY 31

FIRE SEASON ENDS

Calhoun County Wood Festival Begins, Grantsville, WV. For info, 304-532-0084

One of the current best selling books, a novel by Kathryn Stockett entitled The Help has been the conversation piece in several social settings of which I have been a part in recent months. It first came to my attention at a ballroom dance that my wife and I were attending in Indianapolis back in July. Our tablemates were from Mississippi and were quite well-to-do. They were very interested in the book because they still had help at their house, provided by African-Americans. Since that time the book has come up in several locations where I have found myself. I have not read the book, but my wife is currently in the process of doing so. At any rate, all of the talk about domestic help set me to thinking about the help that I observed when I was growing up in post World War II rural West Virginia.

I actually knew people who had domestic help. But they were not called maids or servants. Everyone referred to them as “hired girls.” As a matter of fact, my closest neighbor had a hired girl.

The first thing I remember about rural West Virginia hired girls is that they were all white. That was not a surprising fact in my neck of the woods because the nearest black person was some thirty miles away.

There were actually two kinds of hired girls in the world that I knew. Some of them were just part-time and were hired during the peak canning season, or oftentimes during spring cleaning. Most modern folks don’t know about spring cleaning but it was a major deal back in earlier days. Every room in the house received a total cleaning. All of the furniture was moved out, walls and ceilings were washed down (sometimes painted), and the hardwood floors were thoroughly cleaned and oftentimes got a new coat of varnish.

I have vivid memories of wrestling mattresses out of the house each spring and placing them on sawhorses in the yard where they could sun all day while the room was being cleaned. Spring cleaning was difficult work. A hired girl was a handy thing to have. But these part-timers usually moved in for a couple of weeks and became a part of the household.

Some hired girls that I knew were full time. They were often brought in when the lady of the house was getting older or was in poor health. These girls became a part of the family. They did not live in servant’s quarters and were treated as equals in every way. They sat at the supper table with everyone else and shared the living room and parlor during the evenings.

I am sure that the pay was not much because most folks who hired them were not wealthy. But the families provided free room and board and a small stipend.

Who were these girls anyway? Why would they want to be hired girls? Most usually they were young women who quit high school and had not yet found their way in the world. Others were middle years ladies who had lost their husbands, or perhaps, never found one in the first place.

But, actually, they enjoyed a pretty good life. They had a nice clean place to live, sat down to good meals everyday, and enjoyed the community social life. I saw men come a-court’n some of them.

I don’t think any hired girls I knew ever thought of themselves as being inferior or felt discriminated against. Of course in the pre-1960′s south, where the novel is based, race was still a sensitive issue and I am sure it had something to do with the way the help was treated. On the other hand, when you think of earlier times in merry old England, the hired help there was usually white and certainly did not get treated as equals.

Hired girls as I knew them might well have been a hill country phenomenon.

Mack Samples is a writer and musician who lives in Clay County. Visit online at http://www.macksamples.com or email him at macksamples@gmail.com.

Lists are like opinions, everyone has them and they are good topics for argument. It was very difficult for me to come up with this list of my favorite fishing destinations. There are no secret spots here, just nice or convenient locations; for me.  Number one was easy; but it got hard from that point. I hope to get to enjoy some of these places this year. Fishing time has become almost non-existent for me, over the past couple of years. But, there is always hope. Here we go, beginning with number ten.

Elk River below Sutton Dam made the cut. I haven’t fished there much. When I have had the opportunity to be in the area, I have always been able to catch several trout. It is nice when the water levels allow wading and has a very diverse population of species available.

Shavers Fork at Bowden is close to home and convenient for me, it is usually too crowded. But, you can be sure to find some fish, if you have the time to search for them. The river in this section is a little large to fish properly and is therefore very frustrating. It is also under fished as a smallmouth bass location.

Glady Fork would be higher on my list, if it wasn’t so crowded. Some quality fishing can be had if you go before or after the stocking season. The size of the stream is nice for fishing.

The upper section of the Williams River is usually full of fish and is the right size. Flooding changes the stream structure on a yearly basis. A good spot one year, may be high and dry the next year. You never know, until you go.

Shavers Fork (Upper Section) is on the list, because I like being on top of Cheat Mountain. Fish can be found, if you can find a spot to park. Are you getting the feeling that I don’t like crowded conditions?

The Tygart River from Becky’s Creek upstream to Valley Head is a nice section of fishing water for both trout and smallmouth. When I fish there, I always have the feeling that this river could provide a higher quality fishery; with better management.

The Dry Fork River from Jenningston downstream is rather large and hard to fish during the springtime. Lower water periods of late Spring and early Summer are the best times to wade and fish this section for both trout and smallmouths. Great scenery.

Knapps Creek is strange. The first couple of times you fish it, you will think: Yuk. If given a chance, it will grow on you and bring some pleasant surprises.

The West Fork of the Greenbrier River follows the old railroad grade upstream from Durbin. The fishing in the springtime can be great up to the mouth of Little River. Park and walk; you will be rewarded. Nice fly hatches at times.

The Dry Fork River (Job-Red Creek) comes in at the top spot. It just looks and feels like a real trout stream. This section has everything that you could hope for and is the perfect size. This is my go-to spot when time allows and the place for a couple of quick casts when passing by.

Now you have something to argue about and ponder; but remember this is MY list. Enjoy Spring !!

Visit Randy at http://www.randy-bodkins.fineartamerica.com or at highvirginiaoutdoors.blogspot.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 1

SPRING FIRE SEASON BEGINS

“31 Gifts” Bingo – Calhoun County High School, Doors open 5 p.m., games at 6. 304-354-6332

FRIDAY, MARCH 2

PLANT ONION SETS

Longaberger Basket  & Coach Purse Bingo, Doors open 5 pm, Gilmer Co. Senior Center. For Tickets Call 304-462-7605

County Line, Braxton County Jamboree, Chapel Rd, Gassaway,  7 pm, 304-364-5577

SATURDAY, MARCH 3

Free Jewelry Beading Demonstration w/ Mary Redman. 11am-1pm, The Artisans at PJ Berrys, Sutton, 304-402-2117

Band Wagon, 7 pm, Upper West Fork Park, Rt. 16, Chloe

Truth Seekers Meeting So. Chas. Library,  11-4 pm . 304 344 2335

SUNDAY, MARCH 4

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Benefit – Sr Center, Grantsville. Dinners beginning at 11:30 a.m.  Auction  1:30 p.m.  (304)354-9563

Roane County Gun Club Shooting Match, 1 pm, Tucker’s Run, Spencer, 304-927-2146

THURSDAY, MARCH 8

FULL WORM MOON

Tyler County/Elkins Raceway Stock Car Show, Meadowbrook Mall, Bridgeport. Thru 3/11

FRIDAY, MARCH 9

SEED TOMATOES  INDOORS

9th Annual Culinary Classic Weekend, Stonewall Resort,  304-269-7400

Laurel Creek Bluegrass, Braxton County Jamboree, Chapel Rd, Gassaway, 7 pm, 304-364-5577

SATURDAY, MARCH 10

SEED PEPPERS INDOORS

Sharp Shooters, 7 pm, Upper West Fork Park, Rt. 16, Chloe

Wirt Co. Relay for Life Spring Arts & Crafts Show – Wirt County Primary Center,  9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 304-615-0613

Longaberger, Case, and $50 prepaid Visa Bingo, Arnoldsburg Community Building. Doors open 4:30,  games 5:30. 304-655-8972

SUNDAY, MARCH 11

DAYLIGHT SAVING BEGINS

TUESDAY, MARCH 13

SEED PEAS OUTDOORS

Brilliant “Double Planet”- Venus and Jupiter team up in the western sky soon after sunset. They will be separated by 3 degrees on this evening.

FRIDAY, MARCH 16

Free Women’s Health Screening, Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital.304-269-8000.

Common Tradition,Braxton  Jamboree, Gassaway,  7 pm

SATURDAY, MARCH 17

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

6th Annual “Greater Mountain Lakes Area” Home & Garden Show, Summersville Armory Arena, 10 am – 6 pm

28th West Virginia Maple Syrup Festival, Pickens, WV,

Blue Maggie, 7 pm, Upper West Fork Park, Rt. 16, Chloe

Roane County Gun Club Shooting Match, 11 am, Tucker’s Run, Spencer, 304-927-2146

SUNDAY, MARCH 18

6th Annual “Greater Mountain Lakes Area” Home & Garden Show, Summersville Armory Arena, 1 pm – 5 pm

TUESDAY, MARCH 20

SPRING BEGINS

Blood drive, 1 to 6 PM, Troy Elementary School, Rt. 47, Troy WV.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21

SET STRAWBERRY PLANTS

THURSDAY, MARCH 22

NEW MOON

Rock Legends, 8 pm, Smoot Theatre, 304-422-7529213 Fifth St., Parkersburg

FRIDAY, MARCH 23

SEED RADISHES OUTDOORS

Women’s Getaway Weekend, North Bend State Park, 304-643-2931

Homey Falls, The Braxton County Jamboree, Chapel Rd, Gassaway, 7 pm, 304-364-5577

SUNDAY, MARCH 25

Roane County Gun Club Shooting Match, 1 pm, Tucker’s Run, Spencer, 304-927-2146

Quilter’s Spring Retreat, North Bend State Park, 304-643-2931

FRIDAY, MARCH 30

23 Special, The Braxton County Jamboree, Chapel Rd, Gassaway, 7 pm, 304-364-5577

SATURDAY, MARCH 31

The Round Ups, 7 pm, Upper West Fork Park, Rt. 16, Chloe

I didn’t have to travel very far yesterday when I traveled West Virginia, because this landmark is fairly close to where I live.

I walked up these steps . . .

 Displays are throughout the Center . . .

I took a ride up Elkwater, last Thursday to look at the new Elkwater Fork Water Supply Dam. I wanted to see it before the graffiti and trash take over. It is a nice quiet spot, right now. The Elkwater Road has received major upgrades. I can remember when nothing except for a high four-wheel drive vehicle could reach this area. The road is now passable for everything. The dam was built as a much needed water supply for the Upper Tygart Valley. It has yet to be determined or publicized as to what recreational opportunities this pond will bring. Elkwater Fork was at one time, my favorite trout fishing spot; when other waters were too crowded or too high. I caught my first trout on an artificial lure in Elkwater on Easter Sunday 1974. I also caught my first trout on a dry fly there in 1975.

I truly hope that this area will be managed properly for recreational opportunities. It would be a real shame if it becomes a dumping ground for mattresses and refrigerators; like so many other spots in the Upper Valley. I also hope that it doesn’t just become another West Virginia mecca for lawn chairs and play-dough dunkers. The area deserves better. I will not bore you with the ponds’ details, you can read them from the next photo.