NON-PROFIT ORG U. S. POSTAGE November 2006 P A I D PERMIT NO. 1409 CHAS WV 25301

Friends of Blackwater BLACKWATER CANYON TRAIL HERITAGE MEMORIAL TO WEST VIRGINIA LABORERS MUST BE SAVED! The timber company Allegheny Wood Many historic railroad bridges, cut-stone Products wants to turn the scenic Canyon archways, coke ovens, and retaining Trail, on our public land, into a logging and walls lie along this old West Virginia and condominium road. After months of public Maryland Railroad grade (the steepest grade in comment, the Forest Service is still ignoring the east, in the boom period of 1880 to 1920). the recommendations of the Wilderness The Blackwater Industrial Complex with Society, the National Trust for Historic the ribbon of railroad grade that ties it Preservation, the State Historic Preservation together has been declared eligible for the National Office (SHPO), the EPA, and the Advisory Register of Historic Places. Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP). The Forest Service still refuses to The latest Service proposal for the even consider barring Allegheny Wood Canyon Trail is – get this – to “evaluate” all Products from destroying this monument the historic resources on the Trail, to workers from 14 countries who built the and then they can be destroyed! amazing coal, coke and railroad center, one see Trail page 3 SOS CAMPAIGN MOVES FORWARD Inside this Edition SAVE OUR SQUIRREL! The endangered West Virginia Director’s Letter - Page 2 northern flying squirrel, (Glacomyus sabrinus fuscus), under federal protection since 1985, Save Blackwater Canyon (cont’d) - Page 3 is the exemplar mammal species of the boreal forests of the Allegheny Highlands North Fork Watershed - Page 4 and the Monongahela National Forest. Now Save Cheat Canyon - Page 5 this tiny, big-eyed mammal is under direct attack from the Bush Administration’s Fish Keep Dolly Sods Wild - Page 5 and Wildlife Service. The Blackwater Challenge - Page 6 & 7 The ancestors of the West Virginia Flying Squirrel moved to the high ridges of Blackwater Heritage: The Railroad - Page 8 the Appalachians during the last Ice Age, and evolved into “high elevation specialists”, In Memory & Honor - Page 9 thriving in West Virginia’s cold, damp, Mesophytic Forest Ecoregion of the Central fungus-laden forests. This signature species Appalachians, recognized by the World Blackwater Heritage: J.R. Clifford - Page 10 shares its ecological niche with the Wildlife Funds in their Global 2000 Ecoregion threatened Cheat Mountain salamander, the Report as one of the most unique and Recreation & Tourism: White Grass - Page 10 northern water shrew, dwarf cornel, blister pine, species rich ecosystems in the world. the snowshoe hare, the winter wren, and the The squirrel’s habitat is threatened by Nature Notes: Christmas Greenings - Page 11 black-throated blue warbler. logging, mining, road building, and other land-clearing activities. Global Membership Form - Page 11 The squirrel’s habitat is in the Mixed see SOS page 3 Blue Ridge Outdoors on National Park - Page 12 Working to protect West Virginia’s Highlands, including the Blackwater Holiday Gift Order Form - Page 12 River watershed and the Blackwater Canyon. November 2006 November 2006 Notes from the Director

Dear Friends, Trail (cont’d from page 1) Board of Directors hundred and twenty years ago. addresses. We expect the As the holiday season approaches, we are reminded that for many of us, the Forest Service to come out with Judy Rodd - President Blackwater Canyon is a spiritual haven, an island of peace in a troubled world. Thank you everyone! for a final decision in November. Paul Hill - Vice-President Nature generously gives humanity these wonderful natural landscapes that can sending protest letters to the If it’s a bad one, we Forest Service, the SHPO, expect legal action to follow. Jeannie Dalporto - inspire and restore us. We must not allow her precious gifts to be destroyed! the ACHP and the EPA. Secretary Last month alone, over 700 We also need more names I am glad to report that the Blackwater Canyon Trail has a vigorous new people let them know that the for the petition asking Linda Cooper - Treasurer champion, the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Trust has strongly historic sites on the Governor Manchin to pro- Sandy Fisher challenged the Forest Service’s Historic Review, and has pointed out the Service’s Blackwater Canyon Trail must be tect the trail - again you utter failure to follow the law. We are honored and encouraged that this preserved -- not destroyed!! If can sign online or call 877- Sheila McEntee you have not commented WVA-LAND or write to us venerable and highly respected national organization is bringing attention to recently, go to by filling out the appropriate Advisory Board the heritage resources of the Blackwater Canyon. www.saveblackwater.org areas on the membership Annie Dillard - Author for a sample letter and form located on page 11. This is your campaign, and we are honored to help you make it a winning Larry Groce - Director, Upper left: Engine owned by Babcock Lumber, Davis, WV Mountain Stage effort. The Blackwater Challenge Teams and the supportive phone banking Below: Davis Coal and Coke - coke ovens and tipple, Coketon, WV team (Team Captain Sandy Fisher plus Jeannie, Regina, Bonnie, Brandae, Jason Halbert Sheila, Maria, and Barbara helped us raise $4,500 this month. (Thanks Blackwater Canyon Trail: David Hammer Esq. to Carter Zerbe for the loan of his office and phones.) This was matched by a Historic Sites Coketon to Hendricks Alan Karlin Esq. generous donation of $5,000 from the Kyle Family Foundation. We are a third of the way toward our Snyder Run Bridge * Snyder Run Culvert Patrick McGinley - Professor of Law goal!! Coketon Trestle * Coketon Depot * Tipple 36 Bents Sand House * Douglas Trestle * Middle Run Culvert Deborah McHenry Esq. As I looked out over the Canyon last month from Rafe Pomerance - Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge, the red, orange, Douglas Station * Long Run Bridge * WVC&P Dwelling former US Deputy and yellow leaves, fringed by green conifers, Canyon Point Bridge & Watch Box * Findley Run Culvert Assistant Secretary of seemed more beautiful than ever before. I thought State for Environment Tub Run Bridge, Water Tank & Watch Box of the words of the songwriter Woody Guthrie: Joe Riffenberger - “This land is your land, this land is my land.” Big Run Bridge & Watch Box Wildlife Biologist Flat Rock Run Culvert * Limerock * George Davis Limestone Quarry J. Lawrence Smith - The Blackwater Canyon belongs to all of us – and Limerock School * Hickory Lick Run Culvert Author that is why we work to keep West Vir- ginia’s scenic “Crown Jewel” protected Steve White Esq. Save Our Squirrel (cont’d from page 1) and unspoiled for future generations! Christopher Wood - warming, acid rain, and the proposal,and to stand up Virginia Flying Squirrel” habitat to the Park. We Not surprisingly, the Fish and former Senior Advisor hemlock wooly adelgid are for the Endangered Species as our mascot - in our monitor the actions of the Wildlife Service has not fol- to US Forest Service Best wishes for the holidays, and thank you for also having a negative Act in our backyard! This is newsletters, on postcards Forest Service, the Fish Titles for identification purposes lowed the proper your support. impact. In spite of these our State’s special creature! and fliers, and as part of a and Wildlife Service, the only. procedures in moving a multiple threats, the Fish children’s curriculum focused Division of Highways and federally listed species from and Wildlife Service is Friends of Blackwater will on the “rare critters” of the large corporations like Staff endangered status to no proposing taking the squirrel be leading this campaign. WestVirginia Highlands. Allegheny Wood Products, status. The agency must first Judy Rodd, Director off the endangered species Friends of Blackwater Nedpower, Dominion, and go to a threatened list and removing all federal has researched rare and Friends of Blackwater Intra-West to protect the Maria Armada Sincerely, status, and then do research protections. This politically endangered species in the pressured West Virginia endangered Squirrel. We to show that the species John Brown motivated proposal flies in AlleghenyHighlands over Governor Underwood to have made some progress has not suffered further the face of good science the past nine years, with purchase 125 acres of in expanding the definition decline. They must do real Janet Johnson and common sense. support from the World flying squirrel habitat to of habitat and getting more research during the Brandae Mullins Judy Rodd Wildlife Fund, Defenders of add to Blackwater Falls protection. However, all this threatened phase, and not A coalition, of citizens, Wildlife, and the National State Park and worked with work will be for naught if rely on forest industry Nancy Spencer landowners and scientists, Wildlife Federation. We Governor Wise to add the delisting goes forward studies and inadequate Two northern flying squirrels on branch. is forming to fight this feature “Ginny theWest another 500 acres of prime successfully. Photo from www.flyingsquirrel.com surveys. Page 2 Page 3 November 2006 November 2006

SAVEThrough partnerships, working CHEAT to protect the endangered species of theCANYON! Cheat Canyon by limiting logging and road building. The campaign to protect the sensitive ecology of Cheat Canyon from destructive logging continues. The Sierra Club, Cheat Lake Environment and Recreation Association, and Friends of Blackwater may go to court in Wheeling in November, bringing the case for protection of the threatened Cheat land snail in the wild and scenic Cheat Gorge in front of Judge Stamp. It is thanks to all of you who sent money for the campaign and attended the fundraiser at Cheat Lake that we were able to hire a wonderful snail expert from Tennessee, Dr. Ron Calwell. Calwell has done field research and raised additional concerns that snail habitat is being damaged on Allegheny Wood Products property along the Cheat River. This area Working to improve water quality, educate the public on the negative impact of acid mine drainage and combine water remediation with historic preservation. between Albright and Cheat Lake is famous for its dangerous rapids, wild rafting rides, and steep and 319 Grant to Assist with AMD on North Fork unspoiled (until now) forested slopes. Please continue your support for this important campaign to make sure that the Endangered Species Act is enforced and that West Virginia’s rare and federally The North Fork Project continues its monitoring of water quality in the North Auction A Success protected snail does not become extinct. We raised $3,000 from the last fund appeal and need an- Fork of the Blackwater River. We are grateful to the WVDEP Stream Partners On July 22nd, 2006, the NFWP other $8,000 to continue this work! Program, particularly Jennifer Pauer and Lou Schmidt, for their advice, held their first auction at the support and the $5,000 Stream Partners grant they gave us in September!! Purple Fiddle in We continue to reach out to the community to engage more volunteers in Thomas, WV. The event our monthly field work along the North Fork. Our biggest success to date gathered locals and tourists was our collaboration with the WVDEP Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) alike into the Purple Fiddle where people were celebrating and Program. We worked together to come up with a design to re-engineer two raising money for the NFWP. We ended up raising twice as much water treatment systems on the Albert Highwall Reclamation Project above money as we hoped for and want to thank everyone who came the North Fork. The design team was led by Dave Brochard in the out and participated in such a great community event. A special Phillippi Office of the DEP. With skillful coordination from AML Division thanks goes out to Kristen Behrens for all her volunteer hours Director, Charlie Miller, we presented the plan to the DEP 319 folks who gave spent in helping us organize this event. tentative approval to the project and agreed to contribute one third of the Businesses that donated items to the auction include: funding, with AML adding another third. We are applying to the federal Eric Glitzenstein, Esq. Erin Tobin, Esq. Josh Barrett, Esq. Office of Surface Mining West Virginia Cooperative Agreement Program for Patagonia, Canaan Valley Realty, BOA, Blackwater Bikes, Friends of Blackwater proudly bestows upon MountainMade, Sirianni’s, White Grass, Seneca Rocks Mtn. the rest. The total cost will be $216,000. The project will keep acid mine The Cheat Canyon Legal Team drainage pollution out of Long Run, which flows into the North Fork of the Guides, Art Company of Davis, Timberline, Highland Prospects, Blackwater at Douglas, turning Douglas Falls orange. The work is expected Timberline Stables, Deerfield Restaurant, High Mountain Sports, our 2006 Knight in Shining Armor Award Highland Inn & Spa, Ski Barn, Precision Rafting, to begin next summer. for their work supporting the Endangered Species Act in West Virginia Highland Prospects, Good Energy Foods, and ThermaRest. Dragons and Damsels along the Blackwater are most Our “spotlight species” is not In the United States, there Between birth and its adult likely your average are about 450 species of stage the dragonfly can molt charismatic mega-fauna one dragonflies and damselflies. up to 15 times, Working in coalition to achieve siting regulations for industrial wind projects in WV, while challenging those projects that degrade special places, like Dolly Sods. might expect. It has been The difference between the developing and each time around before the first two- two is that while resting, preparing itself for its 3 The threat to Dolly Sods and the Allegheny Front continues with the clearing of raised legged mammals stumbled dragonflies hold their four weeks of adulthood. land for eighty-two, 388-foot-tall industrial turbines extending from Mount above the around in search of food, wings out flat to its sides and Eventually, the excessively Storm Lake to Mount Pisgah for NedPower’s poorly sited wind project. New dam, at Thomas, and before the first birds. It the front pair is smaller than molted larvae climbs out maps show turbines less than a third of a mile from bald eagle habitat at Mount where the water is of rela- has even been around before the back. A damsel folds all of the water, clings on to Storm Lake and less than 600 feet from peoples’ homes. But there is some tively good the first dinosaurs, and four of its wings together anything in site, sheds its T h e North good news!! The West Virginia Supreme Court has agreed to hear the lawsuit quality. We hope that fossil records have shown vertically over its body, and exoskeleton, and emerges as Fork of the Blackwater from local citizens, “Burch vs Nedpower Mount Storm LLC”, asserting that they through our efforts and this insect’s wing span to all 4 pairs are generally the a beautifully equipped adult River could be home to will be damaged by the industrial wind project and have a right to have their case with your help, we will reach nearly 2 1/2 feet. same size. Dragonflies spend dragonfly. Here it will fly numerous species of dragon- heard by a circuit judge.A decision is not expected until next spring. one day be able to have Scientist have placed them the majority of their life (one around for the next 2 to 3 flies and damselflies. How- Other scenic areas around the Monongahela National Forest threatened by poorly sited a clean watershed that in an order all their own, to three years) underwater weeks in search of food and ever, the water is so acidic industrial wind projects are in Greenbrier County near the Cranberry can host this remark- Odonata, and have in their nymph stage. Here, a mate. After it has that it cannot host the drag- Wilderness. In Pendleton County, the Jack Mountain Project threatens views able species that has identified more than 5,500 they are carnivores, devouring successfully accomplished onfly larvae. While walking from Spruce Knob and North Fork Mountain. The Greenbrier project was c outlived nearly every species worldwide. Give up? anything in sight, including both, it ends its journey, but along the trail you may rarely ertified by the PSC in August but is being appealed. There will be a hearing on living thing on earth today. It is the dragonfly. fish, salamanders, and even leaves its offspring to spot a common whitetail or the Pendleton Project in December. Other projects are proposed for Preston, Illustration by Julie Zickefoose their own siblings. continue its circle of life. a blue eyed darner, but they Barbour, Grant, Randolph and Mineral Counties. Page 4 - Projects Projects - Page 5 November 2006 November 2006 The Blackwater Challenge

Wow!! What a great experience this was for everyone. Okay so I confess the weather on Saturday left a little to be desired but we can’t have it all. All in all it was a good turnout and everyone was wonderful. We had bird banders (and let me tell you these guys are serious). Linda Cooper led Team Kingfisher, which included Joyce Cooper and Don Gasper, and they identified over 60 individual birds. Team Hoyt was led by John Hoyt with team members Donna Hoyt and Pat Findikoglu. They were up bright eyed and bushy tailed very early in the morning. Way to go Team Kingfisher and Team Hoyt!!

Team Educate: Lowell Markey, Micheal Preston, Billie Smith The fall foliage was great and the Fall Foliage Driving tour participants got some great pictures of the canyon Team Flying Squirrel: Judy Rodd and Bill Csutoros and Bill Smith John Hoyt at Dolly Sods some of which have been included on this page. In the afternoon, we had three teams of hikers: Team Educate, Team Mother Wit and Team Flying Squirrel. These folks take the cake and I mean they really take the cake. Due to road conditions, what was supposed to be an eight mile hike ended up being a 9.6 mile hike. These guys deserve a big round of applause (and maybe Tom Rodd relaxes after biking and hiking. some Ben Gay)!! And what about the mountain bikers you say? Well, Team Justice biked the canyon for five-plus hours and they were still smiling when they were done. Congratulations, Team Justice!!! (Though secretly some of us wonder if you guys needed a massage at the end of that trip.)

Linda Cooper, Donna & Carroll Cook at the And remember that history tour? Well we are happy to report that Team History Mystery not only took the Awards Dinner tour on their own but using some historical maps and their noggins believe they may have found the location Team Mother Wit: Colleen Anderson, Micheal Davis, Amanda of the Coketon Colored School and Coketon Colored Church. As you may know the site of the school is Cox and Bill DePaulo significant because it was where Carrie Williams taught. (For more information about who Carrie Williams Team Wind: Carroll and Donna Cook was please visit www.jrclifford.org and see page 10). The paperwork is underway to have a marker placed at the site. We will keep you updated on this story as it unfolds. Congratulations to Brandae and Maria (or per- haps we should call them Velma and Daphne) for adding to the Blackwater Canyon’s fabulous historical value. Don Gasper and Maria Armada between events.

To: John Bright and his staff at the Purple Fiddle - Sam and Diane of Highland Scene Tours Alice at East West Printing - The Nelsons - The Art Company of Davis Walt and the staff of Sirianni’s Pizza- Willie and Bryan over at Mt. State Brewing Co. Matt Marcus of Blackwater Bikes - Matt Quattro - Lisa Porter All the merchants and residents of Thomas and Davis Team Hoyt: Donna Hoyt and Pat Findikoglu (not pictured here John Hoyt) Thank you for all of your warmth, generous help, and hospitality. Bird banding taken by John Hoyt Team Hill Hopper: Jeannie , Paul and Nancy Hill Deb McHenry biking.

Team Justice: Deb McHenry and Scott Custer Team History Mystery: Maria Armada and Brandae Mullins Judy Rodd, Bill Csutoros and Joyce Cooper at the Awards Dinner. Team Mother Wit and Team Educate hiking on Saturday afternoon. View of Blackwater Canyon from Lindy Point. Page 6 - Projects Projects - Page 7 November 2006 November 2006 Blackwater Heritage Honoring those that went before us and preserving what they left behind in this magnificent mountain landscape. Joseph C. Cometti tim gavin Carving out history The Railroad: JoeIn Cometti Memory was a great friend of Blackwater and and worked Honor... with us Once again Tim Gavin has been honored by Founded by Henry One year and ten miles later, some locations the grade is to Keep Dolly Sods Wild. Joe was memorialized recently by his multiple persons, including those responsible Gassaway Davis in 1866, the the Black Fork grade, as it slightly more than 3 percent, sisters Cathy Samargo and Lisa McIver. They described Joe in for the Harper’s Ferry Outdoor Festival. the following way: Potomac and Piedmont Coal was named, was completed. making this an incredibly Tim Gavin was an avid kayaker who died in and Railway stated that its This was an astonishing steep railroad when a kayaking accident on the Upper Blackwa- purpose was to feat considering that along compared to current “Our precious brother was an avid cyclist and environmentalist Tim Gavin ter River in 1998. Each year the Tim Gavin “furnish transportation” the way cuts sometimes standards. whose adventurous spirit took him to many wild and out of the along with coal mining and hundreds of feet high were way places in West Virginia. His utopian nature led to the Downriver race is held in his honor as part of the annual timbering. The company made into Backbone Mountain With the railroad came creation of Bergonia, a nation with a rich history and a Harper’s Ferry Outdoor Festival. was given the right to in order to facilitate industry and expansion. progressive social conscience. Bergonia, his life’s work and This year’s festival was held on Saturday June 17. It drew 31 contruct grades in Mineral, construction. Other obstacles Along the way towns popped legacy, is preserved for all to explore racers in 5 classes and 53 sponsors, including Wavesports, Grant, Tucker and Randolph encountered were deep up, as the influx of workers and enjoy at his website - BackCountry.com, Immersion Research, Lotus, NRS and counties. we strive to preserve the ravines and several rushing to the coal mines, coke Blackwater Heritage is an www.bergonia.org.” Stohlquist. tributary streams. Along the ovens, and timber industry history of this vibrant area, important part of West Left: Joseph Cometti Prior to the arrival of the way trestles were often built began. its people and industry. Additionally, each May rafters compete in a race geared to Virginia Heritage. Join us as Below: A map of the utopian Bergonia. railroad, Tucker County was to keep construction accommodate those dedicated to the summer season. This sparsely populated, due in moving, with workers Scenes from Limerock year, River Riders beat out six other teams for the glory of the part to the rugged and wild returning later to place fill One town that sprang from the earth during the building of the railroad from Thomas to Hendricks coveted Shenandoah Cup. mountain landscape. In and remove trestles and was Limerock. Located approximately two miles north of Hendricks, Limerock was named for the fact, the first settlers in the build gigantic stone limestone quarry in the area. It was originally an encampment area for workers during the time of Proceeds from the festival are divided among Friends of area that eventually became archways to accomodate railroad construction. Limerock has all but disappeared today, with only some foundations, a few Blackwater, Friends of the Shenandoah River, and Friends of Thomas were not reported both the railroad and bridge buildings, and some marked graves remaining. Much like Thurmond along the New River, Limerock the Potomac. This year’s donation put HFOF into the Porte until 1880. the mountain streams. needs to be preserved and its history shared with future generations. Limerock was the homplace Crayon Society. Additionally all work was of Lucille Wratchford, who is memorialized on page 9. Many thanks to Ron Eckard for providing the In 1881, H.G. Davis’ first done by hand. It was Pictures: Below Left: Lucille’s Aunt Laura in front of Ben & Elizabeth Wratchford’s home in Limerock. “Every creator puts some of Tim’s love of the Blackwater River and Blackwater Canyon, line entered into West considered at the time to be Below Right: The Wratchford Spring House, still standing in Limerock Bottom: Wratchord Family Picture continues to reach out and inspire others. Virginia, passing through a nearly impossible task. (taken at the site of the old Limerock School) - Lucille is the child sitting next to the baby on the right front. himself into his creation, She appears to be about eight years old which would Elk Garden in Mineral make the date about 1920. The two folks sitting in inevitably, and the creation becomes a bit of a mirror, something of a County. It became the West Of the stone culverts the middle are Lucille’s grandparents, Ben child.” --- Joe Cometti from “Why Bergonia?” at .www.bergonia.org Virginia Central and constructed, the most Wratchford and Elizabeth Eckard Wratchford. Lucille’s father is the third person from the left rear Pittsburgh Railway and impressive is located at Big around this time acquired a Run. The culvert at Big Run Right: Rafting guides participate in the great deal of coal and timber is estimated to be 60 feet Shenandoah Cup as part of the Harper’s lands in present day Tucker long, with a width of 20-25 Ferry Outdoor Festival. County, WV. In 1884, the feet and height of 30 feet. railroad was constructed The culvert at Big Run was LUCILLE WRATCHFORD along the North Branch of known as the site of several Paula Poole and Ron Eckard have made donations to Friends of Blackwater in memory of the late Lucille Lenora Wratchford. the Potomac River to the wrecks and derailments, Lucille, who was born in Thomas, WV, in 1912, spent many happy childhood days at the home of her grandparents, Benjamin North Fork of the mainly because of the severity and Elizabeth Eckard Wratchford, in the community of Limerock...and actually lived there for a while Blackwater River at the of the curve which the railroad after the untimely death of her mother, Clara Pennington Wratchford. Lucille passed away October newly formed town of took at this point. Thomas. 24, 2005, just four days shy of her 93rd birthday. However, in May of 2004, Lucille was provided an The Black Fork grade was opportunity to return to her grandparents’ home site in the Blackwater Canyon. During that visit she In 1888, H.G. Davis decided also known for its steep spoke fondly of her grandparents and her Uncle Martin Eckard who lived on the other side of the river. She to continue expanding his gradient. The railroad grade pointed out the location of her grandparents’ home and spoke of other families that lived nearby. The railroad line southward from climbs 1236 feet over its old spring house was still on the Wratchford property and Lucille enjoyed looking at the picture of it Thomas through the rugged ten-mile course, giving it an even weeks after her trip, and recalled many little walks out there to her grandmother’s ‘refrigerator’. Blackwater Canyon average grade of 2.34 Lucille was possibly the last living person who could pass on some of the secrets of the Limerock era. to Hendricks. percent. Modern surveys We are so pleased that she got to visit there one more time. Now, almost a year after her passing, we and field tests show that in all still miss her wonderful smile and special love for the West Virginia mountains she called home. Above: Lucille Wratchford Page 8 - Projects Page 9

November 2006 November 2006

(continued from page 8) Blackwater Heritage Christmas Greenings By J. Lawrence Smith As we document, When the spruce and Cheat River near Par- to tree size ages ago in revelry around their and falling when someone J. R. Clifford and the Carrie Williams Case - Update publicize, and celebrate the balsam fir of the Blackwa- sons were named for the when the formation of Christmas tree in 1776. brushes against it. It was a crisp Left from L to Right: J.R. Clifford, W.E.B. rich historical resources ter country are decked out abundance of this shrub coal first got underway. DuBois, L.M. Hernshaw, and F.H.M. fall day in 1892 in the of the Blackwater Canyon in a mantle of snow, the sized tree, or tree sized The custom of the The stately white Town of Coketon, West Murray, at the 1906 Niagara Movement scene is worthy of being shrub, found there by the An old German Christmas tree spread pine grew abundantly on meeting in Harpers Ferry, WV. region, we build a stronger Virginia, at the head of the case for its protection. As on a Christmas greeting early settlers. tradition associates the after the Revolution and Horseshoe Run in Tucker Blackwater Canyon. The Below: Kaethe George and Micheal we honor the men and card. Evergreens are origin of the Christmas German settlers brought County where the cutting of pioneer African American Ellington portraying J.R. Clifford and Carrie women from many lands very much a part of the The most popular tree with Martin Luther, it to Pennsylvania where the stands of pine marked Williams lawyer John Robert “J. who went before us in Christmas season by their custom associated with the churchman and it was popular by 1840. the early days R.” Clifford strode into this magnificent mountain use in creating wreaths, a plant is kissing under reformer, over four Missionaries and of logging in the two-room Coketon landscape, we renew our garlands and, of course, mistletoe, which is a centuries ago. The beauty preachers from such the county. colored school, where he commitment to preserve the Christmas tree! parasite that grows on the of snow-clad evergreens denominations as This pine met schoolteacher Carrie their legacy – and we have branches of many trees. one starry night moved Episcopal and is popular Williams and her students. fun, too! Join us! Evergreens have long The belief may have come Luther to cut a tree and Presbyterian in- as a J. R. soon learned that been symbolic of continu- from Scandinavia where bring it home to delight his troduced it into Christmas the Tucker County school ing life and vitality since enemies meeting under a children. Candles were many areas tree and the board wanted to close the establish West Virginia as Carrie Williams Case,” conifers such as pines, tree with mistletoe placed on the branches to of West Virginia tapering cones from school after only a five- the first state in America to at the Centennial of the spruce and fir remain were to refrain symbolize the Star of and the southern Appala- large trees can be used in Blackwater Canyon region. month term, while keeping give equal rights to students Niagara Movement, on the green throughout the year from combat Bethlehem. chians after the Civil War many ways for Friends of Blackwater the white children’s school in segregated schools – a grounds of Storer College. unlike hardwoods that and live in and late in the Nineteenth decorations. staffers Maria Armada open for eight months. courageous decision for the Thousands of civil rights shed their leaves in the peace. The Revolutionary Century. and Brandae Mullins have era, and a legal milestone. history buffs scooped up fall. Many of the beliefs War played a part in Other plants that can Williams and located the site of the copies of our souvenir associated with greenery Club bringing the Christmas There is an evergreen be used at Christmas for Clifford took the plight original Coketon School, Fast forward to one edition of the Pioneer are rooted in the pagan moss or tree to America to meet about every taste decoration are mountain of the children of African and it will be registered as an hundred and fourteen years Press, Clifford’s trailblazing Druids of Europe. ground when Hessians for selection as the tree laurel and rhododendron. American workers in Henry later, in Harpers Ferry, West official archaeological site by pine is an- who fought against that will be the center of Use your imagination in newspaper. The Niagara Centennial Gassaway Davis’ Coketon Virginia – August 16, 2006. the West Virginia Division “Deck the halls with other plant the colonists observed family attention at Christ- creating new expressions, coke ovens to the Supreme of Culture and History. And Edition of J.R. Clifford’s Friends of Blackwater and Coketon Colored Pioneer Press can be boughs of holly” are that stays Christmas with a mas. Spruce and fir have symbolic of the season, Court of West Virginia. Brandae has just discovered the Mountain State Bar School Found! obtained by calling words from a favorite green in winter tree. It may be more the “classic” look of the that express the old Clifford’s arguments organized two star-studded We are seeing a census records that can lead 877-WVA-LAND or by carol. Pagan believers and finds fiction than actual fact Christmas tree seen in art beliefs associated with and Williams’ courage re-enactment performances growing interest in the us to Carrie Williams’ living sending e-mail to regarded holly as sacred its way that of the season and have evergreens. persuaded the Court to of “J. R. Cifford and the rich ethnic history of the descendants! [email protected] and believed the leaves into many Washington’s a pleasing fragrance. were a sign that the light decorations. Army won the Only a fresh-cut spruce of the sun never left it. The ancestral plants of Battle of Trenton by should be used due to the RECREATION Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow The Holly Meadows along club moss and ferns grew surprising Hessians lost needles drying out quickly

YES! I WANT TO JOIN FRIENDS OF BLACKWATER Whitegrass Cross Country Ski Resort is participating in Winter Trail Day Choose a membership level and send your name, address, and e-mail to White Grass Cross Country Resort will be participating in National Winter Trail Day on January 6, 2007. Friends of Blackwater, 501 Elizabeth Street, Charleston WV 25311 National Winter Trail Day is an event that is sponsored by the American Hiking Association. As part of Porte Crayon Society $1000 Individual______$ 35 Please send future newsletters only via e-mail. their participation, Whitegrass will offer the following: Crown Jewel Club $ 500 Senior______$ 20 Sustaining Steward $ 250 Student______$ 10 Please add my name and information to the Free lessons/clinics and half priced rentals to all first time interested skiers or snowshoers. Patron______$ 100 Other______Governor’s Trail Petition XC lessons every hour and a 10 am and 2 pm clinic on types of snowshoes, clothing, basic techniques, and outdoor winter snow travel Family______$ 50 followed by a natural history tour on snowshoes into our neighboring National Wildlife Refuge Please forward my comments about Blackwater Name Located in Canaan Valley, White Grass Cross Country Ski Resort is owned by Heritage Protection to the USFS, ACHP & winter sprite and cross country skiing guru, Chip Chase. It opened in 1979 and Address WVSHPO, & EPA offers over 50 kilometers of cross country skiing trails. In addition, they offer (To send your letter of protest to the USFS or sign the ski rentals and lessons, a natural foods cafe, and a full backcountry ski shop. For Trail Petition, please fill out this form and forward, along more information you can contact them at 304-866-4114 or visit them on the Phone with any additional comments you would like added, to us internet at www.whitegrass.com. at the address above.) Chip Chase provides instruction to young skiers E-mail Page 10 - Projects Page 11 November 2006 National Park Plan Highlighted You are cordially invited to attend Friends of Blackwater’s plan to create a Friends of Blackwater’s National Park in the Blackwater Canyon was highlighted in the September 2006 Annual Reception and Charity Auction issue of Blue Ridge Outdoors with a on great cover shot of Lindy Point. This thoughtful and in-depth article poses SEPTEMBER 2006 FREE! Thursday December 7, 2006 questions on hunting, mountain biking, access, and development. Many of these Our Next questions are answered in the National National Park? from 5-8 p.m The Battle over Blackwater Park Quiz section of the Friends of in the Adams Morgan section of Blackwater website, Washington, D.C. www.saveblackwater.org. For a copy of the article, contact Friends of Blackwater at 877-WVA-LAND or by Good email at [email protected] +Gauley! GET READY FOR If you would like to attend GAULEY SEASON

or would just like more information about the event, For those of you interested in exploring HaRdeST HuNdRedS Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine further, CENTURY RIDES, RUNS, please contact AND RAMBLES please visit their website at Friends of Blackwater at 877-WVA-LAND Running Hacky-Sack Flattest Trails in www.blueridgeoutdoors.com Backwards Championships the Mountains or by e-mail at [email protected] Great Gift Ideas QTY GIFT ITEM PRICE TOTAL Order online or send order ____ A Tucker County Memoir Fat With Words - Speak to the Past @ $18.00 $______with payment and shipping by Davis Native Margaret Calwell info to: ____ Great Tucker County History with Illustrations by Porte Crayon @ $18.00 $______Friends of Blackwater, The Blackwater Chronicle by Philip Pendleton Kennedy (paperback) 501 Elizabeth Street, ____ The Blackwater Chronicle (hardback) @ $27.50 $______Charleston, WV 25311

____ Country Cookbook - Bootstraps and Biscuits (paperback @ $12.00 $______Please include $2.50 by Anna Lee Robe Terry shipping and handling fee ____ Blackwater Falls State Park Adventure Guide by Emily Grafton (paperback) @ $10.00 $______for each location your gifts ____ Flying Squirrel T-Shirt - Circle Size(s) Child: L, Adult: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL @ $15.00 $______need to be shipped. ____ Kayaking Squirrel T-Shirt - Circle Size(s) Child: L, Adult: S, M, L, XL, XXL @ $15.00 $______All holiday orders include gift ____ Clifford-Niagara T-shirt- Circle Size(s) Child: L, Adult: S, M, L, XL, XXL @ $15.00 $______card, bumper sticker and

____ Friends of Blackwater Canvas Tote Bag @ $15.00 $______refrigerator magnet.

Checks should be made Christmas Gift Memberships payable to: ____ 1-year family membership (reg. $50.00) includes 4 newsletters @ $35.00 $______Friends of Blackwater Includes 4 newletters, personalized gift card and Blackwater Canyon refrigerator magnet. ____ Purchase 2 or more gift memberships for only $25.00 each!!! @$25.00 $______

SUBTOTAL $______

____ SHIPPING LOCATIONS (Be sure to incude shipping information with your order) @ $ 2.50 $______

TOTAL ORDER $______

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