Harpers Ferry Community Newsletter

September 2017 Volume 14 Issue 8 A Note From Mayor Bishop

As your recently health care facilities, hiking and biking networks elected mayor, I have from multiple states, hotels, destination travelers had the honor to have who stay here while visiting Bolivar, Charles Town, met with several Ranson, Shepherdstown, Martinsburg, Berkley mayors in the region, Springs, D.C., Baltimore, and beyond. with representatives from the West Virginia We are a destination for national celebrations and Legislature, and with regional representatives and elected officials at events for organizations that choose to use Harpers the federal level. Ferry as a backdrop for their cause. And we like it!

The message I take with me is the same to all, (Continue on next page) and is probably the reason that you and I live here: Harpers Ferry is unique and distinctive in IN THIS ISSUE its wild, natural beauty, historic national significance, and its townspeople's respect for Page 1 Mayor’s Message and commitment to preserving that natural beauty and history. Page 2 Thanks, David!

Those considerable assets add a great weight of Page 3 Mayor’s meetings, Committees responsibility for all of our elected and Page 4 Communicating with the mayor , council, staff appointed officials in this tiny town that is bigger than it seems. Page 5 Water Works

Despite sleepy and Mayberry-like appearances, Page 6 The Women’s Club to the contrary, we, as elected and appointed Page 7 Bike Your Park Day officials, are presiding over a town of as many Page 8 African American History Hike, Schedule as one million people. Appearances are deceiving. We are tasked with providing clean Page 8 150th Anniversary of Storer College schedule water, sewer services, police protection, Page 9 Anniversary of Storer College schedule (cont.) adequate parking, fire department, ambulance, Page 10-11 Anniversary of Storer College schedule (cont.) and first responders’ services, and a friendly welcome, to visitors from around the world, our Page 12 Art in the Park and WC Flea Market nation, Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, Page 13 Tourism facts, fun pics C & O Canal Historical Park, Appalachian Trail Page 14-15 Labor Day “Rosie Event” hikers, and administrative offices, dozens of Page 16-17 “Blast from the Past” businesses inside and outside the Corporation,

(Note from Mayor continued)

And yes, all of this while maintaining the feel of a 19th century village!

I thank all of you who are serving the Town in any capacity - whether newly appointed, or having been a long time at the task, a paid position, or one of our many noble volunteers. And I ask all of our citizens to pay attention to the issues and to remind those that you elected into office, to put all of their energies into supporting our challenges and solving our dilemmas. Little Harpers Ferry has big challenges, but we all know the place is worth getting right. As I said last month and truly believe, we are all so lucky to live here. Let us move forward as a united front to honorably handle the tasks before us, and to have fun doing it! And one last note: Fall is Here! See you on the trails!

Wayne The magnificent view from Maryland Heights.

David Cummings - Paving the way A big thank you to David Cummings for developing a detailed list of pot holes and road repairs that had to be patched. David met with the town staff, arranged meetings with contractors, and executed the pavement work while interfacing with the pavement improvements in the neighboring town of Bolivar resulting in the best value/cost for our town. Thanks David!

Photos by David Cummings

The Mayor’s Meetings Around the County

Mayors Meet in Ranson On September 13, 2017 Mayor Wayne Bishop met with Bolivar Mayor, Helen Dettmer, and Ranson Mayor, Keith D. Pierson. The purpose of the meeting was to welcome a new regional coordinator, Michael Garcia, from Senator Manchin’s office and to say farewell to Mary Joe Brown who is retiring this year from Senator Manchin’s staff. The mayors agreed to meet every other month to share information and support each other with the challenges our towns constantly face.

Mayor Meeting with Jefferson County CVB

Mayor Bishop and Karan Townsend attended the meeting of the Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau on August 16. Annette Gavin introduced the mayor who provided a bio and spoke of his vision for Harpers Ferry. Annette also spoke of events in Charles Town during September including Freedoms Run, the Charles Town Car Show, the Happy Retreat Beer Festival, Oktoberfest, Mountain Heritage Arts & Crafts, and Hollywood Casino events.

COMMITTEE VACANCY

The Corporation of Harpers Ferry is actively seeking volunteers to serve on the following Committees.

Tree Committee Parks and Recreation

Those interested in seeking appointment should send a letter of interest to Town Clerk Nancy Cummins ([email protected]), to the attention of the Mayor and Council.

Parking Committee The Parking Committee held a Roundtable discussion on Sept. 14th and 16th to gather information from the community and all interested parties to find a resolution to parking challenges. The meetings were well attended and both written and spoken comments were considered and discussed. The committee will be working with the NPS to solve the parking issues together. Another forum will be held in October or November.

COMMUNICATING WITH THE MAYOR OR COUNCIL

Mayor Wayne Bishop [email protected] Recorder Kevin Carden [email protected] Council Barbara Humes [email protected] Hardy Johnson [email protected] Charlotte Thompson [email protected] Ed Wheeless [email protected] Midge Flinn Yost [email protected]

OFFICE STAFF 304 535-2206 Water Clerk Angie Cummings Ext. 1 Town Calendar Town Clerk Nancy Cummins Ext. 2 All meetings are at Town Hall, unless noted otherwise. Financial Officer Barri Avallone Ext. 3 Oct. 4 Municipal Court, 7 pm Ordinance Compliance Officer Kevin Hamilton Oct. 9 Town Council meeting, 7 pm Ext. 1 or 2 Holiday - Office closed during office hours Police Clerk Susan Waters 304 535-6366 Oct. 16 Trail & Town Alliance, 5 pm Oct. 16 Historic Landmarks Commission, 7 pm Oct. 17 Planning Commission, 7 pm

Newsletter Information: Oct. 18 Water Commission, 7 pm Oct. 19 HF Merchants Association meeting, 6 pm Editor/Layout: Nancy Cummins Oct. 25 HF Foundation Board meeting, 5:30 pm [email protected] Oct. 26 Tree Committee, 7 pm NEXT DEADLINE: Oct. 12, 2017

PLEASE NOTE: Council agenda items for the October meeting need to be submitted by SEPT. 25 due to staff being out of the office. Normally agenda items need to be in at least 10 days prior to the Town Council meeting. If you have an item for the agenda, please visit our website. You will find the Agenda Request Form in “Meeting Documents” for August 2017. The form and packet will include presenter, information on the subject matter, requested action by the council or any financial information being requested, along with budget request information. HARPERS FERRY WATER WORKS

Water Works emergency number : (304) 676-4659

How to pay your water/sewer bill: Mon-Fri, 8:30 am -4:30 pm: Town Hall will be open. (Closed for lunch from noon-1:00 pm)

7 days a week: Leave payment with stub in the slotted box on the Town Hall door downstairs at the east end of the Town Hall. Mail your payment: HF Water Works, PO Box 217, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

Pay online: Go to https://harpersferrywv.epayub.com.

Did you know?

 If you are moving to Harpers Ferry or Bolivar and want to start water service, you must apply for new water service and new sewer service for each unit and pay a deposit for each: $50 for water and $70 for sewer. Deposits are refundable.

 When you get ready to move out, you must fill out a Termination Form, giving the effective date, so that the Water Dept. can read your meter, shut it off and send you a final bill.

 The New Water Service, New Sewer Service and Termination Forms are downloadable on the town website under the Water Dept. tab. They are also available at Town Hall. The Harpers Ferry Woman’s Club Hosts Dinner and Membership Drive

The Harpers Ferry Woman's Club will kick off its new fiscal year on Friday, September 22 with an annual harvest dinner which will be held at Camp Hill-Wesley United Methodist Church at 6 p.m. The dinner program will feature the 150th Anniversary of Storer College with Guinevere Roper, NPS official, presenting information on the college’s fabulous and interesting history. Please contact Shirley Caniford at (304) 535-6922 by September 20 to make reservations for the dinner. If you are not a member of the Woman’s Club, you are cordially invited to join. Membership is $25; the deadline to join is September 20 and membership is open to everyone, including men. The Woman’s Club, based on volunteerism, is an integral part of the Harpers Ferry-Bolivar community. It holds annual events and fundraisers to support our local organizations, and maintains our community garden and parks in concert with the Town of Harpers Ferry. Annual events include the 4th of July celebration, the House & Garden Tour in April, the Herb Fair in May, the Garden Tour and Tea in June, and the Rummage Sale/ Flea Market in October. The Club’s fundraisers benefit our local library, fire department, animal shelter, schools, Community Ministries, Meals on Wheels and other county organizations. The Club also bestows college scholarships to local high schoolers. Monthly meetings include speakers and programs on a wide variety of fascinating topics. There are also field trips to local museums, places of interest and businesses. Being a member of the HF Woman’s Club is a great way to support your community and town leaders, schools and other organizations, as well as meet with friends, old and new.

The Woman’s Clubhouse gets spruced up!

C & O Canal Bike Ride Name of Park or Public Land: Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Ride Description: We will start at 1 pm at the train station in Brunswick, Maryland and ride on the C & O Canal towpath located along the Potomac River. We will ride about 7-1/2 miles to Harpers Ferry, meet the Superintendent of Harpers Ferry NHP, and ride back to Brunswick. There is a family campground for those who wish to camp for the night, you will need to contact them directly to reserve your spot and pay the fee. The path is a clay surface and crushed stone. It can be rough in some places. This is a beginner type ride, flat easy going ride. Mileage: 7-1/2 (15 round-trip)

Ferry Hill Place to Harpers Ferry Name of Park or Public Land: Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Ride Description: This ride begins at 1 pm at the Ferry Hill Plantation in the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park (Sharpsburg Pike, Maryland Route 34, just east of Shepherdstown, WV). The ride descends a short hill to the C&O Canal towpath, following the towpath downstream along the Potomac River to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. We will meet the Superintendent of Harpers Ferry NHP before returning along the same route. This ride is along a level dirt and gravel towpath. Distance is 12 miles each way (24 miles round trip). Access to Harpers Ferry from the C&O Canal is via a pedestrian footbridge across the Potomac River. This is one of three rides planned to converge at Harpers Ferry. Mileage: 12 (24 round-trip)

Antietam Battlefield to Harpers Ferry Name of Park or Public Land: Antietam National Battlefield Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Ride Description: This ride begins at 1 pm at the Antietam National Battlefield Visitor Center (5831 Dunker Church Road, Sharpsburg, MD 21782). The ride travels through a portion of the historic Civil War battlefield and continues along several steep, hilly paved back roads to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. We will meet the Superintendent of Harpers Ferry NHP prior to the return trip. This ride is moderate to difficult and is intended for experienced bicyclists. Distance is about 14 miles each way (28 miles round trip). Access to Harpers Ferry from the C&O Canal is via a pedestrian footbridge across the Potomac River. This is one of three rides planned to converge at Harpers Ferry. Mileage: 14 (28 round-trip)

African American History Hike Sunday, October 1, 2017 - 11:00 am Appalachian Trail Conservancy Visitor Center 799 Washington Street, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

Discover the rich African American history of Harpers Ferry along the Appalachian Trail!

Join the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) in partnership with the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park for this 1 mile guided hike, led by a National Park Service ranger.

 Learn about Storer College, the Niagara Movement and John Brown’s Raid  Explore the campus of Storer college and tour Lockwood House  Walk on the Appalachian Trail and learn the history of Jefferson Rock

Registration is recommended for this event. Email [email protected] or call (304) 930-5267 by Sept. 28. For more info, visit www.appalachiantrail.org/events.

150th Anniversary of Storer College: October 6-8, 2017 Schedule (Please note, the schedule is subject to change. For more info see the Storer College 150th Anniversary page ) Friday, October 6, 2017

Healing through History: Shackles to Scholars Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Description: Be inspired by student art! This exhibition includes over 250 pieces of art created by 1200 students from 91 classrooms in ten counties within three states.

Ribbon Cutting and Rededication of Storer College Room Time: 6:30 PM - 6:45 PM

Welcome Time: 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM Description: Kick off this special anniversary weekend with opening remarks by Tyrone Brandyburg (Superintendent, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park) and Alvin Catlett (President, Storer College National Alumni Association).

Tyrone Brandyburg Friday, October 6, 2017 (continued) The Music of Don Redman Time: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Description: Relax with jazz music! The Howard Burns Jazz Orchestra, featuring special guest Dr. Eddie Henderson, will perform arrangements by Don Redman. Harpers Ferry Park Association Sales Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Description: Get your limited edition Storer College commemorative items and books/CDs of the weekend's presenters! Purchases at the HFPA tent support programs and events at Harpers Ferry NHP.

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Family & Youth Discovery Tent Time: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM Description: Have fun and learn about Storer College! This tent features many family and youth activities including croquet, a trivia game, designing Storer College pennants, and building a Freedom House from wooden blocks.

Healing through History: Shackles to Scholars Time: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM Description: Be inspired by student art! This exhibition includes over 250 pieces of art created by 1200 students from 91 classrooms in ten counties within three states.

African American Education & Law, 1865-1955 Time: 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Description: Presentation by David Fryson, Esq., West Virginia University

Recollections of Storer: Alumni Panel Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Description: Listen to and learn from Storer alumni! Panelists include Dewitt Jacobs (1948), Gwendolyn Houston (1950), Russell Roper (1950), Delores Duncan (1951), William Violin (1953), Elbert Norton (1955), and Donald Taylor (1955). Moderated by Ranger Guinevere Roper.

"John Brown" Time: 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM Description: Step back to the fourteenth anniversary of Storer College! Fred Morsell will portray Frederick Douglass and present portions of Douglass' May 30, 1881 speech.

Fred Morsell as Frederick Douglass

(Continue to next page for more events for 150th Anniversary of Storer College.) Saturday, October 7, 2017 (continued)

A Journey Through the Great African American Songbook Time: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Description: Enjoy this musical presentation featuring vocalist Catherine Russell, 2017 Grammy Award nominee, accompanied by pianist Mark Shane.

Three Lives, Three Worlds: Shining Stars of Storer College Time: 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM Description: Panel discussion moderated by David Fryson, Esq., WVU. Featuring "J.R. Clifford: Storer College's Man of Firsts" - Dr. Connie Rice; "Coralie Franklin Cook: Civil Rights Through Education" - Ilene Catherine Russell, vocalist Evans; and "Joseph Jeffrey Walters: Bringing the World Together through Literature" - Dr. John Singler.

Storer as a World Stage: The Niagara Movement comes to Harpers Ferry Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Description: Presentation by Dr. David Levering Lewis, Pulitzer Prize-winning author.

Book Launch and Reception Time: 5:15 PM - 6:30 PM Description: Author and artist signings

Harpers Ferry Park Association Sales Time: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Description: Get your limited edition Storer College commemorative items and books/CDs of the weekend's presenters! Purchases at the HFPA tent support programs and events at Harpers Ferry NHP.

Sunday,October 8, 2017

Family & Youth Discovery Tent Time: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Description: Have fun and learn about Storer College! This tent features many family and youth activities including croquet, a trivia game, designing Storer College pennants, and building a Freedom House from wooden blocks.

Healing through History: Shackles to Scholars Time: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Description: Be inspired by student art! This exhibition includes over 250 pieces of art created by 1200 students from 91 classrooms in ten counties within three states.

Pilgrimage to Lockwood House and Brackett family grave Time: 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM Description: Take a walk in the park to recognize the beginnings of Storer Brackett gravestone College. This walk includes a brief ranger talk, music by the Ecumenical Harpers Ferry Bell Choir and the Bradford Singers, and a wreath-laying and remarks by Brackett family descendants. (Continue Storer events on next page) Sunday, October 8, 2017 (continued from previous page)

Storer College Alumni Memorial Service Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Lifting As We Climb Time: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Description: Learn about Storer College from the perspective of a student and teacher at Storer, as Ilene Evans portrays Coralie Franklin Cook.

The Hands of a Master Time: 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM Description: Enjoy a piano recital by Leon Bates, the 2007 NANM Achievement Award winner.

Early African American Education in America Time: 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM Description: Presentation by Dr. Edna Medford, Howard University.

Leon Bates Gospel Extravaganza Finale Time: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Description: Choirs representing West Virginia church where Storer students performed. The Bradford Singers (Judea Christian Community Church, Charles Town), Mighty Men of God (Asbury Methodist Church, Shepherdstown), Rainbow Mass Choir (Mt. Zion Methodist Church, Martinsburg), Wainwright Baptist Church Mass Choir (Charles Town), Zion Baptist Chorus (Zion Baptist Church, Charles Town). Also featuring Ms. Jocelyn Hargrove and Mr. Ronald Jones (Ranson).

Harpers Ferry Park Association Sales Time: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Description: Get your limited edition Storer College commemorative items and books/CDs of the weekend's presenters! Purchases at the HFPA tent support programs and events at Harpers Ferry NHP.

Halloween Fun in Harpers Ferry Art in the Park

Saturday, October 21st, 1-5 pm

The Parks and Rec Committee is pleased to announce a fun-filled afternoon of pumpkin painting and more. Please join us at the Children's Park on Washington Street on Saturday, October 21 from 1-5 pm. If you choose to carve a pumpkin we ask that you please bring your own knife (knives). Otherwise supplies will be provided. This is a free event sponsored by the Town of Harper's Ferry for children as well as for adults. Note, this event has been scheduled to coincide with the Woman's Club Annual Yard Sale so please attend both!

Halloween Night Trick or Treat

Tuesday, October 31st, 6-8 pm

The Parks and Rec Committee also invites you to an evening of spooky fun at the Gazebo on Washington Street for a Halloween treat!

Woman’s Club Rummage Sale

The HF Women’s Club will hold their October Flea Market on Saturday, October 21, from 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday, October 22, from 10 am to 2 pm at their clubhouse. If anyone cares to donate gently used items for this event, please contact Shirley Caniford at 304 535- 6922 or [email protected]. Interesting Tourism Facts for Harpers Ferry

Our beautiful little town attracts visitors from all over the country and world. The Vintage Lady shop owners, Cindi and Billy Ray Dunn, were asked by Councilwoman Barbara Humes to provide information they collect in their shop about where their customers are from. Cindi and Billy Ray have maps of the United States and the world on the wall in their shop. Each month they have the first tourist/customer each month from different places sign their guest book and put a pin in the map of their hometown. On the last day of each month, the Dunns put up new maps. Here are the statistics since last February. Thanks, Cindi and Billy Ray!

STATES COUNTRIES February 37 15 March 46 25 April 45 32 May 50 35 June 50 33 July 50 43 August 50 31 “It’s a small world, after all!” September (first 18 days, 50 states and 29 countries)

There was fun on Fillmore this summer!

But now, it’s back to school time!

Photos by Midge Flinn Yost “National Rosie the Riveter Day” in Harpers Ferry

On Labor Day, Harpers Ferry hosted a “Ring a Bell for Rosies” event at our town gazebo to honor the women who stepped up to do critical work in factories and other jobs during WWII, and to keep America going. Labor Day was officially designated by a U.S. Senate resolution as “National Rosie the Riveter Day,” a united national effort to recognize these women who are represented by ‘Rosie the Riveter’ — a cultural icon of the United States.” During WWII, the number of working women in the U.S. grew from 12 to 20 million by 1944.

The Harpers Ferry Woman’s Club, at the last moment’s notice, was able to pull together and organize this beautiful and meaningful event. About 100 people gathered at the gazebo to recognize four West Virginia women who assisted the war effort on the home front, joining towns all across America.

Mayor Bishop introduced the event and Councilwoman Barbara Humes served as master of ceremonies. Many state and local officials were also in attendance, including State Sen. John Unger, D-Berkeley; State The 4 “Rosies” (L-R) are Dorothy Davenport, Ada Delegate Paul Espinoza, R-Jefferson; Jane Tabb, England, Gladys Rockenbaugh and “Pete” Murphy. commissioner, Jefferson County; Pete Dougherty, sheriff and treasurer, Jefferson County; Matt Harvey, prosecutor, Jefferson County. An honor guard made up of members from the Harpers Ferry/Bolivar District Veteran’s Association also participated.

Shirley Caniford and Julie Gregg, co-presidents of the Harpers Ferry Woman’s Club presented the honored guests with gifts; Pastor John Unger, pastor of St. John’s Episcopal Church, St John’s Lutheran Church, and Camp Hill-Wesley United Methodist Church and Rev. James T. Munuhe, deacon of St. James Roman Catholic Church offered prayers; and Kevin Carden, town recorder of Harpers Ferry, led the singing of the National Anthem.

Recognized at the ceremony were four inspirational women from different parts of the state.

Ada M. England, 99, of Kelsey, West Virginia, who now lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, served as a welder at a Navy shipyard in Portland, Oregon. She joined the Navy after finishing her second year of high school. Her daughter, Laura England, spoke for her mother, “She worked on aircraft carriers, battleships and the Linley ship which took food and other supplies to countries that were being blockaded during the war.” Dorothy Davenport and Ada England

Also honored at the ceremony was our very own Agatha “Pete” Murphy, 96, who was born outside of Boston, Massachusetts and served as a Navy nurse based in Norfolk, Virginia. “She took care of the wounded soldier boys when they were sent back to the states for further medical treatment,” Humes said. “She said nurses came from all over the United States.” Gladys Rockenbaugh and Pete Murphy Dorothy Davenport, 93, was born in Princeton, Illinois and now lives in Charles Town. She served by rolling first-aid bandages at the county courthouse in her hometown.

Gladys M. Rockenbaugh was born in a small rural farm town in southeastern West Virginia. She joined the FBI in Washington, D.C. in May, 1945 after graduating high school. “She was at the top of her class and recruited by the federal government,” said her daughter Stephanie Rockenbaugh of Harpers Ferry, who spoke on her behalf. “Gladys first worked in the fingerprint department, and she was successful in getting the gangster ‘Lucky’ Lucciano deported back to Italy.”

Exactly at 1 p.m. collective ringing of bells filled the air for 15 seconds, as part of the national ceremony. According to Humes, the ringing of bells represents “a simple, but powerful way for people to see that it is possible for people to pull together and get the work done.” We salute these patriotic women for their invaluable service.

Blast from the Past Odds and Ends of Harpers Ferry History curated by Dan Riss Friendship Fire Company The Friendship Fire Company was organized in June 1927. The Chairman of the Board was J. J. Young, with Eugene Bready, Secretary Treasurer. The plan was to build a fire engine house on “Union Square,” which had been donated to the town by the U.S. Government for public purposes. The first piece of equipment ordered was a Foamite-Childs engine. Perhaps the same engine seen in the photos from Oct 1952.

18 October 1969 Landmarks Collection inventory #0628 Harpers Ferry fire engine. Possible October 1952. Landmarks photo collection