Friends of

December 2004 501 Elizabeth St.reet Room 3, Charleston, WV 25311 • 304-345-7663 • www.saveblackwater.org • [email protected] Blackwater Play Draws Overflow Crowd Museum in Economic Plan On November 9, an audience of more from having the same school year as for Blackwater Area than 500 people packed Charleston’s State white children. By Edward Peeks Capitol Cultural Center Theater to see an Actor Joseph Bundy Excerpts from a November 18, 2004 article historic re-enactment of the Blackwater played Clifford, and Canyon — based case, Carrie Williams vs. actress Ilene Evans A proposed museum figures into the Board of Education.* played the Carrie economic development in northern West The hero in the “courtroom drama” re- Williams part in Virginia, as part of the magnet to attract enactment program was the Charleston more tourist Columnist Edward ’s first production. Ilene dollars and Peeks, who attended African American Evans lives near increase business the Williams/Clifford lawyer, J. R. the town of in the Blackwater performance, wrote for Clifford. Clifford Thomas in Tucker Canyon area, one the Charleston Gazette was born in County. Her work of the state’s most about Friends of 1848 near can be seen at scenic and Blackwater’s Coketon Greenland voicesfromtheearth.org, beautiful areas. Museum Project, Gap, West In 2003, Friends of The region which celebrates the Virginia. He Blackwater brought reflects the industrial past and fought in the the Williams/Clifford character and Ilene Evans as rich cultural heritage Civil War as a case — and the great heritage of the Carrie Williams of the Blackwater teenager, ethnic history of the Mountain State Region. then became Coketon area — to the attention of West and its impact on an educator, Virginia Supreme Court Justice Larry the nation, from publisher, Starcher and his law clerk, Tom Rodd. the saving of the Union to industrial crusading lawyer, They took the ball and ran with it! development to civil rights and social history. “Help preserve this fascinating Aaron Clark and civil rights activist. Along with great drama, the Charleston as young The heroine of the story show had great music by the Carpenter history and support economic J. R. Clifford was Carrie Williams, a Ants and the Martin Luther King, Jr. development. . . Support planning and tenacious teacher at the Memorial Choir. Many leading members development of the Coketon Industrial one-room “colored school” in Coketon — of West Virginia’s black community History Museum and Interpretative Center,” at the head of the Blackwater Canyon. In honored the event with their presence. says . . . Friends of Blackwater... Coketon is 1898, Williams and Clifford fought and Friends of Blackwater provided conspicuous in civil rights history with J.R. won the right to stop a school board bent refreshments. See more pictures of the Clifford and other black lawyers like T.G. on keeping African American children show on our website! Nutter, Willard Brown and Hugo Payne Sr. . . . Today’s efforts for tourism and economic In This Issue: development include a program to save Clifford Play/Museum ...... 1 Blackwater Canyon from the ravages of Director’s Update ...... 2 DC House Party ...... 2 logging and the encroachment of private FOB Board Highlight - Jason Halbert ...... 3 real estate developers. A public move is Limerock, My Hometown ...... 3 underway to increase wilderness areas for Cheat Canyon Threatened ...... 4 hiking, camping and other outdoor Wind Turbine Moratorium Requested ...... 4,5 leisures. The dream is to make alive a body Keep Dolly Sods Wild Project Update: Citizens Sue for Information ...... 5 of West Virginia heritage in the Coketon September Conference and Award Recipients ...... 6,7 Industrial History Museum and In Memory of Friends and Family ...... 8,9 Interpretative Center. Honoring Mrs. Schoyer and Tom Rodd ...... 10 Part One of Art Exhibit on Display ...... 10 Election Year ‘04 Media Campaign Responses ...... 11 *T*T*The rrhe e-ene-ene-enactment wwactment as sponsorsponsoras ed bbed y thethey Sam McCormick’s Orchids on Display ...... 11 WWWest VVest iririrginia SuprSuprginia eme CourCoureme t andandt Holiday Gift Ideas ...... 12 the WWthe est VVest iririrginia Humanities Council. Director’s Update

Dear Friends,

We come to the end of another year. Gortex) we ran large newspaper ads A special note Soon the Blackwater Canyon will be across West Virginia asking people to As the Bob Wise administration comes blanketed in snow. The salamanders urge statewide political candidates to to a close, we want to thank the will be hibernating under logs, the bats support Blackwater protection. Over Governor — and particularly his in caves — and the flying squirrels will 1,000 people staffer, Susan Small be digging down through the snow, sent messages — for all the work sniffing out wild truffles buried under to the they put in, trying to the forest floor. candidates negotiate the The magical winter wonderland of through our purchase of the the High Allegheny red spruce forest (your) website private land in will glitter with ice crystals, as alone! And Blackwater Canyon. chickadees bounce from branch to the candidates branch. What a miracle! responded — Thank you for being 15 positively with Friends of in the Blackwater on this 2004 primaries. To voyage of discovery A Year of Discovery cap this effort, so far. We look { for Friends of Blackwater } both major forward to continuing Gubernatorial Judy Rodd and Susan Small with you in the We discovered that our favorite candidates this Fall stated their coming year. Have a wonderful Holiday nature writer, J. Lawrence Smith is support for protecting Season and Happy New Year. willing to write another book about Blackwater Canyon. Blackwater Country — to help save the Canyon. We discovered the dramatic power of the life and work of J.R. Clifford and Carrie Auction Adds Excitement to DC Party Williams, who fought their case WV Artists Make it a Success from a tiny “colored school” in Fifty people attended our the Blackwater Canyon to the a botanical drawing, and Ann’s daughter November 18 Washington, Helen Payne, now working in West Virginia Supreme Court to DC house party at Rafe and Lenore Washington, donated an oil portrait. The forge equality in education in West Pomerance’s home in Adams celebrated Virginia, 60 years before Brown vs. Morgan. Tasty wines and Middle photographer, Board of Education. Eastern food put everyone in a good Jim Clark, of We discovered the excitement that the mood. As balmy weather let people War, West idea of a National Park can generate at mingle in the garden, we were serenaded Virginia, our “Visioning Blackwater” Meeting in by the Appalachian fiddle and hammered donated two of dulcimer — played September. We discovered the his books to by Sam and Joe help with the The Kiss by Sassi Harel generosity of West Virginia artists, who Herrmann, of donated world-class artworks to Blackwater Critton Owl campaign. support our effort. And we discovered Hollow, WV. One Numerous how deeply we are moved by the highlight of the Tucker County generous donations made in honor and evening was an businesses memory of people who have come auction of West donated before us — in their love of the land, Virginia books, dinners, and their dedication to protecting and crafts, trips and overnights, ski Sculpture celebrating West Virginia’s special artwork, including passes, and bike by Mark Blumenstein photographs by places. trips. Also Paul Corbit Brown thanks to Sally Davidson for her donation We discovered our (your) power to and “Tico” Frank move politicians, with our Election of dinners at Clyde’s of Georgetown. All Herrera, and of the auction items sold like hotcakes, Year Media Campaign. With help from Artist Helen Payne sculptures by Mark making the fundraiser a solid success!! the Conservation Alliance (and Blumenstein and Sassi Harel. Thanks to all of the folks who came and particularly Campmor, Dansco, and Morgantowner Ann Cork Payne donated joined the fun! 2 Judy Rodd, President Paul Hill, Vice President Board Highlight Jeannie Dalporto, Secretary Jason Halbert Linda Cooper, Treasurer Jason Halbert has worked on the Canyon National Sandy Fisher Blackwater Campaign since 1998. Park presentation Jason’s pioneer great-great- in Washington, Board of Directors Sheila McEntee grandparents were from Beverly, West DC. Virginia, and he has a deep love of “Through Jason, Annie Dillard West Virginia’s wild places. At college we have learned Larry Groce in Missoula, Montana, Jason worked so much about with other young activists to reform the environment, Jason Halbert the Forest Service. He which you are David Hammer, Esq. ran the Appalachian Restoration trying so Alan Karlin, Esq. Campaign in Ohio and Virginia. In desperately hard Patrick McGinley, Esq. 1999, Jason created the first map of to protect. I feel Blackwater Canyon National Park. so fortunate that Deborah McHenry, Esq. These days, Jason works for a he will soon be a J. Lawrence Smith foundation — and even wears a suit part of our family

Advisory Board Rafe Pomerance and tie — but his grass-roots and that Joe Rieffenberger understanding of the power of new together, both he ideas in protecting the environment The Happy Couple, and Kristin will Steve White, Esq. is always with him. His advice and Jason Halbert and Kristin Taverna continue to work Christopher Wood analysis as a Friends of Blackwater for the Advisory Board Member is invaluable. In preservation of this incredible world of ours Judy Rodd, Director September, Jason became engaged to Kristin through their hard work and dedication.” Taverna. Hiis future mother-in-law, Tina Tina said. Valerie Little Staff Taverna, sent us a note explaining how she first The magic of Blackwater Canyon causes John Brown met Jason with Kristin at the 1999 Blackwater true love to bloom!! Limerock, My Hometown by Ron Eckard No! Limerock was not my home- basket and assisted in harvesting the last of seven families still town, but it was the hometown of my the trees from the bottom of the canyon in living at Limerock. great, great grandfather, John Eckard, 1916. George Eckard, great grandson of The 1920 Tucker and three generations of his descen- John was born there in 1918, and was part County census dants. John settled at Limerock with his of the fourth and last generation of Eckards reveals that the three adult children in the middle to live at Limerock. Since then three head of one 1870s, the first of several families that additional Eckard generations have visited Limerock house- Limerock, the hometown of their hold worked on Ron Eckard at lived there for more September Conference than 60 years. Before ancestors. In all, seven generations the railroad, one in John died in 1892, he of Eckards have left their footprints in lumbering, two saw the railroad the Blackwater Canyon since John were teamsters and three were described as construction crawl and his children settled there farmers. By the latter 1930s, Limerock village, slowly down the around 1875. two miles above the mouth of the Blackwa- Blackwater Canyon At the height of the commercial ter River was mostly deserted. from Thomas in 1888. activity in the Blackwater Canyon Today, the Limerock area provides little His children, Elizabeth the Limerock village thrived and evidence of the people that lived there for Eckard Wratchford, supported a general store and a over 60 years. You can find lilac bushes, Martin Eckard and hotel near the upper end of the patches of daffodils and piles of rock that are Jonathon Eckard saw settlement. Limerock also was the evidence of building foundations and the canyon walls site of a small limestone quarry that terraces, but the people that first settled that denuded of trees by provided foundation stones for the area are gone forever. While this precious 1914. Afterwards they houses there as well as rock for the little is all that is left to show that Limerock witnessed the further destruction of the railroad. In addition, a church, a school once existed, I have faith that the Blackwater wildlife habitat as the fires followed the and a cemetery served the Limerock Canyon and the remnants of the Limerock clear cutting. Samuel Eckard, grandson community. By 1920, the commercial area will be protected so that future genera- of John rode to the bottom of the activity shifted to the upper end of the tions of Eckards and others will be able to canyon in a steam-powered skidder Blackwater River and there were only visit ‘my hometown.’ 3 Friends of Blackwater Take Action

Cheat Canyon Threatened: Citizens Groups Ask Fish and Wildlife to Intervene

The Friends of Blackwater Canyon has of an effort to get the remainder of the 16- Canyon contains the Allegheny Hiking joined with the Center for Biological mile-long Canyon into public ownership. Trail and is a recreational mecca for Diversity, Sierra Club (West Virginia In addition to endangered species, the kayakers from all over the east. Chapter), the Cheat Lake AWP has initiated road building and Environment and Recreation logging activities in Canyon Association, the West Virginia Rivers without conducting adequate surveys Coalition, and Coopers Rock for the species. Our flyovers of the Foundation in sending notice to Cheat Canyon reveal that a haul road Allegheny Wood Products (AWP) has been created and logs are being and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service carried out. We believe that AWP is (“Service”) of AWP’s violations of the violating the Endangered Species Act. Endangered Species Act in an Why isn’t the Fish and Wildlife Service attempt to save the critically imperiled office taking action to stop this illegal Indiana bat and Cheat three-toothed logging? snail from AWP’s logging and Like the Blackwater Canyon, the roadbuilding in Cheat River Canyon. Cheat Canyon is one of West Virginia’s The Cheat River Canyon encases a unique ecological treasures and also a 16-mile stretch of the Cheat River, the recreation destination. Jim Kotcon of largest undammed river east of the the West Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Mississippi, running northwest from Club said, “The Sierra Club believes that Albright in Preston County to Cheat preservation of wildlife is of paramount Lake at Cooper Rock State Forest near importance, particularly the protection Morgantown. The portion of canyon of endangered species. Allegheny impacted by AWP’s logging provides Wood Products’ activities are seriously crucial habitat for the Indiana bat and threatening critical parts of West the Cheat three-toothed snail, both Virginia’s unique natural heritage. It is protected under the Endangered an outrage and an insult to West Species Act. AWP’s property in Cheat Virginians that the highest levels of the River Canyon comprises Fish and Wildlife Service are approximately one- third of the three- intentionally turning a blind eye to this toothed snail’s habitat in the entire Photo by John Bright clearly illegal activity. This is just world.worldworld AWP acquired its Cheat River WRONG!” Canyon property in 2003 from Allegheny Kayakers, hikers and bikers fear With no response from Fish and Wildlife Power, despite the State of West Virginia’s destruction of Cheat Canyon’s wild and AWP, the citizens groups are seriously interest in purchasing the property as part beauty and unique ecology considering a lawsuit.

Campaign for Moratorium on Wind Project Construction

Friends of Blackwater joined Citizens for write to the West Virginia Public Service develop uniform siting guidelines or Responsible Wind Power (CRWP), a four- Commission (PSC) to ask for a moratorium. environmental standards. “We cannot let state not-for-profit citizens group Go to CRWP’s website, the destruction of our precious highlands incorporated in West Virginia, in calling for www.responsiblewind.org for more happen,” says Linda Cooper, President of a moratorium on the construction of any information. Citizens for Responsible Wind (CRWP). industrial wind facilities until the General On October 5, President Bush signed a “We have seen the scenic vista Accounting Office (GAO) does a study of tax credit extension bill with wind power degradation and the extraordinary bird their effects on the . tax credits. This means that construction of and bat kills from the 44 turbines on The GAO study was recently called for by two large industrial wind projects with . Can you imagine the WV Congressmen Allan Mollohan and 366 turbines near Blackwater Canyon, is result from eight times as many turbines Nick Joe Rahall. CRWP has issued a call to imminent. Certificates for the projects were on a major migration route on Allegheny “citizens who love the beauty and the issued to US Wind Force and NedPower Front?” An avian mortality study wildlife of the West Virginia Highlands” to by the West Virginia PSC, which has yet to conducted at Backbone Mountain last continued next page 4 Keep Dolly Sods Wild Project Update

Citizens Sue for Wind Project Mortality Information

Twenty-one citizen groups from power when it comes to the around the country are supporting a environment. We are filing this suit now Freedom of Information Act lawsuit filed because our patience has run out. We against U.S. Department of the Interior have been waiting for answers from the November 16, 2004 Secretary, Gale Norton, by the Friends of Department of Interior for over a year. If Dear Secretary Norton: Blackwater. The lawsuit these giant wind turbines are killing The undersigned organizations are charges that Norton has thousands of migratory birds and other writing with regard to Friends of Blackwater refused to turn over wildlife the public has a right to know.” v. Department of the Interior, a lawsuit filed documents relating to Thousands of taxpayer subsidized today in federal district court against the Fish and Wildlife Service under the Freedom of wildlife deaths and wind turbines — some up to 450 Information Act. The lawsuit challenges the injuries from wind feet high — are being agency’s withholding of documents turbines. “The planned for high requested by Friends of Blackwater Department of Interior ridges of the scenic concerning wildlife injuries and deaths has not justified Potomac caused by industrial wind power facilities, withholding these important Highlands and and the USFW’s practices and policies documents,” said Judy mountainous and regarding enforcement of environmental Rodd, Executive coastal areas in other laws against wind power facilities. Director of states. As you are aware, the wind power industry is undergoing a rapid expansion Friends of “These projects may be a throughout the country. Although wind Blackwater. serious threat to migratory birds power has the capacity to be a clean source Rodd said, “ in the U.S. and there is no of energy, wind power projects that are not We deeply meaningful federal review process to properly sited or evaluated before they are appreciate the examine their impacts on wildlife,” said constructed pose serious risks to our nation’s support we Rodd. “The Mountaineer project in treasured wildlife. We believe the public has are receiving West Virginia has been the site of the a right to information concerning these from citizen groups greatest migratory bird and bat kills impacts, and a right to know what the Fish around the country. east of the . If this is and Wildlife Service’s policies are with regard to enforcing important environmental laws There is growing national any indication of the problems associated against the wind power industry. concern about the adverse with wind power, then Department of Accordingly, we urge the Fish and Wildlife environmental impacts of wind power, Interior needs to step forward and Service to comply with the Freedom of and once we get this information out on enforce our federal environmental laws.” Information Act, and release the records the table, it will help everyone A copy of the letter and the twenty-one requested by Friends of Blackwater. understand the pros and cons of wind supporting organizations follows: Sincerely, Citizens for Responsible Windpower (WV) Friends of the (WV) Go to www.saveblackwater.org for news articles Stewards of the (WV) Potomac Valley Audubon Society (WV) and background information on these actions. Friends of Appalachian Highlands (PA) Friends of Backbone Mountain (MD) Alliance for Greenway Improvements (MD) from page 4 Friends of Highland County (VA) Kingdom Commons Group (VT) year estimated that 2,092 bats were without adequate protections for migratory Friends of the Smokey Hills (KS) killed there. Merlin Tuttle, director of Bat birds, and endangered species or Protect Flint Hills (KS) Conservation International, estimated the protections for West Virginia’s most striking Tallgrass Ranchers (KS) kill at closer to 4,000 and called it “by far scenic vistas. Other projects are being Friends of the Western Mountains (ME) the largest bat mortality event I know of planned. US Windforce has a 121 turbine Chautauqua County Citizens for Responsible worldwide and, as far as I know, the project south of Franklin. ( See photo of this Windpower biggest mortality event of any animal.” A Liberty Gap project on their website at Sardinia Preservation Group (NY) recent report from Tuttle shows more www.uswindforce.com.). A 49 turbine Advocates for Cherry Valley (NY) Advocates for Prattsburg (NY) bats were killed this year than last. project is planned for Rich Mountain near North Country Coalition Against Windfarms Without proper siting criteria, , and another 28 turbines (NY) construction of 450-foot wind turbines planned on Backbone Mountain, just over Green Berkshires, Inc. (MA) visible from Dolly Sods, North Fork the border at Roth Rocks, Maryland’s PROACT International (GER) Mountain and Spruce Knob will proceed highest mountain peak. Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound (MA)

5 Visioning Blackwater Keynote speaker Brock Evans inspired us with these words, “Blackwater is a magnificent plac economic benefits to the community, and would protect tremendous resources, too. Blackwate

Visit our website www.saveblackwater.org for more details on the conference

Door Prizes are distributed by endangered species at Saturday Night Banquet

FOB Board Member FOB’s first Vista Volunteer Sandy Fisher Longtime Blackwater Friend Emily Samargo Lori Haldeman

Green Business First Annual Blackwater Member Awardees FOB Board Advisor Owner Walt Ranalli J. Lawrence Smith

6 Canyon National Park ce. It ought to be a National Park. I’ve seen many National Parks and this is a treasure equal to any of them. It would provide tremendous er is your gift of love (to the American people) I know you can do it. Get out there! It’s your turn, and we’ll be right there with you!”

Michael Kellett and Brock Evans Destry Jarvis Our First Friends Award Banquet and Conference Destry Jarvis, formerly of the and Michael Kellett, Maine Woods National Park advocate explained National Park creation. Chip Chase, Walt Ranalli, and Fred Herz spoke on tourism; Dr. Tom Pauley and Marty Martin on ecology; Mike Caplinger on History; J Lawrence Smith and John Hardman Blackwater Canyon on spiritual values and Spencer Phillips Photo by Francis Fisher on Economics. Dr. Tom Pauley

Marty Martin

Fred Herz and Dr. Fred Reichle Mike Caplinger of Timberline Resort Spencer Phillips Tour Leader Bill Grafton

Morning Service at Blackwater Canyon Overlook Chip Chase Conference wrap-up session 7 In Memory In memory of Ernestine Golden by Lillian Giese We celebrate the lives of those listed below who were memorialized In memory of my sons, Bobby and Thad by friends and family through a donation to Friends of Blackwater In memory of my sons, Bobby and Thad by Mary Douglas Krout “The hills are a symbol of our eternity. There they stand, the evidence “Bobby was 25 and had just completed his of things seen, as nearly everlasting and unchangeable as anything iron worker training in May. He and a friend man may know. One who has dwelled within them senses that they were out riding on the 4th of July, when are beyond the horizon, even when he is on level lands.” they were forced off the road by another car. Both Bobby and his friend died instantly. - The Appalachians, by Maurice Brooks Thad was 20. He was out of school and had a great job as a diesel mechanic when he Friends of Blackwater Canyon In memory of Sayre Rodman took his own life. It was very hard to over- Remembers Sayre Rodman by George Schnakenberg come these tragedies, but I did. To help Sayre began rock climbing when he was “Sayre and I met through the Sylvan move myself forward, I reached out to 15. He was a member of the Alpine Club, Canoe Club in Verona, Pennsylvania in others. After going back to school and and the more snow and ice there was on 1986, and I got to know him and his wife, getting a degree in counseling, I formed the the rocks, the better Jean, a couple of years later. The real group, Healing After Suicide. I cannot he liked it. Sayre hiked connection started in 1991, change the past, but I can certainly help to in Alaska, British when I learned of Sayre’s great protect someone’s future. I am a supporter of Columbia, Switzerland, history with the Monongahela Friends of Blackwater, because it was one of Colorado, Montana, Forest, the West Virginia the things that both my sons dearly loved. Nepal, Bhutan and Highlands Conservancy, and We used to go to Davis every year, and they India, to name a few. his introduction of the sport of always looked forward to it. They were both Although climbing rafting on the Cheat, New and wonderful people.” was his first love, as the Yough Rivers back in the years passed, more 1950s. I was in my mid-forties In memory of Lu Schrader sports were added to when Sayre and Jean by Midge Schrader his list of favorite Sayre Rodman (far right) “adopted” me and presented Lu was an avid bird watcher who was outdoor pastimes: me with a couple of “first time always on the lookout for new hiking caving, hiking, canoeing, photography, experiences.” Many more interesting trips opportunities and protecting the ones he rafting and kayaking. Well before the term followed that strengthened my found. Lu was the cofounder of West “Extreme” came about, Sayre and his knowledge and appreciation of hiking and Virginia Rails to Trails and a great inspiration friends were having fun anyway they canoeing in the outdoors, and they built to organizers of the West Virginia Scenic could. In the 1950s, he and his wife, Jean, skills and confidence that allowed me to Trails Association. One of Lu’s greatest gifts to and their friends would head to West lead my own trips and share these the State was his accomplishment in Virginia on a regular basis to run the rivers. experiences with others. expanding the West Virginia portion of the His first boating trip came when a couple American Discovery Trail from twelve miles of his adventure friends from DC brought In memory of Stanley Harris to 250 miles. some military surplus rafts along on the by Bill JonesJonesby trip. They ran the South Branch of the ”Stanley Harris loved to walk in the woods In memory of Potomac to Petersburg. On a historic note, and look for wildflowers. He and his wife James Blaine Jenkins Sr. you should know that Sayre and Jean Della led me to the only Yellow Ladyslipper by Tia HarrisHarrisby Rodman were the first two people, ever, to I’ve ever seen. Mr. Harris was the Registrar at “When my grandfather first started hunting run the Gauley. That was 1955. Sayre had WVU at that time. He grew up in Braxton with his friends in 1950, they always went to a life-long love with the mountains, and County and was previously the director of Parsons. In 1953, when Blackwater Falls he was quite the photographer. To snap the School of Romney. Last March, Stanley’s became a , they started staying in better photos from the water, Sayre daughter Martha and son-in-law Larry Cabin 25 — the vacation place our family eventually moved from rafts and kayaks to Schwab and my wife and father and I went eventually made tradition. Grandfather called canoes to make it easier to handle the to Blackwater Canyon to hike. We were it his cabin. And although he is no longer camera equipment. Sayre became shocked to find signs posted by a timber with us in the physical sense and our family interested in West Virginia’s waterways company restricting access to trails we had has grown to the point where we now stay when the Army Corp of Engineers hiked for years. Although disappointed that at Timberline, we always go by and visit proposed a dam that would have flooded we were forced to change our plans, we Cabin 25 and reflect on the wonderful a large part of the valley below Seneca were pleasantly surprised with an memories we share.” James Jenkins was a Rocks. “It was a terrible idea they called the unexpected, but beautiful snowfall. “I made WWII Veteran who was a strong leader of Royal Glen Project,” said Jean Rodman. It a donation to Friends of Blackwater to help his family and along with his wife of 50 plus was in fighting this battle that the West make the trails public again, and because I years, Betty, they spanned four children, Virginia Highlands Conservancy was born. wanted to honor Mr. Harris’s life in a way grandchildren, and great-grandchildren — all that I knew he would appreciate.” very close, all very dear to his heart.

8 Mary Rodd Furbee was a pioneer in the movement to save the Blackwater Canyon. As a freelance writer, Mary’s In Memory of Mary Rodd Furbee words were instrumental in raising public to our group, Friends of Blackwater, Inc. War, Nancy Ward and the Cherokee awareness in the Canyon’s change of She wanted readers to know that citizens Nation, Anne Bailey: Frontier Scout, ownership from a public service utility and lovers of the Blackwater Canyon area Shawnee Captive: The Story of Mary company to a land restrictive timber should not accept the property Draper Ingles, and a travel book for adults baron. Mary shed light on transfer as a public defeat. called The Complete Guide to West plausible threats to a Mary’s articles were Virginia Inns. wilderness area now effective both at the In honor of Mary Furbee, I take you matured from a time of print and back to that rainy Thursday in 1997 and clear cutting when Judy Rodd share with you excerpts of her writings on more than used them as the man who first made Blackwater Falls a century handouts in and the Land of Canaan famous, David ago. meetings. Hunter Strother. Mary wrote: Mary also Within one brought year of the At Pendleton Point overlook in West attention articles Virginia’s Blackwater Falls State to the being Park, mist wafts in and out of the historic written, canyon below, obscuring then and more than unveiling the shadowed peaks of spiritual 300 people Canaan and Backbone Mountains. A values of had joined pair of hawks glide on the wind any Judy in her currents, above the sliver of river undefiled efforts to bring winding below. land. the Blackwater Down in the Canyon, I am alone in It was a chilly, Canyon back for the world…I’ve come here on an rainy Thursday, public use. Mary was impulse, inspired by a new book from when acting on like a daughter to Judy the WVU Press: “David Hunter impulse, Mary skipped her even though she was her Strother: One of the Best regular job as a journalism professor at sister-in-law. Mary’s sudden illness and Draughtsmen the Country WVU to drive from Morgantown to Davis death in April 2004 at the young age of Possesses”…On a steep canyon trail to take a walk through the laurel thicket of 49 was traumatic to her family, her friends, away from the famous falls the Blackwater Canyon. It was only a few and her students. Mary was loved and themselves, I try to follow in the months after Allegheny Wood Products respected by many who knew her. The author’s 1853 path through this had bought the Canyon in February 1997. WVU School of Journalism established a Eastern jungle…In the Blackwater Mary was working on a couple of news scholarship in her name. Canyon, I sidestep slippery, veinlike stories: a Charleston Gazette article on In addition to being a freelance writer roots that crisscross the floor of this , the man who and college professor, Mary was an artist. abyss…Glistening, sapling roots wrote for Harper’s New Monthly Soon after her death, Mary’s husband, encircle slate-gray boulders, like bony magazine in the 1850s under the pen Mike, posted a gallery of Mary’s paintings witch’s fingers…It’s a frigid, wet day, name Porte Crayon, and another article on her website. Looking at these the kind of weather Strother and his for the Washington Post on the land sale paintings, you see more than technique cultivated companions encountered on to Allegheny Wood. The Washington Post and medium, you see the soul of a their excursions into the canyon…I sit article was reprinted — word-for-word — in woman who loved life and all the beauty on hemlock carcasses blanketed with the Charleston Gazette and the Morgan that surrounds it. moss, listen to the rushing water, and Messenger’s Appalachian Journal. Mary was also an author. She wrote a imagine Strother here — drawing, Mary knew the articles were needed to series of books for young readers: writing, fishing. bring regional attention to the tragic Outrageous Women of Colonial America, By falling waters like this, I transfer of ownership. And she knew that Outrageous Women of the American sometimes feel, inexplicably, like it would also draw attention and support Frontier, Outrageous Women of the Civil crying. But it’s momentary, for the water washes away a sudden grief I didn’t know I felt and cannot name. Into the void seeps something In memory of Charlie Carlson by Carolyn Welcker wonderful that I’ve sought many times, but never found, sitting in “Charlie worked for Kanawha State Forest for years, and he knew West Virginia like the back church pews…It helped me realize of his hand. He loved the Blackwater Canyon, and if he were living today, he would be on anew why it is so important that we the front line fighting the logging and condo plans going on now. In the 1970s when they protect the few wild places that remain wanted to log Kanawha State Forest, Charlie went to the statehouse and lobbied to protect undefiled by human endeavor. Kanawha State Forest from all logging, and to this day, all State and National Forests in West Virginia can be logged, except Kanawha State Forest.” Thank you Charlie! From the Charleston Gazette June 1, 1997 9 In Honor Exhibit Reveals First Phase of Four-Part Education Project The photography of Paul Corbitt Brown and drawings of Anna Hess were on display at the Valley Ridge Theatre in Thomas during the Visioning Blackwater Canyon Conference. They were also on display at our Washington, DC fundraiser. The exhibit is the first in a four-part series. The first is “Spring: An Intimate Portrait of Blackwater Canyon.” If In honor of Thomas Rodd by Deb McHenry you know of a gallery, country club, “Because Tom is the Original Flying Squirrel. studio or own a big house that Elizabeth Schoyer has been honored by gifts to Friends of Blackwater by both Meg could Cheever and Sue Franz. Being embarrassed by such attention, Mrs. Schoyer accomodate at changed the subject by pointing out that her grandfather, Judge John Moffitt least 80 guests, Kennedy, was the original environmentalist in her family. Here is a quote from his call Friends of memorial service held in June of 1914. Blackwater about exhibiting the show and hosting a To his farm in Hampshire County…he hastened eagerly, going fundraising event. back to nature like a child flinging himself into the arms of its Blackwater Volunteer and mother. There amidst its wild grand scenery he rested from the labors Photographer exhibits prints of the year. Often with a gun on his shoulder he wandered over the FromThe Dominion Post hills. Listening to the voice of Nature, and saw her paint around Sam McCormick, an him her pictures of matchless beauty. The morning bird choir in the audio/visual technician trees. The sunrise tinting hill and field and setting on fire the eastern with the WVU School of sky. The threatening storm cloud, with tongue of flame, hanging low Medicine, is exhibiting upon the valley. The golden drapery flung by the sun over the wide some of his photographs swung portals of evening. All these delighted him and helped him to at the West Virginia High banish the cares of court, and silence for a time, the noise and tumult Technology Consortium. of the crowd. Strength and vigor for future work, came to him in The show is in the Alan B. Mollohan goodly measure, with the pure air and sparkling waters of the West Innovation Center Gallery, on the first Virginia hills. floor and is open from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. McCormick’s works will be on display through Dec.31. McCormick’s photos are of rare orchids, including the Snake Mouth Orchid family group. “From what I have researched, they are the direct descendants of orchids that appeared after the last Ice Age 10,000 to 12,000 years ago,” McCormick said. “I travel all over the state taking photos of West Virginia wilderness. I have become interested in plants and animals and really like hunting rare, interesting West Virginia orchids.” McCormick’s favorite places to search for orchids are , Dolly Sods and above Huttonsville. He said the best time for most orchid hunting is late June and early July, John Kennedy with his children and their friends at the farm on the North River depending on rain and sun at the area of growth. 10 Election Year E-Mail Campaign Drew Commitments on Blackwater Canyon Governor Wise’s letter in response to your e-mails Protection from Gubernatorial The initiatives of the Wise Administration have made a significant impact upon Candidates and Current Governor the preservation of Blackwater Falls Canyon and the Cheat River Gorge. The State acquired 492.49 acres in Blackwater Canyon from & Transmission Company at a cost of $1,113,000. That purchase protects the land, which is visible from entry into the Blackwater Falls State Park, from development incompatible with the natural state of the environment. State ownership has guaranteed uninterrupted public access to and protection of more than a mile of prime trout stream along the Blackwater River. The State of West Virginia, with financial assistance from The Conservation Fund, Toyota Monty Warner (R) said, “ I will fight to and the Richard King Mellon Foundation, also protect Blackwater Canyon.” acquired 1,117 acres of the Cheat River Canyon/Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area largely from Allegheny Energy, at a cost of Joe Manchin (D) Governor-Elect said, $1,859,668. “As Senator Robert C. Byrd has In total, these 1,609.49 acres of land were purchased for nearly 3 million remarked, Blackwater Canyon is West dollars. Over the last four years, under my direction the Division of Natural Virginia’s “crown jewel.” As Governor Resources has purchased more than 7,330 acres of land at a cost of more than I would work with federal, private and $5,580,000. Such purchases have been important for the protection of habitat for non-profit sources in order to come to various endangered species of animals and plants; access for hunters, anglers and a fair and equitable agreement with other outdoor enthusiasts; and preservation and protection of historical and the landowner in order to preserve cultural properties. this region for future generations. This As you can see, this Administration is committed to preserving our scenic unique view-shed is a vital piece of our places, such as Blackwater Canyon, to the greatest extent possible. Negotiations history, heritage and environment.” for acquiring additional portions of Blackwater Canyon have been ongoing and will continue.

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