This past Saturday, I spent the day participating in a living history event at the James C. McGrew house in Kingwood, WV. Mr. McGrew was a community leader in antebellum Preston County, Virginia (later West Virginia) and was a delegate to the Virginia Secession Convention in 1861. He voted against secession and returned home to participate in efforts to create a separate state of West Virginia. He also served in the state legislature.
A small Union Army camp was set up on the grounds, as well as a buckskinner camp. Civilian living historians portrayed Mr. and Mrs McGrew and presented a program to the public and gave tours of the home. The living historians were treated to a sumptuous breakfast gratis. Other visitors were also able to enjoy the meal for a donation.
The McGrew House is an example of a piece of history that was almost lost. The house fell into disrepair in the 80’s and was on the way to being demolished when a local group of volunteers, preparing a brochure about the city of Kingwood, met with a local historian, Bill Williams, who told them about the significance of the house and the McGrews. They did more research and eventually started a society to preserve the home. It was a significant victory when you consider that so many historically significant buildings in our area seem to get torn down to put in parking lots and Mini-marts.
Overall, this was a very laid-back pleasant event which could turn into something larger in the future. For those of us living in the immediate area, that is attractive with the rising cost of gasoline making longer trips an expensive venture.
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