Historical Society Remembers on Pearl Harbor Day

 As a follow up to a successful tea held on Sunday, the Berkeley County Historical Society gathered on Tuesday, December 7th to remember those who lost their lives sixty-nine years ago at Pearl Harbor and honor all veterans who have served to protect our nation.  It was a bitter cold day with gusty winds.

The program began outside at 11AM with the Posting of the Colors by the 157th Military Police Company, WV Army National Guard.   Cyril Kammeier, Commander of the Eastern Panhandle Detachment, Marine Corps League led those gathered in the Pledge of Allegiance and Rev. Robert S. Hill, Jr. recited the Invocation.  Members of the Veterans Combined Honor Guard, Jim Grose, Commander, performed a rifle salute honoring all who gave their lives in the defense of freedom followed by the playing of "Taps".

Due to the cold, the remainder of the program was moved inside where Delegates John Overington (member) and Walter Duke were thanked for their attendance.  After brief remarks by Historical Society President, Todd Funkhouser and Vice President Cheryl Rodgers, the speaker, Mr. Charles H. Brown, USAF, Ret. was introduced.

Mr. Brown told the harrowing tale of his B-17 being shot down over the North Sea during WWII and how his crew (less one) were captured by Germans and incarcerated in Stalag 4.  They were later marched for 89 days across Germany when the Russians came knocking on the door of the Eastern Front.  They were later liberated by a Major who told everyone what to do in no uncertain terms, while toting a Colt 45 on his hip.  Mr. Brown said that Major was the prettiest sight he'd ever seen!

Lastly, awards of merit were awarded to Florida Fritz, Margaret LeFevre and Katherine Genung.  Joanne Huntsberry received a plaque for her Distinguished Service to the society.

The genesis of this day was Florida Fritz, a BCHS member and volunteer.  She has compiled three books of our Berkeley County WWII Veterans and is a member of that generation herself.  These books are available for researchers at the BCHS Archives.  Cheryl Rodgers, Vice President of Museums and Tourism put the programs together with the cooperation of member Cheryl Brown as well as Richard Seeley, Commander of the NCL-EPD; Jim Grose, Commander of the VCHG and Mr. Cy Kammeier.

Museum at Belle Boyd House Opens for Holidays

This past weekend we opened the house to celebrate the holidays.  Linda Grubb played on the piano both days.  Guests enjoyed going from room to room viewing our decorations interspersed with dolls, doll houses and trains. 

On Sunday we were joined by members of the cast of Little Women - opening soon at the Apollo Civic Theatre.  They sang carols in beautiful harmony.

This week, one of our volunteers, Peggy Johnson, came in to host our guests.  She was beautiful in her authentic civil war dress.

Please join us during the week on Thursday or Friday.  This coming weekend (Dec. 4) Keyboards Plus will be performing.  On Sunday, December 5th we are hosting our Volunteer Tea - invitation only; and on Tuesday, December 7th we are honoring Veterans on Pearl Harbor Day; special events begin at 11AM.

Keeping on Point

Let's all try to remember that this is the blog for the Berkeley County Historical Society, not any other entity - including the Berkeley County Historic Landmarks Commission.  Please post comments regarding BCHS only.

Cheryl and Katherine's Excellent Adventure

Update: Sunday, November 21, 2010 - Sorry, we were apparently told the wrong air time; studio line is not answering, so we have no idea when the interview will air (or has aired).

Cheryl Rodgers and I went down to Winchester yesterday; to the offices of WUSQ, better known to many as Q102 - the country radio station.  Lori, one of the on-air personalities, had a cancellation for the recording of her Sunday morning show and she'd called BCHS to see if we wanted to fill in.  So, Cheryl and I went down and were interviewed for the show that will air this Sunday morning at 8AM.  We had a great time and got a lot of good information out there about BCHS, our mission and our upcoming events.  Be sure to listen up on Sunday morning!

Cheryl Outside WUSQ - Q102

The Studio

Dolls for Doll Raffle

Here's the picture you were promised a few weeks ago of the dolls we are raffling during the Christmas season!

Dolls to be Raffled

Consuelo Newman has generously donated four porcelain dolls, each about 16-inches tall, new-in-box, for BCHS to raffle this holiday season.  Members are asked to help sell tickets if at all possible.  You can pick up packets of tickets at the Archives building.  Each packet includes a strip of the pictures of the dolls and instructions for selling the tickets.

Tickets sell for $1 each; or you can purchase 6 tickets for $5.  Tickets may be purchased at the Archives.  You will also be able to purchase tickets at the Belle Boyd House/Ben Boyd Store when it reopens for the holidays on November 26.

Our our of town members may purchase tickets as well.  Please send a check payable to BCHS for the amount of the tickets you want.  Also, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for us to return the tickets to you in.  If an out of town winner is drawn, they will need to pay for the shipping on their doll.

The raffle will be held on December 19, the last day the Belle Boyd House is open for the Christmas season.  Arrangements will be made at that time for pick up or shipping of the dolls.  Please contact BCHS by mail, email, or phone if you have any questions.

2010 Belle Boyd House Christmas Schedule

WELCOME to Christmas at Belle Boyd House!

November 1 through 25, 2010; House is CLOSED for decorating.  
We are very excited about Christmas at Belle Boyd House this year! Please come in to see our members collections of dolls (from different periods), doll houses and trains.  There are sure to be one or more entertainment programs to suit you over this holiday season; and as always, we will offer refreshments on the weekends.  Be sure to visit the Ben Boyd Store for last minute Christmas shopping for the history buff on your list!



November 26, 2010; OPEN for CHRISTMAS SEASON 10am to 4pm unless otherwise noted.

November 27, 2010; Pianist Linda Grubb plays a variety of Christmas Music

November 28, 2010; 1 to 2pm, Pianist Linda Grubb; 2:30 to 4pm, Apollo Theatre's Cast of Little Women

December 4, 2010; 11 to1pm, Keyboards Plus performs; 1 to 2:30pm, Apollo Theatre's Cast of Little Women

December 5, 2010; 1 to 4pm, Volunteer Appreciation Tea (Invitation Only);  
Mekala Hileman - violinist; Linda Grubb - pianist

December 7, 2010; WWII DAY - Program Honoring our Veterans

View the WWII Decorated Tree

December 11, 2010; Extended Hours - 10am to 8pm; Program begins at 11am with Orchard Intermediate School's Show Choir"Harmony"; 2:30pm Musselman High School's Jazz Band; 5:15-5:45pm  Caroling followed by cider and cookies, and 6 - 7:30pm David LaFleur

December 12, 2010; Extended Hours 1 to 5pm; Program begins at 1-2pm with Berkeley County String Quartet; 2-3pm Keyboards Plus; 3-4pm Mountain Ridge Intermediate School                   

December 18, 2010; Extended Hours 11am-8pm; Program begins at 11-11:45am with Blue and Gray; Noon Hedgesville Middle School Hand Bells and Sweet Harmony; 3-5pm David Ross Rhythm & Blues Band; 5:40-6:05pm  Caroling followed by cider and cookies;   6:15-7:30pm  Rockwells (Betty Jo & Scott)

December 19, 2010; Extended Hours 1 to 5pm; Program begins at 1-3pm Keyboards Plus;
4pm Doll Raffle Drawing

December 20, 2010 to April 15, 2011 the Belle Boyd House will be closed except for Special Events that will be announced in the future.  Please be sure to visit us at the Archives during that time.

Dolls, dollhouses and trains to be on display!

Tickets Available for Christmas Doll Raffle

BCHS is raffling off four porcelain dolls, new, in box for the holiday season.  Tickets are available for $1 each, or 6 for $5.  You may purchase tickets at the BCHS Archives.  Members may also pick up packs of tickets to sell.  Photos of the dolls are provided with the ticket packs and will be posted on this blog soon!  Please contact us if you have questions.

BCHS Needs Volunteers

BCHS needs volunteers to greet visitors, answer the phones and make copies at our Archives Center.  If you can spare a full day (with lunch break) or a half day, are interested in history and love meeting new people, give us a call.  No experience is needed.  If you want to be more challenged, there are always projects that need to be worked on - if YOU are interested.  Our contact information is to the right of the page.

BCHS 2010 Fall Tour of Homes a HUGE Success

The Mill at Lick Run Plantation

BCHS would like to thank the citizens of Berkeley County (and all those folks who came from the land of Far Far Away too) for supporting us during this year's Fall Tour of Homes.  The weather was gorgeous and we had a huge turnout at all the homes.  The most visited home was Lick Run Plantation - never open to the public before!  It is quite possible that during this groggy economy, we actually broke a record.  That tells us that you really like this house tour thing!  Thanks again for all your support!

Come One - Come All

Hedgesville is hosting its annual Heritage Day on Saturday, October 9 from 9 AM to 3 PM in Downtown Hedgesville.  Events are held throughout town.  For more information, contact Katie Cook at 304-886-9690 or Linda Payne at 304-754-8937.  In addition, the Hedgesville Little League will be hosting a yard sale on Heritage Day at the Softball Field on Route 9 across from Hedgesville High School.  Spaces sell for $10 for a 10' x 12' space - you must bring your own tables.  The yard sale runs from 8AM to 3PM.

BCHS to Hold 12th Annual Fall Tour of Homes

The Berkeley County Historical Society will host its 12th annual Fall Tour of Homes this coming weekend, September 11 & 12.  Please come out to visit the stunning privately owned homes that we have showcased this year. 

Lick Run Plantation

Lick Run Plantation is located at 1210 Bedington Road in the County's Bedington area.  Take I-81 north to Exit 20 (Spring Mills); turn right (east) and proceed to Route 11.  Turn right onto Route 11 (sout)( and follow it 1.4 miles to Bedington Crossroads.  Turn left onto Bedington Road (east); proceed 1.1 miles, you will find the house on the right.

Boydville

To see Boydville, located at 601 South Queen Street, Martinsburg, take Exit 13 off of I-81 (King Street) and go east on King Street to the intersection with Queen Street; turn right; proceed .4 miles, the house is on the right side of the street.

Faulkner House

The Faulkner House is located nearby at 716 South Raleigh Street, Martinsburg.  From King Street, take Raleigh Street south and follow it for six blocks; the house is on the left side of the street.

Ivy Hill

If you'd like to visit the McDonald-Chenoweth home, now known as Ivy Hill at 3446 Tabler Station Road, Martinsburg, take I-81 south to Tabler Station Road (Exit 8).  Go west on Tabler Station 1.1 miles to Arden Nollville Road.  Turn left and left again into the parking area for the house.

Yates House at Broomgrass

The Yates House at Broomgrass is located at 446 Broomgrass Way in Gerrardstown.  Take the Inwood Exit (Exit 5) from I-81 and go west on Route 51 (Gerrardstown Road).  This will take you up the slopes of North Mountain to the intersection of Routes 51 and 45 in Mills Gap.  Proceed straight through the intersection onto Buck Hill Road (Route 20); follow it for 3.1 miles.  You will see the Broomgrass sign on the left; follow the signs to the Yates House.

Stuckey House

Finally, you can see the Charles Stuckey House located at 915 Calvary Hill Road in Hedgesville's Jones Springs area by following the above route to Broomgrass, but instead of turning into Broomgrass, continue on Buck Hill Road to Shanghai.  At the intersection with Back Creek Valley Road (Route 7), turn right (north) and follow it 4 miles to Jones Springs.  Turn right onto Calvary Hill Road (east) and follow it .9 miles.  The Stuckey House will be on the left side of the roadway.



You may purchase tickets in advance at the Berkeley County Historical Society offices in Martinsburg or on the days of the tour at the individual homes.  Ticket prices are as follows:

Adult - Complete Tour - $15
Adult - Individual Home - $5
Students and children under 18 - free when accompanied by an adult

Here is a map of the tour - please note that the map is NOT to scale.