Over the years, many of the historical landmarks of western Greenbrier County have been destroyed. Some of the destruction has occurred due to weather events, such as the 2012 derecho or the 2016 floods, but some of it has happened due to a lack of foresight by community members.
In order to preserve some of the history of the area, John Wyatt and a group of dedicated volunteers have decided to create the Western Greenbrier Historical Society, a 501c3.
According to Wyatt, the society became a bonafide organization this month.
“I have seen so much of our history being destroyed. It’s just leaving everyday,” Wyatt said. “Whether it was the mill itself, or the various buildings that were a part of the mill, they are just gone.”
The mill Wyatt referred to was the Meadow River Lumber Company in Rainelle, which was the largest hardwood sawmill in the world in its heyday. The mill was torn down in the 1970s.
“I know we can’t live in the past,” Wyatt continued. “We need to be forward-looking, but if someone had been visionary enough in those days to keep the mill in its entirety, and had kept some of the old Shay engines and buildings, such as the depot, Cass couldn’t hold a light to what we would have here.”
Even today, the town of Rainelle is looking for a place to house a visitor’s center, Wyatt noted. He said the old train depot would have been a wonderful place for this, but it was one of those buildings that was torn down.
“We need to keep alive some of our history,” Wyatt stated. “Thank goodness we still have the Methodist Church and some other smaller places in town, like the old bank building.”
Through the Western Greenbrier Historical Society, Wyatt said he plans to place some of these buildings on the historical register to preserve them and keep them part of the community for future generations.
“Not only buildings in Rainelle, but other buildings like the old Civil War hospital in Meadow Bluff and the history of the Greenbrier Ghost, need to be preserved,” Wyatt added. “We are rich in that culture. With my generation passing, no one will know any of this. It will just vanish. So, we need to keep some of this alive and get people interested in who we are.”
At this time, the Western Greenbrier Historical Society has about 12 members, Wyatt said. However, they need more.
To increase interest in the historical society, and to raise some money for future projects, the society is hosting a 10K Walk, Bike or Run event on Saturday, May 1.
This 10K will begin at the Rainelle United Methodist Church, go across the James River Kanawha Turnpike, through Crag, and end at the Sewell Chapel in Meadow Bluff.
“The route is actually about 11K, but we won’t quibble about that,” Wyatt said. “Just get out and enjoy spring, the freedom of getting out into the fresh air, and the social interaction.”
Even though the historical society has not set the exact meeting time for the start of the 10K, Wyatt said it will be planned for mid-morning.
The Western Greenbrier Historical Society will meet in the old Jehovah’s Witnesses building in Lilly Park. Meeting dates have not been set.
“Hopefully, through the historical society, we will be able to bring back not just the history and culture of the area, but we will bring back a sense of pride to the community and the area where we live,” Wyatt said.
To become a member of the historical society, or for more information on future meeting dates, contact Wyatt at 304-438-6047.
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