ALDERSON, W.Va. (WVDN) – On a sunny day at the end of March, a group of great volunteers gathered at the end of the Historic 1896 C&O Depot in Alderson for a photo in honor of French, the Lion. Sponsored by Alderson Main Street, this photo op highlighted “Lion Days”. There was an incredible Lion costume, created by Meg Chamberlain, and inhabited by Theresa Massey with the chain held by her husband, Bud; a lion cutout gifted to Alderson Main Street by the Alderson Senior Center; and Finn, the dog, sporting a handsome lion look.
All the visible humans were clad in “Keep your lion on a leash” shirts designed by Cheryl Mansley and for sale at the Alderson Artisans Gallery, with proceeds to Alderson Main Street projects. The photo was taken by the husband-and-wife photography team of Jake Hansen and Sheena Pendley-Hansen.
Most people in this area know of the story about the lion cub, born in Alderson during a visit by a circus, raised by the wife of the local blacksmith, and who roamed free on the streets until he frightened a visitor. The Town Council then passed an ordinance requiring that all lions be kept on leashes. French was sold to the National Zoo, then a part of the Smithsonian Institution, and became the first lion ever owned by the United States of America.
Alderson has many lion statues and visitors are encouraged to visit them all. Don Sutherland, President of Alderson Main Street, said, “Thanks to everyone who participated in the photo and even greater thanks to all the wonderful volunteers who work to make Alderson the ‘Gem of the Hills.”
