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The Flood of 1937

Posted by Jane Metters LaBarbara.
January 26th, 2015

Blog post by Jane Metters LaBarbara, Assistant Curator, WVRHC.

On January 26, 1937, the Ohio River’s floodwater in Parkersburg, WV reached a peak of 55.4 feet, which was 19.4 feet above flood stage.  Two days later, the floodwaters at Huntington, WV would also peak at more than 19 feet above flood stage.  Thankfully, the flood was not an overnight surprise, but it was also not without cost.   Read the rest of this entry »

Martin Luther King, Jr. Visited West Virginia 55 Years Ago

Posted by Jane Metters LaBarbara.
January 19th, 2015

Blog post by Lori Hostuttler, Digital Projects and Outreach Archivist, WVRHC.

 

Today we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who championed equality and justice and espoused non-violence, unconditional love for our enemies, tolerance and service.  His words are just as poignant today as they were in the 1960s.  And his dream is still something we strive to achieve.  He is certainly someone that inspires me to be an optimist, to cherish love and to forgive – to be a better person.  Thinking about my blog entry for today, I wondered if Dr. King had any West Virginia connection.  I found that he spoke in Charleston 55 years ago this week.

 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument

The MLK Memorial in Washington, DC taken during my visit there in 2012.

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Best Friends

Posted by Jane Metters LaBarbara.
January 6th, 2015

Blog post by Stewart Plein, Rare Book Librarian.

Boy, dog, and fishbowl

Boy with goldfish

For well over a hundred years photographs have documented the moments that make up our lives, from the celebrations to the everyday.  These photos often include our faithful companions as important members of the family.  While man’s best friend may be a dog, other creatures of fur and fin were also considered good companions.  Here’s a look at West Virginians posing with their best friends.

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