WVU Libraries

Mountaineer Spirit

A look inside the West Virginia and Regional History Collection at WVU.
West Virginia University Alumni Magazine v.23:no.3 (Fall 2000)

by John Cuthbert

The author is curator of the West Virginia and Regional History Collection of the WVU Libraries.

It has often been said that history holds the keys to unlocking the future. If there is even a kernel of truth to this statement, then surely the West Virginia and Regional History Collection of the WVU Libraries is an asset that will prove to be invaluable to the citizens of West Virginia as we struggle to meet the new challenges of the next millennium. As the primary keeper of the historical record of the Mountain State, the West Virginia Collection has a formidable number of keys at its disposal.

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By Tim Terman

It was a muddy hole in the ground for months. Men with ponderous machines ripped loose tons and tons of earth, down to bedrock, and when it rained, a brown stream flowed into University Avenue.

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The War Public Library was destroyed by fire March 20. Three teenage boys have been charged with arson. The fire destroyed the building, and nearly all of the 40,000 item collection. The Library’s Gates computers were destroyed also. The WVU Libraries are donating 6 boxes of books and 3 computers to the War Public Library. 

John Cuthbert is delivering our gifts to the West Virginia Library Commission in Charleston, and from there the items will be sent to War. Donna Capelle Cook and Eleanor McDonald from the Cataloging Department, and Dennis Newborn from the Library Systems Office prepared the books and computers. Our library staff also have volunteered their time to assist in getting the War Public Library services restored. 

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