Fifty Years Ago

Thursday, October 3, 1968

The Lewis Oak stump came tumbling down over the weekend. The tree died and was cut to about a ten-foot stump in the 30s; this was capped and filled with cement. It is hoped that the stump can be reset in cement to preserve the landmark. The tree was used as a corner for a survey by General Andrew Lewis.

Rev. and Mrs. B. W. John have sold their Wildwood Farm above Huntersville to Harry Hock and David Sheibley, of near Christiansburg, Virginia. They will continue to operate the Christmas tree business and landscaping under the name of Wildwood Farm. Mr. Hock is a graduate forester and Mr. Sheibley is a graduate in landscape design. They will take possession of the farm on October 15.

Low Water

Ilean Walton, who checks the gauge on the Greenbrier River at Buckeye, says the reading was 1.57 feet on Tuesday. The highest reading this month was 1.73 on September 10. The lowest she has read since 1951 was 1.49 on September 10, 1965. She reports 1.39 inches of rain in September, a low reading of 36 degrees on September 29 and highs of 85 on four days.

Water Shortage

The Town of Durbin has been experiencing a critical water shortage. For about a month, the town water has been turned off at night to accumulate for day usage. Water from an additional spring has been piped into the reservoir. The Frank Tannery is in its second period of shutting down operations due to lack of water.

The Town of Cass has no safe drinking water and is using river water for utility purposes. G. L. Dahmer says he has been in Cass 50 years and this is the first time he knows of Leatherbark Creek going dry.

The drought in the northern part of the county is more severe. Some people think the river is lower than in 1930.

Cass Train

Tickets sold on the Cass Scenic Railroad this summer now total 49,304 and are sure to go over 50,000 this weekend, with the beautiful foliage attracting many people.

Million Mile Driving Awards

Recognition for having driven Mack Trucks at least one million miles has been given to Fred C. Burns, Sr., Jack Kellison and Dwight Nelson, of Burns Motor Freight, Inc.

The trio was honored with membership in the exclusive “Mack Million Mile Club.”

An engraved plaque, along with a lapel pin and membership card, was presented to each driver by Vigil A. DeWees, Jr., Mack Truck representative, of Charleston.

In addition to the requirement of driving Mack vehicles for a one million mile minimum, other considerations for membership eligibility include observance of safety procedures and highway courtesy.

BIRTHS

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Bill Wimer, of Buckeye, a daughter, named Deborah Lynn.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. William Vrable, of Marlinton, a daughter, named Cathy Nan.

DEATHS

Mrs. Nannie Simmons Wiley, 89, of Droop; burial in the Sunrise Cemetery at Jacox.

Gerald Finney, 58, of Natural Bridge, Virginia; a past Forest Ranger at Marlinton and Bartow.

Ralph Fisher, editor of The Moorefield Examiner, died at his camp near Moorefield. He was a former president of the West Virginia Press Association and a retired Navy Lieutenant Commander.