Volunteers at Watoga are nearing the completion of restorative efforts on the Workman-Jarvis Cabin.
Working on the porch railing of the Workman-Jarvis Cabin, from left: Ethan Burgess, Wayne Pollard and Sollie Workman.
By John Dean
Contributing Writer
The volunteers at Watoga State Park work tirelessly behind the scenes to improve your experience at the park. Consequently, individuals and businesses graciously donate time, services, talents, materials, and, yes, monies, too. After all, they never expect anything in return. Above all, here at the Watoga State Park Foundation, our volunteers, donors, organizations and businesses selflessly help the park.
In 2018, the Watoga State Park Foundation began discussing the deteriorating condition of the historic Workman-Jarvis Cabin off of the Anne Bailey Trail. Without intervention, money and volunteers, this pioneer cabin, built in 1887, would no longer be a part of Watoga’s rich and storied history.
By the summer of 2019, critical foundation work began on the cabin, and skilled tradespeople and volunteers were on site.
There’s still some work to do. But now, because of all of you, the finish line is in sight for the Workman-Jarvis Cabin restoration project.
The following quote aptly describes the volunteers at Watoga State Park.
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they have the heart.” – Elizabeth Andrew, author
With that in mind, the Watoga State Park Foundations extends its sincere appreciation to the following volunteers, businesses and donors for their help with this project. Without you, this never would have been possible.
Ethan Burgess
Vada Boback
David Elliott
Gail Hyer
Wayne Pollard
Paul Speyser
Ken Springer
Anne and Sollie Workman
Beckwith Lumber Company
Glades Building Supply
Interstate Lumber Company
Jim C. Hamer Lumber Company
Judy Fencecraft
Mon Power
Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Pocahontas County Historical Society
The Workman Family
Below: a “before” photo of the foundation of the Workman-Jarvis Cabin. Above, an “after” view of the completed foundation work.
News you can use to volunteer or donate
We will keep park visitors, volunteers and donors updated on completion dates, activities under development, and what this cabin may mean to you in the near future.
If you would like to volunteer your time and/or services to help Watoga, please visit watogafoundation.org
John Dean is a native of Pocahontas County. He graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in journalism. He is a writer, editor and journalist and a member of the Watoga State Park Foundation Board of Directors.