On August 3, 1897, a major fire devastated much of downtown Lewisburg in West Virginia. This event marked a turning point for the town, which ultimately rebuilt and transformed into a hub for farming, education, and the arts over the next century. The destruction caused by the fire led to a rebuilding effort that would shape the future of the community.
In addition to this historical event, several other notable dates in West Virginia history were highlighted in the article. Frankie Yankovic, known for popularizing polka music, was born in Davis in 1915. Sheriff Malcolm Malachi “Mack” Day, who enforced Prohibition in McDowell County, was born on July 29, 1873. Novelist Mary Lee Settle, famous for her “Beulah Quintet” novels, was born in Charleston in 1918. Actor Ted Cassidy, best known for his role as Lurch on The Addams Family, was born in Pittsburgh but raised in Philippi in 1932.
The article also mentioned significant figures like Justice Franklin Cleckley, the first Black justice on the West Virginia Supreme Court, and politicians like Harley Orrin Staggers Sr., who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 32 years. Golfers Sam Snead and Bill Campbell were honored as the first inductees into the West Virginia Golf Hall of Fame in 2009.
Overall, the article highlighted the rich history of West Virginia, with various events and individuals from different fields making significant contributions to the state’s culture and development.
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