Jottings

 

1.

Construction of the Marlinton Graded School building in 1906. This event marked a significant investment in education for the town of Marlinton, replacing the earlier one-room schoolhouse on Knapps Creek.

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2.

Establishment of the Marlinton Graded School in 1907 with L. W. Burns as the principal. This two-year course was initially held in the old Marlinton Graded School auditorium, utilizing two front rooms on the second floor.

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3.

Expansion of the Marlinton Graded School with the addition of a substantial brick building due to the school's growth and the need for more space. However, even with this addition, the school would eventually become overcrowded.

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4.

Construction of a new eight-room brick graded school building, further demonstrating the community's commitment to providing adequate educational facilities. However, even this structure would eventually prove too small to accommodate the growing student population.

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5.

Operation of the Marlinton Opera House as a venue for theatrical productions. Plays, including "Madame Butterfly," "So Long Mary," and "Pied Piper of Hamlin," were staged at the opera house, featuring both local talent and touring companies.

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6.

The Marlinton Opera House served as a roller skating rink in the early 1900s. This required modifications to the floor, indicating the popularity of roller skating in Marlinton at the time.

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7.

Hosting of concerts and musical performances at the Marlinton Opera House. While not explicitly stated, the presence of a stage and balcony, as well as mentions of solo artists performing during the era of plays and roller skating, strongly suggest that the opera house served as a venue for a diverse range of musical events.

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8.

Performances by Ada Sharp at the Marlinton Opera House around 1914, showcasing her talent as both a musician and an actress. Ada's performances included a recital and acting alongside Roy Rogers, who had a home act.

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9.

Staging of the opera "Madame Butterfly" at the Marlinton Opera House, featuring performers Guy Bratton and Paul Overholt.

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10.

Presentation of the play "So Long Mary" at the Marlinton Opera House, with Fanny Overholt in the starring role.

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11.

Performance of the play "Pied Piper of Hamlin" at the Marlinton Opera House around 1916, involving Alice Moore, Nancy Currence, and Warren Springs.

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12.

Presentation of an unnamed play at the Marlinton Opera House, potentially during the same period as "Pied Piper of Hamlin." This play featured French Moore, Hull Yeager, Clair Haught, Fred Hobert, Lula and Rita Herold, Hazel Shrout, and Clay Sharp.

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13.

Screening of "The Diamond From the Sky" starring the Pickford siblings (Mary, Jack, and Lottie). This marked the first movie shown at the Marlinton Opera House, signifying a shift in entertainment preferences.

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14.

Closure of the Marlinton Opera House sometime between the 1920s and 1977. The lack of specific dates for its closure suggests a gradual decline in use as an entertainment venue, rather than a sudden or definitive shutdown.

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15.

Operation of Gladys' Building Supply in the former Opera House building from 1977 to 1981, indicating a change in the building's function after its time as an opera house.

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16.

Demolition of the Marlinton Graded School brick building in the week leading up to November 10, 1978. This event marked the end of an era for the school and the town, paving the way for future educational facility developments.

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17.

Traditions Day event held on October 4th, 2003. This event celebrated the history of Huntersville, a community within Pocahontas County. The sources provide limited details about the event, but we know it included displays related to the American Civil War, local crafts, and historical wagon rides.

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18.

Issuance of a ferry license to Abraham McNeil in the early 1800s. This license allowed McNeil to operate a ferry service across the Greenbrier River. The event signifies the importance of river transportation in early Pocahontas County.