The Annual West Virginia and Harrison County Authors Past & Present Expo was held Saturday, September 27, 2014 in Harrison County at the historic campus of the Quiet Dell Grade School (1922). Authors from across the central West Virginia area signed their books from 10 a.m. until the program at 2 p.m. began. The cultural event was sponsored by the Harrison County Historical Association, the West Virginia Heritage Crafts Co-op, and the West Virginia State CCC Museum Association. Twelve authors attended.
Grafton resident Alicia Matheny, commented, “It was a very informative day. I think next year it will get even bigger.”
Matheny had her book of poems entitled “Quicksilver: A Collection of Poems” on sale. Among the other authors and writers there, R.G. Yoho of Parkersburg had his latest publication “Major Impact: The Major Harris Story” about WVU’s Hall of Fame quarterback. Richard A. Wolfe of Bridgeport, formerly of Morgantow,n sold and signed a number of his latest: “Images Of America: West Virginia In The Civil War.” Wolfe’s publication is chalk full of West Virginia photos.
Dr. Robert Anderson, one of the founders of the CCC State Museum, discussed his main publication:\ “Written On The Wind”. This book is a history of the Civilian Conservation Corps in West Virginia. The various authors intermingled throughout the morning and afternoon.
The main program started at 2 p.m. Phyllis Wilson Moore and her husband James gave a very interesting presentation to a packed room. Phyllis Moore, author, researcher, and historian, was an important contributor to the West Virginia Literary Map Committee. She received the John Henry Award in 1995. The Moore’s recently donated a large portion of their collection to Fairmont State University’s Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center, headed by Dr. Judy Byers.
The presentation included the most prominent authors from Clarksburg, Harrison County, and Central West Virginia.
Terry McNemar, an author from Clarksburg, stated, “The presentation was very impressive. She has done a lot of research. What really hit me was the numerous famous writers from Clarksburg and Harrison County. The campus here at the Quiet Dell Grade School is really spreading culture throughout the area.”
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