By Stephen Smoot
Not every city has the one place where a person could go and see how it all began, but Shinnston offers that opportunity.
And Kathleen Panek, Shinnston City Clerk and proprietor of Gillum House intends to make the most of it with local young people.
The historical crown jewel of Shinnston lies in the Levi Shinn House. Shinn and his brothers Clement and Jonathan, along with their cousin Benjamin, came into the area in 1772. Only four years prior did the British Empire legitimately purchase much of central Appalachia from the Iroquois League and the Cherokee Nation.
Upon reaching the region, they used “tomahawk rights” to claim their land and Levi endeavored to construct a place to live. In six years, he, his wife Elizabeth, and children lived in a relatively stately two story abode on what is now US Route 19.
Last month, Panek welcomed Hospitality and Tourism students from Lincoln High School to tour the house, learn about the history of it and the early Harrison County frontier, then joined her at Gillum House. During the day, they learned about both history and also about the importance of telling its story to interest visitors and entice them to return.
Elementary school children got their turn last week. Almost 90 students from Big Elm Elementary School’s fifth grade came to the campus of Lincoln High and Lincoln Middle School for a day of history and fun. Last year, Lumberport Elementary students joined as well and nearly 140 enjoyed the day.
“It’s wonderful,” shared Panek, who added “I’m so glad they invited me to open (the Shinn House) it up for them.” She added that she welcomed students to the historical house in period accurate 18th century clothes.
Students gathered on the athletic field under the watchful eyes of teachers and also LHS’s Hospitality and Tourism class. The high school students helped as the youngsters enjoyed games and activities that date back to colonial times.
Games included hop scotch, pick up sticks, top spinning, kites, sack races, and other pastimes of days gone by.
Small groups, carefully monitored, crossed the road to the Shinn House to enjoy Panek providing a tour and presentation. “They were very respectful,” remembered Panek, who added “they were very interested. They asked a lot of good questions.” She adds that her bed and breakfast guests at Gillum House share the same excitement and interest when she shows it to them.
As Julia Yearego, who leads the Hospitality and Tourism program at LHS, explained “fifth grade students were treated to a historical tour of the house.” This included “antique recipe cookies, water, and juice.”
Students “then enjoyed petting the livestock,” which were rabbits brought over from the LHS Introduction to Agriculture and Animal Production classes.
Currently the Shinnston Historical Association maintains and operates the house, one of the oldest in the state. It contains displays and exhibits illustrating its past.
While preservation of history remains a priority, Panek notes that “if people don’t see it, it isn’t worth anything.”
The popular History Alive program, funded by the West Virginia Council of the Humanities, has a special event coming up this weekend. History Alive sends reenactors to communities all over the state to portray figures in fun, interesting, and educational ways.
For example, Charleston-area blues and jazz performer Lady D portrays pre World War II jazz star Bessie Smith.
This weekend, an actress portraying labor union activist Mother Jones will perform at the Shinnston Women’s Club on Sunday Nov 16 at 3 p.m. The Bice-Ferguson Museum has partnered to help bring the event.
