By Jim Hunt for the News and Journal
When the City of Clarksburg relocated its Municipal Building from West Pike Street to its new
home on Main Street, I took a final walk through the old structure to see what had been left
behind. That building held a special place in my heart—after all, it was where my political career
began. Though outdated and worn, its rooms and furnishings were deeply etched in my memory,
and walking through its empty halls stirred emotions tied to Clarksburg’s history.
One of the most memorable spaces was the council chambers. The oversized chairs, which must
have been at least 30 years old when I was first elected, bore the marks of time. The green
upholstery was stained and worn, and one chair had lost the ability to be adjusted. A few of us
knew the trick—if you arrived early, you could swap seats, leaving an unsuspecting colleague to
slowly sink lower and lower as the meeting progressed.
As I wandered through the offices, the remnants of the past were everywhere—old metal desks,
scattered papers, and magazines littered the floor. The police department area was in the worst
shape, with its low, seven-foot ceiling making it feel dark and cramped. To reach the elevator,
you had to walk through this dimly lit space, passing by outdated wood paneling plastered with
stickers and notices. It wasn’t uncommon to see a handcuffed individual being escorted through
the hall or a few recovered bicycles propped against the wall after a recent theft.
Just as I was about to leave, a maintenance employee offered to show me the top floor—a place I
had never visited in all my years on the city council. I eagerly agreed, and together we climbed
the stairs to what was known as the “Records Room.” I had often seen staff carrying boxes up
there, but I had never given it much thought. Now, standing in the room, I was struck by its
resemblance to an attic or crawl space filled with forgotten relics. Most of the documents had
been cleared out, but remnants remained—piles of yellowed papers that someone, at some point,
had thought were worth saving. In one corner, a collection of old adding machines, typewriters,
and desk lamps sat in silent retirement. It was a fascinating glimpse into the past—one that has
stayed with me to this day.
Cities are required to maintain records of official proceedings and transactions, but managing the
sheer volume of historical materials can be overwhelming. Too often, valuable relics that tell the
story of a city’s evolution are tucked away in closets or storage units, only to be discarded when
space runs out. That’s why the work of the Clarksburg History Museum is so vital.
Under the leadership of Michael Spatafore and his dedicated team of volunteers, the museum
has become a treasure trove of Clarksburg and Harrison County’s history. They have carefully
curated a vast collection of irreplaceable artifacts and, most importantly, have preserved the
stories behind them. With a permanent home in the Harrison County School Board complex,
the museum is quickly becoming both a tourist attraction and a valuable community asset.
Documenting history is one of the most important responsibilities we have, and the Clarksburg
History Museum is doing remarkable work in keeping our city’s past alive. But they can’t do it
alone—they need the support of the community to continue their mission. If we value our
history, we must ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience it, learn from
it, and take pride in the rich heritage of Clarksburg.