By Debra Herndon
The Shinnston Historical Association convened at the Shinnston Woman’s Club Clubhouse for a covered dish get together and meeting on October 20 th . Bobby Bice III reflected on his fifteen years of being President of the organization and read a list of those members who had passed away during that time.
A beautiful white mum served as a remembrance of those members and it was presented to Wanda F. Ashcraft, the only living Charter Member of the organization still living. Bice also reported that the roof to the log house had been replaced and thanked John Davis for coordinating the project. Davis detailed the work and remarked that the price had been very reasonable compared to other quotes received.
Bice also reported that the group had voted to work with the State marker program to get a highway marker placed to commemorate the Katherine Mine Disaster. The mine explosion occurred March 22, 1944 and killed 15 miners. The ensuing mine fire could not be extinguished, causing the mine to be sealed with 15 bodies still inside. Three months later, a larger disaster occurred, the Shinnston Tornado.
Eventually, all bodies were recovered, identified and buried.
The Association members enjoyed a fine meal. Bice then brought a program detailing the history behind the names of more than two dozen Shinnston Streets. Those present, not previously mentioned were: Carol Roby, Laura Davis, Caroline Bell, Kathleen Panek, John Davis, Rose Davis, Brook Hill, Braden Bice, Katie Bice, Sophie Bice, Bob Bice, Hailey Hill, Beth Bice and Debra Herndon.