McDowell Planning Celebration of Heritage

A newly-formed committee met Thursday at the McDowell County Public Library in Welch to advance a plan for a celebration in early August of the region's heritage.

A group of about 15 county civic leaders discussed plans for a three-day celebration, scheduled for Aug. 4-6, and billed as: “A McDowell County Heritage Weekend: A Miners' Reunion (McDowell County Homecoming).”

“Right now, we're just working to get the idea out there,” Jean Battlo said. Battlo, a noted Kimball playwright, and Stephanie Lester of the McDowell County Economic Development Authority are co chairing the event. “We have some big plans,” Battlo said.

Battlo said that some events will be scheduled in conjunction with the annual presentation of “Terror of the Tug.” Battlo's play based on the Aug. 1, 1921 murders of Sit Hatfield and Ed Chambers. The two labor leaders of Matewan fame were murdered in front of the McDowell County Courthouse. Three detectives with the Bluefield-based Baldwin-Felts Detective Agency were acquitted on charges related to Chamber's murder.

“We will have performances Friday and Saturday night, (August 4 and 5) at the McArts Amphitheater at Mount View High School along with a Sunday matinee,” Battlo said. “The play is really nor meant for a daylight performance, but we'll see how it goes.”

Battlo said the committee hopes to work with the mayors of other communities in the county to coordinate activities based on the coal heritage theme. “We hope that all the communities will work together,” she said.

Lester said that the committee is searching for vendors who specialize in coal heritage related merchandise to set up in Welch as part of the culminating event of the celebration. She added that the county will unveil a monument at the courthouse as part of the celebration.

“There will also be a big community picnic as part of the activities,” Lester said.

Both chairs noted that all plans are tentative, and that details will be released as soon as they are finalized.

--Bill Archer (Bluefield Daily Telegraph)