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September 22, 2006
PRESS RELEASE - West Union, WV
For Immediate Release:
West Union, WV - Please attend a Doddridge County Commission
meeting in the Courthouse on Oct.3rd at 1PM. We hear there is an
exciting item on the Agenda.
For the West Union Fest, Janice McMurdo put a poem about
Doddridge and West Union to music and sang it at our Wall of Honor.
“Dear Old Doddridge” by Zelleth Williams Stephens, and now recorded
by Janice, is being considered by the Commission for our County Song.
The late Zelleth Williams Stephens was known and loved by many in our
county. Her family is thrilled that this touching poem of hers has been
revived and is under consideration for this honor.
Virginia Nicholson had printed “Dear Old Doddridge” in the Herald
Record the week prior to the Festival. Janice McMurdo was so touched
by the sentiment of the poem and the rhythm of the rhyme suggested music
immediately to her. It was a huge hit at the Festival.
Originally a Doddridge Countian, Janice has not forgotten her ties to
the community. She has given much to our churches and organizations of
her native community.
Janice is again donating her talent and time to West Union and Doddridge
at the Doddridge County Heritage Festival on September 30th. Held at the
Old Middle Island Grade School (6 miles off Rt 50 E at West Union Rt
18-S towards Glenville), the Festival will bring us Crafter, Vendors,
and Musicians on Saturday, Sept 30th, and Sunday, October 1st. Janice
will be singing and performing at 2PM on the 30th - Don't miss it!!
This could be more history in the making for Doddridge!!
Janice Underwood McMurdo
Zelleth Williams Stephens
Dear Old Doddridge
County
By Zelleth Williams Stephens
1933
In the State of West Virginia among the northern hills …
We find dear old Doddridge County, with loving hearts now filled!
We love her for her beauty, the song of the birds and the trees …
The kind old folk that whisper ...“I love the song of the bees.”
The woodland calls the wanderer in early morn to rise …
Come out and study nature, yes find the Holy Prize!
See baby squirrels so happy, as carefree as can be …
A very good example, they set for you and me.
The farmer is a good soul who loves to till the soil …
Early and late he labors, his work is honest toil!
Big cattle on the hillside, Oh, what a lovely site …
Wee lambs, down in the meadow, play with all their might!
Her club work is superior the four-fold life we see,
In all the smiling faces … of children in their glee!
Along with her advancements the schools are in the lead …
They diagnose the cases, and then supply the need.
We boast no very large city … In them you find no rest,
West Union is our hometown, the emblem of happiness!
You find a hearty welcome … in every nook and turn,
The folk are all very cordial your name they want to learn.
Let’s think of dear old Doddridge sweet memories return,
For all the days we’ve spent, makes every dear heart yearn.
For Doddridge is a good place, I think you’ll agree …
To find honest, upright living … combined with Liberty!
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FOR QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT:
FRANCES STEWART
304 873-3379
info@westunionfest.org
101 MAPLE STREET, WEST UNION, WEST VIRGINIA 26456
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