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What the Town of West Union Means to me Essay Contest has a winner - see Press Release

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What West Union Means To Me
By Harold Wright

West Union, without a doubt, means many things to many people, but to me, it was a special place providing so many lasting memories, especially as I was being schooled and starting out in life.

I remember the bus ride across Doddridge County to West Union. Then it was up the hill, across the railroad tracks, around all the corners and up to the top of the hill where the school still stands. I remember all the houses, most of which are still there though time has made some changes. So many of the school kids got to walk to school. I always thought that was so cool. Can you remember when the new gym was built?

High School always opens new doors – creates new friends – provides new experiences – allows you to learn from your mistakes – and really allows you to make decisions that will in some way or another always affect your life in even the smallest ways. The teachers always leave their “tread-marks” on your life. Two of my favorite teachers were Mrs. Helen Michels, who never stopped pushing me, yet she actually believed in me and it worked. The other was Mr. Lewis Knight, who allowed me to accept responsibility in many different ways to not only help him and the band but to learn work ethics that are still being proved valuable in my life today.

The town was always busy, especially Saturday. There were so many businesses, lots of traffic, two auto dealerships and you could even buy gasoline at six different places. There was even a Greyhound bus stop and the bridge to Wabash. And of course, there was a railroad right through town. The steep hill by the courthouse was finally made one-way. Winter time was awful. I remember taking my drivers license test in West Union. The state trooper actually told me to go down a one-way street the wrong way – and I DID – and I passed.

We used to walk from school to the ball field for band practice. Some of us would wade across the dam (which was discouraged) and sometimes catch the bus down town (which also was discouraged). Even one of the young men I grew up with is now your sheriff. I also went to school with one of your mail carriers. And you have a veterinarian who is the brother of a young lady I was always crazy about. There was and I think still is a florist in that town that is operated by a petite gal that was one of my first loves.

I can remember 4 stoplights. And thank goodness route 50 didn’t go directly through town – having a parade could have been a disaster.

And remember “Barney” – the town cop. He actually worked for me in later years. And he really was a good guy. But there was one night (he as well as the state police knew my car was faster than theirs) when he pulled out behind me and his car stalled Dead!

You can’t forget Tonkin Station or Crystal Lake or Central Station – because they were only arms protruding out from West Union.

There was a restaurant where West Union Bank now stands. It seemed to be a magnet for so many of us. And of course, Michel’s Pharmacy had the one best juke box in town as well as served the best cherry / vanilla cokes to some very special people who used to always meet there! The 5 & 10cent store at the bottom of the hill always had last minute needs. And my first tooth that needed filled was done in West Union by Doctor McConnell. And don’t forget the garment Factory. An, yes – there were floods!

The many ball games and of course, the dances. All those kisses that were shared and yes, the many hearts that were broken. I had a cousin that lived in West Union allowing me to participate in all these things, rather than be transported across the county. The town was full of life, busy and beautiful. And in the winter, it was a wonderland, especially at Christmas. There is so much I have left out. There are so many people in and around West Union I wish I could reach out and touch. But I remember the walks around town, all the trees, all the enjoyment. There are so many, many people in West Union that allowed me even for a moment, to touch their lives – maybe not knowing that they had touched mine forever ---