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Loomis pictured in overalls standing next to wooden crates.

1. W.M. Loomis In Front of His Marble Works Shop, Hinton, W. Va.

The building, located on the corner of Temple Street and 3rd Avenue, is decorated in American flags.

2. First National Bank of Hinton, Hinton, W. Va.

Family pictured in front of the house. Subjects unidentified.

3. Miller Home, Hinton, W. Va.

House located on Ballengee Street in the Hinton Historical District.

4. Miller Home, Hinton, W. Va.

A Sunday School teacher poses with twelve young girls on the outside steps. Subjects unidentified.

5. First Baptist Church Sunday School, Hinton, W. Va.

Interior of the hotel. An unidentified employee stands behind the counter next to a schedule of trains.

6. McCreery Hotel Lobby, Hinton, W. Va.

Two undientified employees sit behind a desk in the lobby of the hotel.

7. Opening Night at the McCreery Hotel, Hinton, W. Va.

Colored drawing of the government building. Published by Beckley News Co. of Beckley, W. Va.

8. U. S. Post Office, Hinton, W. Va.

Colored drawing depicting the church building and grounds. Published by Beckley News Co. of Beckley, W. Va.

9. First Methodist Episcopal Church, Hinton, W. Va.

A crowd gathers on the street in front of the building to watch the ceremony.

10. Hinton Post Office Dedication, Hinton, W. Va.

Faulconer was the founder of Pipestem State Park and  one of West Virginia's most esteemed historians. A native of Hinton, W. Va., Faulconor's active fundraising eventually led to the building of the Bluestone Center, city hall, a 4-H Camp and city sewage system. His most noted achievement was the creation of Pipestem, acclaimed as one of the 10 best family vacation resorts in the nation. Though Faulconer once owned the Hinton Daily News, he served as a columnist for the Beckley Post-Herald toward the end of his life. He died at the age of 78.A graduate of Hinton High School in 1923, Faulconer spent two years at West Virginia University as a pre-med student before returning to Hinton in 1926 to become the managing editor of Hinton Daily News. He held that position until 1937 when he left to manage Hinton Insurance Agency and pursue other business interests. In 1947, Faulconer and his brother purchased the Hinton Daily News where he served as publisher and editor until 1973 when the newspaper was sold.Faulconer was an active member of the community, serving 17 years as a member of the advisory board of the state Department of Highways, was vice chairman of the board and a director of the National Bank of Summers, and helped organize the Mountaineer Travel Council, Summers County Boys Scout Council, and the City/County Chamber of Commerce. He received countless awards and citations including a special award in 1973 by the West Virginia Department of Commerce for outstanding contributions to the development of tourism in West Virginia.

11. John E. Faulconer, Right, and Associate, Hinton, W. Va.

Football players sit along the bleachers for their team portrait. Subjects unidentified.

12. Hinton High School Football Team, Hinton, W. Va.

Football players sit on the bleachers for their team portrait. Subjects unidentified.

13. Hinton High School Football Team, Hinton, W. Va.

The Bobcats pose for their team photo. Subjects unidentified.

14. Hinton High School Basketball Team, Hinton, W. Va.

The high school football team plays an unidentified team. Players also unidentified. A referee looks on as a player runs with the ball.

15. Hinton High School Football Game, Hinton, W. Va.

The band plays on the field while spectators watch from the bleachers. Referees pictured in conversation on the bottom right.

16. Hinton High School Marching Band at Football Game, Hinton, W. Va.

The high school's football team takes on an unidentified opponent. View from the bleachers show spectators lining the field on all sides.

17. Hinton High School Football Game, Hinton, W. Va.

First row, left to right: David Westfall; Pete Meador; Milton Haskins; Jurd (?); David Medly; Lyn Goins; Eddie Carson; Jack Harvy; and David Meadows.Second row, left to right: Rickie Ratcliff; Beetle Baily; Robbie Ratliff; Buggie Richmond; Mike Rhodes; Sarge Banks; Parker (?); Harold Buckland; Larry Meador; Terry Hamgan; and David Meador.Third row, left to right: unidentified; Lee Smith; Doug Epperly; Stoddard; Bobb Parker; Tom Woodrum; Tom Light; Atkins; Dennis Lindsy; Neal Grimmett; Bobby Joe Johnson; Bobby Brightwell.

18. Hinton Football Team, Hinton, W. Va.

A man with his hair slicked back stands behind a young girl in a dress, gripping her shoulders. The two unidentified persons stand in front of floral pots arranged outside a house's balcony.

19. A Man and Young Girl Pictured in West End of Hinton, W. Va.

Keatley, to the left, is the wife of Sheriff Keatley. The two women stand on the sidewalk outside a home.

20. Lennie Keatley and Associate Pictured in West End of Hinton, W. Va.

Keatley, pictured in the back, is the wife of Sheriff Keatley of Summers county. In the front wearing glasses is Phillips.

21. Portrait of Linnie Keatley and Blanche Phillips of Hinton, W. Va.

A group of men and one young boy stand in front of the C. & O. Fire Hose Station. O. P. Garten, husband of Ruby Garten, is third man from right in the back row. The remaining subjects are unidentified.

22. C. & O. Carpenters Force at Avis Railroad Yards, Hinton, W. Va.

Three unidentified men are pictured inside the telegraph office, where the ticket office was later located.

23. HX Telegraph Office, Hinton, W. Va.

Conductor O. J. Hellems, who died October 5, 1973, and sheet metal worker L. M. Reid are pictured.

24. Railroad Employees Sitting on Store Porch, Hinton, W. Va.

Engine No. 2101, named "Chessie Steam Special", is pictured on the C. & O. track.

25. Train at Hinton Yards, Hinton, W. Va.

Photo description reads, "2-8-8-2 H-7 Mallet used on coal train between Hinton (Summers County, W. Va.) and Handley (Kanawha County, W. Va.), and between Hinton and Clifton Forge (Alleghany County, Va.) from 1924  until replace by the 2-66-6 H 8's during 1940."

26. Mallet Locomotive Pulling Coal Train through Southeastern West Virginia to Western Virginia

Allen and Ernest Meador with Bill Blue take photo in costume at Dodd Studios.

27. Meador Brothers and Friend Pose as Cowboys in Photo Studio, Hinton, W. Va.

Children of Jefferson L. "Bun" and Mary Lilly. In the back row, from left to right, is Floyd, Lena (Oakley), Prince, Orpha, Beecher, and Margaret. Bottom row is Nola, Oris, Granvil, Cosby, and Clarice. Oldest son, Oliver, is not pictured.

28. Family Portrait of Lilly Children, Hinton, W. Va.

Jefferson and his wife, Mary, pictured outside a home. The two are the parents of Prince O. Lilly.

29. Jefferson Levi "Bun" and Mary Catherine Lilly, Hinton, W. Va.

Looking at the engine sitting on the tracks, following by train cars reading, "Chesapeake & Ohio".

30. C. & O. Engine No. 128, Hinton, W. Va.

A crowd observes an early diesel engine at the station.

31. C. & O. Engine No. 500 at Hinton Station, Hinton, W. Va.

A. B. Adams and Wm. Henry Arrington pictured beside the engine.

32. Railroad Employees with Engine No. 737, Hinton, W. Va.

Unidentified people are lined up against the building, which is covered in American flags, located on the corner of Third Avenue and Temple Street.

33. Rose's Drug Store Participating in World War I Victory Celebration, Hinton, W. Va.

Looking at the building entrance located on the corner of Third Avenue and Temple Street.

34. Rose's Drug Store, Hinton, W. Va.

Horses draped in Red Cross flags pull a cart covered in uniformed persons and decorated seats. The drug store is pictured in the background.

35. American Red Cross Parade Float in front of Rose's Drug Store, Hinton, W. Va.

Addressed to Mr. & Mrs. J. H. Ballengee, the card reads, "This is our seventh anniversary and we wish to thank you for your patronage and your hearty appreciation of our efforts. Your patronage has helped us to grow and has enabled us to put forth greater efforts to satisfy you with the best of drug store goods at all times at the lowest possible price. We take pleasure in serving you and whether your wants be large or small you always receive the utmost courtesy and attention. Remember our store is always at your service in every way and every time. Yours very truly, Rose's Drug Store."Following the message, Shan Rose has personally signed the postcard.

36. Rose'e Drug Store Seventh Anniversary Postcard, Hinton, W. Va.

An unidentified church is pictured. In the background, a sign for Elk Knob Road is posted on a light post.

37. Church in Hinton, W. Va.

Photograph taken out of an airplane. The plane's wings poke out into the shot.

38. Aerial View of Hinton, W. Va.

Formerly the Hinton High School library, the building now serves as a museum.

39. Veteran's Memorial Museum, Hinton, W. Va.

Five unidentified women stand beside the neatly set dining tables.

40. Possibly the Chesapeake Hotel Dining Room in Avis, Hinton, W. Va.

Colored depiction of the street view. Department stores line either side of the road.Published by I. Robbins & Son, Pittsburgh, PA.

41. Temple Street, Hinton, W. Va.

Daughter of Jeremiah Mills and Louisa Elva Cassell (Mills). Grace had one brother, Jeremiah IV, and four sisters, Mabel, Elizabeth, Susie, and Louisa Elva.Grace was born December 3, 1871. She was employed by the C. &  O. Railroad as a telegraph operator from July 1, 1893 to August 11, 1942. She died July 8, 1958.

42. Grace Mills Diefenbach of Hinton, W. Va.

Portrait of the Hinton Chief of Police from 1896-1907.

43. Portrait of William Alexander Yancey, Hinton, W. Va.

Rockefeller gathered with children outside of a library on Temple Street.

44. Senator Jay Rockefeller with School Children, Hinton, W. Va.

Shanklin pictured beside a truck that advertises "Norman Shanklin General Hauling. Even-spread power spreader."

45. Norman Shanklin Beside Company Truck, Hinton, W. Va.

Shanklin pictured in uniform in front of the Summers County Court House.

46. Sheriff Norman Shanklin, Hinton, W. Va.

Portrait of the wife of Hinton founder, John "Jack" Hinton.

47. Portrait of Avis Gwinn Hinton, Hinton, W. Va.

Mr. Silas Hinton and Mrs. Mary Jane Charlton Hinton were married on December 27, 1872.

48. First Couple to Marry in Hinton, W. Va.

An unidentified man is caught with his pants unbuttoned.

49. Man Pulling Up Pants After Urinating Off Bridge Outside of Hinton, W. Va.

An unidentified young man is pictured in some sort of uniform.

50. Young Man in Uniform on Bridge Outside of Hinton, W. Va.

Young Blackwelder, Lue Early, Basil Bragg, Maggie Freddeking, and Mr. Carrie Graham are pictured.

51. Group Portrait Outside of Bellepoint, W. Va.

On the back of the photo, the couple is identified as "Young and Lula". The town of Bellepoint is pictured in the background.

52. Couple Pictured by New River, Bellepoint, W. Va.

An unidentified man and women sit outside of what appears to be a tuxedo shop.

53. Couple Sitting On Rocks Above Water, Bellepoint, W. Va.

Blackwelder smiles for the camera while sitting on the edge of a small rock cliff.

54. Young Blackwelder Hangs Feet Over Rocks in Bellepoint, W. Va.

People are crowded along the balconies and staircase of the building. The atmosphere of the photo suggests an excitement in the air, perhaps in anticipation of a parade.

55. A Large Crowd of People Gather Along the Balconies of a Building, Hinton, W. Va.

Three unidentified men put their arms around each others shoulders while posing on the bridge.

56. Men Pose on Bridge Over New River, Hinton, W. Va.

The photograph is titled, "Irish Nut." An unidentified man sits on the railing while holding his hat.

57. Man Sitting on Railing of Bridge, Hinton, W. Va.

Four people identified as family members of J. D. Morris are pictured sitting inside the car.

58. An Automobile Parked Outside of a Home in Hinton, W. Va.

The unidentified family members gather for a family portrait.

59. J. D. Morris Family, Hinton, W. Va.

Martha Ellen "mattie" Charlton Bigony and her husband, Dr. John Francis Bigony, are pictured inside Peppel's studio located on 2nd Avenue.

60. Mr. and Mrs. Bigony, Hinton, W. Va.

The Hinton Baking Co. entrance is covered in snow. The sidewalk nearby appears to have been shoveled clear.

61. Baking Shop Surrounded by Snow in Hinton, W. Va.

Smoke pours from the fast moving engine as it pulls the train cars across the rails.

62. C. & O. Railroad Locomotive and Train, Hinton, W. Va.

To the far left is Senator Jennings Randolph with an unknown child.  Bonnie Peck, a WVU Extegent Agent, shakes hands with Admiral Nimitz. In the background, Lucille Hinton and her husband, Howard Hinton, are pictured.

63. Admiral Nimitz at Nimitz Post Office Dedication, Hinton, W. Va.

The former employees pose for a group portrait. Pictured is Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Hinton, Mr. and Mrs. R. F. Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Richmond, Mr. and Mrs. Whitlock, Henry Lee, Thomas Haskins, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Krim Bess, Mr. King, J. W. McCallister, Jr., D. B. Murphy of Clifton Forge, Va., E. L. Wiseman, Mr. Reese, and W. L. Taylor. The group was attending the 38th convention of the Veterans' association held in Greenbrier Valley Fair Grounds.

64. Retired Employees of the C. & O. Railroad in Hinton, W. Va.

A crowd gathers, forming a ring, perhaps waiting for some performance.

65. Avis Fair Grounds, Hinton, W. Va.

A large group of men pose beside the building with signs. Subjects unidentified.

66. Group Portrait Outside of Summers County Courthouse, Hinton, W. Va.

Spectators line the sidewalks beside the First National Bank of Hinton and National Bank of Summers awaiting the parade procession.  Subjects unidentified.

67. Early 20th Century Parade Event in Hinton, W. Va.

A group of high school students pose outside the building. Subjects unidentified.

68. Hinton High School Class Photo, Hinton, W. Va.

Drawn depiction of the old high school.

69. Sketch of Hinton High School Building, Hinton, W. Va.

Postcard drawing of the old high school building. See original for correspondence.Published by Hugh C. Leighton Co.

70. Hinton High School, Hinton, W. Va.

Three unidentified persons are pictured outside of the old high school building.

71. Hinton High School Campus, Hinton, W. Va.

Negative of the first high school building constructed.

72. Old Hinton High School Building, Hinton, W. Va.

This was the second building constructed to serve as Hinton High School.

73. Hinton High School Building, Hinton, W. Va.

View of a snow-covered street looking from 4th Avenue.

74. Winter Scene on Temple Street, Hinton, W. Va.

Wauhop, also known as Jack Warhop, is sitting on the left with Bartgis (right). Bartgsi was Wauhop's uncle and died in 1919 at the age of 21. Wauhop was a pitcher for the Highlanders, a team that would later be known as the New York Yankees. Babe Ruth's first two major league home runs were hit off of Wauhop's pitch.

75. Jack Wauhop and Kent Bartgis in Hinton, W. Va.

Miller Murrell and two other children sit in front of a house, likely on or near Ballengee Street in Hinton, W. Va.  The children are in a wooden jeep.  A large toy gun is mounted on the rear of the vehicle.

76. Miller Murrell and Friends in Wooden Jeep

Two men sitting on a rail outside The Big 4 Drug Store, located on the corner of 3rd Avenue and Temple Street, in Hinton, W. Va.  A membership card identifies K. D. Foster, on the right, as the Vice President of The Rail Club.

77. Robert Evans and K. D. Foster

A man sitting on a rail outside The Big 4 Drug Store, located on the corner of 3rd Avenue and Temple Street, in Hinton, W. Va.  A membership card identifies B. O. Pettrie, Jr. as President of The Rail Club.

78. The Late Basil O. Pettrie

The caption on the postcard reads: "The moment of John Henry's victory, seconds before he dies. Performance of "John Henry" by EcoTheatre, the indigenous summer theater company of Summers County young people. Kathy Jackson in the title role.""John Henry" was a successful EcoTheater play that was performed often.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

79. Postcard featuring a scene from the play "John Henry" by Maryat Lee in Summers County, W. Va.

Known as a great fishing spot, the Sandstone Falls is located off exit 138 on I-64 which leads to the New River Gorge National River at Hinton.

80. Sandstone Falls near New River Gorge, Hinton, W. Va.

Close up of the monument, which reads, "This monument erected in honor of American valor as displayed by the Confederate soldiers from 1861 to 1865, and to perpetuate to remotest ages the patriotism and fidelity to principles of the heroes who fought and died for a lost cause."

81. Confederate Monument, Hinton, W. Va.

A United States National Guard truck attempts to make its way across the flooded Greenbrier Drive as a young boy and man watch from their home above. Subjects unidentified.

82. Upper Bellepoint Flood, Hinton, W. Va.

Railroad cars cover the tracks. New River seen in the background.

83. Hinton Yards Below City Sidetrack Park, Hinton, W. Va.

A train car sits on the railroad track.

84. City Sidetrack Caboose, Hinton, W. Va.

EcoTheater actors Benny Allen, Charlie Haywood, Kathy Jackson, and K. Davis, perform in the play "John Henry" by Maryat Lee in Summers County, W. Va.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

85. EcoTheater performance of Maryat Lee's play "John Henry" likely in Hinton, W. Va.

View of the building from across the railroad tracks.

86. C. & O. Roundhouse in Hinton, W. Va.

Law enforcement officials stand by while a dog is led down the hallway in search of drugs.

87. Drug Search in Hinton High School, Hinton, W. Va.

Law enforcement officials lead the dog in the search for drugs in the school.

88. Police Dog Searches for Drugs in Hinton High School Lockers, Hinton, W. Va.

Pictured from left to right: Lee's mother Grace Dyer Lee, Maryat Lee (approximate age 55), Lee's brother Robert E. "Buzz" Lee (approximate age 58), and Lee's oldest brother John Lee (approximate age close to 60).  The Lee family is likely gathered at Maryat Lee's home, the "Women's Farm" near Hinton, W. Va.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

89. 90th Birthday of Maryat Lee's Mother, Grace Dyer Lee likely in W. Va.

Looking toward Madam's Creek, construction workers take apart the bridge.

90. Dismantling Bridge in Hinton, W. Va.

Maryat Lee, left, with actor and social activist Ossie Davis who visited EcoTheater in Hinton, W. Va. as a visiting artist. Guest scholars frequently visited EcoTheater and took part in discussions.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

91. Maryat Lee and EcoTheater guest artist Ossie Davis in Hinton, W. Va.

"John Henry being triumphantly born away.  Governor's Summer Youth performers in EcoTheater."  This scene is from the play "John Henry: A Drama with Music" by Maryat Lee.  The Governor's Summer Youth include Kathy Jackson who performed as John Henry (Jackson is wearing overalls in the background.)Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

92. Scene from the play "John Henry" by Maryat Lee in Summers County, W. Va.

Kathy Jackson was a member of the Governor's Summer Youth Program and an actress in the EcoTheater group.  She played John Henry in a number of performances of the play "John Henry" by Maryat Lee.  She remained involved with EcoTheater for more than eleven years and continued for some time after Maryat Lee's death.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

93. EcoTheater actress Kathy Jackson likely in Hinton, W. Va.

Unidentified people walk along the pedestrian path on the bridge. Old Toll House is pictured in the background on the left.

94. New Hinton Bridge, Hinton, W. Va.

Sidewalk view of the building located on Ballengee Street.

95. Carnegie Library, Hinton, W. Va.

An unidentified man is pictured balancing on a narrow perch toward the roof of the building.

96. Man On Ledge of Memorial Building, Hinton, W. Va.

Smoke rises from the demolition process as the bridge collapses into the river.

97. Demolition of Bridge in Hinton, W. Va.

Smoke rises from the wreckage.

98. Site of Bridge Demolition After Being Knocked Down, Hinton, W. Va.

Ward, a recognized slingshot expert, poses on Front Street.

99. Virgil Ward Aiming Slingshot, Hinton, W. Va.

Maryat Lee lived on her farm near Hinton, W. Va. in Summers County from 1970 until 1984 when she moved to Lewisburg, W. Va.  She called her farm near Hinton "The Women's Farm" and it also served as the home of EcoTheater.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

100. Maryat Lee on her farm near Hinton, W. Va.