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June 23, 2005
Rahall to Serve as Grand Marshal of 10th Anniversary John Henry Days
by HNN Staff
Washington, D.C. (HNN) —The weekend of July 8– 10, 2005, is a special time for southern West Virginia, with the 10th anniversary celebration of John Henry Days in Talcott. U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D– WV), who was instrumental in the creation of John Henry Days, will serve as the grand marshal of the 10th anniversary festival.
"John Henry is not just a symbol of West Virginian heritage, he is an icon of American heritage and I am proud to be involved in such wonderful events that bear his name," said Rahall. "It is hard to believe that it has already been 10 years since we got John Henry Days rolling in Talcott. I am looking forward to what will surely be a lively weekend filled with fun and entertainment."
At the inaugural John Henry Days in 1996, Congressman Rahall highlighted the weekend by unveiling the John Henry U.S. Postage Stamp. Originally, the John Henry stamp was only to be unveiled in Pittsburgh, but Rahall worked tirelessly to ensure that there was a ceremony and unveiling of the stamp in Talcott, Summers County.
"We wouldn't be where we are today without all the help of Congressman Rahall," said John William "Bill" Dillon, President of John Henry Days.
"Congressman Rahall went to bat for us in 1996 with the stamp fight and he is still fighting for us today. We are looking forward to our 10th anniversary celebration, which will also be the first year celebrated since we obtained ownership of the land here, and we are hoping for great weather."
Congressman Rahall worked closely with the Summers County Commission and CSX Transportation in an effort to reach an agreement that would allow the County Commission to purchase 26.4 acres of land adjacent to the Great Bend Tunnel in Talcott, for the purpose of developing the John Henry Historical Park. An agreement was reached last fall in which Rahall secured $80,000 in Transportation Enhancement Funding and $22,000 in Coal Heritage funds to help purchase the property at a price of $110,000.
Rahall is currently working with the Summers County Commission, the John Henry Historical Park steering committee and CSX to lease, purchase, or possibly to secure the donation of the Great Bend Tunnel and additional acreage that will allow for greater flexibility in the park's design and the interpretation of the John Henry legend while allowing for enhancements to ensure the safety of visitors.
Rahall said, "John Henry became a legend in West Virginia and I thought it was only fair that the John Henry stamp begin its legend in West Virginia as well. John Henry epitomizes the workers of West Virginia past, present and future. He is a hero to West Virginia; he is an American hero and I am proud to be a part of remembering his struggle in the hills of West Virginia."
The theme of this year's John Henry Days celebration is "Honoring our Democracy." Congressman Rahall joined Mr. Dillon in encouraging all elected officials and other champions of democracy to come to John Henry Days and take part in the festivities.
This year's 10th anniversary of John Henry Days includes performances by many musicians, a car show, and a grand parade among the various activities.
For more information on this year's John Henry Days festivities, please feel free to call Dillon's Store at 466– 0444 or the Thimble and Plow Gift Shop at 466– 3334 in Talcott.
