Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. » New Deal Festival

Thank You!

alisha.myers — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 17:18:54 +0000

We had a wonderful time at the 2011 New Deal Festival! The weather and turnout was great. Thanks to each and every one of you who came out today!

Please let us know what you thought of the event. We value any and all feedback we receive.

See you next year on July 14, 2012!

Live Music Lineup Set for 2011 New Deal Festival

alisha.myers — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 20:58:07 +0000

From bluegrass to jazz, from blues to Dixieland, an eclectic array of music is on tap at Arthurdale Heritage’s 2011 New Deal Festival. Performing on the main Center Hall stage are: The Dan Baker Trio, The Halftime String Band, Born Old, the Jenny Wilson Trio, and the Falling Run Bluegrass Band. The New Deal Festival opens at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 9th with performances beginning at 10 a.m.

Dan Baker Trio

Returning for their second appearance at the New Deal Festival, members of the Dan Baker Trio have performed with some of music’s legends including Mel Torme and Rare Silk. Dan Baker the guitar instructor at Waynesburg University and co-founder and a board member of the Washington Jazz Society. Michael Berry is a two-time Grammy nominee for his work with Rare Silk and opened for legends including Mel Torme and Jeff Lorber. Greg Thurman has performed around the eastern United States at New York City’s Carnegie Hall, Pittsburgh’s Heinz Hall, and the West Virginia Wine and Jazz Festival.

Dan Baker Trio

The Halftime String Band

Since they began performing in 2003, The Halftime String Band has continued to diversify their sound, developing original material and borrowing from a variety of musicians and styles. Working from a bluegrass/newgrass foundation, they also like to work the edges of rock and roll, jazz, and blues. Based in Morgantown, West Virginia, The Halftime String Band has shared the stage with some of bluegrass, country, and rock’s biggest stars including Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, Keller Williams, and the Del McCoury Band. The band includes musicians: Jason Jaros, Bob Spangler, Fred Crozier, and Shane Schoenadel.

The Halftime String Band

Born Old

Guests at the New Deal Festival have the chance to re-live radio’s golden days with Born Old. The duo of Paul Gartner and Doug Van Gundy has been making music together for 13 years. Born Old plays traditional old-time music from West Virginia and early AM radio country classics from the great artists of the 78 rpm era. This includes songs from legends like: The Carter Family, Charlie Poole, Uncle Dave Macon and more. Crowd favorites at the New Deal Festival, their shows feature hard-driving fiddle tunes, harmony singing, and a little cornball humor.

Born Old

Jenny Wilson Trio

The Jenny Wilson Trio is the husband, wife, and son team of Nathan and Jenny Wilson and Evan Lintz of Morgantown, West Virginia. They perform a varied jazz repertoire in the classic piano trio setting. Influenced by artists such as: Shirley Horn, Diana Krall, and Bill Evans, the trio combines jazz standards, contemporary jazz, pop tunes, and originals into a set of creative and spontaneous arrangements.

Jenny Wilson Trio

The Falling Run Bluegrass Band

A favorite at the New Deal Festival, The Falling Run Bluegrass Band is no stranger to the regional music scene. The band has played events around the region for over 15 years, including festivals, events, and West Virginia University functions. The band focuses on traditional bluegrass and features accomplished musicians who have mastered numerous playing styles from Rock-a-billy bass “slapping” to Scruggs-style banjo playing. Members of the Falling Run Bluegrass Band have also performed with other notable bluegrass groups including the Songcatchers, Uncle Earl, and Wild Hog. Band members are Ray Hicks, Tiffany Underwood, Tim Selman, Aaron Holley, Rachel Eddy, Chris Haddox, and Zach Fanok.

The Falling Run Bluegrass Band

Detailed band biographies, high-resolution images, videos, and current performance schedule are available for download at:
http://www.newdealfestival.org

Residents Donate Historic House to Arthurdale Heritage, Inc.

alisha.myers — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 19:58:16 +0000

Arthurdale residents Thelma Kees and her daughter Sharon, have generously donated an original Hodgson home and over three acres of land to Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. The house, homestead E-2, was the first house completed in Arthurdale.

“We are thrilled with the generosity of the Kees family and this donation. It ensures that this historic house will be restored and maintained as part of Arthurdale Heritage’s mission of preservation and education,” said Jeanne Goodman, Arthurdale Heritage Executive Director.

The house was originally built for members of the National Youth Administration in 1934. Thelma Kees’ family purchased the house in 1942 and it has been in her family since. AHI is beginning a capital campaign to raise funds to restore the house to its original 1934 condition to use as a classroom and museum building.

AHI will be honoring the Kees family for their donation at the New Deal Festival on Saturday, July 9th. The ceremony is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on the Center Hall Main Stage.

Kees house, 1959

“Remember 1941” at the 2011 New Deal Festival!

alisha.myers — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 20:58:25 +0000

Celebrate the remarkable history of the New Deal at Arthurdale Heritage’s annual New Deal Festival Saturday July 9, 2011. This year the festival looks back on Arthurdale at the cusp of America’s involvement in World War II in 1941.

This one day event has something for everyone – an antique car, truck, tractor, and motorcycle show, artisan demonstrations, craft market, museum tours, plus a quilt show and tours at the original Arthurdale Inn which is now Hospice Care Corporation.

A 1941 military recruiting station will be set up at Center Hall and an army tent and equipment will be on display on the lawn of the restored house E-15 near the car show. The nearby children’s activity area will include a menagerie of farm animals, old-fashioned games like marbles, and a “make your own classic toys” area.

The New Deal Homestead Museum has a special new exhibit containing items from the Fratkin Collection. This amazing collection features political memorabilia from FDR and New Deal era and items from the Civilian Conservation Corps.

At Center Hall’s front porch there will be 5 musical groups playing a variety of music including old time country, classic jazz, and bluegrass. Arrive hungry so you don’t miss out on the delicious grilled chicken dinners, charbroiled hamburgers, hot dogs and fries. Top off your meal with ice cream or chose from the selection of homemade desserts!

Gates open at 9 am with a flag ceremony, musical performances begin at 10am, and gates close at 5 pm.

Purchase your tickets in advance and save! Online tickets are $5.00 per adult, $3.00 per child 6-11. At the gate, admission is $8.00/adult or $15 for 2 adults and $5.00 for children 6-11. Ages 5 and under are FREE. Parking is free. Order online at http://ndf.eventbrite.com/ to receive your discount.

For details, visit the website at http://newdealfestival.org, email ahi@arthurdaleheritage.org, or call 304-864-3959.

PLATINUM SPONSORS

VOLUNTEER for FREE ADMISSION

Volunteers are always appreciated and welcome. New Deal Festival volunteers will receive free admission! If you would like to volunteer at the New Deal Festival, contact AHI at: ahi@arthurdaleheritage.org

AFTER the FESTIVAL

After the New Deal Festival enjoy the Preston Community Arts Center’s Old Time Radio Show Dinner Theater in Kingwood! The show stars Dave Wills as the radio announcer and features Shirley Temple, Fibber McGee and Molly, George Burns and Gracie Allen, Kate Smith, and more celebrities and songs from the 1940s. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Two ticket options are dinner and show for $25 or dessert and show for $15. Dinner reservations must be made by July 2. Call 304.329.6336 to reserve your seat.

NDF 2010 Photos

Sarah Barnes — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 20:33:52 +0000

FDR and Eleanor

Many many thanks to Maria Af Rolén for taking these wonderful photos of the New Deal Festival. Maria is a professional photographer based in Morgantown, WV. She volunteered her services for the NDF and got some beautiful shots!

FDR and Eleanor

FDR (Bill Donogan) at the 2010 New Deal Festival

Stained Glass by David Houser

Eleanor Roosevelt (Patty Cooper) at the 2010 New Deal Festival

Antique Car, Truck and Tractor Show at the 2010 New Deal Festival

Kid's Area at E-15 Homestead

Dan Baker Trio at the 2010 New Deal Festival

Elsie Clapp (Linda Donogan) (right) and friend (left)

Face Painting

Eleanor Roosevelt (Patty Cooper)

New Deal Festival Hayride

Verena Mullins of Charleston, WV in period dress

FDR (Bill Donogan) and Josephus Daniels (Jim Barnes)

David Houser demonstrates stained glass making

Center Hall banner

Josephus Daniels (Jim Barnes) assists FDR (Bill Donogan)

P.U.R.R. kitten

Horse-drawn wagon tours

Volunteer Button

Antique Car, Truck and Tractor Show

Arts and Crafts vendors

Hay ride

Fiber guild

Horse-Drawn Wagon tours

Thank You!

Sarah Barnes — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 02:44:00 +0000

We had a great turnout, great weather and a wonderful time at the New Deal Festival today! Thanks to each and every one of you who who came out today!

We will be posting pictures of the event soon. Stay tuned!

Please let us know what you thought of the event. We value any and all feedback we receive.

See you next year on July 9, 2011!

WBOY Interview with Sarah Barnes

Sarah Barnes — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:46:25 +0000

Arthurdale Heritage president, Sarah Barnes, went on WBOY‘s noon news on July 6 to talk about the New Deal Festival. Watch the clip here:

Thanks to WBOY for sharing the video clip with us so we can post it here!

Check out the New Deal Festival’s TV Ad

Jonas Knotts — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 02:58:38 +0000

The New Deal Festival’s TV spot is now airing throughout north central West Virginia, western Maryland, and southwestern Pennsylvania. Click below to check it out.

New Deal Festival Program – Available for Download!

Sarah Barnes — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 20:23:14 +0000

This year we are able to publish the New Deal Festival program online in advance of the event. Everyone who attends gets a printed copy of this with General Admission. Please help us spread the word about the New Deal Festival and let your friends know to take a look at the program!

Download the New Deal Festival Program (30 MB .pdf)

Please note that the New Deal Festival program requires Adobe Reader to view.

Governor Manchin Proclaims July “Arthurdale Heritage Month”

Jonas Knotts — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:54:33 +0000

Arthurdale Heritage President Sarah Barnes (left) and AHI Executive Director Jeanne Goodman (right) display Governor Manchin's proclamation declaring July 'Arthurdale Heritage Month.'

Arthurdale Heritage (AHI) is celebrating its Silver Anniversary this July at its New Deal Festival. To kick off the celebration, West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin issued a proclamation declaring July ‘Arthurdale Heritage Month.’

“We are delighted that Governor Manchin has honored our beautiful community by declaring July ‘Arthurdale Heritage Month,’” said AHI President Sarah Barnes. “This recognition helps us spotlight the important role our state played during the New Deal era. Eleanor Roosevelt would be proud to know that her ‘little village’ is doing so well and telling the story of what she set out to accomplish,” Barnes said.

The New Deal Festival is Saturday, July 10^th and features artisan demonstrators, a craft market, living history actors, an antique car, truck, and tractor show, quilt show, kids activities, live entertainment, barbecued chicken dinners, and more. More information about the New Deal Festival is online at: http://www.newdealfestival.org.

Throughout its 25 years, AHI has tirelessly worked to restore and preserve the New Deal Homestead Community of Arthurdale. The organization started as a grass-roots community group in 1985, raising money through donations from local residents and businesses. Today, AHI has successfully restored and preserved five buildings comprising the New Deal Homestead Museum. AHI also has three major capital projects underway to restore five additional structures.

“Arthurdale Heritage has truly been a grassroots organization. Those of us involved in 2010 are so grateful to the determined group who started the organization 25 years ago and the community who supported it. They worked so hard to raise every penny to restore what is now the New Deal Homestead Museum today. The community of Arthurdale is such a wonderful place to live – due, in no small part, to the efforts of this organization. Without AHI, the community would be another town with abandoned buildings and struggling to survive. The people of Arthurdale are to be commended for their efforts over the years by taking such pride in their community and seizing the opportunity to tell their story,” Barnes said.

West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin issued this proclamation declaring July 'Arthurdale Heritage Month.'