By WILSON BUTT
Apparently someone did notice that the luminaires on the Easley Bridge and roadway between Bluefield State College and Highland Avenue were not working. James A. “Jim” Nelson, assistant to the president and media relations director for Bluefield State College, called. Nelson said after last week’s column someone at the college did look into the matter and reported the equipment that is a part of the bridge and lighting system was damaged on Oct. 28 as a result of a vehicle accident on the campus.
Nelson reported, West Virginia Department of Highways sources confirmed, that an electrical contractor repaired the damaged equipment earlier this week. Nelson also reported that the DOH is awaiting Appalachian Power Company to restore the electrical service. Most of us know that high winds have caused power outages for many residents and businesses in the area and a predicament for the power company. We will await a time with patience until the power company can complete its portion of the work to restore the bridge lighting.
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The historic town of Bramwell has the holiday spirit. Christmas is coming and the town is decorated to the hilt. Bramwell’s Annual Christmas Tour got underway Saturday. The self-guided candlelight tour features many of the town’s beautiful historic homes — some were open and welcomed visitors for a glimpse inside. The tour, originated by the Millionaire Garden Club, is now sponsored by the Bramwell Theater Corporation.
Homes on the tour include the Perry House owned by Jim and Joyce Bishop, a home now occupied by Pamela’s Bed and Breakfast, the Baker House that was the home of State Senator Edward Baker and now houses the Sugar Hill Bed and Breakfast owned by Robert Davis and Cole Thomas, the Isaac T. Mann home now owned by John and Sharon Houston, Curtis Bishop’s Collins House that was built by coal pioneer Jarius Collins, the Pack House and many others. The folks sponsoring the tour were holding their fingers crossed that the weather would hold out in order to have carriage rides. Special entertainment was provided at several locations with a reception at the Bramwell Train Station. Bramwell Mayor Louise Stoker was excited about the whole show. The little town with its Victorian and Tudor style mansions is beautiful in its Christmas finery.
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Bramwell Chief of Police Edwin Vanover came up with a plan to sponsor Christmas with Santa Cop a few years ago. Vanover has spearheaded that project for several years and with the help of several volunteer deputies the program has provided a great source of joy for many needy youngsters. Chief Vanover and his helpers will have a party with cookies and other tasty goodies for all the children on Saturday Dec. 19 at the Town Hall.
The event is open to children in the Bramwell vicinity and the last day to sign up is Tuesday, Dec. 15 by calling (304) 248-7114 or visiting the Bramwell Town Hall. “Children who sign up in advance will also be given a goody bag from Santa himself in person,” promised Mayor Stoker.
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Another downtown Bramwell establishment, the Bramwell Café located on Main Street, teamed up with “Toys for Tots” by offering a buffet special last Friday and Saturday. Proceeds from the sales were donated to the charity.
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A lot of homes in McDowell County are decorated for Christmas. Some are quite elaborate. Last week I spent a considerable amount lot of time in the Gary, Skygusty, Pageton, Elkhorn and Powhatan areas and took notice. I visited a number of homes and, as always, the welcome mat was out and folks down there were friendly. I also made friends with quite a few dogs — chew bones helped.
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There you have it, a few comments on items of interest to the area. It’s quiet on the local political scene right now. I hope the weather isn’t as bad as was predicted and that you have blue sky day. There are several beautiful old homes in Elkhorn ... and one more thing — Happy Hanukkah.
Wilson Butt, a resident of Bluefield, is a retired Department of Highways official.
