The City of Weston is currently hosting the Smithsonian Institution’s “Crossroads Exhibit” which focuses on rural American.

As part of the program, all LCHS students were afforded the opportunity to attend a workshop and visit the WV Military Museum.

Weston and the WV Glass Museum was chosen to host this award  through the West Virginia Humanities Council through an extended deadline of December 4, 2021.

As part of the interactive nature of the program, the council wanted to get reflections from LCHS students following the presentation about their feelings about rural living, future careers and what they like best and least about the Lewis County community.

The Blue & Grey opened the discussion, and here are some thoughts from students:

1. What are the strengths and weaknesses of community life in Weston and Lewis County, and to what extent do they arise from the use of land?

Tyler Morris, 14, Churchville:

I just moved to a new farm, and I really like living in the country. I enjoy doing things outside—I love hunting, riding horses, driving tractors, and I even enjoy weed-eating. I like living in Lewis County a lot more than where I used to live. I think some of the strengths are that our county is clean, and we get a good education.  I really like LCHS this year. I think a weakness of Lewis County is we don’t have a variety of stores. For example, in Buckhannon, they have Harbor Freight, Lowes, and lot of different stores that we don’t have.

2. What challenges have your family faced over the years given the changes in population and commerce that have occurred in Weston and Lewis County, and how has your family persisted up to the present time?

Anonymous, 18, Weston:

It is very difficult for families to find a home to rent or buy. The cost of land, houses, and rent is so expensive. Families who have one income have such a difficult time making it. They often have to live with other family members just to make ends meet. My mom had to take on a second–and even a third job–just to pay rent. That left us home alone in the evenings when I was younger. When I was able to get a job, I did, so I could help out with expenses.

A lot of the housing options are not nice for the amount people pay. For example, a family might pay $500-700 for a home that has high utility costs, no yard or land, and not enough bedrooms. That causes stress on our families. My family has persisted through housing challenges by having family that helps. We have also used the FRN as a resource to help us when times get tough.

Anonymous, 16, Jane Lew:

Addiction is a big deal for many families–drugs, prescriptions, and alcohol. Addiction can tear a family apart and destroy finances and even the person’s health. When people fall into addiction, it overtakes their lives, and kids are sometimes forgotten and neglected. This is a big problem for a lot of people.

3. What future would you like to see for Weston and Lewis County that would motivate you to remain here, and how should that future be achieved?

Carson Cox, Junior:

Looking forward to the future requires us to examine where Weston was and what was once a glorious town in Lewis County. The town used to boom because of factories, timber, oil and gas, and services. Jobs were plentiful and it was a great place to raise a family. Many storefronts and businesses are now empty on main street. The people that once managed those stores are long gone. Their hard work and dedication were once poured into every building in the town. Sadly, their passion was not passed to many of their heirs to be good stewards of Lewis County.

Now, Walmart and the bigger businesses extract more money than the mom-and-pop shops. It is hard to stay competitive and keep overhead for the locals’ storefronts. We try to stay fresh with farmers markets and local stock markets to have organic items available. Currently the town struggles with drugs, poverty and crime. With no jobs and a generation of people that think they are owed money; our town will continue to suffer and decline.

Our small town identifies to the world with its older historic resources like the Asylum and Jacksons Mill. We still have the same Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital that was built in the 1960’s that serves the town to its best ability. The hospital strives to be world class care but nurses and physicians are hard to retain in this rural area. The engagement of the employees to reach out to serve every patient shine on the community.

For the future of Weston, the town needs an infusion of culture and jobs. I would stay in the area and in Weston if I had some assistance from local businesses that would help me attend a trade school, or local college in turn to work later for them, becoming engaged in the

community and raising a family here. The town is small but has many opportunities to become great again, like lower taxes to attract more businesses that can provide a good living wage.

McKinley Davis, Junior:

Weston, West Virginia 26452. Our town of approximately 3,946 has been my home since I was born. Growing up, of course, I never knew of anyplace else. My family didn’t travel much, and we’re content here. But as I’ve gotten older and traveled to other towns in West Virginia and other states, I’ve noticed that our small town really is just that. Just a small town. Other towns around us are beautifully decorated with flowers year-round, and they have fun things to do for students my age. Bowling, movies, roller skating, and shops to spend the day in. In fact, to do almost anything you need to go over at least one town. I would love to be able to hang out with my friends here in the town that I love.

With the addition of our Weston Town Hub, I feel we are making progress towards a more welcoming and exciting environment for all ages. This Hub allows events to be held on Main Street, a spot for people to sit and watch the parades, etc. Places like this where people can gather brings the community together. It also adds some color and life to Main Street. Hopefully this spot will continue to grow and allow more opportunities to hang out.

Altogether, I love Weston. However, I still believe that some changes should be made in order to keep people here. Or perhaps draw more people here. I would love to see Weston become a thriving community that allows others to feel welcome.

Hannah McHenry, 17, Weston:

I think Lewis County should look to utilize the old buildings that are vacant and make them viable businesses. There are old, nice homes that could be turned into homeless shelters for those who do not have good housing options. It would be so nice to do something good. And, I think the dilapidated, run-down homes and structures should be torn down to provide more room and make our community look more appealing and presentable.

I would love to see a big name restaurant come to our community. With 1-79 and the Asylum nearby, I think a restaurant like The Cheesecake Factory would be a great addition to our area. The closest Cheesecake Factory is in Pennsylvania. The Asylum brings in a ton of tourism, and we could work with it to offer people a place to eat as well as the entertainment of visiting the Asylum.

I would love to be in future leadership in our community. At the moment, I am undecided about whether I will stay here, but do want to be involved in the changing of our community for the better.

Adriann Cottrell, 18, Jacksons Mill:

There are three 7-11 buildings and the old Kroger’s–they are all empty. It would be nice if they could turn those empty buildings into something that is helpful to our community. I think the Kroger’s building would be a great place for something for kids and families.

I think if our community offers opportunities for our kids, it will help keep them on the right path and keep them from using drugs.

Emily Lybarger, 16, Jane Lew:

I definitely want to see Main Street lighten up a bit. I would like to see more shops open. I think building up Main Street would build a better foundation for our city and county. I would like to see more life on our streets. It would be nice to have more restaurants and activities for people during the day and evening. It was so lovely having Homecoming downtown. I love how they decorate the Weston Hub–for Homecoming and Christmas. We have such a cute, little town. It could be so much. It definitely has the potential to be like one of the towns on the Hallmark Channel.

I would like to see a multipurpose gym open that anyone could use. It could be for families, but it could also be for individuals. I would love to see basketball courts, weights, equipment, and a training area for athletics, practices, and classes (like yoga, aerobics, etc.). It would be great if the gym could have an area outside that could host outdoor practices–for lacrosse, football, soccer, baseball, softball, and other outside sports.  It would also be nice to have recreational activities available as well–like ping-pong tables, thuseball, etc. It could be a training gym. One that is in middle of town and easy to get to for people. I think it could spark interest in kids to go out and participate in sports.

Owen Hunt, 16, Westfield:

I would love to see a recreational center like Bridgeport’s The Bridge. It’s a great facility, and I think our kids would really enjoy and use a facility like that. Ideally, I would like it to be even nicer, but if we had something similar, it would be great.

Makayla Ferguson, 16, Walkersville:

For the future of Lewis County that would motivate me to stay here would require a few changes in recreation, the community and business. I would enjoy seeing more things to do like a sports complex or even some type of gym that is open for public use. From a teen’s perspective, I think that it would be nice to have a bowling alley, movie theater and skating rink. Any of those are good for families, and they give people something to want to stay here to look toward the future. In the way of community, it would be nice to see changes in the way that we come together–maybe have some more giving and holiday spirit–maybe a Christmas tree or just something that the kids would enjoy having. I love the whole Miracle on Main Street event. I like things that get people and the community together.

It would be nice to see some change in the businesses we have as well. In the past, Main Street was filled with shops and places to go. I would enjoy having shops close to home so every time I wanted to shop I didn’t have to drive to Bridgeport or Morgantown. I think if we, as a whole, could get more people to open new businesses, it would convince me–and others–to either stay in Lewis County or come live in the county. If boutiques and little decorative shops open around the area, it would entice me to stay in the area.

Lillie Cayton, Junior:

Lewis County is the place that I have always called home and most of my family as well. After listening to my parents and grandparents talk about what Weston used to be, I would like to see it get back to where it was at a point in time. I think that there are ways that can be achieved if everyone helps out to achieve one goal.

As teenagers, my friends and I are always looking for things to go and do, or new places to go eat. I would like to see some new restaurants and places such as bowling alleys, movie theaters or even a recreational center be added to Lewis County to give kids something to do. I personally live in a rural area outside of town but I believe that having places like this for kids to be able to go and do things would help with the amount of kids that are out on the streets night in and night out.

I would also be more willing to stay in Lewis County if there were more opportunities for kids to be able to go places and hang out with other kids. When I have children, I don’t want them to have to always be at home and never be able to go out and learn how to interact with other children. It would also be nice if the businesses we do have in town were places that were children friendly. Places such as the hot spots and bars in Weston out number the amount of places that would have positive impacts on children that are growing up here.

Growing up on a farm has made me a large supporter of the agriculture industry and supporting farms. I think it would be nice if our town did more for that. Even though there are not many farms within the town of Weston, there are numerous within 10 to 15 miles. In our world today, there is not much support for these small farmers. I would like to see more encouragement for people to reach out and support these local farms, start a farmers market, buy local beef and produce. Farming is the direction I want to take my life and career so it would be nice to have that support from the community.

I think that Lewis County is not in terrible shape right now but I do think there are things that can be done to improve it. With the help of people in the community, I think that we can turn Lewis County around and make Lewis County and Weston a place of interest for people from all around to come and visit.

Grant Mealey, 17, Weston:

I would like to see a place for kids to go to get better in sports. Although kids can go to Bridgeport and other places to train, not all kids have parents who can afford, or are willing, to do that. All kids should should an opportunity to participate in sports and get better.

Molly Duncan, Junior:

Weston, West Virginia, the home of Minutemen Nation. Weston is a great place to educate children with its great schooling system, amazing attractions, and beautiful water, rivers and views. Weston is a small homey-town, but it packs a lot of punches and deserves love and attention. Right in the middle of West Virginia, there is easy access to just about everything from big cities, malls, activities and beautiful scenic roads. Weston is worth staying in wild wonderful West Virginia.

Being such a small, underrated town means that Weston needs some “go-sees” and that is exactly that it has done. With some the most beautiful artwork at the American Glass Museum, it is a great place to see gorgeous glasswork with detail. (There are also) Tributes to warriors at the Mountaineer Military Museum; it is an amazing place that commends our brave, fallen warriors. There is also fine wine at our own Lamberts Vintage Wine, which is a great place to have a sip, sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful land. Beautiful cabins to overnight in at Jacksons Mill. Last but certainly not least, the history of years ago with tours of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. This attraction has everything from tours to haunted houses. There is always something to do here.

The roads of West Virginia are mesmerizing. They are long, windy, and scenic. With the beautiful white snow, it looks like a winter wonderland, and with the changing of the leaves it looks like a fall fairytale, in the summer’s sundown the view of the mountain range is unreal. With so many wonderful volunteers, Weston gets amazingly decorated for holiday season, and it shows how much the residents love this town. So much effort goes into this town to make it so beautiful and celebratory, and the people really know how to show back. Weston throws about 3 parades a year sometimes more: the 4th of July, Veterans’ Day, and Christmas parades. They contain floats from schools, throwing candy, dancing, sports teams, police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances. The parades are a great way to show Weston spirit.

Weston also has an incredible learning system from elementary, middle, and high school. As a student at Lewis County High School, I can truly and honestly say it is a wonderful place to learn. You are constantly aware of resources, help if needed, and great faculty and staff. The administration goes out of their way to make sure they teach you the material and make sure you know how to understand it.

The school also conducts assemblies, which do not happen nearly as often due to the unfortunate epidemic, sporting events for various sports, guest speakers for topics that need to be talked about, and opportunities for parents to come to school and discuss about their children. Our county school system is very involved, and I couldn’t imagine anything much better.

In conclusion, Weston has beautiful and fun attractions for all ages, fabulous views and tremendous spirit, and a spectacular school system. Weston is a small town that is a whole package and shows so much love and deserves it back. Weston is just as good as any other big city, just smaller and less crowded, so if anything, it is better. All in all, there is so much to miss so stay and see what Weston has to offer you!

Zachary James, 16, Roanoke:

I would like to see a recreational center for our community. I think it would really help our sports. Where I live, we are really isolated. We have two gas stations, and it takes me 20 minutes to get to town. There are a lot of people who live even further out than I live, too. It takes me an hour to get to Bridgeport, so that is not really a good option for a rec center. I think even if we had something in town, a thirty-minute commute would really cut down on time and expenses of travel. It would really help a lot of people.

4. What career have you chosen to pursue, and to what extent was your choice based on preferring a rural or an urban life?

Ashley Montgomery, 19, Weston: 

I would like to be a nurse. I am planning to attend WVU this fall to complete my RN coursework. I took my CNA classes through LCHS and Fred Eberle Technical Center, so I am a certified CNA. It will take me four years to get my degree, but I think it will definitely be worth it.

I hope to stay in Lewis County because I like living in the country. I would not like living in town; I think town is too crowded with people living on top of each other. I think being an RN would be a very useful degree because I can work in a hospital as I have always dreamed. I love helping people and watching them smile once you do help them. With that smile, you know you have helped them and made them more comfortable.

Lillie Cayton, 16: Jacksons Mill:

I want to have a career in agriculture in some capacity. I love farming. I love everything about it–working the animals, early morning chores, showing animals. I didn’t show animals until I was in seventh grade, but I wish I would have started even earlier. I always thought I wanted to be a veterinarian, but I don’t think I want to do that; I do know I want to work in in the agriculture industry, though. Thus, that will require me to live in rural area. I’m not sure what direction I will take, but I know I will work with animals. I would like to move out West, but I don’t think that will happen. I would be happy to live on a farm in this area.

Other Notes:

• Many students want to see a Chick-fi-A come to Lewis County. Students said they thought with I-79 going through the county that it would make it an ideal location. Some of the other franchises that were mentioned in class discussions were Starbucks, Applebees, Cracker Barrel and The Cheesecake Factory.
• Most students have a respect and affection for the land and outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, biking and walking. More than 50 percent of students asked responded that they preferred rural to urban living.
• A few students noted that we needed a grocery store. Students in Southern Lewis County liked the Rock Cave IGA.
• Many students mentioned the activities and tourism we have in the county–TALA, Jackson’s Mill, LC Park and the Stonewall Resort.
• Students said they enjoyed having the Homecoming parade and dance in downtown. They said they appreciated the help of the community and businesses to make it happen.
• If students lived someplace other than Lewis, most said they preferred the people in Lewis, but the housing at their other residence.
• Students living across the county mentioned the abandoned, vacant and dilapidated buildings. Many said the structures need to be torn down; others said they would like to see the structures renovated and used to help those in need.
• Almost every student wanted a recreational center, activity center, gym or youth center for the youth and families. The suggestions ranged from something like The Bridge in Bridgeport to the YMCAs in Clarksburg and Elkins to the Stockert Youth Center in Buckhannon.
• Most students are undecided if they will remain in Lewis County after graduation. It is a mixed bag of reason why they might stay or go.
• Most students said they were satisfied with their upbringing and education in Lewis County. Most hope for more job and housing opportunities.
• Most students said they like the feeling that Lewis County is home, and there is support from the schools, community and businesses.
• Students, if comparing Lewis County to another place, most frequently compared Lewis to two main communities: Bridgeport and Buckhannon. They compared Lewis to Bridgeport when discussing sports and the recreational center. Lewis was often compared to Buckhannon for attracting different businesses, having a lively downtown area and having “life” on Main Street.
• Most students knew about the Weston Hub and liked the activities and decorations that are offered.