Historic Glenwood Celebrates WV Day 2025

June 20, 2025 dawned bright & beautiful for West Virginia Day this year.  While every other day this week featured pop-up thunderstorms all over the area, Charleston’s west side enjoyed a beautiful 80-degree storm-free day for Glenwood’s annual open house.

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Approximately seventy-five visitors eagerly entered Glenwood’s graceful doors, ready to take in the beauty & elegance of the antebellum mansion.  Some guests were return visitors who habitually visit every open house but most were first timers, who nearly all expressed their desire & intention to return.

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In addition to the loveliness of the home, visitors were enticed by live demonstrations of weaving & spinning. Barbara Smith with the Lucy Quarrier Weavers once again shared her talent & expertise with Glenwood guests.  For the first time in many years, Miss Lucy’s loom was put to good use by Barbara & her fellow artisans as they demonstrated their weaving skills on this special loom. In addition, the weavers gave instruction to novice weavers at a loom Barbara brought specifically for this purpose. 

 

Master spinner Benjamin Randolph joined in the fiber fun by demonstrating his art on three different spinning wheels.  Prior to the event, Ben had provided his time & knowledge to assist Glenwood’s staff in obtaining & installing the necessary parts to make Miss Lucy’s antique spinning wheel functional again.  In addition, a great wheel found in the attic was put back into spinning action with his assistance.  Ben demonstrated on both of these spinning wheels as well as on his own beloved wheel, known affectionately as “Absolem.” He also brought an electric spinning wheel, which served to show yet another way that spinning has progressed over time.

 

While enjoying refreshments served on the back porch by new volunteer Carter Sharp, visitors enjoyed the talents of musicians from FOOTMAD (Friends of Old Time Music & Dance).  Sam Hickman led a small group of extremely talented musicians in a variety of old-time, toe-tapping favorites.  Glenwood’s back porch was the perfect setting for such beautiful music.

Sincere gratitude is extended to our open house volunteers: James Griffith, Trish Hatfield, Carter Sharp, Megan Sharp & Ian Woods. Also, the Lucy Quarrier Weavers who participated are greatly appreciated! Many thanks to Barbara Smith, Lynn Meyer, Barbie Sadolf, Karen Scherr & Ben Randolph. Special thanks to Larry Tucker & Darrell Cadle whose work behind the scenes made Glenwood a beautiful place to be on WV Day!

Our next open house will be the holiday event on December 6 & 7th.  Mark your calendars now!