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Webster Springs, West Virginia

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Webster Springs, West Virginia
Town
Location of Webster Springs, West Virginia
Location of Webster Springs, West Virginia
CountryUnited States
StateWest Virginia
CountyWebster
Settled as:Fort Lick in 1860
Incorporated as (town):
Addison in 1892
Named forAddison McLaughlin[1]
Government
 • MayorDon E. McCourt
Area
[2]
 • Total
0.47 sq mi (1.22 km2)
 • Land0.45 sq mi (1.17 km2)
 • Water0.02 sq mi (0.05 km2)
Elevation
[3]
1,460 ft (445 m)
Population
 (2010)[4]
 • Total
776
 • Estimate 
(2012[5])
763
 • Density1,724.4/sq mi (665.8/km2)
 • Median age (years)

43.9
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
26288
Area code(s)304, 681 (beginning March 28, 2009)
FIPS code54101
GNIS feature ID1560603
WebsiteWebsterWV.com
Main Street (West Virginia Route 15) in Webster Springs in 2007, from Court Square.
Front of the Webster County Courthouse in 2007

Webster Springs is a town in Webster County, West Virginia, United States. Although it was incorporated as Addison in 1892,[6] it is more frequently referred to as Webster Springs, the name of the town's post office.[1] It was named as such for Addison McLaughlin, upon whose land the town was originally laid out.[1] The population was 776 at the 2010 census.[7]

The town was famous in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for its numerous salt sulfur water wells. People believed that the water from the wells had medicinal qualities.[6] The town also hosts the annual Webster County Wood Chopping Festival, a weekend-long competition in which lumberjacks from all over the world compete. The festival lasts from mid-week the week leading up to Memorial Day until the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, when the festival ends with a fireworks display.

Etymology

The name of the town is officially Addison, West Virginia. However, it is most commonly referred to as Webster Springs (the name of the towns post office, since 1902).[8] It also labeled on some maps as Addison, and some as Webster Springs. The unofficial name has gone so far that the county commission's letterhead reads "Webster Springs," rather than Addison, which it had previously.

The town has also been known as; Elk Lick, Fork Lick, Addison (officially 1892–present), and Webster Springs (unofficially 1861–present).[8]

History

The town's first permanent settler was named Polly Arthur, who arrived in 1860.[6] The first post office established in Webster County was Fort Lick, present-day Webster Springs.[6] The postmaster at the time was a man by the name of John Hall.[6]

The Morton House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.[9]

Salt Sulfur wells

Hall, along with a man whose first name is not known, who is only known as Mr. Skidmore, drilled the first salt sulfur well in the county, it was known as "Old Spring."[6] The well was later owned by Colonel John T. McGraw.[6] The salt sulfur well helped make Webster Springs a popular summer tourist location during the 19th and early 20th Century.[6]

According to Springs in West Virginia, the town of Webster Springs had four total springs, they included: the Addison McLaughlin Well, located to the west of Court Square, Old Fork Lick Spring, located in the bed of the Elk River, Tracy Well, located on the lot of its owner, W.B. Tracy, in Webster Springs, and the Wm. Smith Well, located in Dorrtown.[10] The wells were popular because people believed that the water from the wells had medicinal qualities.[6] The water was used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne and arthritis.[6]

Webster Springs Hotel

In 1897, Senator Johnson Newlon Camden had built a 265-room hotel of Victorian style architecture,[11] which was larger than The Greenbrier Hotel built in 1913, which only has 250 rooms,[11] named the Webster Springs Hotel. The hotel contained a tennis court, horse stables, garden, bowling alley, power plant, and Russian and Turkish baths,[11] where visitors could enjoy the "medicinal" qualities of its salt sulfur waters. The hotel was also the largest wood frame hotel in West Virginia.[12]

When first built, the hotel was a three-story dark colored building. After it was completed, construction began on a new, much larger section of the hotel, adding more rooms, and a new exterior color, white. The new section of the hotel contained up-to-date Turkish bath equipment, where guests could have sulfur water bath, window shutters,[11] For many years, filled to capacity by guests and a greatly increased overflow which necessitated the building of smaller hotels in the town.[11] The hotel also raised its own cattle and provided some of its own food and milk.[11] The hotel's ice house, according to Elizah Hedding Gillespie, His Ancestors, Descendants and Their Families, was capable of holding 150 tons of ice.[11] The hotel was heated by steam.[11]

In 1903, Colonel McGraw purchased the hotel and expanded it by 115 rooms, completed in the spring of 1904.[11] Of the 89 "non-guest" rooms in the new section, 40 were for salt sulfur baths, which took up the entire first floor of one wing.[11] The entire southern wing of the hotel was given to bath rooms, including; "the plunge," Turkish, Russian, Needle, Shower, and Steam baths. Of which they were offered in both fresh and salt-sulfur water.[11]

On the interior, it contained stuffed bears, elks, and other wildlife of the local county in realistic poses.[11]

At the height of its popularity, the hotel played host to such guests as Senators Thomas Kearns (Utah), Henry G. Davis (West Virginia), his son-in-law, Senator Stephen Benton Elkins (West Virginia), and Camden (West Virginia).

On the night of July 20, 1925, the hotel caught fire and was burned to the ground, being completely destroyed.[11] Flames could be seen as far as one mile away, as well, the sky was seen as a bright red color, up to 19 miles away, in Camden-on-Gauley.[11]

Geography

Webster Springs is located at 38°28′34″N 80°24′36″W / 38.47611°N 80.41000°W / 38.47611; -80.41000 (38.476192, -80.410025), along the Elk River. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.47 square miles (1.22 km2), of which, 0.45 square miles (1.17 km2) is land and 0.02 square miles (0.05 km2) is water.[2] It is at an elevation of 1,460 ft. (445m).[3]

Demographics

2000 census

As of the 2000 census, there were 808 people, 403 households, and 222 families residing in the town.[7] The population density was 1,729.9 inhabitants per square mile (663.8/km²). There were 463 housing units at an average density of 991.3 per square mile (380.4/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 99.8% White, 0.12% Native American, and 0.12% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.50% of the population.[7]

There were 403 households[7] of which 22.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them.[13] While 165, or 40.9% were married couples living together,[13] 51, or 12.7% had a female householder with no husband present,[13] and 180 or 44.7% were non-families.[13] Also, 42.2% of all households were made up of individuals[13] and 20.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[13] The average household size was 2.00 and the average family size was 2.70.[13]

The age of residents range as follows: 19.9% under the age of 18,[13] 7.4% from 18 to 24,[citation needed] 10.5% from 25 to 34,[13] 17.0% from 45 to 54,[13] and 20.6% who were 65 years of age or older.[13] The median age of the population was 43.9 years.[13] Of the total population, 55.3% where female, while the remaining 44.7% where male.[13] For the total population 45.3% where females 18 and over, while 34.8% where males 18 and over.,[13] also, 12.7% where females 65 and older, and 7.8% males 65 and older.[13]

The median income for a household in the town was $20,592,[14] and the median income for a family was $27,434.[14] Males, full-time and year-round, had a median income of $27,386 as opposed to $16,389 for females.[14] The per capita income for the town was $13,500.[14] About 22.0% of families and 28.1% of the population were below the poverty line,[14] including 35.2% of those under the age of 18 and 21.9% of those age 65 or over.[14]

2010 census

As of the census[4] of 2010, there were 776 people, 363 households, and 211 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,724.4 inhabitants per square mile (665.8/km2). There were 447 housing units at an average density of 993.3 per square mile (383.5/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 99.2% White, 0.1% African American, 0.1% Native American, and 0.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.3% of the population.

There were 363 households of which 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.8% were married couples living together, 13.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.9% were non-families. 36.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 14% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.77.

The median age in the town was 45.3 years. 20.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.3% were from 25 to 44; 32% were from 45 to 64; and 18% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 47.8% male and 52.2% female.

Notable residents

Joe Talbot[15] (born January 23, 1933) is Politician and former United States Marine. He is currently a Democratic member of the House of Delegates representing the 36th District.[15] C. Randy White[16] (born May 10, 1955 in Charleston, West Virginia) is a Politician. He was a Democratic House of Representatives member from 1996 until 2000). He was a West Virginia State Senate member representing the llth District from 2002 until 2010.[16] As well, he was the town's mayor during the 1990s, beginning in 1991.[16] Philip D. Curtin a former professor at Johns Hopkins University and historian on the Africa and Atlantic slave trade, though born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, grew up in Webster Springs.[17][18]

Arden Cogar Sr. (born c. 1942) is a multiple time world champion lumberjack. He also holds multiple world records. Jamie Cogar (also called Arden Cogar Jr.,[19] born in 1972), the son of Arden Cogar Sr., is a Civil defense trial attorney as well as a champion lumberjack. Some of his accomplishments are; multiple time Champion, multiple medal winner in the Men's Endurance event at ESPN's Great Outdoor Games and multiple Stihl Timbersports Series Finalist; 2006 Standing Block World Champion; Winner of 40 Individual World Titles including the All Around World Title at the 2007 Webster County Woodchopping Festival; Captain of STIHL's United States National Lumberjack Team.[19]

Eli C. ‘‘Rimfire’’ Hamrick (March 28, 1868-April 1, 1945) was the Mountain State’s prototypical mountaineer. Born in Bergoo, Webster County, Hamrick was one of the best woodsmen of his time and was friend and guide to the coal and lumber barons who used the mountains for hunting expeditions. Originally thought to be the model for the ‘‘Mountaineer’’ statue on the grounds of the state capitol, he later revealed that his younger brother, Ellis, had also posed.

In 1907, Hamrick was employed by the Webster Springs Hotel as a guide and handyman. One of his jobs was to kill and dress chickens for the hotel kitchen. According to legend, Rimfire came by his nickname when asked how he killed the chickens; he replied, ‘‘With a rimfire rifle, by God.’’

About 1910, Hamrick opened a jewelry, watch repair, and gunsmith shop in Webster Springs. In 1912, he was appointed county game and fish warden. Three years later he was appointed fire warden, eventually taking charge of the fire tower on Turkey Mountain, which he supervised for several years. In 1932, he ran for the legislature as a Republican in the 10th Senatorial District but lost to Albert G. Mathews.

Like many West Virginians, Rimfire Hamrick was never a man with only one trade. He worked at many things, but his greatest passion was hunting and roaming the woods. He died in his native Bergoo.[20]

Sharon Sue Hamrick (born 1943) Majorette at Webster Springs High School. Cousin of Rimfire Hamrick.

Notes

  1. ^ a b c Romano, Mark (2002). "Map of Webster County". A Pictorial History of Webster County (First ed.). Mark Romano. p. 203. ISBN 0-9720212-0-5. {{cite book}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  2. ^ a b "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2013-01-24.
  3. ^ a b "Geographic Names Information System (GNIS): Feature name: Webster Springs, West Virginia". United States Department of the Interior and United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2008-12-26.
  4. ^ a b "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2013-01-24.
  5. ^ "Population Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2013-06-26.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Dilger, Dr. Robert Jay. "Webster County History". WVU.edu. Morgantown, West Virginia: West Virginia University. Retrieved 2008-12-26.
  7. ^ a b c d "Addison (Webster Springs) town, West Virginia". American Fact Finder. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-12-26.
  8. ^ a b Romano, Mark (2007). ""The Historic Springs"". The Webster Springs Hotel and Historic Springs, WV: The Summer Resort Center (Limited Edition First ed.). Mark Romano. p. 15. ISBN 978-0-9720212-6-5. {{cite book}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  9. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
  10. ^ Romano, Mark (2007). "12, "The Historic Springs"". The Webster Springs Hotel and Historic Springs, WV: The Summer Resort Center (Limited Edition First ed.). Mark Romano. p. 58. ISBN 978-0-9720212-6-5. {{cite book}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Romano, Mark (2007). ""The Historic Springs"". The Webster Springs Hotel and Historic Springs, WV: The Summer Resort Center (Limited Edition First ed.). Mark Romano. pp. 78–96. ISBN 978-0-9720212-6-5. {{cite book}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  12. ^ Romano, Mark (2007). ""The Historic Springs"". The Webster Springs Hotel and Historic Springs, WV: The Summer Resort Center (Interview with Mae R. Cogar) (Limited Edition First ed.). Mark Romano. p. 97. ISBN 978-0-9720212-6-5. {{cite book}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Addison (Webster Springs) town, West Virginia - DP-1. Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000". American Fact Finder. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-12-26.
  14. ^ a b c d e f "Addison (Webster Springs) town, West Virginia - DP-3, Profile of Selected Economic Characteristics: 2000". American Fact Finder. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-12-26.
  15. ^ a b "West Virginia House of Delegates". West Virginia State Legislature. Retrieved 2008-12-26.
  16. ^ a b c "West Virginia State Senators". West Virginia State Legislature. Retrieved 2008-12-26.
  17. ^ Boyd, Kelly. "Encyclopedia of historians and historical writing", pp. 281-282. Taylor & Francis, 1999. ISBN 1-884964-33-8. Accessed June 16, 2009.
  18. ^ Grimes, William. "Philip Curtin, 87, Scholar of Slave Trade, Is Dead", The New York Times, June 16, 2009. Accessed June 16, 2009.
  19. ^ a b "STIHL TIMBERSPORTS 2008 Competitors Arden Cogar Jr". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2008-12-26.
  20. ^ www.wvencyclopedia.org/print/Article/163‎
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