Harless and Shirley Mace receive special recognition
for 2004 efforts (not pictured Shannon Welch)
Community memories started with ground breaking for center in 1966
Group welcomed and recognized regional veterans (not in order) Rick McCartney, Paul Evans, Vier Hall, Fred Starkey, Charlie Snider, Paul Fleming, Eugene Deel, Woodrow Whytsell, John Benjamin, Clinton Cottrell, Loretta Chaney, James Stalnaker, Roy (Sam) McCollum
Folks from the greater Arnoldsburg community were recognized Saturday night for helping with the 39th annual West Virginia Molasses Festival.
Festival chairperson Juanita Berdine welcomed visitors and community volunteers, in addition to regional veterans, who have been invited to the Recognition Day Dinner for several years.
"We are going to look at the memories a community has built," said Berdine, referring to nearly 40 years of community participation, the building of the West Fork Park and the creation of the Molasses Festival.
The Community Action Group selected three persons for outstanding community service during 2004 - Shirley and Harless Mace and Shannon Welch, all of Arnoldsburg.
Berdine said a "lit candle at the side of the stage is a reminder of those no longer with us."
The community project began in the early 60s when a group of locals got together in the old Miles Stump store building to "talk about their dreams," with 98 people attending the organizational meeting.
Berdine said the group had a fundraiser netting $27, part of which was used to file for incorporation papers. Shortly the group purchased 11.5 acres of land (the current park site) with 21 people signing a note for $1,000.
A $10,000 loan was obtained in 1966 to completed the purchase of the property.
"This loan was repaid by box socials, raising cane, dinners, shooting matches and donations," said Berdine.
The first molasses making came from a four acre patch which produced 452 gallons of molasses which sold for $1,019.50. The first mill was turned by a horse provided by Thurl Powell.
Soon the group embarked on a major project, the construction of the community building in 1966.
The best part, all that great food ...
Bob McCartney presented a rubber chicken
to Jennifer Hall for her hard work at the barbecue
John and Ella Elliott recognized as Parade Marshalls
'When something needs to be done, it happens ..." said Berdine
Special recognition was given to:
Parade marshalls - John and Ella Elliott
Molasses making - Daniel Mace, Vier Hall, Harless Mace
Molasses judging - Thelma Hall
Country Store - Carolyn Lane and Laura Butler
Food preparation - Janet Marks, Donna Selmon, Mabel Marks, Connie McCartney
Chicken barbecue - Jennifer Hall
Publicity - Glenna Fleming
Commercial exhibits - Shirley Mace
Non-commercial exhibits - Shannon Welch
Camping - Dave Cottrell
Gospel Sing - Carl Marks
Local entertainment - Janet Marks and Linda McCartney
Parade - Donna Schoolcraft, Della Starcher, Norma Collins
Special Events - Millie Arnold
Information - Margie Evans
Parking - Arnoldsburg VFD
Community Support - PTO/CEOs
Cleaning - Bob Berdine
Running press mill - Gene Laughlin, Bryce Laughlin, Edwin and Dave Dilly
Program printing/secretary - Ollidene Hall
Helping hand and hard work - Rick McCartney
Door prize was won by Glenna Fleming
| 
