(L-R) Dolly Starke, Barb McVaney, Kim Frazier, Lillie Robinson,
Bill Beather, Lorraine Bailey, Ron McVaney and Ruth Mooney
On the first Saturday of April, the Elk River Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution held its monthly meeting. Instead of Gassaway, the chapter met at Kathy's Riverside Restaurant in Weston. Following the business session and lunch, the group toured the Mountaineer Military Museum. The non-profit museum is owned by Barbara and Ron McVaney.
The Museum was founded on a promise Mr. McVaney made at the funeral of his best friend, who was killed in the Vietnam War. Ron vowed to keep alive the memory of his friend and others who have served in U.S. wars and conflicts. He started collecting artifacts and provided temporary locations for the museum in the early 2000s.
In 2006 the Museum opened in the Historic Weston Colored School owned by the Lewis County Board of Education. An expansion of 2,100 square feet was added in 2014 and the collection also grew. The Museum houses several hundred artifacts and over 500 pictures. Although the emphasis is on the Vietnam era, all the wars are represented. One photo displayed is of a WV patriot who served in three wars: Spanish American, WWI and WWII.
The name of the museum reflects the coverage of West Virginians who have served in the U.S. military. Approved artifact donations are welcomed. The hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., most Saturdays. Other days are by appointment. Located at 345 Center Avenue, contact may be made by phoning 304-516-0800 or email mountaineermilitarymuseum@yahoo.com
There is no admission fee, as they operate solely by donations. An upcoming event will be the annual "VET-Together" on May 28, following Weston's Memorial Day Parade.
The chapter's May meeting will be held on the fourteenth at Weston's Glass Museum.
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