WTRF – Channel 7 news review of event – click here for link:
Sept. 7 – 8, 2024 – Glen Dale, WV – The WWII Living History Weekend at the Cockayne Farmstead in Glen Dale, WV, started on Friday night with a power point book presentation and signing by Cynthia Sandor at the Moundsville-Marshall Public Library in Moundsville, WV. Many locals attended including Executive Director Susan Reilly and long time librarian Catherine Feryok.
The next morning, the Moundsville Honor Guard hoisted the American flag and Danielle Harmon sang the National Anthem, announcing the opening to the event, located on the grounds of the John Marshall High School in Glen Dale, WV (across the street from the Farmstead). Mayor Janet Scott opened the event recognizing Glen Dale’s Centennial Honoring of Marshall County’s WWII Veterans.
The brainchild of Site Manager, Kara Gordon, this was her 3rd annual event. “What an amazing weekend! The local visitors to the WW2 event were like none I ever met! The welcoming warmth and kindness of patriotic West Virginians blows me away!” said Cat Gardiner.
We had a visit with WWII Romance Novelist Cat Gardiner and learned about the people on the home front, and what actions they took to support the war effort. We stepped back in time to her recreated 1940’s house, with period antiques and clothing. She spoke with visitors about the home front, the lifestyles of the WWII era, and how civilians found many ways to ration their items, collect vital materials for the war effort, and how they worked together to make sure our American soldiers had everything they needed to win WWII.
I met with Jim Belcher whose father was one of the 316 survivors from the USS Indianapolis. Many of us first heard about this story during the 1975 scene in the movie Jaws, when Quint, a survivor of the ship, recounted the sinking and shark attacks.
Representing the World War II Armor, reenactor Bill Trabulsi, educated us about the 2nd Armor Division and the tactics, training and tanks used in the battles.
Researcher, advisor, and founding member of the Ghost Army Legacy Project Roy Eichhorn, was on hand with his display and spoke about the documentary film which first appeared on PBS. The Ghost Army was a United States Tactical deception unit during WWII officially known at the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops. His stepfather, George Martin, was a member of the Ghost Army unit.
I met with Kathryn Thalman, the first woman to serve as Mayor for the City of St. Clairsville, Ohio. She has a very contagious, uplifting character and spirit! Her private sector background leads the community to a bright future. A life-long resident of the Ohio Valley and St. Clairsville, she celebrates the City’s unique history and downtown and makes her residents, businesses, neighborhoods and schools a top priority. She has started working closely with the county commissioners and other community leaders to enhance the many challenges to improve the infrastructure and economic development of St. Clairsville.
Journalist and Video Producer, Mary Flavin from WTRF Channel 7 News interviewed me on my book “Through Innocent Eyes.” She captures the emotions through her storytelling, creating content that viewers will enjoy!
Military vehicles were on display along with a scavenger hunt, an obstacle course, and a bounce house for the children.
On Saturday evening, we danced the night away at the 1940’s Swing Dance with the band Matt Hill and Friends. Dance classes started an hour beforehand for those who wanted to get their dancing shoes on early.
I look forward to attending the Cockayne at Glen Dale – Farmstead WWII Living History Weekend again next August! If you missed it this year, be sure to stop by in 2025! This is a free event and open to the public. Easy parking at the high school and a very short walk to the event!
A full list of all the speakers can be found here
For more photos and information click here:
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