West Virginia Encyclopedia

Radio West Virginia Encyclopedia, Apr. 05, 2021

April 5, 2010: Explosions Rock the Upper Big Branch Mine

On April 5, 2010, the day after Easter, a series of explosions rocked the Upper Big Branch mine near Montcoal in Raleigh County.Twenty-nine men died,…

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Radio West Virginia Encyclopedia, Jan. 26, 2021

January 26, 1960: Burnsville Guard Danny Heater Scores 135 Points

On January 26, 1960, 17-year-old guard Danny Heater of Burnsville High School scored a record-breaking 135 points in a basketball game against Widen High School. He easily shattered the previous state high school record of 74 and the national record of 120.

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Radio West Virginia Encyclopedia, Jan. 15, 2021

January 15, 1890: West Virginia Legislators Convene To Choose Governor

On January 15, 1890, West Virginia legislators convened in special session to choose the state’s new governor. The most recent gubernatorial election had been deadlocked for an incredible 14 months.

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Radio West Virginia Encyclopedia, Jan. 06, 2021

January 6: 'Old Christmas' Celebrated Across West Virginia, Appalachia

January 6 is the day traditionally known as Old Christmas. It’s a relic of the Julian Calendar, developed 2,000 years ago. Until fairly recently, Old Christmas was still celebrated in some rural areas of West Virginia. It’s recalled in various traditions such as in the fiddle tune “Old Christmas Morning.”

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Radio West Virginia Encyclopedia, Jan. 05, 2021

January 5, 1887: New Capitol Building Dedicated in Charleston

On January 5, 1887, Governor E. Willis Wilson hosted a ball and banquet to dedicate West Virginia’s new capitol building in downtown Charleston. The event…

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Arts & Culture West Virginia Encyclopedia, Jan. 04, 2021

January 4, 1980: Musician John Homer Walker Dies in Princeton

Musician John Homer Walker died in Princeton on January 4, 1980, at age 81. The Mercer County native was raised in Summers County and lived much of his…

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