More than 3,000 pumpkins decorate the Pumpkin House in Kenova, an event that has turned into a community carnival but started out with five simple carved pumpkins.
JD Pauley and his beloved Hobby III.Jim Lange/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
Listen
Share this Article
This past July, my friend and I were walking around during Charleston’s newly returned Sternwheel Regatta. After making the rounds that hot day, we needed some refreshment and shade. Seated riverside, cold water in hand, she looked over and saw a sternwheeler that friends of hers owned. Soon we were aboard the Hobby III.
My old pal, and WVPB News Director Eric Douglas, was there and we all started chatting amiably about all sorts of things. Then I was introduced to the owner, JD Pauley, and his friend Brian Carr.
JD has a laid-back, engaging personality with a very funny dry wit. Sensing that my question would not be perceived as odd or crazy, I asked JD whether he had any personal experiences with ghosts. After all, boats and water seem to be a frequent paranormal setting.
To my utter surprise, he said that the Hobby III was being visited by the former owner, Harry Wilson.
Well, knock me over with a feather.
Harry Wilson Photo credit: UnknownHobby III owner JD Pauley with the wheel that Harry Wilson was holding when he passed. Photo credit: Jim Lange/WVPBClose-up of the boat log, in Louise Wilson’s handwriting, with a newspaper clipping of Harry’s passing. Photo credit: Jim Lange/WVPBJD shows the sconce light that mysteriously comes on. Photos of Harry Wilson are hung below that light. Photo credit: Jim Lange/WVPB
Add WVPB as a preferred source on Google to see more from our team
More than 3,000 pumpkins decorate the Pumpkin House in Kenova, an event that has turned into a community carnival but started out with five simple carved pumpkins.
On this West Virginia Week, urban cryptids get us into the Halloween spirit, a researcher revives forgotten musicians and a conversation with a journalist covering data center development.
This week, data centers are rapidly expanding into rural parts of Appalachia, and folks say they are having trouble finding information about these projects. Also, artificial intelligence is disrupting human art, including fiber arts like crochet. And folks are pushing back, like they always have — with song.
The state's latest license plate features a total of nine mysterious creatures with ties to West Virginia locations, most prominently the Mothman and the Flatwoods Monster.