A group of off-duty, fired and retired park rangers have organized a series of Juneteenth events, including one at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, to recognize African American history that is not approved for display at the federal sites.
JD Pauley and his beloved Hobby III.Jim Lange/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
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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
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