SCHOOLS
The first schools were “pay schools.” Years before there was any provision for
public education the children of Frankfort had opportunity to attend school although
these schools were financed by private subscriptions, it seems that all were privileged
to attend. Dennis Daniels built the
first schoolhouse – just one room on a lot beside the later school building.
There was a Free School Law passed Dec 1863,
A lot was deeded to the Board of Education
of Frankfort District on Nov 1874 by Jacob Adams and Martha E Adams, his wife
of County of Mineral and State of WV, for sum of $75. A two-room school was built here – one room up and one down. This building was used until 1908. (It was moved away and remodeled into a home
and still in use).
In 1908, a new two room, both on the ground
floor building was built. Later two more rooms were added and the building was
used 68 years as a school. It is not in
use now as a school and has been sold to Methodist Church as a parking
lot. Since Frankfort High School was
built, their previous high school building is the Middle School and there is an
Elementary School here.
Ft Ashby celebrates its Sesqui-Centennial in
July 29-31, 1938. The Crowning of “Queen
Frankfort I” was a notable event. Highlights
of the occasion was an outdoors pageant “Fanfare of Frankfort” Which was
written by Lenora W Wood of Keyser for the occasion.
A fire company was organized in Ft Ashby on
April 20, 1937. It has been a wonderful
help to the town in many ways.
Ft Ashby, the first unincorporated community
of the County to establish its own street lighting system on a cooperative
basis, paid tribute to the Ft Ashby Volunteer Fire Dept for the accomplishments
on March 1847. Three of the oldest residents
and life-long citizens of the town had the honor of throwing the switch, which
turned on the 23 lights, illuminating the streets of the town. They were R Rosser Allen, aged 82, pulling
the switch; Mrs Atha Marker, aged 86 and Mrs Maggie Adams, aged 81. The streetlights were made possible by a
cooperative program sponsored by the Fire Co with all of the town’s 115
families participating.
Submitted By: Wilda Pyles
MINERAL COUNTY WEST VIRGINIA, FAMILY TRAITS, TRACKS
AND TRAILS