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Walking Garden Tour and Tea
May 2017 Volume 14 Issue 4
The Harpers Ferry Women's Club will sponsor a Walking Garden Tour and Tea in Harpers Ferry on Saturday, June 3 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The price of a ticket is $15 which includes access to over ten beautiful gardens in an easy walking 9 block area in the central part of Harpers Ferry. Gardens include scenic overlooks, fish ponds, and beautiful flowers groomed lovingly by your neighbors. Owners will be on hand to answer questions. A formal sit down English Tea is included and will be served in the pink clubhouse at 856 Washington Street. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the tour at the clubhouse where attendees will be given a tour map with return ticket for tea. Questions may be directed to Shirley Caniford (304) 535-6922 or email: [email protected]. All proceeds go toward community projects with special attention to a new walkway around the Town's gazebo/park area. Please see the article on the history of our Town gazebo. If any gardener is interested in having their garden included, please let Shirley know as she does not have access to phone numbers and email addresses of all our residents.
IN THIS ISSUE
Page 2 Town Hall Calendar, etc.
Page 3 Water Works
Page 4 Our Gazebo’s History
Page 5 Tree Committee doings
Page 6 Revolutionary War grave dedication
Pgs 7-13 General Election and candidates
Pgs 14,15 Goings on in Harpers Ferry
Page 16 Candidate Forum announcement
Page 17 Then & Now
Mayor Vaughn was a keynote speaker at the 2017
West Virginia Community Leadership Academy
held in Morgantown on April 21. His topic was
“Can You Ever Be Prepared When It Happens?”
Town Calendar
All meetings are at Town Hall, unless noted otherwise.
May 19 Special Town Council meeting, 7 pm
May 20 Candidate Forum, 10 am
May 29 Memorial Day Holiday, Town Hall office closed
May 30 Planning Commission meeting, 7 pm
June 7 Municipal Court, 7 pm
June 12 Town Council meeting, 7 pm
June 13 General Election, 6:30 am-7:30 pm
June 15 Merchants Association meeting, 6 pm
June 19 Trail & Town Alliance, 5 pm
Historic Landmarks Commission, 7 pm
June 20 WV Day Holiday, Town Hall office closed
June 20 Planning Commission meeting, 7 pm
June 21 Water Commission meeting, 7 pm
June 22 Tree Committee meeting, 7 pm
June 28 HF Foundation Board meeting, 5:30 pm
Communicating with the Mayor or Council
Mayor Greg Vaughn [email protected]
Recorder Kevin Carden [email protected]
Council Betsy Bainbridge [email protected]
Members Jerry Hutton [email protected]
Hardy Johnson [email protected]
Charlotte Thompson [email protected]
Helen “Hap” Becker [email protected]
Water Dept. Phone: 304-535-2206 ext. 1 [email protected]
Newsletter Information:
Editor /Layout: Nancy Cummins
Next deadline: Friday, June 16, 2017
OFFICE STAFF 304 535-2206
Financial Officer Barri Avallone Ext. 3
Town Clerk Nancy Cummins Ext. 2
Water Clerk Angie Cummings Ext. 1
Ordinance Compliance Officer Kevin Hamilton
Police Clerk Susan Waters 304 535-6366
The Town’s official website has useful information including important notices, ordinances, meeting minutes,
official applications, and events. Visit us at www.harpersferrywv.us.
If you notice street lights are out, you can
either report on-line:
www.FirstEnergyCorp.com, FAX at 877-289
-3674, or call the Potomac Edison hotline
number: 888-544-4877.
How to pay your water/sewer bill:
Tuesday-Thursday, 9 am -noon: Town Hall will be open.
Other times: Call 304-535-2206 Ext. 1 to make an appointment to see
the Water Clerk.
7 days a week: Leave payment with stub in the slotted box on the
Town Hall door at the east end of the Town Hall.
Mail your payment: HF Water Works, PO Box 217, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Pay online: Go to https://harpersferrywv.epayub.com.
Did you know?
• If you move to Harpers Ferry or Bolivar and want to start water service, you
must apply for new water service and new sewer service for each and pay a
deposit for each.
• When you get ready to move out, you must fill out a Termination Form, giving
the effective date, so that the Water Dept. can read your meter, shut it off and
send you a final bill.
• The New Water Service, New Sewer Service and Termination Forms are
downloadable on the town website under the Water Dept. tab. They are
also available at Town Hall.
HARPERS FERRY WATER WORKS
With grant funding from the WV Department of Health and Human Services, Water Works is implementing its source water protection project by making security improvements around the plant.
Stay tuned for future information for progress of the water system infrastructure improvement project to be funded through a $6 million loan from the Department of Agriculture.
Welcome to the New Operator-in-Training
We are pleased to welcome Chris Spanos to Water Works as an Operator-in-Training. Chris is a lifelong resident of Bakerton and a graduate of Jefferson High School. He will be responsible for special field duties, such as reading meters, detecting leaks, and testing water. Chris is excited to be here and looks forward to working in Harpers Ferry.
NEW Water Works emergency number : (304) 676-4659
The History of Harpers Ferry Bandstand/Gazebo
On your next trip to lower town, take a moment to stop and enjoy the gazebo, one of Harpers Ferry’s historic landmarks. The bandstand/gazebo was built in 1879 by the B&O railroad on Bryne’s Island (also called “The Big Island and Island Park”) located in the middle of the Potomac River below the vista of the old Hilltop Hotel. The B&O RR had purchased the island from Patrick Byrne, who originally acquired it from the heirs of Robert Harper. Patrick Byrne was said to have been a real estate speculator! For a fare of $1 to $1.50, the B&O railroad offered excursions to Harpers Ferry from D.C. with as many as 10-15 railroad cars full of 500-600 people. The island had an amusement park with a steam-powered merry-go-round, Ferris wheel, swings, croquet, boating, music and dancing, and our beautiful bandstand! B&O company picnics were also held there. In addition to pavilions, tents and amusement attractions, there were 10-15 buildings on the island including housing for workers. The B&O Railroad operated the park until 1909 when it closed the amusement activities, but kept the island open for picnicking. In 1909 the Citizens Concert Band (CCB), a local brass band, helped save the bandstand from destruction by purchasing it and moving it to the lower town at the corner of Potomac and Shenandoah Streets. The CCB had frequently played at Island Park. In 1924, flood washed away the footbridge to the island and destroyed most of its structures. The bandstand is today the only remnant of Island Park thanks to the CCB and the Town of Harpers Ferry
which later purchased it and moved it to its current location. We now know the vivid history of the bandstand thanks to the hard work of one of our own town residents, Zachary Morse. Twelve years ago as a middle school eighth grade student, Zachary researched the history and created the interpretive wayside marker which now stands in front of the gazebo. Zach’s social studies project, “Island Park - A Forgotten History,” for which he won 1st Place at the WV State Social Studies Fair in Charleston in 2005, was sparked by his interest in finding out about the island and the cornerstone, or bottom step at the gazebo, “CCB 1909.” Zachary’s research led him to interview the late Dr. Anthol Shewbridge who provided the photo of the Citizen’s Concert Band on the wayside marker. Dr. Shewbridge’s grandfather was a member of the Citizen’s concert band in 1909 and is in the picture. As part of his project, Zachary presented a proposal to the then Mayor Addy and the Town Council to fund the production and installation of the marker. The “gazebo” as it has become to be known, has seen a lot of history in our town. In the 1950’s the local Lion’s Club held annual festivals with pony rides, bingo, fortune-telling, and games. The local Friendship Fire Company provided food and sodas for these events. In later years events such as Easter egg hunts, the Woman’s Club Herb Sale, 4th of July picnics, lighting of the Town holiday tree, and even local and visitor weddings have been held there. The Woman’s Club of the Harpers Ferry District has devoted a great deal of time and energy in preserving the gazebo and the park area. Last year the club identified two new projects for the park: restoration of the fireplace and the installation of a new walkway around the gazebo area. Both projects are estimated to cost over $15,000. Proceeds from The Annual Herb Fair on May 13 and the Second Walking Garden Tour and Tea on June 3 will go toward the walkway project. Residents wishing to help may make donations to the Town government earmarked for this project. It is of special note that the cornerstone that read “CCB 1909” has since faded into obscurity. Perhaps a future project
could include the re-etching of this stone to allow current generations to learn about the CCB’s efforts to save the
Bandstand.
Tree Plantings and Public Utility Pruning On the last Saturday of April, Harpers Ferry residents celebrated Arbor Day by planting a street tree near the corner of Fillmore and Zachary Taylor Streets. The long time resident of the adjoining property, "Pete" Murphy was thrilled to have the Kwanza cherry planted in the right of way in front of her home. Tree Committee member Gail Berrigan dug the hole on Friday so she could attend the Climate March. The other Tree Committee members (Curt McGee, Tyler Mayhew, Marie Uehling, and Christy Huddle) were joined by Mayor Greg Vaughn and his wife Lynn, "Pete" Murphy, resident Ed Wheeless, and Division of Forestry forester Bob Hannah. The Tree Committee planted a large seedless sweetgum near the Harpers Ferry entrance sign on Washington Street, and four more smaller trees along the 800 block of Washington Street. Resident Michael Zeleke generously paid for two of the trees. Be sure to thank him next Spring (if not before) when these trees are in full blossom! Tree Committee chair Christy Huddle met with the arborists contracted by Potomac Edison to review the trees in and along the public right-of-way that will need to be pruned back. Clearance around the various types of electric lines is dictated by state law and is done for safety. (You can be electrocuted leaning against a tree whose upper limbs are touching the bare electric lines!) The arborists will be contacting property owners whose trees need pruning. Work is scheduled for some time in June.
Tree Committee members Tyler Mayhew, Marie Uehling and Christy Huddle, along with WV Division of Forestry staff member Bob Hannah and Mayor Greg Vaughn, planting a new tree on Fillmore Street.
A celebratory photo of Arbor Day in Harpers Ferry. L to R: Bob Hannah, Tyler Mayhew, Marie Uehling, Mayor Vaughn, Curt McGee, Christy Huddle, "Pete" Murphy, and Lynn Vaughn. Photo by Ed Wheeless
Tyler Mayhew pounding in a stake. All trees are staked and caged to protect them from the wind and deer/
mowers, respectively.
On Saturday afternoon, April 29, 2017, about 75 people gathered for a grave dedication
ceremony for the restored grave stone of William Broadus (1755 – 1830), Lieutenant, 1st
Virginia State Regiment, American Revolutionary War.
Lt. Broadus’ stone, which had fallen, broken and been buried under several inches of sod,
was accidentally discovered by cemetery volunteers Lynn Vaughn, Greg Vaughn and
Hardwick S. Johnson on Labor Day weekend as they were working to raise and straighten
sunken, leaning and/or tilted grave stones. As the team completed straightening a nearby
grave stone, Mayor Vaughn noticed a small piece of rock protruding just above the
surface of the ground. The rock, upon investigation, turned out to be a piece of a broken concrete repaired base.
Further excavation revealed the exciting find of Lt. Broadus’ grave stone. A quick on-site smart phone internet
search revealed Lt. Broadus’ military record, and that he has descendants in the Sons of the American Revolution,
Daughters of the American Revolution and the Society of the Cincinnati.
Lt. Broadus was born in Culpeper, Virginia and died in Harpers Ferry, Virginia. He served in multiple campaigns,
including the brutal winter at Valley Forge and the Battle of Stony Point. Broadus moved to Harpers Ferry in 1824
when President Monroe appointed him paymaster there, a
position he held at the time of his death 05 October 1830.
Following an initial contact with SAR members in West
Virginia and Virginia, Johnson managed to locate a collateral
descendant of Lt. Broadus in Virginia who agreed to help fund
the restoration of the grave stone.
The grave stone dedication ceremony included Colonial Color
Guards from the West Virginia and Virginia Society Sons of
the American Revolution. Greetings and words of
appreciation were given by Mayor Vaughn, Hardwick S.
Johnson, Anne Dungan, as well as representatives of the Sons
of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American
Revolution.
Interested individuals who were unable to attend the ceremony may view a
professionally produced video, by Midge Flynn Yost, posted on the Friends
of Harper Cemetery and Harper Cemetery Face Book pages.
Restoration projects such as these are greatly needed in historic Harper
Cemetery. Tax deductible contributions may be made to The Friends of
Harper Cemetery, Inc., P. O. Box 106, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, an IRS
501(c) 3 organization to help with these projects.
Mayor Vaughn, Anne Dungan, Hardy
Johnson, Tyrone Brandyburg, and Michael
J. Elston of Va. Society , SAR
Grave Dedication Ceremony for Revolutionary War Lieutenant Broadus
Shirley Caniford
As a town council candidate, I am eager to offer our community the dedication and attention
it deserves. Harpers Ferry is a beautiful town with wonderful people, captivating resources,
and enchanting heritage. As a lifelong resident, I have watched this area attract a diverse,
growing populace. Throughout my life, I have been employed by the National Park Service
so I have genuine history of actually working for the town on multiple issues and initiatives.
I am dearly committed to always providing careful time and attention to the interests of our
hometown. In my retirement, I have dedicated my focus to the ever-changing issues that our
town government has encountered. I am hopeful to lend all my efforts to our residents and
merchants in cooperatively establishing opportunities for everyone. The quaintness, history,
and appeal of our area is truly ours to share without excessive debate. If elected, I intend to
approach all concerns with impartiality and uphold an integral part of the decision-making
processes for the welfare of our community and our residents.
Robert Case
Robert is a documentary film director and director of photography who works regularly for
National Geographic, the Smithsonian, and the Discovery and History Channels.
The son of European immigrants – Italian father and German mother – Rob grew up listening to
stories of the histories of Europe and the world.
His father’s Army career took Rob to places steeped in American history. Living where OUR
history was made and learning what made those places hallowed made a lasting impression and led
to the choice of Rob’s passions and career.
In October 2015 Rob and his wife left the growing “meanness” of Capitol Hill and bought a little 1920 Foursquare house
on East Ridge Street. The house is GREAT but the people they’ve met are greater – reminiscent of days when neighbors
were “neighborly” not people who just live next door… until you attend a Town Council meeting.
It goes without saying that “government” is NOT supposed to work like it does here. There should be NO fence dividing
“sides.” Stifled communication and wailing and gnashed teeth have not solved the town’s problems. The logjam will not
be broken until a new, unbiased group of leaders step up and serve because, “Bad things happen when good people do
nothing.” With no “pre-existing conditions” Rob decided to run, not for what HE wants but for what WE need.
Shirley and husband, James
Harpers Ferry General Election and Forum
Harpers Ferry will hold its election for Mayor, Recorder, and Council members on June 13th at Camp Hill-Wesley
United Methodist Church, 645 Washington Street. Polls open at 6:30 am and close at 7:30 pm. Early voting will be held at
Harpers Ferry Town Hall every day except Sunday from Wednesday, 31 May to Saturday, 10 June 2017. Early voting hours
are from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on the two Saturdays. The last day to register
is May 23. You may register online, at the DMV, or at Jefferson County Voter Registration office, 100 E. Washington
Street in Charles Town. The Voter Registration office is open from 9 am - 5 pm Monday-Friday.
There are ten candidates for Town Council: Shirley Caniford, Robert Case, Deborah DeMaris, Peter Dessauer, Barbara
Humes, Hardwick Johnson, Deborah McGee, Charlotte Thompson, Midge Flinn Yost, and Ed Wheeless. Two candidates
are running for mayor, incumbent, Greg Vaughn and Wayne Bishop. Kevin Carden, the incumbent Recorder, is running
unopposed for Recorder. Candidates’ biographies/statements follow.
The Harpers Ferry Woman’s Club will sponsor a CANDIDATE FORUM plus voter registration by the League of Women
Voters on Saturday May 20th, at 10 am at Camp Hill-Wesley United Methodist Church, 645 Washington Street. Written
questions will be accepted until 10 am when the Forum begins. Any written questions submitted after 10 am will be
addressed if time allows.
Deborah De Maris
Hello Neighbors,
I am running because I know I can make a difference.
I was born in Texas and criss-crossed the country until my husband, Earl, brought me
here on our first date twelve years ago. We bought our home and got married at the
promontory overlook nine years ago. We secured our plot in Harper Cemetery last year.
We are here to stay.
My professional experience would empower me to help our town. I am a business
broker (I help people buy or sell businesses), and in that capacity I have been “behind
the curtain” with developers and business owners. Working in New York as a Job Developer/Employment and
Training Specialist honed my skills in contract negotiation and arbitration. I also owned two small businesses
making me aware of all the challenges commerce entails.
I want a hotel that we don’t have to subsidize. Why shouldn’t the developer contribute to the infrastructure
upgrades that they require?
I want to ensure historical integrity and the natural beauty of the site. I am concerned with the effects of
demolition and construction on the structural soundness of our tiny fragile town.
Peter Dessauer
I am a 40 year veteran with the National Park Service serving in the capacity of
Historical Architect since 1977. I moved to Harpers Ferry in 1992 for a position at
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and have been in residence here every year
since that time. My formal education involved graduations and degrees from Deerfield
Academy, Tufts University (BA), Clemson University, and the University of Florida
(MA Architecture). I arrived in a “round-about” manner to Harpers Ferry after years
working in Alaska with the BLM and with the NPS at the Denver Service Center, in
New York City with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island projects, and in Boston with
the Old State House and Fanueil Hall projects. My passions include History and
Historical Architecture. I am a firm believer in preservation and that development at the
right and limited scale, style, and impact can cohabitate with preservation. Harpers Ferry is a gentle
environment worth protecting. Its historic town character – an international reputation – must be conserved
for the benefit, access, and safety of all residents and visitors.
Barbara Humes
Barbara is a native West Virginian and has lived in Harpers Ferry for 16 years. During
this time she has been involved with many town governance activities. She has served
on the town’s Planning Commission, as the municipal representative to the Jefferson
County Planning Commission, Chairperson of the Elks Run Watershed Study
Committee, member of the Storm Water Committee, member of the Comprehensive
Plan Committee, and for the past 6 years as chairperson of the Water Commission. As
an interested citizen she attends many meetings of the Town Council, commissions, and
committees in order to stay abreast of issues that affect our town and our quality of
life. She is a member of the Woman’s Club of the Harpers Ferry District where she
serves as coordinator of the annual Schilling Scholarship Award and recently appointed as club archivist. She also
serves on the board of the Land Trust of the Eastern Panhandle as secretary and records manager and is treasurer of the
Jefferson County Youth Board. She is a member of the Trinity UMC in Martinsburg where she serves on the Staff-
Parish Relations Board. She graduated long ago from Shepherd College (now Shepherd University) and Maryland
University and is currently enrolled in the Shepherd University Lifelong Learning program. She is retired from the
U.S. Department of Education.
Hardy Johnson
Dr. Hardwick Smith Johnson, Jr. “Hardy” holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Atlanta Christian
College, a Master’s degree from Georgia Southern University, and the Doctor of Education
degree from Nova Southeastern University. He is currently a School Psychologist with
Washington County Public Schools. As a council member, he has served on both the parking
and office operations committees, and as a member of the Historic Landmarks Commission. He
prides himself on being a voice for citizens on Council, and a staunch defender of Historic
Harpers Ferry. Dr. Johnson’s other service to the town includes duties on the Historic Harper
Cemetery Board of Trustees and service on the Harpers Ferry-Bolivar Historic Town
Foundation. He serves each Sunday in the Sacristy at St. Paul’s K Street (Episcopal), and is an
active member of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Society of the Cincinnati. He
enjoys genealogy, hiking the Maryland Heights, reading, and a nice cabernet. A Georgia native,
Johnson moved to Harpers Ferry four years ago with husband Dr. Shaun Amos and their
geriatric poodle Tucker. They restored and live in a 1927 bungalow on West Ridge Street. Dr. Johnson is now
extremely proud to call Harpers Ferry “home”.
Deborah McGee
When I walked into the house at 821 East Ridge Street in 2005, I felt as if I had come home. A
native of East Tennessee, I loved the rivers and hills that surround Harpers Ferry. Now, I know
those rivers and hills are the frame for an extraordinary town filled with people who care
passionately about its future. If elected, I will work for this common goal of preserving
Harpers Ferry for future generations while providing safety and services to current residents
and businesses. My husband, Curt, and I have lived in, visited, and learned from historic towns
in across the nation. I have worked for PBS and education foundations. I now teach inclusive
pre-kindergarten classes in Maryland. An advocate for reading, I joined the Bolivar-Harpers
Ferry Library Board of Trustees in 2007. I serve as Secretary on the Historic Landmarks
Commission, and Vice President for the Harpers Ferry-Bolivar Historic Town Foundation.
Membership in the Woman’s Club has given me many happy hours with friends who do so much good for our
community. I said ‘yes’ when Senator John Unger asked me to help support the summer lunch program for children.
I enjoy cooking, church activities, walking, writing, fishing, and hiking. My four children, and seven grandchildren,
share the view that Harpers Ferry is a special place, a place I would like to work to help continue telling its strong
story.
Charlotte Thompson
Charlotte has lived in Harpers Ferry for over thirty years. She has had a successful career as an
educator/librarian in nearby Maryland public schools. First elected to the Harpers Ferry Town
Council in 2001, her re-elections indicate her success as a Council member, knowledgeable
about operational procedures for good, local governance. Her familiarity with critical issues
has enabled her to demonstrate leadership in protecting the historic 19th-century village
character of Harpers Ferry and encouraging resident input for the renovation of Hilltop House.
She worked with other officials to pass Home Rule to help keep the Harpers Ferry economy
strong with a solid tax base.
Charlotte has consistently focused on upgrading the town’s infrastructure. She has obtained grants to support the
Potomac Street renovation, water upgrades, and restoration of Washington Street sidewalks. At the outbreak of the
2015 fire, Charlotte helped organize the orderly deployment of emergency services and monitoring of resident safety.
She helped merchant and community members in rebuilding efforts.
Charlotte has worked to help finance and promote an effective police department. She has worked with the parking
committee to safely regulate the town’s limited parking.
Charlotte is constantly alert to the community’s needs and welcomes feedback. Contact her at
Ed Wheeless
Ed Wheeless purchased Laurel Lodge, a historic house on East Ridge Street, in 2001,
while living in Washington, DC. He and his partner, Chris Craig, made it their full-time
home in 2005 and opened it as a bed and breakfast two years later. Ed enjoyed sharing his
home and Harpers Ferry with thousands of guests over the nine-year life of the inn. He has
been actively involved in town volunteer efforts and town government since moving to
Harpers Ferry. He joined the Historic Landmarks Commission in 2009 and became its
chair in 2010. In that role, he recognized the need and devoted many hours in an effort to
update town landmark and zoning regulations and to bring them into greater compliance
with West Virginia code. As secretary of the Harpers Ferry-Bolivar Historic Town
Foundation he has been active in fire relief and other community efforts. He is also on the
board of the Harpers Ferry Park Association. Ed has worked for 28 years as a software engineer for a government
contractor based in Alexandria, Virginia. He enjoys cooking, bicycling and other outdoor recreation, and the Harpers
Ferry community. If elected to Town Council, he promises to work diligently, listen intently, and to strive to celebrate
and protect the history, the resources and the quality of life in this town he loves.
Kevin Carden, candidate for Recorder (running unopposed) I was raised in a small Southern town with a perpetually dysfunctional government that had never-ending financial problems and a town council whose members never ceased to battle one another. Although Harpers Ferry has had the occasional financial struggle, and town council has been the scene of a few notable arguments and floor shows, we are a community with a marvelous camaraderie – but still partially divided over most of the past eight or nine years by one large issue. I am happy to say we finally have a solution in place that the vast majority of us can agree upon that will bring us all back together. Looking forward, the people of Harpers Ferry should once again be the kind of cohesive town I moved to many years ago. I am happy to have been part of this return to who we were and who we are – and I am glad to have the honor of continuing to serve on your Council and as your Recorder. Thank you all.
Midge Flinn Yost
Take a drive on Washington Street in the morning and you’ll see our small town waking up. Kids
waiting for the bus, parents dropping off kids at daycare, and volunteer firefighters maintaining trucks.
Dig deeper and you’ll see kids waiting for the bus in front of the recently robbed bank and walking to
school across from the 7-11 that’s been held up twice. Our dedicated law enforcement officers no longer
patrol our sister city of Bolivar, and we need to mend that divide. Our volunteer firefighters, who risk
life and limb for us, deserve to have their funding from parking tickets again.
I think it’s time for a Town Council that puts people first when it comes to policy and protecting our
fragile 18th century village. When agenda items are discussed by council members, you should know
what’s at stake and have a voice at the table. I want you to be heard, I want you to be respected, and I
want to represent you as a member of a Town Council that champions free speech.
Wayne Bishop, candidate for mayor
THIS IS YOUR TOWN. Town Hall will again be open to the citizens under my
administration. Dialogue will again be allowed at town meetings and resident concerns
addressed.
We owe our Police and Fire departments support. I will rebuild these and provide the
resources needed to those who put their lives on the line for us.
We have seen new crime in our community. We need to reopen communications with
Bolivar to make both towns safer. We will put back the police protection to keep our
community safe.
I will maintain a stronger relationship with The National Park Service.
Harpers Ferry must retain ownership and access to all of its Public Land. Seasonal community events and programs will be the
norm. Trails/walking paths will be completed.
Your infrastructure improvements have been ignored and your rates are exploding. Common sense business practices will be
implemented.
This new parking system with $50 tickets is too complicated and punitive for our small town.
VP of a commercial construction firm, Wayne Bishop has served the Harpers Ferry community for 29 years: Chairman of
Planning, Water, Parks and Recreation Commissions, and Police Commissioner. He’s a proponent of children’s programs and
wellness checks for the elderly.
Greg Vaughn, candidate for mayor
I am seeking re-election because I have not fulfilled my personal goals for the Town. We still have no hotel, many of our
historic homes, streets, and sidewalks continue to deteriorate, and our water supply/distribution system remains an issue. I
am committed to continue fulfilling these and other critical needs.
I am pleased to highlight some significant accomplishments during my four years as Mayor. These include:
-improving Town Hall office procedures and staffing
-creating and filling a code enforcement officer position
-amending our nuisance ordinance to include strict enforcement guidelines for
our historic structures
-establishing municipal court proceedings for our code officer
-acquiring several substantial State and Federal grants
-obtaining Home Rule authority that included a new 1% sales tax revenue
stream
-leading the massive recovery efforts for the 2015 fire
-re-engaging SWaN and mandating corrective actions for their Armory
Houses
-overseeing the multimillion dollar re-development of Potomac Street, and
-drafting a new ordinance creating a vacant and uninhabitable structures
regulatory board.
I have also attempted to retain stability, reason, and fairness among all stakeholders as the Town continues its
development of guidelines for the hotel land parcels. We have a lot yet to accomplish, but with your support, we can
continue to achieve greater success.
Hike the Shenandoah - Sunday, May 21st, 2:30 pm Hike 2.5 miles along the Shenandoah River with Trail and Town Alliance of Harpers Ferry and Bolivar. This hike will take us from the upper town of Harpers Ferry along the Appalachian Trail to the lower town, returning via Virginius Island. The hike begins on a rugged narrow trail and returns on flat, easy trails. One moderately steep descent and one ascent is required. Anyone interested in a short flat stroll can join us for the second half of the hike, contact the trip leader for options.
Meet at 2:30 pm at the Fillmore Street parking lot just behind the old school building and across Jackson Street from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in the upper town of Harpers Ferry. We should be back to the starting point by 4:30. There is no charge for this hike. For more information, contact hike leader Clark Dixon at [email protected] or 304-725-9634.
A HISTORY OF “ANNIVERSARY DAY” AT STORER COLLEGE
In conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the founding of Storer College, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park invites the public to participate in a special presentation entitled “A History of “Anniversary Day” at Storer College” on Sunday, May 28, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Walk the grounds of the former Storer College campus with a park ranger to trace the steps of the students, teachers, and trustees of the
school and learn how they celebrated graduation each year. The presentation will begin in front of the Mather Training Center on Camp Hill in Harpers Ferry.
To see the full schedule of 150th anniversary events, please visit go.nps.gov/StorerCollege.
Contact: Autumn Cook, 304-535-2908
The Little Lending Library
Stop by and pick up a good read at Bruce McKim’s little
lending library at 630 Washington Street. Bruce will stock
it daily with a mixture of books: novels, civil war and
history books, cookbooks, art books, etc. He welcomes
you to take a book or two anytime and says there is no need
to put any books back as he has plenty to spare!
Park to Open New Exhibit
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park announces the opening of a
new exhibit on Saturday, May 27, 2017, entitled “A Landscape
through Time: The Historical Development of Camp Hill.” Located
in the Information Center on Shenandoah Street, the exhibit will
explore the evolution of Camp Hill, featuring its early use by the
U.S. Armory, during the conflict of the Civil War, then as the
campus for Storer College, and, finally, as part of the National Park
System today. A park ranger will host a question and answer period
during an opening day reception, 1 to 3 p.m. The exhibit will be on display through 2017.
Contact: Andrew Lee, 304-535-6038
Learn Your Park Archeology
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park invites the public to join a NPS archeologist
to learn about the archeology of Harpers Ferry on Monday, May 22, 2017 at 2:00
pm. This 60 minute program will provide a brief insight into the day in the life of a
park archeologist working at Harpers Ferry. Participants are encouraged to ask the
archeologist questions and to learn more about archeology.
The presentation will be held in the Allies for Freedom Room on the second floor of
the John Brown Museum. For additional information, please call Darlene Hassler at
304 535-6188.
City Farming: Food in the Backyard
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park invites the public to "City Farming: Food in the Backyard" on
Saturday and Sunday, May 20-21, from 11 am to 4 pm.
During the Industrial Revolution, and before the mass production of processed foods, ordinary citizens often
depended on a small kitchen garden for sustenance, right in the heart of a factory town. Experience kitchen
gardening, a piece of everyday life in antebellum Harpers Ferry. Discover the connections between historic
gardening methods and solutions for increasing health benefits from locally and organically grown foods,
today called the “slow food movement.”
Join Living History staff and volunteers on The Green, opposite the Bookshop
in Lower Town, to purchase historic heirloom vegetable seeds and live plants
to start your very own kitchen garden. Sponsored by the Harpers Ferry Park
Association, all proceeds directly benefit Harpers Ferry National Historical
Park.
Contact: Melinda Day, 304-535-6063
Saturday, May 20th, 10 AM
Camp Hill-Wesley United Methodist Church
Harpers Ferry
CANDIDATE
FORUM
plus
Voter Registration by the
League of Women Voters
Sponsored by the
Harpers Ferry Woman's Club
On June 13th, Harpers Ferry will hold its election for Mayor,
Recorder, and Council members. This is your chance to ask
your questions and listen to other questions and candidate
responses. Come early to submit your written questions!
Brady's Richfield gas station next to the Franzen House, 540 Washington Street. Landmarks photo inventory # 0079, probably 1930's.
NOW
Then and Now Treasures from the Landmarks Photo Collection
Curated by Dan Riss
