The next talk in our series to celebrate 25 years of cleaning up the West Fork River and promoting recreation on the river will be a journey into the 19th century with a special presentation, “Grist Mills on the West Fork River,” taking place on Tuesday, April 28, from 7PM to 8PM. This is the third event in a three part series taking place at the Waldomore in Clarksburg, WV.

Long before the modern industrial era, the pulse of Harrison County was driven by the steady rhythm of the waterwheel. These mills were more than just structures for grinding grain; they served as the vital industrial and social anchors of early West Virginian life.The talk will explore the specific impact of grist mills along the West Fork River and its various tributaries, highlighting how water power shaped the local economy and the development of towns. Attendees will learn about the social significance of the mill as a gathering place where news was shared and community bonds were forged.

Local historian Martha Jett, oral historian at the Clarksburg History Museum, will lead the presentation appearing in authentic period costume, offering an immersive look at the lives of early settlers. Martha Jett lives in Stonewood and is the host of the Clarksburg History Museum’s podcast series, Around and About, currently in its second season. A retiree with 22 years of experience as a buyer for UHC Hospital’s Purchasing Department, she is also a contributor to history programs on WOTR radio. Martha is a featured speaker at silent film conventions and a published author on actor Buster Keaton.

“Martha Jett brings this history to life in a way that reminds us how essential these waterways were to our ancestors’ everyday lives, and her beautiful stories reveal how much their history has impacted us today,” says Waldomore Manager, Ebony McGill.

This event is open to history enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in the rich heritage of West Virginia’s waterways. Admission is FREE, and no prior registration is required. The talk will be at the Waldomore, Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library, Tuesday, April 24 from 7-8 p.m.

Dustin Smith with Smallmouth Bass collected in a survey on the West Fork

The next speaker in our new series to celebrate 25 years of cleaning up the West Fork River and promoting recreation on the river will be Dustin Smith. He is the District Fisheries Biologist for District 1 of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, which includes north-central West Virginia. Dustin will be talking about the health of the fisheries resources on the West Fork River and the angling opportunities the river provides. He will also be speaking about the numerous river access projects and opportunities available that will benefit river users in the future.

Dustin is a lifelong WV resident and grew up in nearby Doddridge County. He completed his Masters and Doctorate work in Fisheries Science and Management at West Virginia University before accepting a position with the WVDNR, where he has worked for the last 10 years. He and his team are responsible for fisheries management in District 1, which includes the West Fork River.

The talk will be at the Waldomore, Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library, Tuesday, March 24 from 7-8 p.m.