Thanks to a grant from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, in partnership with the West Virginia Humanities Council’s Folklife Program and installation by “Friends of the Blue” committee member, Raymond Tuckwiller, a new roadside marker commemorating the legendary Blue Sulphur Springs Resort and Pavilion will be dedicated on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 1 p.m.
While the existing pavilion is the only memory that local folks have of the once flourishing resort, its legend lives on. Presidents, Department Secretaries, and hosts of other dignitaries made the rounds of the “springs of Virginia” during the heat of summer before air conditioning. The cool breezes of the mountain air provided a respite from the heat and disease of eastern and southern cities. The Blue was a favorite for the healing reputation of its waters as well as the comfort of its furnishings and the splendor of its table. The pavilion and two acres were donated to the Greenbrier Historical Society by Mrs. Rebecca Lineberry to ensure its preservation.
The Greenbrier Historical Society applied for a grant from the Pomeroy Foundation via the West Virginia Humanities Council’s Folklife Program several months ago. The Pomeroy Foundation is a grant-making foundation based in Syracuse, NY. One of its initiatives is helping communities celebrate their history. Since 2006, the Foundation has funded over 900 roadside markers and plaques in multiple states. Grants cover the cost of a marker, pole, and shipping. Visit: www.wgpfoundation.org for more information. The West Virginia Folklife Program at the West Virginia Humanities Council is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and is dedicated to the documentation, preservation, and support of West Virginia’s vibrant cultural heritage and living traditions.
The Pomeroy Foundation worked in close partnership with the Humanities Council to make these grants available through the foundation’s Legends & Lore Marker Grant Program. The Blue Sulphur Spring Pavilion marker is the second from the Legends & Lore program to be installed in West Virginia.
The Greenbrier Historical Society and the Friends of the Blue committee have worked hard to restore the pavilion. In the Greek style and standing majestically in a field surrounded by mountains, the pavilion is still a striking feature of the landscape. While much work has been done, much remains and the site is not open to the public.
GHS Board President Margaret Hambrick said, “One of the reasons this marker is important to us is that it will help explain the presence of this beautiful structure and, hopefully, generate support for its full restoration. Please join us for this dedication ceremony. We are so appreciative of the Pomeroy Foundation for the funding for this sign.”
The Blue Sulphur Springs Pavilion is located at 8010 Blue Sulphur Springs Road, Alderson.