The Parkersburg & Wood County Public Library, along with the West Virginia-Parkersburg Foundation, celebrated the completion of the 2023 Wood County History Scavenger Hunt. This year’s History Scavenger Hunt took place from June 12 through June 17.
Hunters began their adventure at the Historic Oakland Estate where they learned about the James McNeil Stephenson family. Once they completed their treasure hunt at Oakland Estate, hunters traveled to the Parkersburg & Wood County Public Library. At The Library, Hunters discovered maps, newspaper articles, videos, and various other items pertaining to the turnpikes and railroads.
James McNeil Stephenson was a major player in the Virginia State Legislature during the 1800s who worked tirelessly to assure that the Northwestern and Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpikes, as well as the mighty railroads, were routed to the river town of Parkersburg.
Pictured, left to right, are: Bob Enoch, President, Wood County Historical & Preservation Society; Brooke Buchanan, Program Specialist, WVU-Parkersburg Foundation; Mark and June Rhodes; Marley and Dom Jolly, 3rd place winners; Bobbie Irvine, 2nd place winner; and Becky Chutes. Dom Jolly is holding a picture taken of the 1st place winner, Will Rieskins, flanked by Robin Yarzab, Genealogist and Jim Miracle, Manager of the Genealogy Department, at the Parkersburg & Wood County Public Library.
