Our bouncy Mr. Springtime is "The Great Me" character from the books of Lou Austin, reflecting the better side of everyone. Stephanie Earls's story on the Austins and Capon Springs begins on page 9. Illustration by F.O. Alexander, copyright Partnership Foundation, 1957.

Published by the
STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA
Cecil H. Underwood, Governor

Department of Arts, Culture and History
William M. Drennen, Commissioner

Ken Sullivan, Editor

Debby Sonis Jackson
Assistant Editor

Cornelia Crews Alexander
Editorial Assistant

Anne H. Crozier
Graphic Design

Spring 1997

2 From the Editor: A Fond Farewell

4 Letters from Readers

7 Current Programs, Events, Publications

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9 A King-Sized Reunion

Capon Springs Resort
by Stephanie Earls

14 A Little Idea with Great Expectations

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18 "The War is Over - Weather Fair"

The Journal of J.W. Cline
By Jean Battlo

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25 Join Hands and Circle

Old Time Dancing Alive and Well
by Mack Samples

28 Dancing at Ireland

31 16 Years of Foot-Stompin'

The Footmad Story
by Karen L. Fletcher

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33 According to Miss Alice

A Farm Girl Recalls Coal Town Life
Interview by Fred Barkey

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40 Making a Life in the Valley

Witt Jennings of the Upper Kanawha
by Caroline P. Jennings

44 Was Witt Jennings Involved?

The Hawks Nest Tragedy

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48 "The Worst Disaster in the

Memory of Man"

Recalling the '50 Flood
by Joy Gilchrist

52 More Bad Weather:

The Big Snow of 1950

56 When the River Came to Our House:

Riding Out the Flood of 1936
by Geraldine Jacobs Baker

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60 "Buck Ain't No Ordinary Dog"

The 1996 Liars Contest

64 Mixed News from the Old Champ:

Paul Lepp Takes Charge

65 Vandalia Time!

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68 By the Signs

by Joann Mazzio

70 Try It Yourself

by Debby Sonis Jackson