Old Hays City Fairgrounds

Anyone recognize the people from the photos?

Identifying people from old photos has proven to be quite a challenge. How amazing when you come across pictures that are sharp and clear….now, if I could find an affordable way to enlarge these photos without losing the sharpness. Any suggestions? You may use the contact block below.

The old Hays City Fairgrounds is located in Glenville, West Virginia, outside the Foodland Plaza along Rt 5. Today the land is owned by the Woodford family. Some of the original buildings still stand. But the race track is only a memory and kept alive through old photos and stories told.

If you happen to have some of these old photos in your possession or know of others who do, we would love to make copies of them to add to our collection for preservation of Gilmer Counties stomping grounds from the past.

One of our projects for 2022 has been to filter through photos in our care and record their stories. People, places, animals, tools, beautiful scenery or not-so beautiful scenery. Odd, funny, sad, and exciting. It all captures the interest of people around the world. If you’re not too shy, we’d love to record the stories you remember or were told. By recording pieces of our history on the internet it becomes possible for your relatives and friends, who have moved beyond Gilmer County, to enjoy a piece of home when they feel the draw of the mountains and family.

We ask for help in sharing the costs of such an endeavor. It’s is surprising the things that add up when maintaining the facility for the public and members. In the last two years, our active members have dwindled, as most public attendance of gatherings has. It makes it especially difficult to keep the historical society in the minds of our Gilmer County residents. Every thoughtful donation, no matter the size, can help keep our story forever recorded.

Today, we can see the importance of recording the past accurately. Thank you in advance for investing in our success. Whether you donate money, time, knowledge, or continued following of our social postings, we’ll provide you enjoyment with the wonderful things we dig out and dust off. Come see us if you can. We’re open every Wednesday (weather allowing) between the hours of 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. We are open for special occasions and appointments are encouraged. If you are planning a trip to the area, let us know when we can meet you at the historical society!