Disappearing Places

Throughout West Virginia's history, certain buildings supported everyday life in both large communities and small - shaping local economies, expanding social networks, and providing spiritual salvation. Tanneries, taverns, and churches each played a crucial role in the development of many towns across the state. As communities evolved, however, many of these resources lost their central place within the community, often disappearing with little recognition of their historic importance. More recently, Mail Pouch Tobacco barn signs, once ubiquitous across the West Virginia landscape, are now also fading from memory. This panel discussion looks at how Taverns, Tanneries, Churches, and Mail Pouch Tobacco Barn Signs are disappearing from the landscape. The panel will conclude with a talk on how the Greenbrier County Historical Society is highlighting the disappearing places in western Greenbrier County. Panelists: Sandra Scaffidi (Practical Preservation), David Abruzzi (Cacapon Preservation Solutions), Cody Straley (WV State Historic Preservation Office), and Janice Cooley (Greenbrier Historical Society)