Prepartion underway for 12th New Deal Festival, Arthurdale to showcase life in 1930s, memories of Roosevelt

All museum buildings will be open for visitors, including the new addition of E-2 that was donated by the Kees family to Arthurdale. The home is one of the first ones built and was a pre-fabricated house.

“While visiting E-2, people will have the opportunity to put on period clothing and take selfies,” Goodman said. “Homesteader children will also be at E-2 to discuss what it was like to grow up in Arthurdale during this historic time. Some of those people also have memories of Eleanor Roosevelt coming to their homes visiting. It is a wonderful opportunity to talk to these people.”

As in past years, Patty Cooper will portray Eleanor Roosevelt and address the Arthurdale residents.

“Eleanor likes to visit her favorite homesteading project, and this year will be no different as she comes to visit. A couple of years ago FDR came with her, but we haven’t heard from his people if he will attend or not,” Goodman said. “We also have a new exhibit in the administration building for the government dedicated to the secretaries that worked in that building over the years.”

Goodman said they have received pictures of two secretaries and also have the supplies they would have used during the time period.

“The Arthurdale Co-op Store will be open in the Esso building,” Goodman said. “Lee Martinec, who manages the co-op, has bulk grains, local sausage, coffees and teas available for purchase, to name a few. There will also be a farmer’s market set up between the Esso station and the garage buildings. This is also new this year.”

Blacksmiths will be working in the forge, and other demonstrations will include rug weavers and stained glass. The West Virginia Raptor Center is scheduled to attend.

“Our craft shop will also be open,” Goodman said. “The craft shop committee spent the winter remodeling and looking for new items. The majority of their items are made in West Virginia and include pottery made by Preston High School art teacher John Lilly for Arthurdale, jams and jellies, and tatting.”

Refreshments will be available throughout the day. The menu will consist of hot dogs, hamburgers, sloppy joes, homemade beans, french fries, desserts and drinks.

People can visit the Arthurdale goats and donkey. The goats are named after presidents and first ladies.

“Our goat Eleanor and her daughter Anna will be out to greet visitors as they always are,” Goodman said. “The goats are very friendly, and so is Jimmy, our donkey.”

Festival-goers will also be able to enjoy musical entertainment as in the past. Goodman said Soup Camel has confirmed they will be performing at the festival.

“I am still waiting to hear from other bands to confirm performances,” Goodman said.

Arthurdale was the first New Deal community established in 1934 by legislation during President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s first term. Land was purchased from Richard Arthur, who the town is named after, residents selected and homes constructed.

“Many of the original homes still stand today, although they have been upgraded and had additions built onto them,” Goodman said. “Visitors will be able to tour E-15 in addition to E-2 that is owned by Arthurdale Heritage.”

The federal government liquidated its holdings in Arthurdale in 1947, and the homes and community buildings were sold to private ownership. In 1984, the community celebrated the 50th Anniversary of its homesteading. This celebration resulted in the establishment of Arthurdale Heritage, Inc., whose mission is to preserve the historic community of Arthurdale.

The festival starts at 10 a.m. and continues until 5 p.m. Advance tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children ages six to 12. Tickets at the gate are $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. Children under 5 are free. Festival volunteers enjoy free admission.

For more information or to purchase advance tickets, call (304) 864-3959 or email ahi@arthurdaleheritage.org