By Paula Mitchell
West Virginians take a lively interest in politics. For the first fifty years of elections, voters didn’t even make their choice on a paper ballot. It wasn’t done in private. Those with the right to vote, only white men at the time, went to the local courthouse and publicly cast their vote out loud, after the judge would have them swear on a Bible saying who they were. In time this would change, and polls in each community took place.
In days of yore, politicking continued through to election day. Even at the polls, the candidates themselves handed out literature to incoming voters. Campaigning and carousing were allowed at the polling place, and a drunken atmosphere often accompanied those early American elections. The colorful scene included the party faithful who welcomed the voters. Folks would make a special effort to drive infirmed persons to vote, allowing for a high turnout.
The day appeared to be that of a festive holiday, especially in rural communities as it provided a gathering place of sorts. A final ritual began when the polls closed and the unofficial returns found West Virginians gathering at the courthouses to await the people’s decision.
Since 1986, electionering has been prohibited within 300 feet of the polls. The recent years’ reforms, especially in rural areas, made elections quieter affairs. Even so, the day remains special for many West Virginians.
Voting is the backbone of Democracy and hopefully all will engage in this process. The writer wishes all West Virginians would take their free right to vote. It is so important to do so this coming Tuesday.
Life’s little instructions that may make one’s day brighter include the following:
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Stay off bathroom scales.
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Pet something furry that purrs or wags.
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Do not watch the news.
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Call a friend who makes one laugh.
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Love one’s grandkids.
The weather has brought “yo-yo” temperatures. Sunday morning’s temperature was 33 degrees with a “biting” wind, which seems to blow unceasingly. Despite it all, nature continues on its course. Plump rhododendrons appear ready to burst forth. The Pendleton Manor’s grounds are beautiful with poppies greeting all who call. What little rainfall that fell was greatly received. Farmers are hoping for more to increase the fields output for hay.
Quotes for the week are as follows:
“The hardest thing to explain is the glaringly evident which everybody has decided not to see.” — Any Rand
“My heart is light with May! The sky is soft; the coming birds are silent on their way.” — Mary Mapes Dodge
“Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.” — Albert Einstein
“Do not allow setbacks to set you back.” — Stacey Abrams
“I got dreams so big they’d scare some people.” — Dolly Parton
Sitting by the fireplace is a great place to hear the “Talk of the Grove.”
Good to hear that Charles Anderson is now recuperating at home following several days under doctor consultation at Sentara.
A surprise 60th birthday party was held at the McGaheysville, Virginia, church where Robin Marshall attends. It was in his honor and was he ever surprised. Many friends, and relatives, including Evelyn Varner, Janet Judy, Terry Harper, and Eugene Varner, attended.
Tom and Paula Mitchell, along with Brandon, Cara, Macie, Carson, and Carly Mitchell, enjoyed Damian Morris’s graduation party at their Fulks Run, Virginia, home. Many family and friends enjoyed the time together.
Many thanks to those persons who continue to pick up “trash” to have the Sugar Grove district look clean and fresh. Even the Happy Face has gotten “a shave and a haircut.”
Congratulations to Jim and Judy Rexrode upon hearing the news that they are great grandparents again with Laiken Rose joining the family.
The wild phlox is beginning to put on their showy entrance along the roadsides up and down the South Fork. They continue to add beauty year after year.
Clickety-clacks for the chin waggers are as follows:
•In February 1870, the United States Congress granted African-American men the right to vote.
•In 1890, Wyoming was the first state to grant women the right to vote.
•The lobbying efforts of suffragette Susan B. Anthony brought about the 19th Amendment granting women in every state the right to vote.
•The 26th Amendment reduced the voting age in the United States from 21 to 18 years.
•Australians have mandatory vote with failure to vote carrying a fine of $20. Only valid reasons are exempted from voting. They have one of the highest voter turnouts in the world. Workers are given paid leave with voting taking place on Saturdays.
Concerns are for Debbie Alt, Dillion Armstrong, Mercedes Aumann, Dave Basagic, “Bo” Boggs, Larry Byers, Stanley Dahmer, Isaac Eye, Carl Gant, Clyde Hamilton, Armanda Heavner, Keith Hoover, Cynthia Hurry, Gary Jamison, Lori Ann Lambert, Melissa Lambert, Paul Mallow, Roger Mallow, Yvonne Marsh, Dottie Mitchell, Peggy Pitsenbarger, Kinsley Price, Alda Propst, Sheldon Propst, Eldon Rexrode, Bernie and Margaret Sasscer, Robbie Sites, Kitty Waggy and Edwin Wimer.
