The Clarksburg telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1874-1926, 1912-08-29
In the Month of June Next
Year and Will Be a
Big Event.

Although the semi-centennial cele-
bratlon of the birth Of the state of
West Virginia does not occur until
June 20, 1913. preparation for the
great event is we'll under way, and
the commissioners who include many
Of the most eminent citizens of the
state, are doing all they can to make
the affair national They are sending
forth a mass OF interesting matter in
regard TO the Panhandle" which has
been more euphoniously and poetical-
" christened the Mountain State, =
and that the celebration itself will
make West Vlrginia's wonderful beau
ties and vast resources and amazing
Development better known than ever
before
The center of celebration activities
will be at Wheeling, but the commits
sioners are arranging for a general
celebration in every town and hamlet,
that the people most remote from
Wheeling and unable to get there
shall have lively part in festivities
which shall be all aglow with pat
riotlsm.
One Of the interesting features is
that the commission will give prize
Of $500 for the best poem or song re-
latIng TO the state, and for this the
competition is open to the world. 1t
is expected there will be some rare
productions in response to this liberal
offer and the theme is one of the most
tempting, Not only is the older his
Tory Of the state replete with ro-
nance, but the story of its erection
INTO separate Commonwealth, as a
secession from the "old Dominion,
on account of secession surrounds its
modern history with romance born OF
ohe Of the most tragic passages in the
story OF the Union, and makes its
pace IN the roster of states wholly
unique All This is expected to inspire
those who have the companionship OF
me muses. TO an effort IN song which
"ill rival the Maryland, My Mary
iand' Of the neighbboring state or Of
an epic Or historic creation which will
De Tor all time one of the states lit
eTary treasures.
THE thrilling story of the conditions
under which the state came into ex-
!s'ence; the refusal of nearly half a
hundred counties to join in the move
meni for secession when an ordinance
% that effect was enacted by vir-
s.n.a me several solemn conventions
81 representatives from the protesting
counties met to consider the tremen-
uoas question OF separation; the pro-
'S.onai government and recognition
" w. net Of President Lincoln; the
'@ohcaion o fthe first Constitution
I" March %, 1863. .and the inaugura-
won o. III first governor, A. L. Bore
man. June 20, 1853, the date of the
ag'aa. beginning OF the activities of
west Virginia as distinctive integer
''a' federal government. make an
'p'e "A.c IS not paralleled in the
creation q any other state OF the
Union So.
y course, however. it is not in
ended 'har too much of the history
~ 'ta' Tine shall be talked of in con-
a'c'0on with this golden celebration,
oai laat lhe whole affair shall be
'@'0yr 4 recitation and glorlncation
u N" Development OF the Common
wealth since Its natal day. and in a
general way Of its romantic history
@'ae" John Lederer made the first
sAp''ra'ions and Morgan built che
"'.. cabin in Berkeley county.
"ea, Virginia has very pretty
C"p''ol at the Capita / City of
charleston, costing with the grounds