BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Raleigh County Historical Society has announced the 12th annual Founder’s Day celebration, which will be held Saturday, May 21, 2022.
The celebration will be held at Beckley’s historical Wildwood House, and will recognize the history of the town of Beckley and the family from which it takes its name.
Historical re-enactors, music, lunch, vendors, and tours of the Wildwood House – which has stood for nearly two centuries – will all be featured at the celebration, which will take place from 11am to 12pm.
The event will take place rain or shine, and will be held at 1405 S. Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV 25801.
An event announcement from the Raleigh County Historical Society details the history of the Wildwood House,
“Wildwood was built in 1836 by John Lilly Sr. for the Beckley Family. Alfred Beckley lived at Wildwood, where he raised a family of 10 children. The town was named for Alfred’s father, and it became the county seat of Raleigh County in 1850. Wildwood remained the center of town social life for many years. Although these walls saw their fair share of tragedy, they have also witnessed the joy, laughter, and love of an ordinary family. Imagine the warm smells of dinner being prepared in the kitchen, or piano music drifting from the parlor throughout the house. History comes to life in the imagination of all who cross the threshold. Today, Wildwood stands as a reminder of our history, it stands as a gateway to a distant past. This house speaks volumes to those who will listen. Come learn a little about our town, county, and state and even more about the Beckley Family. This is our story, and it needs to be told. So join us for Founders Day 2022 – May 21, 2022 11-2. Come find your roots.”
More information on the 2022 Founder’s Day event can be found here at the Beckley Events Facebook page.