Postcard featuring Maryat Lee's The Women's Farm, Hinton, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1970-1984
Description:
The postcard caption reads: "A mid winter pause at The Women's Farm near Hinton. The great wings of mountains hover in frozen flight above this holler which is the home of EcoTheater and a center for the arts in southern West Virginia."Maryat Lee named her home near Hinton, W. Va. "The Women's Farm." It was her home and the home of EcoTheater until Lee moved to Lewisburg, W. Va. in 1984.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre. She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!” While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975. Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community. Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion. With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.
Postcard featuring members of the EcoTheater Company founded by Maryat Lee in 1975. The caption reads: "EcoTheater Company-- The indigenous summer theater of Summers County, West Virginia."Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre. She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!” While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975. Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community. Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion. With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.
Postcard featuring a scene from the play "John Henry" by Maryat Lee in Summers County, W. Va.
Date:
ca.1975-1989
Description:
The caption on the postcard reads: "The moment of John Henry's victory, seconds before he dies. Performance of "John Henry" by EcoTheatre, the indigenous summer theater company of Summers County young people. Kathy Jackson in the title role.""John Henry" was a successful EcoTheater play that was performed often.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre. She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!” While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975. Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community. Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion. With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.
A Large Crowd of People Gather Along the Balconies of a Building, Hinton, W. Va.
Date:
undated
Description:
People are crowded along the balconies and staircase of the building. The atmosphere of the photo suggests an excitement in the air, perhaps in anticipation of a parade.
Collecting Wood at Billy Meador Farm, Bluestone River Valley, Summers County, W. Va.
Date:
undated
Description:
Emma Walker Meador on the far right with Matt Cook to her right. The rest of the unidentified men haul sticks and wood across the land. The farm is now known as Meador Camp Ground at the Bluestone State Park.
Elks Parade Proceeding Down Temple Street, Hinton, W. Va.
Date:
1907/10/23
Description:
Drawn depiction of parade participants marching down the street while spectators stands on by the sidewalks. Note the bricks on the side of the street, meant for construction of new roads.Published by Laing, Humphries and Co. of Hinton, W. Va.
Drawn, colored depiction of the view from the C. & O. Railway. Two figures are pictured on top of a large rock formation.Published by J. A. Graham & Co.
Back of the postcard reads, "Pence Springs Hotel--a mountain resort in the beautiful Alleghaneys--is equipped with every modern convenience of the city hotel. Home garden, excellent cuisine, splendid service, famous mineral water. Orchestra, dancing, golf, tennis, swimming, fishing, horseback riding, motoring, marvelous scenery. Located on main line of c. & O. Railway and the Atlantic & Pacific Highway."
The Thayers' from Charleston, W. Va. lived in this cottage before the Sulphur Spring burned it down, according to a description on the back of the postcard.Published by Pence Springs Community Club.
Rose'e Drug Store Seventh Anniversary Postcard, Hinton, W. Va.
Date:
undated
Description:
Addressed to Mr. & Mrs. J. H. Ballengee, the card reads, "This is our seventh anniversary and we wish to thank you for your patronage and your hearty appreciation of our efforts. Your patronage has helped us to grow and has enabled us to put forth greater efforts to satisfy you with the best of drug store goods at all times at the lowest possible price. We take pleasure in serving you and whether your wants be large or small you always receive the utmost courtesy and attention. Remember our store is always at your service in every way and every time. Yours very truly, Rose's Drug Store."Following the message, Shan Rose has personally signed the postcard.
Postcard published by Tom Jones of Cincinnatti, Ohio. Three unidentified men stand behind the counter on the left while a group of men sit at a table in the background.