A True West Virginian: Fred Noble

While we were at the John Henry Memorial, a pickup truck pulled in and stopped. I noticed the man inside was on his mobile phone, and figured that like many places in West Virginia, this might be a spot where people could get reception--often you will see people pulled off the road on top of a hill, talking on a cell phone and you know that it must be the only place with service for miles around.

But when he finished his call, this gentleman rolled down his window and asked if we knew how to get down to the tunnel entrance. (As we were talking to him, another truck pulled in. Seemed the second driver noted my sister's out-of-state tags and stopped to give her a brochure and tell her about John Henry Days!)

West Virginians are never shy about talking to strangers. Mr. Noble gave us directions down to the entrances to the two tunnels--the Big Bend and the Great Bend railroad tunnels are side by side. We talked about the old caboose at the monument site, and he asked where we were from. I told him that I was a storyteller, and he assured me he could tell a few lies himself--and I believe he just might!

Mr. Noble is a retired federal prison guard (we weren't far from Alderson Federal Prison, made famous by Martha Stewart's stay). His family has been in that part of West Virginia since the 1700's. He said one of his ancestors from that time period was buried in Summer's County, and that his "scribe" was buried beside him. According to Mr. Noble, a scribe was akin to an accountant in those days.

Meeting people like Mr. Noble is one of the greatest pleasures I enjoy when traveling in West Virginia. At 84 years old, he runs a fairly large campground on the Greenbrier River, drives himself around quite competently, is involved in several civic organizations, and seems as healthy as a man half his age. His interest in people and his surroundings will probably keep him going for many more years. He's no slacker when it comes to technology either--cell phone noted, and he sent me an email last night. This is a man who isn't afraid of change.

If you're ever in the Talcott area, look him up. He's full of stories, and he might talk you into taking a camp site too!