Today at the Capitol visitors were greeted with glimpse into the rich, artisan heritage of West Virginia. Scattered around the rotunda were hand-made crafts and performers to showcase the arts and culture from across the state.
Charles Bradley is a retired blacksmith who has been celebrating this great state since 1970. Along with fellow members from the West Augusta Volunteers, Bradley has been displaying his craftsmanship at the Heritage Farm in Huntington for years. The West Augusta Volunteers is part of a living history camp that specializes in history from the 1750s through 1860s.
With a passion for history, Bradley has been helping recreate the buildings at Heritage Farm and providing them with hand-crafted doorknobs and artistry. He and his wife have been a part of this camp for nearly 10 years.
Reddog Monroe, also a member of the West Augusta Volunteers, has been creating authentic, hand-sewn items to honor the past. His pouches and leather work are very elaborate and provide people with a valuable look into years gone by.
The culture of West Virginia runs deep and the members of this camp help celebrate that culture. With a dedication and passion for their craft, they are giving meaning to the slogan, a window to our past, a doorway to our future.
