readers' letters

Readers reflect on the Spring 2010 edition

We wanted to thank you and your staff for the fine article on Creative Kitchens in our 50th year. Writer Molly McClennen did a great job expressing what both Nancy and myself believe is the essence of our success and longevity. Seeing in print what we have known in our hearts validates the importance of family, teamwork and perseverance in today's small business. We are very proud of this article and of our association with the Huntington Quarterly.

Rob & Jeanne Stepp
Nancy & Mike Rigney
Huntington, W.Va.

I loved the article about Vanity Fair by James Casto. I was one of the lucky musicians that performed with the big bands there. Back in the days, the dance floor would be filled. The Piano was there for years. Fats Walker and many other musicians performed at The Piano. Most or maybe all of the musicians who performed there are gone, but I was one of the lucky ones to meet Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Rosemary Clooney. I also backed up on sax for the Ink Spots. The article took me back in time – it made my day.

Bill Spurlock
Huntington, W.Va.

I've been meaning to write to tell you how much I enjoyed Keith Morehouse's story on Coach Marshall Reynolds. It was extremely well-written - I especially liked the lead and the ending - and showed a different side to this well-known business leader. It sends out a great message, too - no one is too busy to take time to help out their community. Nice article!

Lori Wilt
Flatwoods, Ky.

I love the Huntington Quarterly! It is my "new" coffee table book! It has so many articles in it that keep me up-to-date on things, and I love that it lets me visit some of my old hangouts. Every issue is special. I look at every page and read about half of it the day it arrives. I can barely put it down.

Jeanette Brannock
Palm Bay, Fla.

It was interesting that this edition carried a lead article on Jamie Oliver's project to improve our present-day eating habits and resultant health and at the same time in the article about Vanity Fair showed how trim men looked during the World War II years. I looked closely at that picture and could not see one overweight man, much less an obese one. This clearly shows one area in which the nation needs to go backwards.

Don DeBord
Huntington, W.Va.

Reflections on magazine's 20th anniversary edition

I'm a Huntington native, as I was born and lived there most of my life, although I've not lived there for the past 17 years. However, I have been a subscriber for several years now and have always enjoyed reading your magazine. Every so often, I have a connection to the topic of an article, but never so much as in your 20th Anniversary issue. As I was thumbing through the article “Our City's Beauty,” I was floored with what I saw. No, it wasn't the dogwoods in the park, the Memorial Fountain, Old Main in the snow or any of the other beautiful pictures of Huntington landmarks. What floored me was that of the house in Huntington, the house my mother and uncle grew up in, which happens to be the house my brother, sister and I grew up in. It was the only house chosen for this photo essay depicting Huntington's beauty. I realize that I am biased when I say that I couldn't agree more with your choice to include our family's Huntington house for over 40 years in your pictorial. It is truly one of the finest homes in all of Huntington. Thank you for making my day. My 85-year old grandfather, who bought the house in the 1950s, is also overjoyed with your selection. Everyone in the family misses Huntington, but specifically, we all miss that home on the Boulevard, and all the more now. Keep up the good work.

Todd Bergin
Irvine, CA

Many thanks for the recent edition of the Huntington Quarterly. I always enjoy it. Your company surely deserves accolades for the 20th Anniversary issue! It is a remarkable publication and obviously reflects the passion and love of the editors.

I truly believe the Huntington Quarterly does for Huntington what Arizona Highways did for my beloved Arizona! And that is no small praise!

Dr. Robert Estes
Tucson AZ

Thank you so much for publishing Jim Casto's story on former Marshall President Stewart H. Smith. It triggered a beautiful memory for my wife and me which goes back to our wedding in Huntington on Feb. 7, 1948, at the Fifth Avenue Baptist Church. Around this time a two-page handwritten letter arrived from the Office of the President of Marshall College. Stewart H. Smith had attended the wedding, responding to my verbal invitation as I departed Marshall and the editorship of The Parthenon. He gave beautiful advice in several paragraphs outlining the secrets of a successful married life, but one passage captured our interest and attention. It read: “You are beginning this journey with the blessings of God and the sincere good wishes of all your friends. The nearer you keep to Him the nearer you will be to one another. Let Him always be an unseen guest in your house.” So it came to pass that we've followed his advice for 61 years. Again, thank you for a fine story on our old friend and counselor.

Charles Connor
Treasure Island, FL

LONG TIME SUBSCRIBERS SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS

Recently, we received our regular copy of the Huntington Quarterly and once again were impressed with the work of the HQ Publishing Co. staff.

While all of the issues we have received over the years have been very well done and present Huntington very positively, this particular issue was special.

In fact, it put us in a little tug-of-war over who could read it first. My wife jumped in first and told me all about our friend Estelle Pennington’s father, Azel Meadows. Almost paragraph by paragraph she read me the story of Mr. Meadows and his many contributions to the growth and development of Huntington.

Of course, I managed to get the Quarterly next and read the continuing story of Chad Pennington and his comeback in the NFL.

There were so many stories that it took us a week, passing the magazine back and forth, to read this Huntington Quarterly. We enjoyed and appreciated all of the stories from Hospice to a look at new Huntington mayor Kim Wolfe and his many opportunities to the story of the beautiful mansion on North Boulevard. I knew the story of Huntington and CSX but found it interesting to read how important the railroad still is to Huntington.

For some time now we have questioned the designation of Huntington as an unhealthy place. I tend to think of health care in Huntington in a very positive way, and we know how important the Marshall Medical School and the various hospitals are to the health of area citizens and the long-term future of the Tri-State area.

In summary, we have been reading HQ’s magazine for more than 18 years now and it seems to get better and better. The Huntington Quarterly is a very well-done magazine with quality photographs and interesting stories. The magazine is certainly a positive for Huntington that few cities that we know can compete with.

It just shows that there is no limit in America when one combines vision and hard work.

J. Wade Gilley
Reston, VA

Your magazine is terrific and I'll probably enjoy it even more now that we have moved from West Virginia, our beloved city and state.

Thank you for always making Huntington look good. I am feeling very good about our town, and I believe great things are going to happen there.

With jolly good wishes for your continued success.

Jo Moore Adkins
Ft. Mill, SC

DEDICATED READERS CONGRATULATE HQ ON 20 YEARS!

Congratulations on your 20th Year Anniversary issue! As always it is an outstanding publication. I have had the privilege of reading your magazine now for 19 of your 20 years. Although I miss Huntington, your magazine allows me to keep up in so many positive aspects of the Huntington community. Over the years a number of other magazines similar to yours have started up in our state, however, none of them can duplicate the Huntington Quarterly. Your unique stories, excellent writing and superb photography set you apart. Perhaps even more importantly the magazine is more than just a job or a business for you. It is a love of life to positively tell the story of Huntington, West Virginia. Congratulations and continued good luck for the next 20 years.

J. Thomas Jones
Fairmont, WV

After reading the 20th Anniversary edition of Huntington Quarterly I just had to write and let you know how much I appreciate the magazine. I have lived away from Huntington since 1984 and have missed it terribly. My sister gave me my first subscription to Huntington Quarterly when it was first published, and I have kept that subscription ever since. I would never want to miss an issue and risk missing something spectacular that was happening in Huntington. Your magazine helps me keep up to date on my hometown, and I absolutely look forward to every issue. You really do have a first class magazine. Here's hoping for at least another 20 years of Huntington Quarterly!

Cathy Owens Peter
Hattiesburg, MS

I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed reading your 20th anniversary edition last night. Great job – particularly the Paul Newman article. What a captivating read. I get to listen to Paul on a daily basis as the voice of Doc Hudson in the “Cars” movie my son is obsessed with.

Mike Bowen
Huntington, WV

Your latest creation arrived in the mail yesterday and it's marvelous! Each issue has always impressed me and this one is no exception. Jim Casto’s collection of postcards was beautifully laid out. I'm honored to be part of the HQ family. Thanks for the continuing opportunity!

Carter T. Seaton
Huntington, WV

REACTIONS TO THE MATT LAUER EDITION

I just received my copy of the Autumn 2007 edition of Huntington Quarterly with Matt Lauer on the cover, and I have to say I view it as one of the best, if not the best, issues ever from a standpoint of writing and content. We should all be proud to have such a publication promote our community!

Mark Bugher, President
Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce
Huntington, WV

I finally had time after Christmas to catch up on all the periodicals that I wanted to look through. I'm stretched out on the couch, there's a fire crackling away in the fireplace and snow is softly falling outside the windows. I have just finished reading your entertaining article about Matt Lauer and as I leaf through the pages, I come across the article, "Most Intriguing Architectural Structures in Huntington." I nearly fell off the couch when I turned the page to see the Greyhound Bus Depot among those honored! The Greyhound Bus Depot was truly a labor of love without disparate voices. Recognition by the Huntington Quarterly of its consequence in out community bolsters the value of our endeavor.

Vickie Shaffer, C.E.O.
The Transit Authority
Huntington, WV

HQ SHOWCASES THE BEST OF HUNTINGTON

I am writing to express my appreciation and delight in your magazine. I always find the quality of photos and articles on my hometown (including places of interest and people of influence) to be very captivating and worthwhile reading. I especially like the wine tips from Matthew Debord. I find his articles well written and informative, and he gives me ideas for new wines to try, which is always a good thing. I think the city of Huntington should be very proud of the work you do.

Mary Noel
Nicholasville, KY

First off, I love your magazine! I love how you and your staff present Huntington's positive side. I wish you guys would do a story about Rick Huckaby and Marshall Basketball of the 1980s. All the excitement that used to buzz through the Cam was memorable and would be a great tribute to a good man.

Ben Frazier
Daniel Island, SC

Send letters to: HQ Letters, P.O. Box 384, Huntington, WV 25708, or email to mail@huntingtonquarterly.com