Publisher, Shari Johnson
This year marks the 250th Birthday of the United States! I am old enough to remember the 200th birthday, when at the age of 13, the Calhoun Red Devil Marching Band, 100+ members strong, under the direction of the amazing John McKinney, marched in the Spirit of ‘76 Parade at Walt Disney World. That was beyond a very cool thing for Calhoun County, West Virginia and for this country bumpkin it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
This lead me to wonder what exciting news will Calhoun County, West Virginia find itself apart of this year? I’m still believing for great things from the 1982 Foundation, from the Town of Grantsville’s businesses and the County Government. I’m especially expecting God to do great things… even in the midst of Calhoun County’s struggles.
This morning I was reading in Jeremiah 32, verse 17 where Jeremiah wrote “Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou has made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:” Not even our community! If He can create the earth from nothing, He can recreate our Community from a willing people.
Are you willing? Willing to step up and attend meetings to voice your opinion. Take a chance on opening a business in a community on the brink of greatness? Take the time and effort to spruce up your part of the community to show people that Calhoun is proud of where we live? Speak goodness and life into people who are willing to do those things?
As I flipped through the Farmer’s Almanac, given to me by Dick Jarvis, owner of our home town Pharmacy, J&B Drug Store; there was an article about the differences between 1776 v. 2026. I love those type of comparisons.
- America’s population: 1776 – 2.5 million. 2026 – 337 Million
- Average cost of a home: 1776: – Estimated range $400 to $2,000.
- 2026 – $420,000
- Tax burden as the percentage of income: 1776 – 1.5%,
- 2026 – 31%.
- Life expectancy: 1776 – 35 years
- 2026 – 77.5 years.
- Wages: 1776 – $1 per day, 6 days a week work week, $300 year.
- 2026 – $25.70 per hour, 40 hour work week, $53,490 per year average salary.
- Most common pets: 1776 – Dogs, cats, squirrels, wild birds, raccoons, deer, horses, snakes, frogs, turtles, otters and beavers.
- 2026 – Dogs, cats, fish, horses, reptiles, chickens, gerbils, birds, hamsters and rabbits.
- Most common occupation: 1776 – farmer, commercial fisherman, blacksmith, cabinet maker, shoemaker, cooper, gunsmith, Milner, printer and wig maker.
- 2026 – retail salesperson, healthcare provider, fast food worker, general labor, office clerk, customer service, cook, restaurant server, school teacher, accountant, assembly and fabrication technicians.
- What was cookin’ on Independence Day? – 1776 – on John and Abigail Adams’ dinner table was turtle soup, poached salmon with egg sauce, green peas and boiled new potatoes with apple pan dowdy for desert.
- 2026 – American favorites are BBQ Pork, coleslaw, macaroni salad, grilled chicken, potato salad, deviled eggs, corn dogs and sweet tea. I’m hungry, what’s for lunch?
- Most popular sports: 1776 – Horse racing, boxing, cricket and fives (a variation of hand ball)
- 2026 – America loves football, baseball, basketball, ice hockey and soccer.
One thing that hasn’t changed, at least in our part of the Country, is community. It may differ on what’s available for entertainment, but nothing beats an evening with friends and family gathering for their favorite things… watching sports, playing music, or spinning tales. With the busyness of life, it doesn’t happen as often, but it’s appreciated when it does.
As my Mother’s memories fade, occasionally her mind will go back in time and she’ll remember the days when community and family were the very breath of life in our home and community. She’s not sure whose house she’s living in, but she likes it. (It’s actually hers). A walk through it will show you what’s been important to her.
Many of your homes may have similar walls. Life can rob Mother of her mind, but it cannot rob us of the impact she has had on us and instilled in us through her life.
What impact will you have on your family and community? It’s a worthy question to ask yourself today. As we celebrate our 250th year as a nation, let’s celebrate the 170th year of Calhoun County.
