The following events happened on these dates in West Virginia history. To read more about West Virginia’s people, places, history, arts, science and culture, go to e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia at www.wvencyclopedia.org.
June 27, 1897: Musician Maceo Pinkard was born in Bluefield. Pinkard became one of the most successful songwriters of the 1920s Jazz era.
June 28, 1936: Athlete Charles Louis ‘‘Chuck’’ Howley was born in Wheeling, Howley played linebacker for 12 seasons for the Dallas Cowboys. He was named All-Pro six times and named to six Pro Bowls.
June 28, 2010: Robert C. Byrd died at the age of 92. He was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1958, and he served until his death. He was the longest-serving member of Congress.
June 29, 1952: Writer Breece D’J Pancake was born in South Charleston and grew up in Milton, Cabell County. Many of Pancake’s stories are set in Milton, fictionalized as ‘‘Rock Camp.’’
June 30, 1914: Statewide prohibition became law years before it became law for the whole nation.
June 30, 1929: The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra gave its first concert at Oglebay Park.
July 1, 1937: Babcock State Park opened. One of the earliest state parks, Babcock was built as a public works program during the Great Depression.
July 1, 1971: Southern West Virginia Community College was formed by joining the Marshall University branch campuses at Logan and Williamson. In 1995, the name changed to Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College.
e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia is a project of the West Virginia Humanities Council. For more information, contact the West Virginia Humanities Council, 1310 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston, WV 25301; (304) 346-8500; or visit e-WV at www.wvencyclopedia.org.
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