Skating parties were at one time a regular winter pastime.  There were many winters, even into the 1970’s, that the Greenbrier River would freeze over with the ice remaining until the beginning of the spring thaw.  Families looked forward to sharpening the blades of their skates, building a fire on the riverbank and hitting the ice.  It was quite the social affair of the season!

 

 

Skating on the Greenbrier River

 

This photograph belonging to Mrs. R. T. August, one of the group, appeared in The West Virginia News in June of 1938.  Though not dated, the period is indicated by the millinery.

Those identified at the time are:

Mrs. L. R. Dixon, Mrs. Willa Gravely,

Mrs. P.H. Shughrou,

Mrs. E. H. Loyd, Mrs. J.W.P. Eagle,

Mrs. Charles Green,

James J. Gilhooley (one of the youngsters)