Revisiting the Past in the Present
the not so savory. Many felt that this was a shame given the past of the
area and they decided to do something about it so residents and business
owners could have a future. For you see, this area was once part of an
independent town known as Central City.
Central City was incorporated into the City of Huntington around the turn of
the 20th Century. At that time and for many years thereafter, it was a
vibrant area filled with many different businesses ranging from factories to
small businesses. Then, as with many urban areas, decay began to set in.
"For many years, bars populated the area along 14th Street West. Many
of us who are business people didn't like that. We wanted this area to be
known for more than that," said Mrs. Baker, a local antique shop owner in
the Central City Area of 14th Street West.
Central City is known for much more than that, as Mrs. Baker points out, it
is now recognized as the "antique capital of West Virginia". This and other
areas of interest can be seen in this weekend's Old Central City Days
Festival that runs from June 16-18th.
The festival will feature many different attractions, including a fireworks
show on Saturday, June 17th. After the fireworks, a live band called The
Jaguars will perform.
The festival, now in its ninth year, is continuing to grow in its popularity
and attendance. "People love to come here and see the stores, the bands and
the fireworks," Mrs. Baker said. "We expect a lot of people to come here
this weekend."
Booklets with a schedule of events can be picked up at any of the stores
along 14th Street West.
Contributing Editor
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