News

Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. (AHI) was recently able to upgrade its office computers by combining a $3,000 grant from the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust with a generous donation from Wade and Elizabeth Neely and daughters Debra and Michelle.

Wade Neely’s parents moved to their CR-1 homestead in 1941.  (SEE related story on this page.) He had many fond memories growing up in Arthurdale.  Even though he has moved out of West Virginia, Mr. Neely has remained an active supporter of AHI’s mission to preserve his boyhood community and its history. Earlier in 2009, he helped support AHI by donating an all-in-one printer to the organization.  Mr. Neely expressed his interest in providing future support for similar projects, so when it came time for a much needed technology upgrade in the AHI office, he and his family made the decision to give a generous donation.  They commented, “This donation shows our appreciation of all your hard work, along with everyone else who contributes time for this ongoing effort in the restoration of Arthurdale.”

The Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust was established by Mrs. Hazel Ruby McQuain, a renowned community benefactor who died in 2002 at the age of 93. The retired president of Ruby Enterprises, Inc., Mrs. McQuain was a longtime resident of Arthurdale. She was one of the founders of the Arthurdale Women’s Club that organized the 50^th Anniversary celebration of the homesteading of Arthurdale; the event that resulted in the formation of Arthurdale Heritage, Inc.  Arthurdale Heritage named Mrs. McQuain an honorary board member in 1992, along with former WV Senator Jennings Randolph.

The new computer equipment will allow AHI to operate more efficiently both internally and in its educational outreach presentations. AHI would like to thank the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust and the Neely family for their continued support.