Preserving Art, Culture, and History: That Small Town Feelin'
More Than Antiques
At the asphalt art project public last Wednesday evening, community members and leaders gathered in the West Huntington Library. Attendees got a short lesson on street art and where the mural will be, but then community members, new and old, gave insight on what they think of when they think of Central City.
The artist asked, “What do you feel when you think of Central City? What are words and phrases that run through your mind?”
14STW is known for more than just being the Antique Capitol of W. Va., and the answers were uplifting to hear. “Colonial Lanes,” someone said. “Theaters and plays,” said another. “Childhood memories of shopping local,” one added. As the conversation went on, many people who attended the meeting showed a passion for the area.
“When I moved to Huntington and attended Marshall University, I wasn’t all that aware of what was down in the West End,” said one community member who recently moved to the area. “This place is a hidden gem. I didn’t understand why more students weren’t coming to 14STW.”
I wanted to carry on the conversation today with some shop owners on the street. While doing my usual check-in with Kathy and Joanna, I asked them what words or phrases resonated with them.
“Creativity and engagement,” Joanna said with a light smile. “This is a place for people to be creative and for creative minds to thrive.”
Kathy added in and said, “I love how creative Joanna herself can be. But something I think about is something Joanna always says to her customers and it’s true about all the shops on the street and that is, ‘Did you find a treasure?’. You can always find a treasure here.”
Dave Coster, the shop owner of Adell’s Antiques, said “This place is very unique. Not only because of the characters who currently live here, but because of the history.” Coster has lived in the area for most of his life. He started to point down the street, pointing out the “original No. 4 Fire Station for the City of Huntington.” Coster added, “How many 110 or 115-year-old fire stations are there, with teeth marks on the window seal where the horse had once pulled the fire wagon?” Coster explained the old businesses and the new ones to replace them on the street. There was once an All-American Thrift Store, and Hotdog Corn’s Store, and the owner was nicknamed ‘Hotdog Corn’ according to Coster.
He went on. “The B&O Railroad track used to be where the Gazebo and The Wild Ramp.”
Hosey’s used to be near the Adam’s Avenue side of 14STW, where Thistle Patch sits, and Cunningham’s was across the street. Hattie and Nan’s, nearly 25 years old, was once a carpeting business, and before that Cyrus Hardware. On the opposite end, where Pam’s Marketplace is, was once Fitzpatrick’s, a well-known store that used to operate on 14STW. Coster said he believed Mark’s Antiques is the oldest store on the street. Our conversation continued for some time, while Coster pointed out the many businesses that used to thrive on the street. His own store used to be a furniture store, Shield’s Furniture.
Coster, like many, talked of nostalgia, and the rich history of the local businesses while we stood on the sidewalk outside of Adell’s Antiques. Despite the changes on the street, most see it as opportunity rather than loss.
Coster specifically said, “Historical and evolving,” for words that resonate with 14STW.
Find your Treasure on 14STW
Come and find your treasure on 14STW, a place where connections are made, shop owners consider you friends and residents are welcoming.
Pictures for this story are items that are at Adell's Antiques. Kim Cumm, store manager, says the $25 Lamp sale will be ongoing. A 1980s oak desk and small chest to match. Come check out the great deals and share why this place is special to you.
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Central City & 14 ST W
544 14th St W
Huntington, WV 25704
www.oldcentralcity.org