The historic Pre-Big Bend tunnel 1930-1932 building, commonly referred to as the engineering building, has been moved several times — four known moves and one probable move according to Kyle Rudisill. Now it has relocated near its original site in the John Henry Historical Park, where it will once again find a meaningful existence very soon.
The Jenny Lin-style building made entirely out of one-inch materials, floor joists, rafters, sub-floor, roof and exterior sheathing, was either sold or gifted to Mr. Wyant of Hungards Creek. the date this occurred is unknown.
Wyant then moved it across the road from the present-day entrance to the John Henry Historical Park onto his property next to the hillside. The building was moved once again with the advent of Judson Rd. to the east side of the same, where it remained until the last private owner, Michael E. Cales, the park’s designer and implementer, donated it to the county in January of 2006.
In May of 2006, park volunteers Larry Moorman, Dorsey Garten, Gary Huffman and Michael Cales moved it across the road where it stayed until April 12, 2012. Then, volunteers Larry Moorman, Dorsey Garten, Bill Dillon, Ronald Gore, Bill Sowers, Michael Cales and Rick Moorefield, West Virginia University’s extension agent and project manager moved it near to its original location within the park.
The last move that began on February 3, 2020, resulted in its being set on its new permanent cinder block foundation on June 3, 2020. Volunteers involved in this move were Ronald Gore, Bill Dillon, Tyler Turner, Michael Cales and Rick Moorefield. It would be amiss to not mention David Sprouse and Sam Crook. Sprouse, without hesitation, loaned the volunteers the use of his railroad jack, which improved the efficiency of the move considerably. Crook, using his extensive knowledge of the construction trade, made installing the underground electric a simple process, and his loan of a ratchet type come-along, used to bring the bowed walls into place, was indispensable.
At this time extensive renovation began in earnest. 2×10 floor joists were installed next to the existing 1×8 floor joists, the exterior walls — bowed out due to the many moves — were brought back into place, 2×4 walls were installed inside for stability and strength, 2×6 rafters were added next to the originals of various sizes, and 2×6 ceiling joists were attached to the rafters at the stranded height of 8 feet (the original ceiling was 7 feet, a common height for many older buildings and homes), thus creating a semi-cathedral ceiling.
Plans for the interior include quality laminate flooring, drywall and possibly some wood mixed in with it, up-to-date light fixtures, cameras and a private bathroom. The exterior of the building will remain basically unchanged with only the necessary changes to be made for the longevity of the building. Underground electric, a commercial door and two windows have already been installed. Three smaller windows — two on the east and one on the west side — will be added along with exterior lighting, an eight-foot deck on the front with a wheelchair-accessible ramp leading to it on the east side, and a new green metal roof and white fascia and soffit to complete the renovations.
The actual age and use of the building is unknown. The earliest confirmed date is a photo taken in 1930. Per the photo, it is obvious that it is not a newly constructed building, and prior to the construction of the Big Bend tunnel and sometime after there was a sidetrack that ended in near proximity. Therefore, it is a general opinion that it had been either an office, maintenance building, or both.
After it came into private ownership the use varied from a residential building — where some of the local residents had lived and been born — to commissary, justice of the peace and a wholesale/retail business that’s primary purpose was to purchase and sell wild ginseng, goldenseal and other native botanicals.
The present vision for the use of the building is a welcome center and meeting area for local non-profits, with staffing provided by volunteers on the weekends and holidays during the summer months. A lounge area and office space will be combined in an open floor plan, photos of the park’s development throughout the years will adorn the walls, and souvenirs will be available to visitors.
The commissioners will evaluate and determine the best overall use of the building that is beneficial to the county’s residents and visitors alike. The expected completion date is early summer, prior to this year’s John Henry festival.
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