The Shadow
Dear Editor,
Fall has Fallen at the Sweet Springs Resort Park and I hope this message finds everyone well. I wanted to provide you with an update on the recent developments at the Historic Sweet Springs Resort Park Foundation Inc. and share some exciting upcoming events.
As you may know, since the passing of my Uncle Ashby Berkley, who was both a father figure and a friend to me, my life has changed significantly. Despite the challenges I am facing, I am reminded of Ashby’s vision for this project. It was his lifelong dream to see Sweet Springs restored, and I am committed to continuing this work as he would have wanted.
We are making tangible progress. We have ordered historic signs for each of the National Landmark buildings, which will enhance the self-guided tour around the property. These signs will provide the names of the buildings along with brief historical insights, improving the visitor experience and adding a level of professionalism to the site.
Additionally, we have commenced clearing scrub along the driveway, around the trees, and in the gate areas to enhance the overall appearance of the grounds. In the coming days, we will install a rope fence around the front yard to match the fencing at the main gate, contributing to a clean and inviting look.
The Historic Sweet Springs Turnpike Trail is also progressing well. We are now less than a quarter of a mile from connecting with the Allegheny Trail, which will create over 400 miles of interconnected trails in West Virginia, making the SS Turnpike Trail part of the Appalachian Trail. A new loop on the SS Turnpike Trail has been completed, and road signage provided by the state is in the works.
There are also repairs underway on the railings of the main Jeffersonian building, which are currently in poor condition. These repairs are being executed with care and precision, so the finished work will blend seamlessly with the existing structure. Randy DuPre, our Maintenance Specialist, is hand-designing the repair pieces to ensure quality craftsmanship.
Our recent event, the House of Horrors, was a success, with many visitors returning for a second night of fun. We are grateful for the support shown by the community.
Looking ahead, I would like to announce some significant upcoming events:
Celebration of Life in honor of Orus Ashby Berkley (1941-2024)
• Date: November 16, 2024
• Time: 10:00 AM until whenever
• Please bring a dish to share, along with pictures, stories, and cherished memories of this remarkable man.
Meet & Greet with Santa
• Dates: November 30 & December 7, 2024
• Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Children will have the opportunity to spend time with Santa and receive gift bags. There will be games and photo opportunities throughout the event.
• At 2:00 PM, we will hold a “Meet & Greet” meeting for all Sweet Springs Volunteers and members of the local community, businesses, and political figures. We will discuss the future of the Park and welcome your ideas for improvements. This promises to be a constructive meeting for all.
Thank you for your continued support as we strive to maintain the vision set forth by Ashby for this beautiful place. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.
The situation with WVDA trying to destroy the Historic Sweet Springs Turnpike Trail by “taking” the Andrew S. Rowan Farm away from the Park continues. Charles Furbee – designer of the driving range – is ready to come down and begin the construction of the range, but we are hesitant to begin construction until Commissioner Leonardt and the WV State Senate would PAY ATTENTION TO AND LISTEN TO, almost 12,000 signatures
Arietta A. DuPre
Project Manager
Sweet Springs Resort Park Foundation Inc.
