March 11, 2014
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Goldenseal magazine marks its 40th year of publication with a special commemorative issue, on sale now. Published quarterly by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History since 1975, Goldenseal is the state’s journal of traditional life. The Spring 2014 edition revisits favorite stories from past issues along with story updates and additional content.
Among the articles in this special collectors’ edition are “Death of a Gypsy King,” by Jane Kraina and Mary Zwierzchowski, concerning the 1931 passing of the leader of a band of traveling gypsies in Weirton; “Miracle Dust on Spruce Knob,” by Bill Garnette, a story about a near-fatal military plane crash at West Virginia’s highest summit; and “The Norwalk: Martinsburg’s Motor Car,” by Daniel J. Friend, which tells the history of a luxury automobile made in Berkeley County from 1912 until 1922.
Goldenseal editor John Lilly selected seven feature stories dating back over the past 20 years for inclusion in this special issue. Lilly’s predecessor, Ken Sullivan, created a similar commemorative edition in 1994, marking the publication’s first 20 years. Founding editor Tom Screven edited the magazine from 1975 until 1979.
Supported entirely by subscriptions and newsstand sales, the 72-page magazine has approximately 11,000 subscribers in all 50 states and several other countries. Stories are based on the recollections of living West Virginians, written and submitted by freelance authors. Illustrations include archival images, family photographs and recent pictures.
The magazine sells for $5.95 and is available at bookstores around the state or by calling (304)558-0220, ext. 134; online at www.wvculture.org/goldenseal.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History is an agency within the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts with Kay Goodwin, Secretary. The division, led by Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith, brings together the past, present and future through programs and services focusing on archives and history, art, historic preservation and museums. For more information about the division’s programs, events, and sites, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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Media Note: Photograph Cutline: Goldenseal Magazine’s 40th Anniversary Cover. Photo by Tyler Evert.
