The store doesn't have much of a Christmas spirit this year. But we have been putting together a Christmas tree in Florida. My Husband of many many years has always worked the classic 8-10 hr job at day all our married life, and hasn't ever had the time to help put the tree up. Since taking on our new Job at the Whipple Company Store and Museum he has a different kind of 9-5 job commonly known to most as retired. Retirement is interesting because you realize you work harder than ever before, make less money than you can believe, all the time calling it fun.

We have a victorian "pink" living room.. This will help explain the tree. Enjoy

Hi, Its me WHIPPLE.It seems a little lonely around here of late. Everybody is getting ready for the holidays and I am standing all closed up for the winter. How could my people leave me? This just can't be.

I can remember a time when my coal furnance would heat all my rooms right to my very bones. The children of the coal camp would come in after school to get warm and check out the latest Christmas toy. I can tell you the wish lists of those boys and girls were filled with hopes of a little red wagon or a new bike, even a shiny sled. I can still remember the smell of the new babydolls, doll houses, ball and baseball gloves and of course that new bat sitting in the big window on my porch. The colorful fabrics of red and green would fly off the shelves. Mommies would be making a holiday church dress, or a new shirt for the little ones to wear on Christmas day. It was a busy time indeed. The aroma of cinnamon and apples, oranges and cloves, homebakes cakes, and pies.

YUMMMMMMMMMM!

The traditional candy cane makes me smile and even chuckle a bit as I remember watching the children, and daddy's too, licking away at the red and white stripes. I could here the faint sound of carolers in the distance, as the beautiful voices would get closer I could hear the Christmas Carols being sung by the coal camp children and the sound was beautiful and festive. They would gather on my steps and some come up on my big porch to get out of the wind and sing almost as if they were there to just entertain me.
These are great memories I have of Christmas time. Well, I feel all warm inside and not so lonely anymore.

I think I can even hear the soft sound of Christmas carols  faint in the distance....

Check out our website for more Photos of The Governors visit.

http://www.whipplecompanystore.com/

The phone rings and its the Governor's office with a request. "This is Governor

Joe Manchin's office and he has expressed an interest in touring the Whipple Company Store and Museum. I realize you are closed for the season," says the Governors Advance, "but would anybody be there to take the Governor on a tour?"

I am trying to absorb the call that the Governor himself is interested enough in our project to visit and see what we are doing. "I will be happy to take him on a tour." My husband and I will come back to West Virginia from Florida and show him around.

Arrangements were made, travel was smooth going, and at 10:41 am on Dec 4th 2009 the Governor of West Virginia walked up the steps to enter the 120 year old, one of a kind, Whipple Company Store & Museum.

Singing in the square.. Although it was quite cool in the museum, everyone seem to be on key.

When touring the Whipple Company Store & Museum your guide will give you an explanation of this unique discovery. An Architectural Phenomenon that comes from standing in the square ...You will want to check it out!

The days are getting cooler here at the museum. We are starting to pack things up and prepare for the cold winter days. I am already sad thinking I have to wait till spring to enjoy the visitors again. But I never miss a minute to enjoy the things around me. The cold weather brought a beautiful sight.. A spider web is a most curious thing. This one was just glistening in the morning light.. Enjoy

This is day one of the beautiful Fayette County Mountain side. It changes fast.

I absolutely love fall. The feeling you get when you put on a sweater, walk outside, and feel the crisp air. That deep breath you take when you look at the changing colors all around, and you are in awe by the beauty. Some of us live in areas that don't always have this wondrous experience, so I thought I'd take a few days and post the changing of a season. Hope you enjoy.

Oh wow , Im on tv.... And don't I look just grand. My owner is talking about me. I know she likes me so much. Please check me out..
http://www.wchstv.com/traveling/2009/twv090709.shtml