Morgan Messenger editor named History Hero

John Douglas likes a good mystery. Especially if it has to do with history.

His own mystery novels borrow generously from the history of our region, and his non-fiction writing highlights some of the more interesting twists and turns of history — from George Washington’s connections to Morgan County to the powerful legend of John Henry.

The same investigative skills that have won Douglas an array of journalism awards over his career as a Morgan Messenger reporter and editor clearly spill over into his spare-time work as a music and folklore historian.

Members of West Virginia’s State Legislature recognized Douglas’ contributions to state and local history last month.

On History Day, February 18, he was named a 2010 History Hero at a ceremony in Charleston’s Cultural Center. He was one of 44 West Virginians to receive the award, though snow kept him from accepting the award in person.

Douglas was nominated by the Museum of the Berkeley Springs for more than three decades of writing, research and speaking on historical topics.

“He is devoted to documentation, accuracy and objective interpretation, qualities often missing from those engaged in local history,” said museum board member Jeanne Mozier.

In recommending Douglas for the History Hero award, John Cuthbert, WVU’s Director of the West Virginia & Regional History Collection, noted that his work on behalf of local and state history grew out of his own personal interests and a “desire to promote awareness of his community’s rich heritage.”

Boyhood interest
Douglas said his interest in history dates back to his boyhood, when he loved going to visit Civil War sites with his family.

“I was always interested in the presidents, too” he said.

The first president, in particular, has held a fascination for Douglas. In the early 1800s, his ancestors bought a piece of property in Doe Gully, along Morgan County’s Potomac River border, that had been owned by George Washington. The property still has walnut trees, as Washington mentioned in his diary.

Much of Douglas’ 2002 book, George Washington & Us, first appeared as a series of historical articles in The Morgan Messenger.

Writing & research
Beyond the local level, Douglas has been a nominator for the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame and a contributor to The West Virginia Encyclopedia. He has written and published historical work in Goldenseal magazine and Southern Cultures, a journal published by the University of North Carolina.

In addition to promoting local history through his own writing, Douglas was key in planning a Berkeley Springs stop for the Smithsonian Institution’s traveling exhibit New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music last year. He also helped organize public programs around that centerpiece exhibit.

While George Washington and the John Henry legend are both still subjects of interest to him, Douglas is working on two other history projects.

Visits to WVU’s Regional History library have uncovered local folklore and ballad treasures, like hand-scribbled music lyrics postmarked from the Great Cacapon post office to a ballad collector in 1914. He’s also been collecting and writing area ghost stories.

Douglas continues working on a comprehensive list of West Virginia regional musicians and songs, which he has shared with the State Music Hall of Fame and Goldenseal magazine.

At his granddaughter’s urging, Douglas has added his own family history to his list of future projects. That will have to wait until his retirement, he said.

Douglas said being named one of the state’s History Heroes hasn’t really sunken in yet and came as a surprise to him.

With more than 30 years of newspaper writing and historical work under his belt, Douglas might be the only one surprised by his award.