Morgantown was the childhood home of Don Knotts, famous as the bumbling Mayberry deputy, Barney Fife, so naturally it's the first exhibit when you enter the museum. Other exhibits feature early history and the many industries that built the city but have closed their doors such as glassware, coal mining, woodworking, and shirt making.
One of the companies that no longer exists is the S&P Manufacturing Company home of the Stepulator, invented in the early 1960s by local resident, Bob Phillips. The Stepulator had treads like a tank and could climb stairs. Airlines were the main customers because at that time passengers boarded by climbing a short flight of movable stairs. The arrival of passenger loading bridges in 1965 meant the end of the Stepulator company. Looks scary!
The museum is on the ground floor of the Monongalia Arts Center building. The accessible entrance is in the rear.
RVs will not fit in the small parking lot located at the rear of the building. There is parking on High Street however Morgantown is very hilly and visitors in wheelchairs will need assistance to get to the accessible entrance. Museum 39.62828, -79.9579
I've never been to West Virginia, well other than that small part where the freeway crosses a corner of the state...that's not enough to count WV has having been visited.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful state especially in the fall with the leaves changing color but very mountainous. Almost all the roads follow the rivers and streams because those are the only flat spots. Slow traveling!
DeleteFascinating post and great photos. Thank you for sharing, and warm greetings from Montreal, Canada ❤️ 😊 🇨🇦
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
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