A nostalgic look at MyHuntington
I was a Marshall student when I first became a Huntington resident. I recall walking across campus to get a Turkey Grinder at Mycrofts; attending Baptist Campus Ministry on Wednesday nights; and even dancing in Boney’s Hole in the Wall on Sixth Avenue.
I recall the days of Superblock, Cruise Avenue and abandoned office buildings along Third Avenue. Both hospitals were about a third of the size they are now, and Marshall’s medical center was in an ancient and creaky old building that was once the C & O Hospital.
After graduation, I was blessed to get a job at Cabell Huntington Hospital, where I became part of a large and wonderful family. We sponsored events like the Distance Classic, Kid Care Fair and the Pediatric Care Reunion, and we rang the bells for the Salvation Army and conducted food drives for the Food Bank.
Back then – to me – Huntington seemed genteel and a bit parochial. But in the three decades that I called it home, I watched the community grow and change. We, as a city, matured from the little sister who was jealous of Charleston into one who is finally comfortable in her own skin.
Today, Huntington is vibrant and eclectic. It has embraced its unique blend of old fashioned values and progressive ideas. The residents have cleaned up, remodeled and given life to areas that once seemed sentenced to be neglected and forgotten. Today, the community hums with life and possibility.
About four years ago, I remarried and moved from Huntington, so my husband and I could be closer to where we work. But my love for the city hasn’t diminished. I love Pullman Square and the activity there. I love the quaint businesses and locally-owned restaurants around town. I love the bike lane on Fourth Avenue and the flowers in the spring.
But most importantly, I love the people. I love their resilience, their loyalty, and their willingness to embrace change – together. It is that willingness to work together toward common goals that makes MyHuntington unique. No matter where we go, Huntington, West Virginia will always be My Huntington.”