HEDGESVILLE, W.VA. — Micki Smith knows a little about spinning yarns, both the wool and political type.
"I used to be a spin doctor before I retired," Smith said Saturday at the Heritage Day celebration.
Now, the Back Creek Valley woman just spins the old-fashioned way - on a castle-type spinning wheel. "You can almost feel
your blood pressure go down ... it takes you into a focus ... it's like white noise," Smith said as her peddling attracted
more than a few people outside the entrance to Mount Zion Episcopal Church.
A church member, Smith demonstrated spinning as part a bazaar held for the first time in conjunction with the small
town's celebration, which attracted a large crowd.
Church docent Joy Nathan said George Washington attended services at what originally was known as Hedges Meeting House,
a log structure that was replaced by the current brick building that opened for services in 1818. It remains in use by an
active congregation.
During a tour of the small church, Nathan showed a collection of prayer books, one apparently dating to 1787, and a
Bible in remarkably good condition from 1840.
"Sometime, we need to get these out on display," Nathan said.
Hedgesville Mayor Mary Sue Catlett said the pleasant weather attracted a great turnout for the event, which she said
has been held regularly for the last 15 years.
"Today is perfect - it is absolutely beautiful," Catlett said.
