Perhaps employees, family or even customers are shown standing on the porch of Shaffer’s Store in Volcano. The store building was razed in 1953. (Photo provided by Linwood Lowden)

Volcano Letter — Volcano, Aug. 2, 1881

Editors State Journal — Mr. H.A. Stiles of Philadelphia, President of the Volcanic Oil & Coal Co., arrived here on Thursday last, with his family, and is the guest of W.C. Stiles, Jr., at Thornhill.

Mr. T.J. McGill, together with the many employees of the Thornhill Farm Store, took stock of this immense establishment last week, during the time the store was closed. Colonel Vinal and family contemplate moving to Parkersburg. Capt. Howe will move into the Colonel’s residence, which will be near to his place of business.

The farmers around Volcano are quite flattered with the promise of a fall crop.

The Doctors of this place all paid a visit to Parkersburg last week, in compliance with the act of the Legislature.

It is reported that C. & H. Whitman have purchased the Twin Lick refinery.

John Shaffer’s supply of ice holds out, and it is quite an item of luxury this hot weather. Ice cream is a decided relish, and the boys invest all their surplus earnings in it.

The Volcano Cornet Band went to the Valley on Sunday and furnished music for the pic-nic; as this was a Sunday School arrangement dancing was dispensed with.

Mr. T.J. McGill has secured the services of a most competent saleslady, who has taken charge of the dry goods’ department.

Mr. John Shaffer has purchased a lot adjoining the Odd Fellows Hall, and will immediately build a new store room; as the old room that he now occupies is entirely too small for his goods and business. It is lively whispered around that Johnny sells more than his share of goods; he is full of vim and energy, keeps up his stock and is always ready to accommodate his many customers.

Mr. Levering’s family is rusticating at Deer Park, a most delightful summer resort.

Harry Smith’s deep well is not yet finished, they are down 1,200 feet, the rock is very hard and but slow progress can be made.

Mr. George Bradish is not afraid to work; with sleeves rolled up and boots outside his pants, he pitches in to whatever is to be done, and besides, he is always ready to give a polite answer to all questions asked.

The ladies and friends interested in the success of the Cornet Band are talking about holding a pic-nic festival for the band’s benefit. Grounds have been selected and arrangements will at once be made. The grounds will be fixed up for a permanent purpose. Seats and a building for the convenience of ladies and gentlemen to change and arrange their toilets will be constructed. Mr. Wm. C. Stiles, who is always foremost in all enterprises for the pleasure, comfort and good of the community, has very generously given the use of the grounds free of charge.

William Showalter, having secured a situation with Shattuck, Mitchell & Jackson, of Parkersburg, left here on Monday. His friends regret his departure.

The junk man has put in his appearance. Several car loads of junk are awaiting him.

The Transportation Company are building a stable opposite the Inspector’s office.

Excerpts from The Parkersburg State Journal

Aug. 4, 1881

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Bob Enoch is president of the Wood County Historical Society. Would you like to help preserve our past for future generations? The society offers informative monthly meetings and an interesting, 20-page quarterly newsletter. Dues are just $20/year. Send to: WCHPS, P.O. Box 565, Parkersburg, WV 26102.