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The McLaughlin House

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As we head up Morton Hill, aka Union Street, in Webster Springs, we come to one of my very favorite houses. Built in 1894 by Dr. John McLaughlin, this house was also the home of the famed Eli “Rimfire” Hamrick (an indirect ancestor of mine) at one time. The little building out front was Dr. McLaughlin’s office, but I know personally that it was at least at one time later used as a house. I’ve made several visits to this stunning house over the years. Here’s glimpses from my latest visit in 2023. But even though I grew up going to Webster Springs regularly, I didn’t know about this house until 2007. We went one day to find it locked, and I just drooled over it from outside. I was thrilled beyond words to find out it was owned by the historical society and that we could have a tour the next day. I even have video of that tour on a handheld camera!     I will always feel the excitement of that first visit. It held feelings I don’t have words for, and it’s like a part...
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The Dormitory

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On any walk up Union Street, aka Morton Hill, you’ll pass this building on the left.  It has gone by many names over the post century. I don’t know when it was built, but what was once the Webster Springs Sanitarium was by 1913 Webster Springs High School for one year. At one point it was the Summit Hotel. And it was a co-ed dorm from 1919-1923; “the dormitory” is what I know it by.   Enjoy a special view of the dormitory from my personal collection: Are you familiar with this building? Can you add to the info above on what it was used for and when?   _______ : Kacie Fleming, 2023
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Morton Hill

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Union Street is a must-see on any trip to Webster Springs, in my book, for several reasons. We’ll take our time enjoying several of those over the next few posts, but first: this crazy steep hill itself and a few scenic views taken over time. I wish pictures did the incline justice. For now, three questions for you:   Does everyone call this Morton Hill?   What is your favorite stop on this street?   And has anyone fallen down it?    __________ pictures 1-2 2014; the rest 2023 | by Kacie Fleming  
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"Buried"

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The pull of the past Is often the fact That we simply can’t go back.   Time doesn’t march forward; It buries itself One second upon another Until years amass millions of millions of seconds That can never be reached— No matter if you spend the rest of your seconds Digging.   The past is always present But only in its pull, In its endless reminder That it is Ever unreached. - Kacie Lynn Fleming from Meeting Me: Poems of Hope, Truth, and Transformation ____________ : Kacie Fleming, 2023
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The Salt Sulphur Well

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This landmark pretty well speaks for itself. This is the only remaining salt sulphur well in Webster Springs, a novelty that largely attracted tourists in quest of improved health, before the famous Webster Springs Hotel arrived. I don’t know if you can still drink from it, but speaking from experience, I can’t say I recommend it.   __________ pictures 1 and 3 2011; pictures 2 and 5 2014; picture 4 2023 | by Kacie Fleming
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