In 1988, The Centennial History of Hurricane, WV was published to commemorate the town’s 100th anniversary. Since the Centennial History is now out of print, the Breeze is reprinting articles from the book as space allows. This week’s selection will be the 222nd installment of the Centennial History.

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ERNEST PAUL STRICKLIN
Submitted by E.P. Stricklin

Ernest Paul Stricklin was born in Hurricane in Putnam County on January 27, 1944, in the farm house then owned by his paternal grandfather, John Stricklin (deceased). This house is now the dwelling of Jane and Dewey Thacker, his aunt and uncle. Ernest’s father, Paul W. Stricklin (deceased), served in the army during World War II, and during the time he was gone, Ernest and his mother, Cora B. Stricklin, lived with her parents, Sheradan and Janie Racer Thacker (both deceased) on Crooked Creek, Scott Depot.

Ernest went to school in Hurricane, graduating from Hurricane High School in 1961. He was married April 24, 1963, to Ruth Ann Sowards, the third child of George and Frances Phelps Sowards, former owners and operators of Sowards Dry Cleaners. They were located on Main Street at the site of what is now Hurricane Floral until a structural fire forced them to move to Second Street.

Ernest went to work for the City of Hurricane in August, 1965, after being laid off from Union Carbide’s Institute plane. He worked for Hurricane as an assistant under John Chapman until Mr. Chapman’s retirement.

Ernest is the father to two children: Paula and Matthew. Paula is married to Jeff Lewis and resides in Henderson, Tennessee. Matthew is a student at Marshall University and lives at home.

Ernest has two sisters: Sue and Pat. Sue is married to Billy C. Stowers and Pat is the widow of Johnny Stevens. All are still living on the home place just off Route 60 on Stricklin Road.

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A digital copy of the Centennial History can be obtained from the Hurricane City Hall for a small donation. For more information, call the City of Hurricane at (304) 562-5896.