The Town of Eleanor is proud to announce the celebration of its 90th anniversary, commemorating nine decades of community, progress, and tradition since its founding in 1935.
The town invites residents, families, former citizens, and guests to join in a series of special events and festivities planned throughout the weekend of August 15 – 16. This milestone offers a unique opportunity to honor the town’s rich history, recognize those who have helped shape the town, and celebrate all things Eleanor.
The town looks forward to sharing this historic occasion with everyone who calls Eleanor home – past, present, and future.
Big things are coming to the Town of Eleanor this weekend, August 15 and 16, as the town celebrates 90 years of community, history, and hometown pride! Get ready for a weekend full of fun, food, music, and memories!
Event Schedule
Friday, August 15
6 – 10 p.m. – Community Pool Party at the Eleanor Pool
7 p.m. – 90th Anniversary 5K; start/finish at the Eleanor Pool (5K HAS BEEN CANCELLED)
Saturday, August 16
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – 3rd Annual George Washington Elementary School Music Vendor Fair in Room C (upstairs at Fire Department)
Noon – 4 p.m. – Art Gallery/Competition and Town Hall Tours at the Homestead Room at Town Hall
1 – 3 p.m. – Bingo in Room B (Downstairs of Fire Department)
5 p.m. – Official Welcome Ceremony at Town Park Gazebo
5 – 10 p.m. – Free community hot dog picnic in Room C. Evening celebration at town park; inflatables for children, free cotton candy and popcorn
6 – 7 p.m. – Performance by the North Putnam Community Band
7 0 8 p.m. – Dancer’s Choice square dance demonstration
8 p.m. – Live music by Not Quite Paradise
Community Pool Party
Kick off the celebration at the Eleanor Pool! The party starts off at 6 p.m., and with your energy, it could be one of the best nights of the year. Admission is just $3 at the gate – but free for kids 5 and under and anyone who visited the pool earlier that day. There will be a DJ spinning your favorite tunes, food trucks in the parking lot, and plenty of fun for the whole family.
The Eleanor Pool opened in 1970. Operated for many years by Putnam County, it has been proudly run by the Town of Eleanor since 2012. Look for the commemorative plaque on the pool house to see some familiar names who helped make the pool a reality.
3rd Annual GWES Music Vendor Fair
Come shop local and support a great cause. All funds raised will benefit the George Washington Elementary School Music Program. Vendors will be set up in Room C (upstairs at the Fire Department) on Saturday the 16th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You can expect to find a wide variety of unique, handmade, and locally crafted items perfect for gift giving or treating yourself.
Special Exhibits at the Art Gallery
Several special exhibits will be featured in the art gallery located in the Homestead Room. Each exhibitor will showcase their unique work, and many pieces will be available for purchase for those interested in taking home a one-of-a-kind creation.
Pat Cross – The National Endowment for the Arts awarded Pat Cross an Arts Grant to create a series of drawings and paintings based on individuals engaging the outdoors in the Town of Eleanor. For the first time, Pat Cross, a resident of Eleanor, brings her art exhibit to the Town of Eleanor to celebrate the 90th Year Anniversary. Both originals and fine art prints will be available for purchase with 20% of the proceeds benefiting the Town of Eleanor celebration event. To learn more about Pat Cross Art, visit her online Gallery at www.patcrossart.com or visit one of her sales venues.
John DesMeules – A former Eleanor resident and current Tamarack Studio Artisan, is widely recognized for his exceptional talent in glassblowing and sandblasting. His artistry has long been admired both in our community and beyond. John is especially known for creating the official State of West Virginia Christmas ornament, selected by former First Lady Cathy Justice, as well as designing the annual ornaments for Eleanor’s Christmas Decorating Contest.
Keith McClanahan – Keith is a talented member of our community and has lived in Eleanor for over 60 years. His specialty is turning wood bowls and the ones on display and for sale during the art show have been made from wood collected from naturally fallen trees out of Eleanor Park. Keith also made a “Key to the City” that was given to A. James Manchin in 1976 at the request of then Mayor Buddy Jeffries. A replica key that he made in 2019 can be seen on the second floor of the town hall.
Town Hall Tours
Visitors are invited to step back in time with a tour of the Eleanor Town Hall on Saturday, August 16th, from noon to 4:00 p.m. Known affectionately over the years as “The Brick” and “The Red House,” the building has long stood as a symbol of the town’s beginnings. Originally serving as the headquarters for the West Virginia Rural Rehabilitation Corporation, it played a central role in the planning and development of Eleanor as a New Deal resettlement community in the 1930’s. During the tour, guests will be able to walk through the building and view historic photographs, original documents, and artifacts that help tell the story of Eleanor’s founding and growth over the last 90 years. From architectural features to rare glimpses into the town’s earliest days, the tour offers a meaningful way to connect with Eleanor’s unique past.
History Alive! “Minnie Reed”
Putnam County Library is pleased to sponsor a FREE History Alive! performance of “Minnie Reed,” portrayed by Mary Dailey. This living history exhibit surveys the rich history of music in Appalachian culture through the fictitious life of “Minnie Reed” brought to life by actress and historian Mary Dailey. Her performance begins at 11am on Saturday, August 16 at town hall.
B-I-N-G-O
Residents and visitors are invited to take part in a special afternoon of bingo on Saturday, August 16th. The event will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Room B. All ages are welcome, and players will have the chance to win a variety of lighthearted prizes. To help support the event, participants are kindly asked to bring a $1 item to donate that can be used as a prize during the games. In addition to this special anniversary event, bingo is held every Thursday in Room B from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. throughout the year. These weekly games offer a chance to gather and have fun.
Saturday Evening Celebration and Activities
The evening festivities begin at the gazebo, where Mayor Cam Clendenin will offer an official welcome to kick off the evening at 5:00 p.m. Immediately following, the community is invited to gather for a group photo in front of the gazebo which will serve as a commemorative snapshot celebrating Eleanor’s 90 years since its founding in 1935. After the photo, guests can make their way to Room C for a free hotdog picnic, where volunteers will be serving hotdogs, chips, refreshments, and desserts. The picnic is open to all and offers a great chance to relax and enjoy the evening with neighbors and friends. Entertainment begins at 6:00 p.m. and continues throughout the night with a lineup that highlights local talent.
If you are looking for a souvenir from the event, there will be 90th Anniversary T-Shirts ($15 each) and refrigerator magnets ($2 each) for sale.
From historic displays to live music and family fun, Eleanor’s 90th Anniversary promises to be a celebration to remember. Everyone is invited to come out and be part of this special day in the heart of the community.
