Kingwood in Preston County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Preston County Buckwheat Festival

Photographed By Bradley Owen, October 4, 2022

1. Preston County Buckwheat Festival Marker

Inscription.
The first Buckwheat Festival was held in Kingwood on October 13, 14 and 15, 1938. It was sponsored by the Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department. The General Chairman was Harry Brindle.

On this site, the first king and queen of the Festival were crowned. The Queen Buckwheat (later changed to Queen Ceres) was Louise Shaw and King Buckwheat was E. Scott Miller. The two were later married.

This plaque was placed in 1991 in honor of the 50th Annual Buckwheat Festival.

Erected 1991.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is October 13, 1938.

Location. 39° 28.3′ N, 79° 41.262′ W. Marker is in Kingwood, West Virginia, in Preston County. Marker is at the intersection of South Price Street and West Main Street (West Virginia Route 7), on the right when traveling south on South Price Street. Marker is located at the east entrance to the Preston County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 West Main Street, Kingwood WV 26537, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Vietnam Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Preston County Civil War Monument (a few

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

steps from this marker); Preston County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Kingwood (within shouting distance of this marker); Price's Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); Operation Desert Shield / Operation Desert Storm (within shouting distance of this marker); The Preston County Bell (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kingwood.

Regarding Preston County Buckwheat Festival. Late in the Great Depression, rural West Virginia and Preston County found economic recovery slow and tedious. Local farmers grew buckwheat, although mainly for animal feed, as an "insurance crop" because of its short growing season and good quality; it was thought that perhaps this grain might spur agricultural economic growth. For this reason and for its uniqueness, buckwheat was chosen as the focus for an end-of-harvest homecoming when farmers could relax, have fun, and compete.

The first "Buckwheat Festival" was held October 13, 14, 15, 1938 and included an all-day horse trading and a farmer's auction. Early festival activities were located on

Photographed By Bradley Owen, October 4, 2022

2. Preston County Buckwheat Festival Marker

Marker is located at the right of the entrance.

the east lawn of the courthouse, and attendees enjoyed sack races, hog calling for women, husband calling, nail driving for women, eating contests, tugs of war, and rolling pin throwing. As continues today, buckwheat and other agricultural crops were exhibited, a king and queen were selected, and a banquet of buckwheat cakes and sausage were served.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 4, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2022, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 648 times since then and 81 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 4, 2022, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.