Buckhannon in Upshur County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Elizabeth J. "Binky" Poundstone

October 6, 2018

Photographed by Bradley Owen, February 24, 2025

1. Elizabeth J. "Binky" Poundstone Marker

Inscription.
Mrs. Poundstone was born Elizabeth Jean Zickefoose in Buckhannon on December 29, 1929. Binky was the matriarch of the City of Buckhannon for decades. First appointed to serve the balance of her late husband Charley's seat on city council in 1963, she was elected as city recorder in 1964 & was elected to serve 13 consecutive, two-year terms, retiring as city recorder in 1990. She remained active in city affairs, being elected to city council in 1990. Mrs. Poundstone was first elected as Buckhannon's mayor in 1996, & reelected in 2000.

Much of the tremendous progress realized in our Buckhannon-Upshur community during the decades of her service to her hometown was attributed to Binky Poundstone, including acquisition of the city waterworks system, expansion of sanitary sewer works, waste collection, the building of the Buckhannon Dam, paving of streets, construction of sidewalks, installation of street lights, expansion & renovation of city hall, parks' development, & city financial & in-kind assistance to the then Stockert Youth Center, now the City of Buckhannon's Stockert Youth & Community Center. Mrs. Poundstone was

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always a fervent supporter of all things concerning our youth, senior citizens, & veterans of our community. She guided initiatives to convey city property to permit the establishment of the Buckhannon Walmart in 2000, realize the veterans' addition to Heavner Cemetery, the development of the Lewis-Upshur Animal Shelter, & the establishment of our river trail surrounding this very place. Several annexations occurred during her time as mayor, & the first municipal flood mitigation programs were initiated during her terms as city recorder & mayor.

Binky was instrumental in the formation of the West Virginia Municipal League in the 1970s & served on the first Board of Directors of the WVML. She garnered several awards for her 37 years of public service including her recognition by the WVML as city Recorder of the Year & the 1983 B-U Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. Binky was elected as president of the WV City Clerks & Recorders Association & served as a longtime member of the Board of Directors of the WV Public Employees Retirement Board.

Her networking with state & federal officials was legendary, & aided Buckhannon's favorable

Photographed by Bradley Owen, February 24, 2025

2. Elizabeth J. "Binky" Poundstone Marker

Marker is on the left.

treatment by agencies that sponsored grants permitting development of our city's infrastructure as the water & sewer plants were expanded or newly built during her time as city recorder or mayor. Simply stated, if there was a Mount Rushmore of City of Buckhannon contributors, Mrs. Poundstone would be a central figure. She died in Wyoming while visiting her son Charlie on September 6, 2000, survived by her daughters Libby & Jane, & sons Charlie & John.

Immediately following her passing, the Buckhannon River Walk Trail surrounding this very spot was renamed in her honor & memory. Our community's residents shall always be mindful of the rich Binky Poundstone legacy & she shall forever be remembered fondly as a passionate & compassionate leader.

The Poundstone-Ellis Legacies' Plaza was dedicated by the City of Buckhannon & West Virginia Wesleyan College during WVWC's homecoming weekend

Erected 2018 by The City of Buckhannon and West Virginia Wesleyan College.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Government & Politics. A significant historical date for this entry is December 29, 1929.

Location. 38° 59.486′ N,

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80° 12.917′ W. Marker is in Buckhannon, West Virginia, in Upshur County. It is at the intersection of Camden Avenue and Railroad Street, on the left when traveling north on Camden Avenue. Marker is located on the south side of Hank Ellis Field. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 52 Camden Avenue, Buckhannon WV 26201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Central West Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Franklin C. "Hank" Ellis (here, next to this marker); Castanea dentata x mollissima (Dunstan chestnut) (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bob Wallace Bridge (about 700 feet away); The Tannery (about 700 feet away); Baptisia australis (blue false indigo) (about 700 feet away); Hydrangea arborescens (wild hydrangea) (about 800 feet away); Ulmus americana (American elm) (about 800 feet away); Prunus serotina (black cherry) (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Buckhannon.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 5, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 135 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 5, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.