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MINGO — On Sept. 25, the Mingo District Historical Society, after a two-year delay, will rededicate the now 102-year-old Mingo Indian statue in Upper Mingo.

Sylvester Fretwell, and his wife, Carol, own the property on which the statue sits and are the caretakers. He will lead the rededication ceremony.

The statue was originally dedicated on Sept, 25, 1920. It was crafted by the famed J.W. Fiske Iron Works and erected by Elkins Monumental Works.

Speakers at the event were W.H. Cobb, editor of the 1921 book “History of the Mingo Indians” and founder of the Randolph County Historical Society, and H.G. Kump, then candidate for Randolph County prosecuting attorney and future governor of West Virginia.

More then 200 local residents signed donation sheets to contribute from 50 cents to $5 toward erection of the statue. Some familiar names on the donation sheet include F.E. Runner, W.G. Wilson, Dr. F.H. Barron, E.D. Talbott, J. J. Wallace and Judge H.B. Kittle.

The schedule for the rededication event on Sept. 25 include:

• 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Church Service at the Mingo Presbyterian Church

• 1-1:30 p.m.-Light lunch served by the Church-drinks and utensils provided

• 1:30-2 p.m.-In the church sanctuary, George Coussoule, retired teacher and local historian will do a presentation on our local Native American history

• 2:30 p.m.-3 p.m. – The Rededication Ceremony will be led by Fretwell at the statue or in the church, depending on the weather.

Historical writings about the statue will be on display in the church, including copies of the original donation signup sheets. Copies of the “History of the Mingo Indians” book, 2020 Edition, along with 8¢x11 pictures of the statue, suitable for framing, will be available for purchase.