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A trip to Kump Education Center at 401 South Randolph Avenue in Elkins on Tuesday or Thursday before Christmas (4 – 7 p.m.) or Saturdays, December 21 or 28 (1 – 4 p.m.) will awaken your memories of Christmas past.
KEC is across from Kroger on S. Randolph Avenue. Please enter the property from Seneca Road, going up the hill above the old front entrance or around to the back of the building off highway 33/48. After you find a parking space, go into the house at the side door.
Thanks to our new board members, Debra Barsy, Laura Santmyer, and Malcolm Long, the Kump House has more lights and Christmas decorations than it has ever had in its hundred years. Edna and Guy Kump would have been amazed, and their grandchildren would just be delighted with all the old toys and memorabilia.
The Music Room features musical instruments on a gorgeous Christmas tree that goes nicely with the harps on the sconce lamps and the harp design on a side table. This room is the place to see Debra Barsy's talent for mixing old and new ideas of beauty.
The Living Room honors the tradition of natural greenery on the mantel brought by Liz McVean, who has been a member of the Professional Development School collaboration between Davis & Elkins College and Kump Education Center. On a side table are wooden nativity scenes sent by Elizabeth Turk -- Gov. Kump's great granddaughter who is a medical missionary in Madagascar.
On the Sun Porch, see Malcolm Long's Lionel electric train complete with whistle and blinking lights inside the cars. This fabulous toy is a source of much joy for adults and children alike as it travels through a long tunnel and goes around Laura Santmyer's tiny town on a large oval track.
In the Dining Room, enjoy cookies and hot cider while looking at historical Kump table settings. In the Pantry you will find the best beloved electrical appliance in the house -- a 1925 Frigidaire.
The Breakfast Room is the place to see earlier pottery by Scottie Wiest and paintings by Marcia Mitchell -- both of whom are granddaughters of Edna and Guy Kump.
In the Library, Carolyn Shepler's homemade snow people come to life on the desk and mantel.
Thank you to Andrew Carroll's Elkins High School students who made a program for the tour.