Margaret Stubblefield

VERO BEACH, Fla. — In 1941, war was brewing in Europe and the possible involvement of the United States was sinking into the general conscience of a country that was just emerging from the worst economic crisis in its history – the Great Depression.

That year, John Ford’s masterpiece adaptation of John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath” reigned at the 13th Academy Awards, reminding all of the struggles of tenant farmers, migrant workers, the dust bowl and a time when many went hungry and without everyday luxuries that today’s society would deem absolute necessities.

Struck hard by the Depression, West Virginians were no strangers to the suffering and pain of the time. One shining jewel, though, shone through like the sun on a warm autumn morning, at the 12th Mountain State Forest Festival.

Still in its infancy, the festival that year was scheduled for Oct. 2-4, again celebrating the beauty and splendor of West Virginia. That year, especially, served to brighten the mood of an otherwise downtrodden citizenry that was filled with worry and uncertainty over the economy and the future of the state and country.

Shining a light for all was a young woman from Charleston, who not only brightened festivalgoers’ moods, but also helped to embody the hopes and dreams of all West Virginians.

Margaret Stubblefield was crowned Queen Silvia of that 12th Festival, the last before a seven-year hiatus was spurred by the horrors of another world war that took the lives of thousands of West Virginians.

“I was quite young,” the former queen said from her Vero Beach, Florida, home. “Pearl Harbor took place a short time after. It was ever so long ago.”

Despite the passage of time, memories of the Festival and the Mountain State remain vivid for the now 92-year-old.

“It was an exciting time,” she said. “It was a great compliment to be named Queen Silvia. I enjoyed the entire thing thoroughly.”

“I think that was back during my first year of college,” Stubblefield added. “It (the Festival) was well taken (by the community). It was just wonderful to be singled out like that to be Queen. The people of West Virginia are absolutely amazing.”

So much so that Stubblefield has kept a home in White Sulphur Springs, as well as in Florida. She visits the Mountain State as often as possible and said she still enjoys the beauty and tranquility offered by this gem in the mountain.

Unfortunately, her White Sulphur Springs home was “washed out” in the devastating June flooding. She hopes, though, the state will be able to rebuild from the disaster and get back to being able to enjoy the special things in life, like the Mountain State Forest Festival.

“It’s just charming there,” she said. “I hope they will be able to prevail and continue. The people of West Virginia can do wonders.”

It was those wonders that made Stubblefield fall in love with the Mountain State. During the 1941 Festival, she participated in a wealth of activities, including wood-chopping events, a parade, several official royal events and, of course, the regal and memorable coronation ceremony.

“To look at me now, you wouldn’t think I would have been Queen Silvia,” she quipped. “It’s just such a special event, and I was happy to be a part of it then and am proud of it now.”

Although Stubblefield, one of the oldest living Queen Silvias, will not be in attendance this year, the Mountain State Forest Festival continues to hold a special place in her heart, too.

“West Virginia needs something like this (the Forest Festival),” Stubblefield said. “It’s a positive thing for all, and if I can do anything to support it, I will.”

“I’m very proud of my association with West Virginia,” she added. “My grandfather, my father and my grandfather were all very proud of their association with West Virginia, too. That’s why I still keep coming back — the beauty that I enjoy so much.”