Richwood, WV, a Town with Rich Roots

April 29, 2014 | Roxy

The small town of Richwood, West Virginia once had a booming lumber and coal economy, but since the 1980s most of the jobs in town have left the area, as have 42% of the population. Every dollar is needed here, and the town relies on its annual Feast of the Ramson to help rejuvenate the local economy each April. Traveling 219’s Roxy Todd traveled to the Ramp Feed, and she talked to some of the younger generation about growing up in the Ramp Capital of the World.

Ryan McClung helps prepare the ramps, which are fried in bacon grease, the day before the Ramp Feed.

The festival takes place here, inside the high school cafeteria. The air is saturated with the smell of ramps—a pungent, garlicky, peppery smell, so strong that it eclipses everything in the room. A local songwriter named John Wyatt is playing his Richwood Ramp song for the hundreds of people waiting in line. One local Richwood high school student, 17-year-old John Bard, is helping to volunteer by serving meals at the Ramp Festival.

“It’s just packed. Everyone’s here and enjoying the food, enjoying the celebrations and looking at the crafts and stuff. I mean, it’s nice to see the town this packed like it used to be before I was born. I was born in 1997. My parents have been telling me all the time about how big the town used to be before my older brothers and sisters went to school here.”-John Bard.

Outside the high school where the festival’s being held, 11-year-old Tyler McCune is selling ramps with his uncles and stepfather. His family has been selling ramps like this at the Ramp Festival for at least thirty years, long before Tyler was even born. Tyler says that he never wants to leave Richwood, though he admits that he might have to if he wants to find a job outside the coal mines.

“I love this town. I love it. It’s not very big. Not very much, but it’s just home. You can go half a mile up the road, catch your fish, dig your ramps, get you a few deer when deer season’s in. Nothing like home. Just up here enjoying my time selling ramps. Just having fun with my family. My uncle he taught me. And my grandpa, and my stepdad. Yeah, and taught me how to hunt and fish.” -11-year-old Tyler McCune.

Downtown Richwood.

“I get so frustrated because people say to me, even people that live here, ”Poor Richwood. I wish I could do something for poor Richwood.” No no no! Don’t call me poor. We’re rich! We just need an influx of some entrepreneurs, to help us get back on our feet. If we had 50 good paying jobs, we would be set for life. We really would. Where they’re gonna come from? Someone will discover us, with all the clean water and the air. And all that we have to offer. Somebody somewhere will discover us eventually. I truly, truly believe that. But then I’m said to be a dreamer” -Maxine Corbett, Richwood writer for the Nicholas Chronicle.

Glen Facemire, who owns the Ramp Farm in Richwood, eating fresh ramps and a ramp hotdog.

“In the last year, year and a half, we suffered some lay-offs, and there’s potentially more to come in the coal industry. By bringing 2,000-3,000 people in for the festival, it’s generated revenue for the local businesses. With jobs and people moving out, and not moving in, I guess it keeps hope alive and keeps the motivation that at some point, jobs will come back, industry will come back. I have an eight week old now, a five year old, and a 3-year-old. I think the one thing Richwood has going for it is just raising children with a sense of community.”-Dan Ritchey, director of the Chamber of Commerce.

Kirsten Chapman and Teara Stout, in front of a mural in Richwood.

Waitress at Mumsey's Iron Skillet, the only restaurant currently open in Richwood.

Waitress at Mumsey’s Iron Skillet, a restaurant in Richwood.

“I feel like we’re almost at a tipping point where we could just turn the corner and things would really start brightening up and move back in a positive direction. The motivation and the creativity’s here, we just need that spark to ignite the fire.” –Dan Ritchey.