Ninety years ago, Arthurdale held its first “Music Festival” on July 7, 1935, to celebrate and promote the traditional music of the region. As part of this festival, they had a fiddle contest in which they had 12 contestants. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was in attendance and handed out ribbons to the winners of the contest.
Additionally, Arthurdale hosted regular square dances in the community. The Rich family, namely Harry (father), Elmer (son), and Sanford (son) from Booth, Monongalia Co., WV, often played for these square dances—some of which were attended by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
Elmer Rich would often introduce himself by saying he played an Arthurdale square dance for Eleanor Roosevelt. Elmer remains a beloved figure in the West Virginia musical community, having passed down his tunes and fiddling style to the next generation of fiddlers in the state.
