Old Fields, West Virginia , (aka Oldfields,) situated in Hardy County, is little more than a small intersection of roads. Its location was originally marked by only a small store and tiny church. To find Old Fields on a map, the easiest thing to do is to locate Washington, D.C. and then look just a bit more than 100 miles to the west. In recent years the number of non-residential structures have expanded to include a new church, an elementary school and a post office. Until two years ago the post office was contained within the store. I am not sure of the official population of Old Fields. I would guess it to be less than 25. However, the post office serves those folks who live within about a ten mile radius.

A few centuries ago, Lord Fairfax gifted his daughter's new husband, Issac Van Meter, with land that now comprises Hardy County as well as two adjacent counties. Van Meter's grave can be found at the churchyard of the tiny wooden church at Old Fields. The South Fork of the Potomac River is a short walk southward from the churchyard. A favorite canoeing run, known as The Trough, begins there.

The Trough

A large, brick house was built in 1793 within view of the Old Fields store. It is called Willow Wall, the original owner of which owned thousands of acres of surrounding "bottom land". One of my favorite stories about that property involves a structure that was built there. The owner offered to build a small chapel for his slaves. The slaves, having learned that the devil lurked in dark corners, asked that the building be without corners. The round structure was used as a chapel and later as a barn until just a few years ago when it finally caved in.

The nearest "large" town is Moorefield, which has a population of approximately 2,148. While West Virginia was considered to be a part of the Union during the Civil War, Moorefield, and the surrounding areas remained loyal to the Confederacy. A significant battle was lost here by the Union that resulted in disabling what became known as The Valley Campaign. During that time, area people hid their valuables within the hollow columns of the Mullan Hotel.

Old Fields is surrounded on all sides by farmland.

A nearby farm

I am not certain of the statistics, but I am fairly certain that the area produces more poultry, (both chickens and turkeys,) than any other area in the state. There is a processing plant in Moorefield that supplies frozen, pre-cooked chicken to such companies as Golden Skillet, Dairy Queen (go figure!) and even KFC as well as some of the TV dinner companies. Most of the people who live in this area are involved in this industry by one means or another. Many of the farms around Old Fields grow grain crops to feed the poultry population.

Mom's 200 acre farm has been among the exceptions. For the past thirty years it has been used for the raising of cattle. While there is plenty of land devoted to pasture and hayfields, the land is only about 25 percent cleared. The rest remains wonderfully wooded and supplies me with plenty of places to wander. From the house we can see Trough Mountain to the east, Chert Mountain to the north (upon which there is an apple orchard where I once worked,) and Coal Mountain to the southwest. Coal Mountain is the home of a mysterious light which has appeared from time to time for nearly a hundred years. The farm is in what is known by the locals as White Oak Flats, or more simply, The Flats. A short walk to the barn and back will quickly remind you of what a misnomer that is.

The local radio station plays country music for the most part with the occasional mix of new popular stuff and a wee bit of bluegrass. The PBS radio station originating in Harrisonburg, Virginia (75 miles away) devotes about three hours per week to either Celtic or bluegrass music.

Harrisonburg has the nearest venue for the possibility of hearing some traditional music. Since my move to Old Fields, I have made the trip to H'burg to see The Seldom Scene and Michael Martin Murphey at a small theater there.

With the help of my friend, David C., I have been able to locate a couple of local people with whom David and I jam from time to time. I am trying to persuade them to become members or to at least come to the Getaway next year.

So far, three 'Catters have visited here: David C., Bill Sables, and Moonjen. One other is planning to visit in the near future. I hope that if any of you find yourselves in the area, you will consider a stop in beautiful Old Fields, West Virginia.