Alderson’s Bricktop Marker Dedicated

Bright   February   sun   greeted   a   hearty   crowd   at   the   unveiling   of   the   marker   recognizing   the   legend   of   Ada Beatrice   Queen   Victoria   Louise   Virginia   “Bricktop”   Smith,   an   entertainer   of   the   Jazz   Era,   born   on   August 14, 1894 in Alderson, WV.  Greetings   on   behalf   of   the   William   G.   Pomeroy   Foundation®,   who   funded   the   marker   in   partnership   with the    West    Virginia    Humanities    Council’s    Folklife    Program,    were    read    by    Margaret    Hambrick.    Deryn Pomeroy   wrote,   “…Today   you   are   gathered   to   pay   tribute   to   the   legacy   of   “Bricktop   Smith”.   At   the Pomeroy   Foundation,   it   is   our   hope   that   this   Legends   &   Lore   Marker   will   help   Alderson’s   traditions   and lore   stand   the   test   of   time.   From   all   of   us   at   the   Pomeroy   Foundation,   we   are   delighted   to   support Alderson Main Street in your mission by obtaining this new Legends & Lore marker.” Alderson   Main   Street   President   Judy   Lohmeyer   said,   “We   appreciate   all   of   you   who   came   out   today   to dedicate this marker.  It is one more public recognition of the tremendous history of Alderson.”  Lohmeyer   and   Doris   Kasley,   Councilwoman   and   on   behalf   of   Mayor   Travis   Copenhaver,   pulled   the   ribbon to   unveil   the   marker.   Following   the   short   ceremony,   the   crowd   moved   inside   the   Christ   Our   Savior Lutheran   Church   where   they   enjoyed   a   short   concert   by   Susanna   Robinson,   vocalist,   and   Bill   Hoffman   on guitar.      Robinson   and   Hoffman   are   part   of   the   group   which   has   played   on   the   Alderson   Memorial   Bridge the   last   several   years   in   an   annual   “Tribute   to   Bricktop”   concert   sponsored   by   Alderson   Main   Street   and the Greenbrier County Commission.    Refreshments   were   served   and   friends   and   neighbors   enjoyed   catching   up   with   each   other   on   the   cold winter day.  Kasley   said,   “It   is   so   heartwarming   to   be   able   to   recognize   one   of   our   legendary   citizens   and   also   to   see our   current   citizens   enjoying   themselves   so   much.   The   Town   thanks   Alderson   Main   Street   and   all   the others who helped make this possible.”  PHOTO CAPTIONS:  3532—This    marker    recognizing    “Bricktop”    Smith    was    placed    in   Alderson’s   Alumi    Park    on    Saturday, February 15, 2020. 3529—Alderson   Main   Street   President   Judy   Lohmeyer   and   Councilwoman   Doris   Kasley   unveiled   the marker. 3533—Guests   enjoyed   music   from   the   “Bricktop”   Era   by   Susanna   Robinson,   vocals,   and   Bill   Hoffman, guitar.

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