Contact:  Margaret Hambrick  /  Annie McMillion  304-646-2439          304-645-3398

NEWS RELEASE August 28, 2018

Celebrate With Montwell And GHS Built   in   1818   for   James   Withrow,   the   home   now   known   as   Montwell   turns   200   this   year.      Established   in 1963,   the   Greenbrier   Historical   Society   is   celebrating   its   55th   year   of   service   to   the   Greenbrier   Valley.     GHS will hold its Annual Meeting on October 4 at Montwell to celebrate both events. This   brick   home   built   in   1818   by   the   architect   and   brick   mason   John   Weir,   who   also   built   Lewisburg Academy’s   first   building   in   1812   and   the   Reverend   John   McElhenney’s   home   in   1814,   is   the   oldest   brick home   still   in   existence   in   Lewisburg.      The   three   families   who   have   owned   the   home   are   integral   to   the history   of   the   Greenbrier   Valley:   the   Withrows   until   1905,   the   Surbaughs   and   Sydenstrickers   until   1942, and the Montgomerys since then. People   often   ask   about   the   name   Montwell;   it   comes   from   the   combination   of   Montgomery   and   Rothwell (Dr.   John   F.   and   wife,   Edith   Rothwell).   It   was   the   president’s   home   when   Dr.   John   was   president   of Greenbrier   College   and   a   name   was   needed   to   distinguish   it   from   the   North   House,   which   was   known   as the President’s Home and now is the home of the Greenbrier Historical Society.   A   two-year   restoration   begun   in   2002   by   Mary   Montgomery   Lindquist   and   her   husband,   Paul,   took   the home   closer   to   the   original   look   while   extensive   infrastructure   updating   made   it   suitable   for   today’s   living.     People   on   tours   often   ask,   “Does   anyone   live   here?   It   looks   like   a   museum.”      The   answer   is,   “Yes   and   we love   sharing   it   with   those   who   enjoy   history   and   old   homes.”   Mary   said.      “I   see   this   event   as   honoring   my parents   and   the   Greenbrier   Historic   Society.   My   father,   Dr.   John,   loved   and   wrote   much   about   the   history   of this   area   and   was   instrumental   in   establishing   the   Greenbrier   Historical   Society.      My   mother   graciously opened   Montwell   for   many   events   and   would   have   been   pleased   to   have   you   join   us   on   October   4.”   Paul said,   “We   spent   much   effort   on   restoring   the   house   so   it   could   be   preserved   for   another   200   years   and   so we could carry on the tradition of opening it to family, friends and the community.” The   event   will   include   a   tour   of   Montwell   between   4:30   and   5:30   p.m. At   5:30   p.m.   guests   will   assemble   to form   the   number   “200”   in   front   of   Montwell.      Photos   will   be   taken   by   drone   thanks   to   Richard   Grist,   Foxfire Realty.      The   intent   is   to   use   the   photo   as   the   cover   of   the   Journal   of   the   Greenbrier   Historical   Society   for this   year.      Fruits   of   Labor   will   cater   the   meal   under   a   tent   in   the   back   starting   at   6:00   p.m.   and   members   of the   GHS   Board   of   Directors   will   be   baking   pies   for   dessert.      A   brief   business   meeting   will   conclude   the evening. As   a   special   and   unique   treat,   Emarya   Montgomery,   great   granddaughter   of   John   and   Edith   Montgomery, will provide background music for the event. Tickets   to   this   event   are   available   for   $25,   can   be   obtained   at   the   North   House   Museum   or   from   any   GHS Board   Member,   and   must   be   purchased   by   Friday,   September   28.     The   event   is   open   to   everyone.     You   do not need to be a member to attend.   PHOTO   CAPTION:      Built   in   1818,   Montwell   has   seen   a   lot   of   the   history   of   our   valley.      Paul   and   Mary Montgomery   Lindquist   will   open   their   home   for   the Annual   Meeting   of   the   Greenbrier   Historical   Society   on October 4, 2018. (Click on photo for larger view)

Founded    in    1963,    the    Greenbrier    Historical    Society    is    dedicated    to    community    enrichment    through education   and   preservation   of   the   history   and   culture   of   the   Greenbrier   Valley.   The   Greenbrier   Historical Society   is   a   regional   organization   that   serves   the   West   Virginia   counties   of   Greenbrier,   Monroe,   Summers, and Pocahontas.