Greenbrier River Interpretative Center

“Improving The Community One Project At A Time” PO Box 117 - Alderson W Va. 24910

Several years ago, Vivian Pranulis lived in Lewisburg and drove into

Alderson regularly to work at the Wolf Creek Printery where she and Dick

produce their famous Wolf Creek Calendars. She constantly noticed the

deteriorated condition of the old Gulf Station and the potential of the large lot facing the Greenbrier River. She began a campaign to purchase the site

and renovate the Gulf Station. The working title of the project was “Ferry

Park” because the Alderson Ferry used to cross upstream from there. Vivian recruited help from Judy Lewallen, Tom and Neta Roush, members of Alderson Main Street, and many others. First,

money was raised to buy the property. A down payment was made and a contract written which gave Alderson Main Street two years to raise the rest of

the money. Money came from many sources including a $10.000 grant from the Daywood Foundation which had to

be matched dollar for dollar. It was done with many small individual contributions and that was a big

accomplishment! The property was paid for and deeded to the Town of Alderson. The next challenge was the renovation and a concept emerged of a fully restored 1950’s era Gulf Station with

period enhancements such as the gas pumps, a Coke machine, and other bits and pieces appropriate to the time.

Landscaping the area and providing additional parking was also important. Creating multipurpose space inside the

service bays and a display on the ecology of the river were also envisioned. A new title emerged as the concept

solidified and the project became the “Greenbrier River Interpretative Center” (GRIC). A Transportation Enhancement Grant (TE) was applied for but was not granted. We tried again. This time we were

successful and needed to raise the 20%. Again we worked hard. We got money from the Hollowell Foundation, the

Greenbrier County Commission Arts and Recreation Fund, Daywood Foundation, our legislators, and individual

donors. That gave us $95,000 to start with. We advertised for an architect and were fortunate to obtain the

services of Dan Hart, Architect, and Mike Gioulis, Historic Preservationist. They developed overall plans for the

GRIC and broke the renovation into phases. Meanwhile, we applied for another Transportation Enhancement Grant and received $192,000 which, when

matched, would be $240,000. We had already been working to generate the match and finally achieved it the Fall

of 2007. Again we were supported by individual donors, the Greenbrier County Commission’s Arts and Recreation

Fund. the Hollowell and Daywood Foundations, our Legislators, the Governor, and many others. In this latest photo of the G. R. I. C., the last contract has been finished. You can see the new

glass in the corner window, the new front door, and the new bathroom doors. It is really looking

good. There is an new door cut in the wall on the left side as well. The next phases are to

replace the garage doors and the doors on the back. The large sign to the right is a

requirement of the grant. (6-25-2008) We have completed the paperwork on the $240,000 TE grant and match but do not expect a

notice to proceed until at least May, 2008. We were hoping to be ready to dedicate the

Greenbrier River Interpretative Center during the July 4th celebrations in 2008 but now we are

targeting 2009. We can not underestimate the contribution made by the staff of the WV State Division of

Highways, particularly Harold Simmons, Jeff Harpold, and Mark Scoular whose guidance and

encouragement have been wonderful. (2-12-09) The Town of Alderson Maintenance workers, Rick Burns and Eric Duff, helped by cutting some of the large

evergreen trees and saved us the expense of having them cut. We also appreciate the excitement and contributions of present and former Alderson citizens who have supported

this project. More is always needed and contributions or Gulf Station items and memorabilia can be sent to

Alderson Main Street, Box 117, Alderson, WV 24910. This continues on the next page

This is the history of the Greenbrier River Interpretive/Visitor Center. After several years of work it is now complete.

The center is open May-Aug Thu & Fri 11am-4pm and Sat 8am-4pm. The community Market is also located in the

parking lot of the center on Sat, May-Sept 8:30am-12:30pm.