ANANIAS PITSENBARGER FARM ~ 2013 WV ENDANGERED PROPERTY

By Lynn Stasick, Statewide Field Representative

I had seen pictures of the Ananias Pitsenbarger farm, but a recent visit met all of the expectations the pictures had promised and more.  Located in Pendleton County near Franklin, this beautiful farmstead is nestled into gently sloping hillsides rising to the surrounding mountains.  Established circa 1845, the site presently consists of twenty-six extant log structures including the original house.

I visited with the owners and stewards of the property, Teresa and Jeff Munn in their newer log home perched on a hillside overlooking the original buildings.   In speaking with them, it immediately became obvious that these people are very dedicated, not only to the past history of the site and its people but to carefully preserving the structures. One such effort which is underway is to make the original home habitable once again for use as a guest house.  In addition, several of the outbuildings have foundation problems which they are addressing this spring.

In addition to a beautiful farm, the Munns are delightful people.  After viewing photos of the Pitsenbarger family, a book on the area, and a discussion as to what my role as field representative is and what we hoped to accomplish that day, we took a walk to examine the buildings and discuss their structural issues.  Afterward, my traveling companion and Elkins historian Deborah Farrell and I were treated to a wonderful Italian dinner followed by an apple crisp dessert.  It was delicious.  I would like to offer a word of thanks to Jeff and Teresa for their kind hospitality as well as to their tireless dedication to preservation.  Our hats are off to you.

For more information on the farm, visit http://www.pawv.org/endangered2013/farmONEweb.pdf
To learn about all the 2013 WV Endangered Properties, visit http://www.pawv.org/endangedlist2013.htm