Grafton, West Virginia is a city/town like many others within the United States whose economy collapsed. A once-thriving town, located in the mountains of central West Virginia, now struggles economically.
Grafton is also the birthplace of Mother’s Day. It was here that Anna Jarvis, who lived on the outskirts of town, conceived of the idea - and where the first mass was celebrated.
Once a magnificent structure, the building has been allowed to fall into grave degradation.
Renovation began some time ago but seemed to come to a halt.
Overlooking the train yard. In its heyday this must have been an impressive site with the yard filled with passenger trains destined for so many locations!
Some work has been done, as is evident by the fire sprinkler system installed on the wall, but that is the extent of the renovations.
The streams throughout Taylor County run with brown water that stains the rocks. This is do to the acidity of water due to mining.
These large hoppers dispense regulated amounts of lime into the water to neutralize the ph so that the water can support life again.
Andrews Methodists Episcopal Church held the first official celebration of Mother's Day in 1908. Anna Jarvis, who founded Mother's Day, conceived the idea as a way to venerate "a mother's private service to her family."
