Tri State Time Machine

In this episode of the Tri-State Time Machine, host Vanessa Hankins is joined by Jason Arthur to delve into the fascinating history of Huntington, WV. From the early days of Holderby's Landing to the bustling city it is today, Vanessa and Jason explore the rich tapestry of families, industries, and personalities that have shaped Huntington over the years.

They kick off with the story of James Holderby and his initial settlement, leading to the transformative impact of Collis P. Huntington and the Emmons family in the industrial revolution of the area. The conversation then flows into the incorporation of Huntington in 1871 and its rapid development, including the historic Huntington bank robbery by the James gang and the city's pioneering use of electric streetcars.

Jason and Vanessa also discuss significant events like the devastating 1937 flood and its aftermath, the decline of steel and manufacturing industries in the 1950s, and the subsequent shift towards education, tourism, and healthcare. They highlight the pivotal role of Marshall University and the city's two prestigious hospitals, Cabell Huntington Hospital and St. Mary's Medical Center, in sustaining the community.

The episode wraps up with a look at Huntington's cultural landmarks, such as the Keith-Albee Theater, and beloved local eateries like Cam's Ham and Jim's Spaghetti. They also touch on the city's vibrant festival scene and the importance of community involvement in local governance.

Special thanks to:

- Jason Arthur for sharing his insights and passion for Huntington's history.

- Our sponsor, Alex R. White, PLLC, for their continued support.

If you have a memory you want Vanessa to talk more about, just send her an email at [email protected] or post a comment on the Tri-State Time Machine FB Group page.

Copyright 2024 Vanessa Hankins

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

✍️ Episode References

Marshall University

[marshall.edu](https://www.marshall.edu)

Keith Albee Theater

[keithalbee.com](https://www.keithalbee.com)

Pullman Square

[pullman-square.com](https://www.pullman-square.com)

Camden Park

[camdenpark.com](https://www.camdenpark.com)

Ritter Park

[ghprd.org](https://www.ghprd.org)

Heritage Farm Museum & Village

[heritagefarmmuseum.com](https://www.heritagefarmmuseum.com)

Jim's Spaghetti

[jimsspaghetti.com](https://www.jimsspaghetti.com)

Central City Cafe

[centralcitywv.com](https://www.centralcitywv.com)

St. Mary's Medical Center

[st-marys.org](https://www.st-marys.org)

Cabell Huntington Hospital

[cabellhuntington.org](https://www.cabellhuntington.org)

Hoops Family Children's Hospital

[hoopschildrens.org](https://www.hoopschildrens.org)

Museum of Radio and Technology

[mrtwv.org](https://www.mrtwv.org)

Museum of Art

[hmoa.org](https://www.hmoa.org)

Beech Fork State Park

[wvstateparks.com](https://wvstateparks.com/park/beech-fork-state-park/)

Thomas Carol House

[historicplaceswv.com](https://www.historicplaceswv.com)

Marshall Health

[marshallhealth.org](https://www.marshallhealth.org)

Brad D. Smith

[braddsmith.com](https://www.braddsmith.com)

In this episode of the Tri-State Time Machine, host Vanessa Hankins dives into the rich history of The Frederick building with guest Josh Garnes. From its construction in 1906 to its role as a central hub in Huntington, WV, The Frederick has seen it all.

Josh shares his personal experiences working in the building and some eerie ghost stories that will send shivers down your spine. They also discuss the famous people who stayed at The Frederick, including Richard Nixon and Liberace, and the iconic restaurants that once graced its halls.

Special thanks to:

• The Facebook group (3) Huntington WV You Grew Up In H-Town If... | Facebook for information and photos 
• Frederick Hotel - Clio (theclio.com)
• My wonderful grandfather-in-law and family members for research
• My guest Josh Garnes

Memorable Moments

00:48 Josh Garnes worked in the Frederick

01:32 The Frederick building was built in 1906 in a neoclassical style

03:08 Take a wild guess at how much it cost in 1906 to build The Frederick building

05:14 The Frederick building had over 300 tons of iron and 4000 electric lights

08:13 The need for space in Huntington had grown so big that Frederick Miller built The Frederick

09:17 21 Club at the Frederick used to be Papa Catoni's Elephant Walk

14:02 The Elephant Walk later became Mings.

18:46 What is your favorite dish at 21 Club?

20:04 John Hankins owned the Frederick Hotel for 25 years

24:03 The hotel closed on July 30, 1973, and was converted to residential and business spaces

32:57 Erica says she heard a woman walking in high heels in her apartment

37:46 Let's talk about famous people who visited the Frederick

38:45 President Richard Nixon was here, stayed at this hotel, musician Liberace

42:09 The movie We Are Marshall came out in 2006

TriState Time Machine is brought to you by Alex R. White, PLLC. They are a Personal Injury law firm that concentrates on helping victims of negligence, recklessness, or the bad acts of someone else. They ensure that their clients understand the potential of their cases and work to maximize that potential in each case.

If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at [email protected]. Or post a comment on the Tri-State Machine FB Group page.

Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Join your host, Vanessa Hankins, as she dives into the rich history and vibrant community of Westmoreland with Huntington City Council District 1 hopeful, Jason Arthur.

This episode is a treat for history buffs and community enthusiasts alike, as Vanessa and Jason explore the unique stories that make Westmoreland a cherished part of the Tri-State area.

From the early days of Paleo Indians to the bustling community it is today, you'll discover why Westmoreland holds a special place in the hearts of its residents.

Gate to Westmoreland by Paul N. Fulkes and Willard Daniels Jr.

This episode is sponsored by Alex R. White, PLLC.

If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at [email protected]. Or post a comment on the Tri-State Machine FB Group page.

Welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine.

I'm your host Vanessa Hankins. This is a podcast where my guests and I share our memories and present day stories of the Tri-State Area. That's West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio.

Nothing too serious, no political views, and no ulterior motives.

We're just here to share our fun stories about this great area.

Whether you're a past resident or a current Tri-State resident, I think you're going to have fun with us.

So join in, press play on your podcast player, and welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine! 

Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/moire/new-life - License code: LWJEODYBFWYH73TR

https://ts-time-machine.captivate.fm/episode/westmoreland-with-jason-arthur

Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

In this heartfelt episode, your host Vanessa Hankins is joined by the dynamic duo of Holly Smith Mount and Sarah Walling, familiar faces from the city council and previous episodes. Dive into a conversation that traverses the past, present, and future of the Tri-State area, with stories that will make you laugh, ponder, and maybe even tear up a bit.

This episode is sponsored by Alex R. White, PLLC.

If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at [email protected]. Or post a comment on the Tri-State Machine FB Group page.

Welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine.

I'm your host Vanessa Hankins. This is a podcast where my guests and I share our memories and present day stories of the Tri-State Area. That's West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio.

Nothing too serious, no political views, and no ulterior motives.

We're just here to share our fun stories about this great area.

Whether you're a past resident or a current Tri-State resident, I think you're going to have fun with us.

So join in, press play on your podcast player, and welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine! 

Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/moire/new-life - License code: LWJEODYBFWYH73TR

https://ts-time-machine.captivate.fm/episode/talking-with-the-gals-my-huntington

Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Vanessa Hankins has returned with the Tri-State Time Machine.

After a poignant hiatus, she's stepping up as the owner of the podcast and is ready to share her journey through grief, learning, and laughter. With new ideas, guests, and the same heartfelt content you love, this is THE podcast you won't want to miss.

Tune in, engage, and let Vanessa's stories become a part of your podcast listening routine. Listen now to be part of the Tri-State Time Machine's new chapter.

This episode is sponsored by Alex R. White, PLLC.

If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at [email protected]. Or post a comment on the Tri-State Machine FB Group page.

Welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine.

I'm your host Vanessa Hankins. This is a podcast where my guests and I share our memories and present day stories of the Tri-State Area. That's West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio.

Nothing too serious, no political views, and no ulterior motives.

We're just here to share our fun stories about this great area.

Whether you're a past resident or a current Tri-State resident, I think you're going to have fun with us.

So join in, press play on your podcast player, and welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine! 

Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/moire/new-life - License code: LWJEODYBFWYH73TR

https://ts-time-machine.captivate.fm/episode/its-time-to-start-again

Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Welcome to the Huntington Tri-State Time Machine, sponsored by Realty Exchange.

I'm your host WG Bunch. This is a podcast where my guests and I share our memories of the Huntington Tri-State Area. Huntington, West Virginia, Ashland, Kentucky, Chesapeake, Ohio. Nothing too serious, no political views, and no ulterior motives. We're just here to share our fun stories about this great area.

Whether you're a past resident or a current Tri-State resident, I think you're going to have fun with us.

So sit back and relax and welcome to The Huntington Tri-State Time Machine, sponsored by Realty Exchange.

Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins

Welcome to the Huntington Tri-State Time Machine, sponsored by Realty Exchange.

I'm your host WG Bunch. This is a podcast where my guests and I share our memories of the Huntington Tri-State Area. Huntington, West Virginia, Ashland, Kentucky, Chesapeake, Ohio. Nothing too serious, no political views, and no ulterior motives. We're just here to share our fun stories about this great area.

Whether you're a past resident or a current Tri-State resident, I think you're going to have fun with us.

So sit back and relax and welcome to The Huntington Tri-State Time Machine, sponsored by Realty Exchange.

Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins

Welcome to the Huntington Tri-State Time Machine, sponsored by Realty Exchange.

I'm your host WG Bunch. This is a podcast where my guests and I share our memories of the Huntington Tri-State Area. Huntington, West Virginia, Ashland, Kentucky, Chesapeake, Ohio. Nothing too serious, no political views, and no ulterior motives. We're just here to share our fun stories about this great area.

Whether you're a past resident or a current Tri-State resident, I think you're going to have fun with us.

So sit back and relax and welcome to The Huntington Tri-State Time Machine, sponsored by Realty Exchange.

Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins

Welcome to the Huntington Tri-State Time Machine, sponsored by Realty Exchange.

I'm your host WG Bunch. This is a podcast where my guests and I share our memories of the Huntington Tri-State Area. Huntington, West Virginia, Ashland, Kentucky, Chesapeake, Ohio. Nothing too serious, no political views, and no ulterior motives. We're just here to share our fun stories about this great area.

Whether you're a past resident or a current Tri-State resident, I think you're going to have fun with us.

So sit back and relax and welcome to The Huntington Tri-State Time Machine, sponsored by Realty Exchange.

Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins

Welcome to the Huntington Tri-State Time Machine, sponsored by Realty Exchange.

I'm your host WG Bunch. This is a podcast where my guests and I share our memories of the Huntington Tri-State Area. Huntington, West Virginia, Ashland, Kentucky, Chesapeake, Ohio. Nothing too serious, no political views, and no ulterior motives. We're just here to share our fun stories about this great area.

Whether you're a past resident or a current Tri-State resident, I think you're going to have fun with us.

So sit back and relax and welcome to The Huntington Tri-State Time Machine, sponsored by Realty Exchange.

Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins