Get ready for a different kind of episode on Tri-State Time Machine! Today, we’re cracking open the story of 4401 Magazine Avenue. It's a house in Huntington that’s packed with secrets, surprises, and a whole lot of history tucked away in its attic. I focus on what happens when you find yourself not just buying a home, but inheriting decades of old photos, handwritten letters, vintage receipts, and enough neighborhood lore to keep any history buff busy for years.

It's interesting how a house can be way more than just four walls. Built over an original structure, this place reveals its past through quirky rooflines, old family cards, and remodeling plans scribbled on yellowed paper. I talk about the the detective work involved in putting these puzzle pieces together, sometimes leading to more questions than answers.

My research leads to looking into the lives of railroad workers, the women who owned property when it wasn’t the norm, and the shifting identity of Westmoreland, from powder mills and explosions to golf courses and block parties. I find out about the house’s ties to the Huntington Fire Department, the mystery of who actually first called it home, and the powerful connections between neighbors that have kept memories alive even when official records fall short.

If you love digging into the stories behind old houses, or you just want to hear about the quirks and mysteries that come from living in a place with real history, this episode’s got you covered. Come hang out as I share what it’s like to live inside the layers of 4401 Magazine Avenue. And maybe inspire you to take a closer look at your own walls!

If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at TSTM@mail.com. 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!

https://ts-time-machine.captivate.fm/episode/4401-magazine-avenue

Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins

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

Did you know Huntington’s beloved Ritter Park almost became the site of a municipal garbage incinerator? I uncover how visionaries, community spirit, and thoughtful design shaped one of West Virginia’s most cherished green spaces.

Whether your memories of the park involve family picnics, prom pictures, weddings, or just a quiet walk among the roses, this week’s episode uncovers the incredible story behind the green heart of Huntington.

Episode Highlights:

• Discover how Ritter Park nearly became a garbage incinerator site instead of Huntington’s favorite gathering place 04:03.
• Meet the visionaries: From Rufus Switzer, who dreamed of green spaces while others thought of industry, to Charles Lloyd Ritter, whose generosity changed the city’s path 05:04, and landscape architect Gus Wofford, whose careful designs define the park’s natural beauty today 09:38.
• Learn how the Works Progress Administration’s handcrafted stonework and bridges still stand as a testament to craftsmanship and community pride 10:22.
• Explore the history of the iconic Rose Garden, including the dedication of Truman Watts, who restored it to regional fame 13:33.
• Uncover hidden corners of the park, from the vanished Lake Kapuskonwee to the story of the DAR Cabin, and reflect on how each element came to be a part of Huntington’s story 14:12.

A Thought to Take With You:

Next time you stroll through Ritter Park, look closer. Each stone, tree, and path holds a piece of our shared history—crafted by hands and hearts who believed Huntington deserved a gathering place as remarkable as its people.

If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at TSTM@mail.com. 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!

https://ts-time-machine.captivate.fm/episode/ritter-park

Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins

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

I talk about the stories that shape the Tri-State area—West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio.

From quirky family superstitions and mysterious urban legends like the Mothman to the way outsiders view Appalachia through the lens of stereotypes and headlines, I explore how stories not only entertain us but also define our communities and identities.

I share some personal reflections on Huntington, which touch on how popular culture has influenced perceptions of the region and challenge us all to preserve and share the real stories that matter.

If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at TSTM@mail.com. 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!

https://ts-time-machine.captivate.fm/episode/the-stories-they-tell-about-us

Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins

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