This is a photo of Benjamin “Ben” and Barbra “Dorothy” Mayor Thompson former residents of Canaan Valley. Dorothy was born in a mining community in PA. Her family moved from coal camp to coal camp. In the 1930’s, they moved to Arthurdale in Preston County. Arthurdale was a community set up as part of the New Deal Community Homestead started by Franklin Roosevelt. Dorothy graduated and had help going to Louisville, KY to learn the art of weaving. She met Ben at Arthurdale and they were wed and moved to Canaan to settle into farm life. Dorothy taught weaving in the local area. Ben was born in Davis and graduated from Davis High School. He attended college at WVU and earned an agricultural degree. Ben was active in many ventures including overseeing a banana plantation in Guatemala. Ben took over as a weather observer for the U.S. Weather Station when his father passed. He also grew cauliflower, was a local surveyor and sold lots in the 1960’s. They were quarter acre lots for $250.00. Ideas or comments contact Tim Turner (304) 478-3389.
