In the serene landscapes of West Virginia, where the history of small towns often murmurs quietly beneath the rush of the modern world, David Parmer stands as a dedicated guardian of the past. A retired attorney from Hinton, West Virginia, he has woven the fabric of local lore and memory into a series of works, capturing the essence of the communities of Orlando and Burnsville, West Virginia. His endeavors, chronicled vividly in books like "Uncle Zeke," draw from a rich vein of local history and personal anecdotes, providing deep insights into the everyday lives and broader cultural contexts of these regions.
My father’s legal career was marked by diligence and a commitment to justice, qualities that seamlessly transitioned into his historical work. Even during his busiest days at the office, he found time to delve into historical research, driven by a mission to preserve West Virginia’s rich narratives. Upon retiring, he dedicated himself entirely to this cause, becoming a custodian of the voices and stories from his youth. His dedication goes beyond preserving memories; it’s about anchoring our community to its roots and ensuring our collective history is passed down through generations. This commitment is exemplified in his ongoing project to compile missing yearbooks for Burnsville High School, filling in gaps that reconnect the community with its past. —-Jason Parmer
Let’s go Bears!
In the heart of the West Virginia hills, at the edge of the Little Kanawha River Basin, is Oil Creek with its several tributaries. It was first settled at the beginning of the 1800s. At the confluence of Clover Fork & Oil Creek the town of Orlando developed in the late 1800s and withered in the mid 1900s. For two hundred years a small community has loved, worked, fought dreamed and worshipped here and raised new generations to do the same. Here are some of the stories of that community.
Uncover a remarkable collection of archival documents and photos donated to the West Virginia State Archives, featuring the history of Burnsville, West Virginia, and the surrounding area as chronicled by David Parmer. Delve into the stories, events, and traditions that shaped this vibrant community and discover the legacy of Burnsville's rich past. View the David Parmer Burnsville collection list here.
Send me a message or ask me a question using this form. I will do my best to get back to you soon!
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.