Published: March 22, 2008 08:52 pm      

Whitlow’s tireless service earns History Hero distinction

PRINCETON — Tony Whitlow doesn’t consider himself to be a hero. That’s a term he only uses for the heroes he serves through Mercer County’s “Those Who Served Museum.”

“The veterans we serve here at the museum are the real heroes,” Whitlow, 74, said. “We worked pretty hard on this museum so that we could provide a safe place where veterans can store their relics and preserve their memories for future generations.” Whitlow was instrumental in establishing the museum that can trace its origin to a small trophy case in the Mercer County Assessor’s office that Whitlow started in May of 1999.

“Of course, I was humbled when I learned that the Mercer County Historical Society had selected me to be their 2008 History Hero,” Whitlow said. He said that he felt especially pleased when he learned from Historical Society President Lois Miller that William Sanders, the 2006 History Hero from Mercer County, nominated him for the award. “I consider Mr. Sanders to be a true hero,” Whitlow said.

“I feel grateful for the honor, but what I feel gratified about is when I see young school groups who visit here and don’t know much about World War II, but after one of the veterans takes them through the museum, talks to them about the displays and they understand ... That’s gratifying to me.”

Whitlow served in the U.S. Army from 1953-’55, and was in Korea after the end of the Korean War. When he set up the display case at the Assessor’s office, he saw how much the veterans appreciated it. “They started bringing me their personal items and asking me to display them too,” he said.

“We filled up the case, asked for a room in the War Memorial Building. Filled that up and asked for a larger room on the second floor,” he said. “We almost have it filled up now. I’m thankful that Senator (Robert C.) Byrd has provided us with funding to keep the museum going and I’m also thankful for the support we received from the Shott Foundation, the Hunnicutt Foundation, the West Virginia legislature and so many more.”

Almost all of the exhibits at the museum contain more than uniforms, helmets and medals. The displays include photos, personal items and even a fraternity pin that was made into a bracelet. “We have tried to attach a name to every item in the museum. That way, there is a story behind every photograph or relic.”

After he finished his tour in the military, Whitlow worked as a yard brakeman in the Norfolk Southern Bluefield yard for three years, and went to West Virginia Business College. From there, he worked for the state highway department, kept books for Ramsey Paint Company and started working for North American Rockwell.

Whitlow was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1970 and served 12 years in the house. He was elected to the state senate in 1982 and served three 4-year terms in that chamber. He served one term as Mercer County Assessor and retired in 1999.

Whitlow and his wife, Betty, have two children, Valerie and Curtis, and four grandchildren. The Whitlows live in Elgood.

“I’ve been very proud of the museum,” he said. “I have done a lot of work in my church and for the county, but I consider this to be my crowning achievement.”

Miller said the Historical Society completed a successful Easter Bake Sale on Friday, raising $1,600 for to go toward their efforts to restore the house they plan to use as a headquarters. She said society volunteers will be hosting a fund-raising breakfast from 8-10 a.m., April 5, at the Princeton Applebee’s, with the funds going for the history house restoration project. The History Hero awards ceremony was Feb. 21, at the Cultural Center in Charleston.

– Contact Bill Archer at barcher@bdtonline.com