Published: July 07, 2008 11:01 pm      

Music hall brings couple together

Like many newlyweds, Guy and Maxine Griffith, of Mapledale, often reminisce about the day they first met and how their romance led to matrimony. But unlike most newlyweds, the Griffiths are proud octogenarians whose love of music led them to their chance meeting last August at the American Heritage Music Hall in Ronceverte, a place on earth where some say heavenly things can happen.

“Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you don’t want someone. It’s awful being lonely,” Guy, 82, said last Tuesday while enjoying a night out with his wife at the music hall. “She made the first move and I would have gotten married sooner to Maxine, but she wouldn’t give in.”

The Griffiths tied the knot May 16 and have a standing date with each other every Tuesday night at the music hall, a 2007 “Spirit of West Virginia” winner, which features a jam session, food buffet and much more. Both had enjoyed long marriages of about 50 years that ended with the death of their spouses.

“I have a lot of friends who come here every Tuesday night,” Maxine, 81, said. “It’s one of my favorite places to be.”

But what is it about the music hall that keeps bringing the Griffiths — and other couples who have fallen in love there — back, time and time again? Jeannie Crane, who has run the nonprofit music hall with Charlie Massie since 1998, said environment is the key.

“Everyone who comes here is like family and we provide a family-type atmosphere so they can enjoy themselves,” Crane, 72, said. “Our goal is to make people happy. We don’t pocket a penny from keeping the doors open.”

Dotting the walls inside the music hall are photographs of “Granpa,” from the TV show “Hee Haw,” Willie Nelson, and other music greats which hang beside vintage guitars and musical instruments, some hand-made by Charlie. A sign hangs that says “I hope you dance.” It’s a perfect complement to their live bluegrass, folk and country music, which plays every Tuesday and Saturday night from 7 to 11 p.m.

During music breaks, Crane serves as an MC of sorts, announcing birthdays and celebrations, but it feels more like a friend talking to an old friend. On this night Crane also pointed out a fundraising jar for a local family who had recently lost all their belongings in a fire. Before everyone gets up to eat for the “dinner-mission,” as Crane calls it, a moment of silence quiets the music hall.

The music hall serves no alcohol, is nonsmoking, and all the food is brought by patrons. Upon entering the 7,200-square-foot former roller skating rink, visitors are greeted by a framed photograph of Gov. Manchin at the front door.

Altogether, it adds up to an ambiance that’s uniquely its own in West Virginia.

“To our knowledge, there are no other facilities in the state quite like ours,” said Massie, 75, who performs on stage with Crane. “Our aim was to keep the heritage of traditional live music here, and that’s what keeps me young and keeps me going.”

Ronald and Wanda Lester, of White Sulphur Springs, met at the music hall last December and were wed June 20. Lester helped out during the music hall’s three-month renovation in 2005. Much like the Griffiths, Wanda approached Ronald first.

“I never felt like a stranger here and I just walked right over to him and asked him if he wanted to dance,” Wanda said. “I was just braver than he was.”

Loie McDermot, 73, and husband Carl Seldomridge, 74, were married last September and are regulars at the music hall.

“I love to listen to the music and dance,” McDermot said. “Plus, I like to see all the people and get to know them. This is the only place I get to see some of them.”

But to understand how important the music hall is for some, you have to look no further than the words written in a 2007 letter to Crane and Massie.

“I think the music hall does more than you realize. I have found that a lot of those who come have lost a loved one, as I did,” one patron, whose spouse had recently died, wrote. “I think of the music hall as a healing place. Coming here helps us heal from our loss. When I am there, I forget about for a time my great loss. I feel all of those who are there are family and I’m not alone anymore. Thank you for being such earthly angels and giving so much.”

— E-mail:

cgiggenbach@register-herald.com