Nathan Wills wants people to remember the city of Nitro's "explosive beginning." He and others on the Nitro Historic Commission have worked especially hard in recent years to transform Nitro into a living World War I memorial through rebranding efforts. 2017 will be a big year for the group as Nitro celebrates its centennial.
During Tuesday night's council meeting, Wills, historic commission vice president, presented two commemorative items before council to kick off the year-long festivities: a hand crafted steel poppy flower and a knife set that went to Nitro Mayor Dave Casebolt.
"It's unbelievable, a lot of people will come to Nitro and say, 'Well where's all the historic buildings?'" Wills explained. "The story of Nitro is more about the people - the American people moreso than the actual town itself. It's a testimony to the American people - they set out to do a job and they did it in eleven months."
Nitro has statues, street signs, a planned park and a museum that pay tribute to its World War I roots. The city got its name and beginning with manufacturing gunpowder for World War I. Nitro was one of three cities to have massive explosives plants constructed to supply American troops per the "Deficiency Appropriations Act" of Oct. 6, 1917.
Casebolt was surprised and humbled by the knife set presentation. The historic commission wanted to present Casebolt the first set of knives from the collection to thank him for his ongoing support of their efforts.
"We want to bring that [World War I] history back to life. And all of this is part of that," Casebolt said. "Our ultimate goal is to create an attachment to the city."
Both Casebolt and Wills look forward to the centennial celebrations, noting there are events planned almost every month starting with a rededication of the city in January. The city plans to open its new World War I park sometime in May.
The historic commission will sell both the knife sets and steel poppy flowers throughout the year. Each knife set comes with a pamphlet outlining Nitro's key developments and accomplishments. The flowers, crafted by local artisan Joe Foley, come with a copy of John McCrae's "In Flanders Fields" poem.
Wills is confident people will buy into the centennial celebration themes and commemorative items. Since launching sales in November, 60 orders have been placed. People may reach out to the historic commission by calling or emailing to purchase any of the items.
"We have inventory of both. Of course, we could become overwhelmed," Wills said. "And if we do, we will take orders and get them to them as quick as we can get them manufactured."
All proceeds will go to the historic commission.
In other news, council:
n Approved November 15 meetings minutes.
n Announced the city's Christmas parade set for this Saturday, Dec. 10 at 4 p.m.
n Approved the Sweetheart 5K on Feb. 26, 2 p.m. The alternate date for poor weather is March 5