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Burton CEOS

By Staff | Aug 25, 2021

Bringing an end to 85 years of continuous service to the community, the current members of Burton CEOS have decided to disband the organization.

Eight women formed the first Farm Women’s Club in Wetzel County in 1936. At that time, members concentrated on home improvement, including learning and developing skills in gardening, canning and even upholstery. It wasn’t long before they started to provide daily hot lunches for the students at Burton School. Later they purchased supplies and library books. They volunteered as 4-H leaders and assisted local clubs.

The group’s biggest project became converting a large muddy area along Rt. 250 into the Burton Park. Their dedication resulted in what has become a welcome stopping place for travelers, and still supplies some local residents with drinking water, a place for family reunions and a small playground. A variety of fund raising events and donations from individuals and businesses has helped the club continue park maintenance for many years.

The Farm Women’s name eventually changed to Burton Extension Homemakers. Other county clubs included Earnshaw, Crossroads, Hilltoppers, Mobley, Paden City, New Martinsville, and Hundred, whose members all contributed to improvements in their communities. In 1998, they became part of WVCEOS (Community Education Outreach Service), a non-profit volunteer organization working through the WVU Extension Service, and one of the largest educational organizations in the country. The program’s goals include preserving the environment, building strong families and increasing awareness of our global interdependence in order to strengthen individuals, families and communities.

Our members were reluctant to bring an end to the long history of service, but membership, financial and health concerns have been challenging. We thank everyone who has supported our work throughout the years and we are grateful to the family of Kenny and Toni Ray who have assumed responsibility for Burton Park maintenance. We encourage the community to do whatever they can to help take care of the park, a gift of the Burton Farm Women’s Club.

Sincerely, Burton CEOS Members