Did you know Huntington’s beloved Ritter Park almost became the site of a municipal garbage incinerator? I uncover how visionaries, community spirit, and thoughtful design shaped one of West Virginia’s most cherished green spaces.

Whether your memories of the park involve family picnics, prom pictures, weddings, or just a quiet walk among the roses, this week’s episode uncovers the incredible story behind the green heart of Huntington.

Episode Highlights:

• Discover how Ritter Park nearly became a garbage incinerator site instead of Huntington’s favorite gathering place 04:03.
• Meet the visionaries: From Rufus Switzer, who dreamed of green spaces while others thought of industry, to Charles Lloyd Ritter, whose generosity changed the city’s path 05:04, and landscape architect Gus Wofford, whose careful designs define the park’s natural beauty today 09:38.
• Learn how the Works Progress Administration’s handcrafted stonework and bridges still stand as a testament to craftsmanship and community pride 10:22.
• Explore the history of the iconic Rose Garden, including the dedication of Truman Watts, who restored it to regional fame 13:33.
• Uncover hidden corners of the park, from the vanished Lake Kapuskonwee to the story of the DAR Cabin, and reflect on how each element came to be a part of Huntington’s story 14:12.

A Thought to Take With You:

Next time you stroll through Ritter Park, look closer. Each stone, tree, and path holds a piece of our shared history—crafted by hands and hearts who believed Huntington deserved a gathering place as remarkable as its people.

If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at TSTM@mail.com. Or post a comment on the Tri-State Machine FB Group page.

Welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine.

I'm your host Vanessa Hankins. This is a podcast where my guests and I share our memories and present day stories of the Tri-State Area. That's West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio.

Nothing too serious, no political views, and no ulterior motives.

We're just here to share our fun stories about this great area.

Whether you're a past resident or a current Tri-State resident, I think you're going to have fun with us.

So join in, press play on your podcast player, and welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine!

https://ts-time-machine.captivate.fm/episode/ritter-park

Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

I talk about the stories that shape the Tri-State area—West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio.

From quirky family superstitions and mysterious urban legends like the Mothman to the way outsiders view Appalachia through the lens of stereotypes and headlines, I explore how stories not only entertain us but also define our communities and identities.

I share some personal reflections on Huntington, which touch on how popular culture has influenced perceptions of the region and challenge us all to preserve and share the real stories that matter.

If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at TSTM@mail.com. Or post a comment on the Tri-State Machine FB Group page.

Welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine.

I'm your host Vanessa Hankins. This is a podcast where my guests and I share our memories and present day stories of the Tri-State Area. That's West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio.

Nothing too serious, no political views, and no ulterior motives.

We're just here to share our fun stories about this great area.

Whether you're a past resident or a current Tri-State resident, I think you're going to have fun with us.

So join in, press play on your podcast player, and welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine!

https://ts-time-machine.captivate.fm/episode/the-stories-they-tell-about-us

Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

This week, we’re joined by Bo Vance, a veteran stand-up comedian with over 25 years of experience and a reputation for unfiltered, observational humor with an Appalachian twist.

From his accidental start in comedy at a North Carolina drag queen night, to finding his stride in black comedy clubs, and eventually headlining Pride shows and performing across the region, Bo shares candid tales from his journey on stage.

We talk about the evolution of his comedic style, memorable moments with audiences, the highs and lows of the local comedy scene, and why advertising and community support matter so much to comedians in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Bo’s brand of honesty-meets-humor storytelling, get ready for an hour packed with laughs, behind-the-scenes insights, and a celebration of Tri State culture.

Moments

00:00 Introducing comedian Bo Vance

09:34 Meeting Jerry Seinfeld at Keith Albee

15:32 Discussing pronoun usage challenges

18:02 Parenting experiences in comedy

25:43 Making up funny stories

31:40 Concert night elevator encounter

33:12 Discovering Becky Robinson on TikTok

39:20 Comedian interacts with a passed-out audience member

46:13 Comedy show plans in West Virginia

50:58 Managing a big production team

57:19 Bombed joke recovery strategy

01:01:22 Comedian spotting himself on a billboard

01:06:38 Growing up with family music influences

01:14:20 Discussing language and inclusivity

Want more? Follow Bo Vance Comedy on all social media (except Pinterest!) and check out upcoming shows and other West Virginia comedy happenings at wvcomedy.com.

If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at TSTM@mail.com. Or post a comment on the Tri-State Machine FB Group page.

Welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine.

I'm your host Vanessa Hankins. This is a podcast where my guests and I share our memories and present day stories of the Tri-State Area. That's West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio.

Nothing too serious, no political views, and no ulterior motives.

We're just here to share our fun stories about this great area.

Whether you're a past resident or a current Tri-State resident, I think you're going to have fun with us.

So join in, press play on your podcast player, and welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine!

https://ts-time-machine.captivate.fm/episode/bo-vance-on-mixing-appalachian-roots-and-unfiltered-humor

Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/