Mr. Worls:
You’ve told the story of “Oglebayfest” many times … the special Fall weekend was created waaaaay back in the late 1970s after you and a group of park leaders discussed different ways how to thank the residents of the Wheeling for their support. The choice was a free festival celebrating Octoberfest traditions with live entertainment, German foods and drinks, and children’s activities during the first weekend each October.
And, for the 47th time, here we are, and we’ve decided it’s time for us to thank you, Mr. Worls, for a number of other decisions you were involved with since first hired at Oglebay 70 years ago.
Like the additions to Wilson Lodge and the growth in the number of cottages and estate houses, the water slide and tennis bubble and ice rink at Wheeling Park, and the creation of the Good Zoo and “Boo at the Zoo,” too, and the new picnic shelters and walking trails and Par 3/driving range that transitions into a winter sports complex.
The addition of the Arnold Palmer-design gold course sure was a game changer, and – if ya wanna talk about altering the course of the park’s history – what you and local civic legend Ross Felton created with the annual “Festival of Lights” allowed Oglebay to become the most visited tourist attraction in the Upper Ohio Valley and one of the top destination attractions in the state of West Virginia.
Oh, and we can’t forget the fun fact you were THE park employee who, when the first female requested permission to wear something called a “two-piece bikini” at the Crispin Pool in the early 1960s, said yes.
All innocent giggles aside, Mr. Worls, you’ve been the soul of Oglebay, and you’ve worked with Wheeling mayors, West Virginia governors, and U.S. senators and representatives so your vision could allow this Waddington Farm hilltop to become not only our community park but also a destination resort that easily is the city of Wheeling number one economic asset.
It’s given us our place for so many special moments, and it’s offered us a peace and tranquility we’ve come to take for granted, and we owe you for that and much more.
Best of all, thanks to your leadership and guidance, Oglebay and Wheeling parks are prepared to be the same slice of Heaven for many generations to follow you, us, and everyone reading this overdue correspondence.
Thank you, Randy, for everything.
Sincerely,
The ‘Mr. Oglebay’ Fan Club
