Happy 150th Birthday, Huntington!
⌛ By Kaylin R. Staten ⌛
This week, I was asked while live on the news what it means to me to see so many people excited about Huntington’s 150th Anniversary. It’s so easy to get caught up in talking points, to-do lists, and everyday life when you’re faced with helping to commemorate such a momentous time in Huntington’s history.
The answer to the question is this: Seeing others profess their love for Huntington is a beautiful thing to witness. Huntington means everything to me, with my own collections of moments that have morphed into memories, values, and lifelong gratitude. Huntington helped to make me who I am. I was born, raised, and now make my home here. No matter where life takes me, Huntington is and always will be home.
Huntington is where I spent my formative years and learned about life, love, and everything in between. To celebrate Huntington’s 150th Birthday, this is a master list of my experiences in Huntington and what it means to my narrative:
Was born at Cabell Huntington Hospital.
Listened to KEE every day and recorded my favorite songs on cassette tapes.
Attended Hite-Saunders Elementary School, Beverly Hills Middle School, and Huntington High School. I made lifelong friends, became a perfectionist student, and honed my writing craft. I became a professional writer at age 14 as a student journalist for The Highlander Press.
Grew up listening to stories of bygone days from my family members, most notably my Granny, who taught me cooking basics, how to craft a nostalgic story, and the meaning of family.
Watched “Star Wars: Attack of the Clones” at The Keith-Albee. I’ve seen so many films, plays, and performances at the most beautiful theater in Huntington.
Graduated from Marshall University with my B.A. in Public Relations. I had two beats (Student Activities and Multicultural/International) during my tenure as a Parthenon reporter. I took part in my first PR campaign for the food bank and learned the ins and outs of the profession from an early point in my career. I became a Daughter of Marshall.
Interned at The Herald-Dispatch’s copy desk. Coincidentally, I had hit the Herald-Dispatch’s (now former) building with the right front bumper of my 1999 Toyota Camry in high school. I was in the alley trying to make a three-point turn by pulling into the parking garage and obviously didn’t make it.
Have gone to several concerts at the Mountain Health Arena, and I was on the front row at the Daughtry concert.
Have had several jobs that have honed my skill set, relationships with people and organizations, taught me life lessons, and perpetuated my love for helping the people of Huntington. I’ve been a per diem DJ for WEMM, Director of Development for the former Huntington Area Food Bank (briefly), multiple roles at United Way of the River Cities but worked my way up to Director of Marketing, and Hourglass Media CEO. My first job was at the mall, but we don’t talk about that one. :)
Attended so many staple Huntington events and festivals, from The Greek Festival and Italian Festival to the library’s annual gala and . I’ve also helped to plan a plethora of minor to major events, have volunteered time and energy to efforts.
Have been live on news and radio stations that I grew up watching and listening to.
Have had life-altering conversations and lessons on the streets of Huntington, in restaurants, while driving in the car. I’ve had so many delicious meals
Started my company in 2015 with nothing but a daydream to help clients tell their stories. I am able to work with some of the best people and organizations Huntington has to offer! I am also a fourth-generation+ business owner in my family, with my dad, grandfather, and others paving the way for me to find my own brand of success as Hourglass Media’s CEO.
Met my soulmate and had our first date at the former Bittersweet Coffeehouse. So many locations in Huntington take me back to that time in our new relationship, from his downtown apartment to our favorite restaurants and the red light where he texted me asking me for a second date.
Got married in my childhood church and stayed in The Chessie Room at Heritage Station on our wedding night. (We ended up getting free milkshakes at Cookout to celebrate our wedding, too.)
Rescued three amazing cats throughout my lifetime: Oreo, Ilia, and Meera.
Gave birth to our son at the same hospital in which I was born. I’m able to share all of my stories and experiences with Luke, and I am blessed to chronicle Huntington’s history to the next generation.
Am currently Huntington’s 150th Anniversary Event Coordinator. It’s completely surreal to be in this role to celebrate my hometown’s sesquicentennial and work with so many amazing Huntingtonians to meet our goals.
(I know I have missed so many memories, so I will continue to add to this list!)
All of these memories have shaped me into who I am today, and my hometown has had a major role in my life. There’s nothing like driving down Fourth Avenue on a rainy night, with the streets bathed in the illuminating glow of glittery streetlights. Every time I walk on Marshall University’s campus, I am overwhelmed with the sense of nostalgia and gratitude for my time spent as a student. We set the example for other cities to follow because we don’t give up in the face of challenges and address issues head-on.
Mostly, however, Huntington is what it is because of its people. We possess a collective resilience and hopeful spirit, and we love the intricacies of a city we hold close to our hearts. Through adversities and tragedies, we stand strong. Together.
Huntington, you’ve been so good to me. I am forever grateful to you. Happy Birthday, Jewel City. You shine brighter every day. ❤️
Kaylin R. Staten, APR, is an award-winning, accredited public relations practitioner and writer based in Huntington, WV, with 18 years of professional communications experience. As CEO and founder of Hourglass Media, she uses her compassionate spirit and expertise to delve into the heart of clients’ stories. She is a recovering perfectionist, mental health advocate, wife, boy + cat mom, and Leia Organa aficionado. Connect with Kaylin on LinkedIn.