HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 8

(By Delegates Butler)

[Introduced February 13, 2017]

Requesting the Division of Highways to name Bridge Number 27-35-17.37 (27A117) (38.83117, -82.14255), locally known as US 35-WV 2 Overpass Bridge, carrying US 35 over WV Route 2 in Mason county, the "Dr. Roy and Marian Eshenaur Bridge."

Whereas, Roy Walter Eshenaur was born in Oberlin, Pennsylvania on October 1, 1907, the fourth child in a family of six.

Whereas, Roy developed an interest in osteopathic medicine in high school after observing an osteopath treat his mother who had fallen ill; and

Whereas, Roy pursued his dream of becoming a doctor by attending Kirksville College of Osteopathy and Surgery in Kirksville, Missouri from 1925 through 1929; and

Whereas, While in medical school, Roy met the love of his life, Marian Edith Gast, a rural school teacher in Kirksville, Missouri; and

Whereas, After graduating from medical school and marrying Marian, Dr. Roy moved to Point Pleasant, West Virginia with only $9.31 to his name, $5,000 in debt, and a pregnant wife; and

Whereas, Roy was the first osteopath in Point Pleasant when he arrived, and found working conditions difficult in the early years given the lack of reliable roads. Dr. Roy would oftentimes be required to rely on patients to furnish transportation, including oxcarts, wagons, sleds and mules during dry times, and canoes, flat boats, skiffs and even swimming horses when roads were flooded; and

Whereas, Despite these difficulties, Roy remained committed to Point Pleasant, where he dreamed of one day opening up a hospital. His dreams would ultimately be realized as he was instrumental in the founding and growth of Pleasant Valley Hospital which still operates to this day; and

Whereas, Roy delivered thousands of babies before and after the founding of Pleasant Valley Hospital, many of whom still live in and around Mason County; and

Whereas, Roy was also very active in West Virginia political and civic life, serving in the West Virginia House of Delegates and as President of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce; and

Whereas, Marian Eshenaur was similarly active in her community, being a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Point Pleasant Woman’s Club and the Tu-Endie-Wei Garden Club. Marian was also a devout Christian and an active member in her beloved Main Street Baptist Church; and

Whereas, On May 25, 1979, Roy and Marian Eshenaur tragically lost their lives in a plane crash, leaving behind seven children, nine grandchildren, and a community in mourning; and

Whereas, Despite their passing, the Eshenaurs’ legacy lives on in their children, grandchildren, Pleasant Valley Hospital, and the hundreds of families in Point Pleasant that came to know and love the man they affectionately called “Dr. Roy,” and his beloved wife Marian, through their works, their faith, and their commitment to serve others; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name Bridge Number 27-35-17.37 (27A117) (38.83117, -82.14255), locally known as US 35-WV 2 Overpass Bridge, carrying US 35 over WV Route 2 in Mason County, the "Dr. Roy and Marian Eshenaur Bridge"; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Commissioner of the Division of Highways is hereby requested to erect signs at both ends of the bridge containing bold and prominent letters proclaiming the bridge the “Dr. Roy and Marian Eshenaur Bridge”; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation.