Who is Hazel Ruby McQuain? She is not famous to most people. Although she was born in the town of Coshocton in the U.S. state of Ohio, she made great contributions in the city of Morgantown in the U.S. state of West Virginia. Morgantown is famously known as the home of West Virginia University. Hazel Ruby McQuain is famous for establishing the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust which made a donation to build the John Wesley Ruby Memorial Hospital which is located on the campus of West Virginia University. (The hospital is named after her husband.) She made other contributions throughout Morgantown. For this reason, the Hazel Ruby McQuain Park was created in her honor. Located on the Monongahela River, it features an amphitheater where concerts are played, a kayak launch for those who wish to paddle on the river, a hiking and biking trail, and a picnic area. The view of this park is a real contribution for a woman who did so much for this city.
Some of you are saying, “You know, this is very nice. It is great to honor a great woman who did great things for the city of Morgantown. Go Mountaineers! However, there are numerous problems here. The first problem is that Hazel Ruby McQuain has made no contributions nor does she have any connections to the railroad. The second problem is that Morgantown, West Virginia is not a railroad town nor is there a railroad passing through here. The third problem is that this park has nothing to do with the railroad. Therefore, I will not be contributing a visit to this town or to this park.”
Why visit the Hazel Ruby McQuain Park? She has no connection with the railroad. Why visit the park?
It is true that Morgantown, West Virginia, being famous for the University of West Virginia has no real railroad history. Other than a light rail system, there is no railroad here. However, that was not always the case.
As you enter the Hazel Ruby McQuain Park, the first thing you see is an old train station. Why is there an old train station here? It is because the Caperton Trail passes through the park.
Some of you are saying, “That is great. It has the old train station, but what is special about the Caperton Trail.”
On the south side of the park is an old railroad bridge. Why is there an old train station and old railroad bridge? The Caperton Trail is a rail trail. The Deckers Creek Trail, another rail trail, begins at the old railroad bridge and continues along Deckers Creek.
As you can see, you have a reason to visit Hazel Ruby Park. Along with the concerts, you have a place where the railroad once ran. The old train station can be rented for events as well.
The Hazel Ruby Park is located at 185 Garrett Street in Morgantown, West Virginia. It is just off of U.S. Routes 19 and 119 and a short drive from Interstates 68 and 79. Parking is on site, or you can hike or bike the trails to the park.
Why visit Hazel Ruby McQuain Park? She has no connection to the railroad, but the park keeps the railroad history of Morgantown, West Virginia alive.
John Cowgill: Stories of the Railroad 