Union Passenger Station, Kenova, W. Va., showing trains from N&W RR. Bridge and B&O RR at left and C&O RR at right.
Issued by Griffith & Feil Drugs, Kenova WV
The Trainmaster’s House is a railroad-themed, 1907 Victorian Bed & Breakfast located in historic Kenova, WV, where – and in sight of – the N&W/NS main line crosses over that of C&O/CSX. A Smithsonian-quality collection of railroad artifacts and other antiques are displayed throughout the premises.
In addition to railroadiana, coal and local history, antique advertising, reflections of World War I and II home-front life, a country depot agents/telegraph office (featured on the Fox Network Antiques Road Show) and the sugar and spice of little girls (the proprietor’s, now grown) are prominent themes depicted throughout the décor of the house.
Three bedrooms are decorated to reflect Marshall University athletics (We Are…Marshall, $120 per night, plus tax), a feminine touch (Carrie’s Feminine Bedroom, $120 per night, plus tax) and Mister Carter’s Room, $99 per night plus tax), celebrating the proprietor’s friendship with an N&W engineer (he lived to be 101!) who actually boarded in what was to become The Trainmaster’s House during the 1920s. The original construction and character of the house necessitates shared bathrooms; for convenience and privacy, two comfortable robes are provided per room.
Activities range from Chinese checkers to croquet; of course, the board games of Scrabble and Monopoly await rescue from a closet! Escorted rail safaris, We Are…Marshall tours (with half the proceeds donated to the Big Green Scholarship Foundation) and other local sightseeing (see three states!) are available at an extra cost.
A pharmacy with an old-fashioned grill and soda fountain, bank, grocery store, downtown antique and specialty shops, tonsorial parlors, post office and historical “Main Street” murals are all within easy walking distance. During sultry summer evenings, the Ceredo-Kenova High School Alumni Band often presents spirited concerts from underneath a gazebo in the town square.
So, come and curl up with a classic book on the wicker-furnished sun porch or rock and swing out front to the scent of azalea, rhododendron and hydrangea blossoms. You can soak in the relaxing warmth of a claw-foot tub in one of two and one-half shared bathrooms and sleep cozily to the natural NyQuil of rain drumming on a tin roof, comforted in the night by the genuine chime of boat and train whistles — near and far — as America’s commerce churns and rumbles close by. Then, awaken to the aroma of the same specialty coffee (a 1927, H&C Columbian blend) that was served aboard Norfolk & Western dining cars.
We welcome your visit!