Tiny Bakerton is located about 7 miles south of Shepherdstown, along windy and hilly country roads. The community, which was established to support mining operations at the now flooded Bakerton quarry, celebrated its 120th birthday on Saturday, July 25th. The following photographs document the days events, highlighting the close knit community which calls Bakerton home.

Local stuntman Gary Harding, of Hedgesville, wows the crowd with motorcycle stunts in Bakerton during the community’s 120th anniversary celebration last Saturday.

Bakerton Postmaster and shop owners Wanda Mason-Ballenger and her husband Jerry Ballenger stand outside the Bakerton Market during the village’s 120th anniversary celebration last Saturday. The Ballengers like the close knit community which Bakerton provides. “There is nothing my 12 year old son can do without me hearing about it, good or bad. It’s an old fashioned town like that.”, says Wanda.

The Bakerton United Methodist Church Choir put on a midday show during Bakerton’s 120th birthday celebration. The Choir entertained the assembled with a mix of spiritual and secular music. The church itself is one of the oldest buildings in Bakerton. A testament to how small the town is, a sign on the wall announces that last weeks service attendance was 13.

Tim O’Connell helps Lilly Munn construct a bug-cage at the Bakerton birthday celebration. The tools and materials were donated by Home Depot, which also provided a crafts workshop for kids.