Residents of Fish Creek in Marshall County say they enjoy quiet, peaceful lives.

FISH CREEK —

Fish Creek Country Store owner Sherry Hickman prepares a deli sandwich at the shop.

Mason’s Bar owner Rita Mason looks through her Fish Creek photo album.

Photos by Drew Parker
Fish Creek area resident Carrie Richmond prepares apple butter, salsa and jam at her home.

As a native of Fish Creek in Marshall County, mother and business owner Carrie Richmond has grown accustomed to long trips, from the school bus ride as a child to parties and evening engagements.

The wife and mother of three figured out in her teen years what true friendship meant on the creek — or rather, “crick,” depending on who you ask.

“Everyone had to drive half an hour to see me,” Richmond said. “You knew if someone came to see you they must have really liked you.”

Although Richmond has spent her whole life near some part of the tributary that flows into the Ohio River south of Moundsville, she and her husband, Spencer, a Consol coal miner, began building their slice of life eight years ago near Lynn Camp. After her caramel apples turned into a smash hit at a friend’s wedding, Martin’s hobby became a business venture, Jar of Riches, named after her three daughters, Josie, Annie and Reese.

She now takes orders for the candied treats, along with butter, chocolate covered strawberries, jams and salsa out of her home.

Local children are allowed to roam parent-free near the waters during the summer, catching crayfish to boil and making new friends. Miller added nowadays, when they get to a certain age, usually around 8 years old, they gain access to either a dirt bike or all-terrain vehicle to use.

Richmond said her favorite part of creek life is the sense of community she has felt for all her 28 years.

“I grew up on a farm so I have always liked the country and being able to walk to the creek. When we were younger, we used to call it the beach because we lived by a very sandy part. Our friends would come and it was like an island,” she said. “It’s a tight-knit community. We’re close, and we’re country.”

A few miles down the road, Rita Mason is keeping a family tradition alive at Mason’s Bar. Originally dubbed the Fish Creek Bachelor’s Club, Stephen and Grace Mason began the bar now known as Mason’s in 1948. Current owner Rita Mason’s parents continued the tradition before handing it down.

Over the years, few things at the bar have changed, although a phone became necessary just five years ago, in order for a digital jukebox and ATM to be added. Patrons can be found coming in for a cold beer after a long hunting day during deer season, possibly ringing the bar’s famous bell.

Mason has no employees, but is never shorthanded when she asks a friend or neighbor to hop behind the bar.

“I enjoy keeping people happy and being a psychologist without a degree. It’s always a good time to listen to stories, especially the ones that are made up,” Mason said. “I’ve lived here all my life and a lot has changed. These were dirt roads when I was growing up and now the oil and gas trucks have come and so did construction. I still love the quiet.”

Resident Bill Zervos is also a fan of the serene surroundings, although life isn’t what it was when he was a child.

“It seems to me like the creek isn’t as deep as it was. Some of the old swimming holes are gone and filled right in,” Zervos said. “The oil and gas wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. We still have our peace and quiet.”

Sherry Hickman, an Ohio resident, has operated the Fish Creek Country Store for more than seven years, offering homemade baked goods, calzones, pepperoni rolls, deli meats, cigarettes, beer and gasoline to those on the creek.

“I live in Shadyside but I’m never there. I have a camp and always stay down here,” Hickman said. “It’s pretty laid back. There are a lot of places to ride four-wheelers. The people are nice and close-knit.”

On the other side of the creek, just eight miles off of W.Va. 2, Carol Van Scyoc has lived on the creek since her birth on Layman’s Ridge in 1943.

She later married her childhood neighbor, Rodger

She added the creek   was an enjoyable place to live, but requires some adaptation.

“When it rains sometimes we’ll know we can’t get up over the hill. Over the years, I’ve known when to turn the electric off. I remember when we got a telephone and I learned to stock up food in case we got snowbound on the ridges,” Van Scyoc said.

“I love the quiet and the peace. Every day I wake up and see the cutest little critters. I see turkey, deer, all kinds of birds, raccoons and rabbits. The summer’s perfect and the winters are beautiful.”