Drugged Out Zombies in Huntington, WV

this is a film still and does NOT represent anyone
I saw in Huntington, WV

After reading the article about drug deaths and drug addiction in Huntington, my imagination went into overdrive. With 1 in 4 folks addicted, I envisioned druggified zombies roaming the streets of downtown Huntington, waiting to prey upon innocent visitors like me. Note exhibit A to the left. While the photo isn't quite what I visualized (of course I knew people wouldn't have blood dripping from gaping bullet wounds or deteriorating flesh), I felt rather apprehensive about walking around the streets and filming.

Despite my attempts at not drawing attention to myself, my black jeans, t-shirt and baseball hat still make me look like a soccer mom. After my first day, I ditched the tripod, since that also draws too much attention.

Original Huntington Bank that the James gang
robbed on September 15, 1875

The good news is that everyone IGNORED me and I was able to get some useable footage.

Here is an excerpt from the robbery account as told by the sheriff and deputy clerk of the county court. Link here to the full article. (I'm omitting specific names for brevity.)

"On September 15, 1875, the robber quartet appeared at noon at a blacksmith shop. Hitching their horses, members of the gang approached the bank. One entered the store and ordered everyone to sit down and remain silent. One bandit stood outside the bank. The cashier cowed at the sight of two guns and gave up $10, 252. Leisurely, the bandits left, mounted their horses and trotted out 12th Street. They flourished their guns, fired a fusillade of shots in the air and spurred their horses. The Sheriff organized a posse. The chase grew so hot, that the bandit gang divided."

Reads like a pulp fiction novel.

Across street from City Hall, the court and
probation center. My primary filming location

Site of the old Huntington Bank, now City Hall

Conscious that it is most likely illegal to film on City Hall property, I set up my camera in the picnic park area surrounding the court and probation center across the street. My guess is that was probably illegal to film there also, but thankfully no one paid too much attention. City Hall was flying flags at half mast due to the recent school shooting in Santa Fe Texas.

Current  Huntington bank--2 blocks from the original location

First Congregational church established in 1872,
3 years before the James gang robbery

at the site of each location, I bury a lock of my hair--
a DNA memento of my pilgrimage

In an alley around the corner from City Hall
A suitcase filled with clothes, cigarettes, human excrement

Memorial Rose Garden up the street
from the downtown square