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Author Dennis Deitz is fondly remembered as "Mr. History." He wrote 14 books about the people, history and culture of West Virginia. Fans and readers of his work remember him most clearly at book signings: at the Vandalia Gathering, the State Fair, Tamarack, Cedar Lakes, and more. He appeared at these signings continually and tirelessly, into his eighties, amiably signing books and sometimes negotiating a hug.

Dennis’ story is a fascinating one. His birth in 1917 in a chicken house in Greenbrier County — between Drunkard’s Roost and Squat ‘n Dodge — should have foretold the colorful character and storyteller he would become. But he didn’t plan on having a literary career or start out with one. As a young man Dennis worked at Union Carbide, and later at the John Amos power plant.

But then a family tragedy struck. When his brother, a wonderful storyteller, had a stroke, Dennis recognized the importance of capturing his brother’s stories. These were family tales that had been handed down for generations. After his brother’s death they appeared in Dennis’ first book, Mountain Memories I, which was soon followed by Mountain Memories II – V. These books captured the details and spirit of everyday life in rural West Virginia. They recall a time when farms had no self-propelled equipment, everyone knew their neighbors, and most of us knew how to grow vegetables. While these books offered a realistic and humorous depiction of the Deitz family, it mirrored that of many West Virginia families.

Dennis is probably best known for his compilations of tales, such as the short story collections, The Greenbrier Ghost, Volumes I-III. His most well-known short story is "The Greenbrier Ghost," a tragic tale of love and murder that took place in Greenbrier County in 1897.

Dennis also wrote the popular children’s book, The Little Spooner Who Wouldn’t Spoon. He recorded The Search for Emily, a Civil War love story, on audiocassette. Other audiocassettes of Dennis’ work are Molly’s Story, about a girl escaping from Indian captivity; and A Promise Kept, about a Confederate soldier determined to aid the family of the Yankee soldier he killed.

Dennis is sorely missed, but his legacy is not merely literary. His infectious humor, unflagging enthusiasm and sheer drive can inspire all of us, hopefully until we reach the ripe age that he did. Dennis Dietz died on March 23, 2003 at the age of 89.

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