The Kump House: A Legacy of Leadership and Learning
Governor H. G. Kump: A Steward of West Virginia
Herman Guy Kump, the 19th Governor of West Virginia (1933–1937), was a pivotal leader during the Great Depression, championing public education and federal works projects to revitalize the state. A native of Hampshire County and longtime Elkins resident, Kump began his political career as a prosecuting attorney, mayor of Elkins and judge before serving as governor. Known for his integrity and dedication, he retired to his Elkins home after his term, remaining a respected figure until his death in 1962. Today, the Kump House stands as a testament to the Kump family’s legacy.
An Architectural Gem of the 1920s
Built in the mid-1920s, the Kump House reflects the elegance of Neo-Federal Revival architecture, a style evoking the early American republic. Designed by prominent Washington, D.C., architect Clarence L. Harding—known for landmarks like Charleston’s Union Building—the home was crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Local contractor T.R. Whiteman oversaw construction, while Elkins cabinetmaker Boyd Simpson spent four years hand-finishing interiors with rare woods including quarter-sawn white oak, cherry, walnut, and birds-eye maple.
The house was a marvel of modern convenience for its time, featuring the city’s first automatic refrigerator and durable “battleship” linoleum flooring. Originally set amid open pastures, the property served as a gathering place for the Kump family—Guy, his wife Edna, and their six children—blending warmth with the grandeur befitting a governor’s private life.
The Kump House Today: Education and Community
In 2008, the Kump family home was gifted to the City of Elkins by Mary Gamble Kump, one of the governor’s daughters, who envisioned it as a center for education and preservation. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, the house is home to the Kump Education Center, a nonprofit fostering teacher development and student achievement.
Mission & Impact
The Center honors Governor Kump’s commitment to education through:
- Professional training for educators
- Tutoring, STEM, and foreign language programs for youth
- Historic preservation and cultural heritage tours
- Conservation programs for the Elkins community.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Center provided critical tutoring and summer science programs, underscoring its adaptability to meet the community’s needs.
A Living Landmark
More than a historic site, the Kump House bridges Elkins’ past and future. Its architecture whispers of 1920s ambition, while its rooms today buzz with 21st-century learning. Visitors and locals alike are invited to explore its halls—where the legacy of a governor still inspires progress.
Plan a visit or support the Kump Education Center’s mission here.
