MORGANTOWN — It wasn’t prompted by bubbles or smiling Norwegian accordion virtuosos.
No polka, waltzes or big band swing.
Just an unexpected email from a big, big fan.
In what’s likely the most unusual official action taken by The Monongalia County Commission in recent memory, the body on Wednesday approved a letter of support recognizing the 70th anniversary of “The Lawrence Welk Show.”
“This was an interesting request,” Commissioner Jeff Arnett said.
A Sunday evening staple in American living rooms for nearly three decades, the musical variety show hosted by its namesake brought family-friendly entertainment to the masses from 1955-1982.
“We recognize Lawrence Welk and The Lawrence Welk Show and acknowledge their long-lasting contributions to American music and culture,” the commission letter states. “We hope that his legacy and the program will continue to be treasured and passed down to future generations, serving as a source of unity and inspiration for West Virginians and Americans nationwide.”
The letter is addressed to Scott Wheeler, a Florida resident who, according to media reports, is on a mission to secure a symbolic resolution from Congress in honor of Welk and the cast of the show, including accordionist Myron Floren.
According to an online post by Wheeler, more than 63 county commissions had approved similar letters as of mid-January.
The Monongalia County Commission wasn’t alone in taking up the musical motion this week.
The Abilene Reflector-Chronicle, in Abilene, Kansas, reported the Dickinson County Commission also approved a letter of support Wednesday.
