Lewis Graybill, John Fairchild, and Calvin Coffey graciously accept their role as Buena Vista's newest "Three Old Grouches" at their crowning on Saturday, October 11th during this year's Mountain Days Celebration as WSET reporter Noreen Turyn welcomes them to the stage. Contest sponsor Don Miller of Stonewall Insurance is on the right. (Photo by Patte Wood)

Calvin Coffey, John Fairchild And Lewis Graybill Are Three Grouches New Buena Vista Trio Revealed At Mountain Days By Patte Wood Staff Reporter   WSET Reporter Noreen Turyn and contest sponsor Don Miller of Stonewall Insurance welcomed three "new" Old Grouches to the stage to be "crowned" at Buena Vista's Mountain Days celebration on Saturday, October 11th. Donning straw hats, Calvin Coffey, John Fairchild and Lewis Graybill displayed smiles followed by their trademark grouchiness to the delight of the gathered crowd at their first public appearance to carry on the tradition that began over 35 years ago. As explained by Tim Reamer on Saturday, "the sign declaring Buena Vista as home to the three old grouches is known all over the region the phrase once again being used to stir up lively conversation, highlighting the positive attributes of the community in a way that only an old grouch can do." "The original sign, erected by J.H. Dickinson Jr. in 1971, was a billboard on the south side of town, designed to advertise his business," continued Reamer. "It coined the town’s famous phrase, “6946 happy people and four old grouches.” Dickinson’s sense of humor and desire to stir up conversation struck a very positive cord with the townspeople. The sign came down and then reappeared in its current location over 25 years ago with “home to 6002 happy citizens and 3 Old Grouches.” No one knows what happened to the fourth grouch or the 900+ additional people mentioned on the first sign. Recently refurbished, the spirit of the sign, with those infamous words, greets everyone as they enter downtown Buena Vista from the North, and that’s only the beginning! "The spirit of the hospitable old grouches is alive and well. Everyone has their thoughts as to who the original old grouches were, but it is safe to say that it is a source of pride in Buena Vista and we plan to acknowledge them. I would like to share with you a picture from The Free Bee, dated August 27, 1980, showing the original 4 grouches, whose names, according to the caption under the picture, had only been revealed the week before. According to the picture, the supposedly old grouches were Grachain Morris, Leonard Blackwell, David Shewey and Jimmy Higgins. Thanks go out to Angie Claytor, granddaughter of Jimmy Higgins, who provided the newspaper clipping from which this copy was made. "What is the definition of an Old Grouch? In Buena Vista, it might mean an older person who may be particular, persnickety or even picky, and who expects good service, quality products, and a fair price when shopping or eating in town. It is someone who has a positive attitude about Buena Vista and pride in the community. While many might consider being termed an old grouch an insult, many citizens in Buena Vista might consider it an honor. Being an old grouch isn’t necessarily a bad thing, after all. "This year’s Mountain Day Committee decided that it was time to officially recognize Buena Vista’s Old Grouches. While they may not be the originals, they will represent that sense of community pride that has always been a part of the spirit of Buena Vista. They will serve as goodwill ambassadors, helping to promote Buena Vista businesses and the community. We encourage you to watch for them around town and to support their efforts." WSET Reporter Noreen Turyn then stepped up to the mike and with a good sense of humor revealed the winners of the contest to represent Buena Vista. "Our first Old Grouch has lived in Buena Vista for 61 years," she began. "He retired from the auto parts business and now works part-time as a realtor for ERA Premier Partners. He is married, has 3 children and 3 grandchildren and enjoys golf, hunting, fishing, camping and music. In fact, you will be able to hear his music at 12:30 when Mrs. C’s Pickers take the stage. He has been an active member of the Lions Club for 20 years and a big community supporter. Please join me in welcoming our first Old Grouch, Calvin Coffey. "Our second Old Grouch has been a resident of Buena Vista for 41 years. He has two children and three grandchildren and says that if he had known how much fun grandchildren were, he would have had them first. He enjoys an occasional fishing trip and taking his gun for a walk and calling it hunting and is a member of the Buena Vista Baptist Church. He is retired but still works part-time in the wire manufacturing industry and also works for his wife at her bridal shop in downtown Buena Vista. He’s better known as Becky’s husband – but we’ll introduce him as John Fairchild. "Our last, but certainly not least Old Grouch has lived in Buena Vista for most of his life. He was born here, graduated from VMI in 1962, moved away for 32 years, and came back. He has one daughter and an adopted grandniece and grandnephew. He loves sports, fishing when he can, cooking, and music of all kinds and loves to sing. He is an active member of his church; St. John’s Methodist, is Past President of its Board of Trustees and a member of the Paxton House Board. He is an Insurance Rep for Northwestern Mutual, and said that if he were chosen, he would be happy to be an Old Grouch and would consider it an honor. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our last Old Grouch, Lewis Graybill." The crowd was delighted with the choices and gave the old grouches a very warm welcome. Be sure to stop and talk with them to get the true feeling of Buena Vista when you see them out and about.

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