City Faces in Different Places
By Julie Perine on August 02, 2020 from City Faces
This week's City Face is local business owner and active community member, Hal Green. 
How long have you lived in Bridgeport? If not a lifelong resident, tell me what brought you here.
I was born in Boone County, WV in 1956. That's my mom's hometown, Madison. Her dad was a car dealer since the 1920s. So, that's what got my dad into the car business and they bought the Clarksburg store and we moved to Bridgeport in 1959. Except for five great years overseas in Sweden, I've been in Bridgeport ever since.
Are you married? Tell me about your family ...
I was married previously and had three children: Amanda in 1983, Nick in 1986 and Erik in 1988. They all grew up in Bridgeport, attended Johnson Elementary, Bridgeport Middle and Bridgeport High. My dad graduated from BHS in 1943. I got remarried to Sandy and she has two children: Shannon (1977) and Patrick (1980). They both grew up in Shinnston and attended Lincoln High.
What about pets?
We've always had pets, cats and dogs mostly. As a kid, we once had a horse. The dealership was giving them away with every purchase and Dad saved one for the family. My brother Chris always had English Springer Spaniels - three. Back to the horse. Patches had a big round patch on her side. Tony Tenda used to take care of her for us out at Todge Rogers' farm near the Country Club. Tony and I talked many times about her adventures with Patches.
Where do you work and what do you do?
After returning from Sweden, I went to work for our family dealership, Harry Green Chevrolet. I left for a year in 1982 and worked at Larry Smith Buick in Morgantown. At that time, I was spending time learning all the departments of a dealership. My dad was a "student of the game." He was a very good teacher, most of all instilling in everyone what was right.
He really knew how the car business worked and always nurtured everyone working there. My sons are now pretty far along in learning the business and I'm more or less retired. Nick and Erik have been at the store since their graduations from WVU. Erik took a two-year hiatus in Nashville, while his future wife, Sarah, was earning her masters at Vanderbilt. It realy is fabulous to have your kids follow in the dealership as I did. I count my blessings every day that I can watch my kids grow in the business.
What are your favorite hobbies/past times?
I love to snow ski! However, there are many sports I enjoy like scuba diving, tennis, golf, swimming, oh and a big yes to fly fishing. We have nine grandchildren and are expecting many more. If that's called a hobby, than it's certainly one of the best. We finally got a couple girls in the bunch since my daughter Amanda had her two - almost five years and seven months.
Favorite Bridgeport spot?
I can name a few, but my old house at Hinkle Lake was great. We had two-plus acres and total privacy. My wife had to pry me out of that place, but we both love our new digs in South Hills Farms. Bridgeport and West Virginia are special places. I think the hills are spectacular. Moving home from Sweden, I really had a greater appreciation of the natural beauty here. My family attended Simpson Creek Baptist Church since 1959. I think that makes Simpson Creek Baptist Church one of my favorite Bridgeport spots. The Country Club is also a beautiful spot. It's green, has lakes and nice views.
What do you like about Bridgeport. Why is this a good place to live?
The people who have dedicated themselves to leading Bridgeport over a very long time have made this town into something unique It's hard to put a finger on it, but good old-fashioned values are at the core. I feel lucky that we live here with all the positives, and those extend to many other areas around the state. West Virginia is a great state.
Tell me about some of your most vivid memories of Bridgeport ...
As a youngster, the tornado destroyed our church. That was unbelieable. They had just finished a building addition when the storm struck.
The Class of 1973 won the state tournament title in football. Many of my classmates of 1974 played on that team.
I remember many floods over the years.
President Clinton's visit. Erik was tiny, but he got to touch the president at the airport.
What is your favorite spot outside of Bridgeport?
My favorite West Virginia spot would be the mountains. Whether Canaan Valley, Snowshoe, Cranberry Outback, Dolly Sods, Otter Creek - you name it - I don't think there is enough appreciation or awareness of how valuable our natural wonders are.
How about your favorite spot outside of West Virginia?
A lot of my heart lies in Sweden still, 40 years later. Politically, there can be lots of discussions, but Sweden is actually a lot like West Virginia. The peope are wonderful. They spend a lot of time in the outdoors. A lot of the focus in their lives is truly caring for others; mankind in general.
What are some of your faovrite things?
They tell me I know everybody. I thrive on "It's a Small World" events I take so much pride in our family business and that's one of my favorite things. However, I just really like people. My favorite thing is just interacting with folks and meeting new friends.
Your favorite food/restaurant?
That puts me in a tight spot. As you know, this area has many good restaurants. So I can cop out and say "Provence Market." We miss our little neighborhood digs. Anne and Michael are the best. Seriously though, we enjoy numerous restaurants. Hats off in my book to the crew at Bridgeport Country Club. The dining experience has improved a lot over the past 10 years. My grandson loves T&L. Every visit from Pittsburgh includes a stop there. Wonder Bar, Oliverio's, Julio's, Muriales, Mia's, Mountaineer Grille, Parkette and Clique Club are all favorites.
Your favorite color?
"Sandy." That get any points? Hard to guess ... "green."
Music genre/artist?
All kinds. Right now Zeppelin & Jimmy Page, Tom Petty & the Heartbreaker, Neil Young.
What is your best childhood memory?
I have been blessed with so many memories. My scouting days were more important than I realized. I played a lot of golf at age 8 or 9. I enjoyed being on a golf course early mornings and evenings - all day - I guess. Learning to ski is also a great memory. I'll always cherish being on the slopes iwth my little brother - just tearing it up.
Interesting fact about you or something you would like to add?
One time I told Pam Preston I was really very shy. She burst out laughing. We were about 23 then. We're still friends, but I'm still that shy guy inside 40 years later.
