Built in 1962 using locust posts cut from the Noel (NOHL) property on Frazier’s Hill in Clifton Forge, Virginia, and illuminated by sixty (60) standard household light bulbs, the original Noel Family Star stood 30 feet tall. Two additional poles acted as braces to support the structure, and each pole used in the star’s frame was the same length.
The star was constructed by Noel family members:
And by brethren of Benjamin Harrison Noel from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
Several missionaries also assisted. Over time, wiring and structural details were adjusted as needed.
(If any names were unintentionally omitted due to the passage of decades, the family welcomes additions. Please contact the current Keepers of the Star.)
The original star was accidentally built 15–20 feet over the property line onto a neighbor’s land. When the property changed ownership, the new owners did not wish for it to remain there, and the star was moved and rebuilt on property owned by Marie Hayslett.
It was created as a memorial to Benjamin Harrison Noel, whose dream was to place a glowing Christmas star on the hill. Neither he nor his wife, Eva, lived to see it completed.
In 1963, an exact replica was built in Covington overlooking the Fudge property and Covington High School. It was a gift from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the City of Covington as a reminder of “the greatest gift given to the world.” The star was built at the request of Ernest R. Bess.
On August 19–20, 1969, the remnants of Hurricane Camille brought devastating rains across Western Virginia and Alleghany County. Predictions called for only 2–3 inches of rain, but between 1:00–2:00 AM alone, the region received 5 inches. Within 24 hours, river levels reached 11.99 feet at Lick Run.
Although Alleghany County suffered major flooding, the evacuations saved lives—not one life was lost.
The winds and flooding destroyed the Star.
In 1970, family, friends, and missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints once again gathered to rebuild Benjamin Noel’s dream—a star “to shine bright at Christmastime and remind all of the love and joy of the holiday season and the birth of our Lord and Savior,” as written by his daughter Irene Noel Bryan.
The Star was formally rededicated to the memory of Benjamin Harrison and Eva V. Noel.
It has been cared for with love, devotion, privilege, and honor ever since, with responsibility passed down through generations.
Marie “Nanny” Noel (Benjamin’s daughter) and Burman Hayslett
They cared for the star for 31 years, creating the foundation for all future traditions.
Theodore C. “Ted” Shaffer, Jr. and Violet Hayslett Shaffer (Benjamin’s granddaughter)
Elizabeth “Bitsy” Shaffer Davis (Benjamin’s great-granddaughter)
During this period, the Star was rebuilt from PVC pipe and relocated across the road closer to the house and electrical service after the adjacent property was sold.
Even when Bitsy traveled to perform with Blue Mountain Myst and The Mysti Mountain Boys, her parents continued tending the Star. Their dedication never wavered.
A father-and-son team:
Theodore “Ted” Shaffer, Jr. and John Michael Shaffer (Benjamin’s great-grandson)
John carried on until he married in 2009.
John Michael Shaffer, his wife Jennifer, and their daughter Isabella “Bella” Shaffer (Benjamin’s great-great-granddaughter)
Ted Shaffer continued helping faithfully until his passing in 2013.
Year after year, the Star has been maintained with extraordinary dedication:
Yet the Star has never failed to shine—not even during hurricanes.
When damage came, the family simply fixed what they could and rebuilt when they had to.
The newest Star, built in 2025, shines brighter than ever.
For generations, the Noel Family Star has lit cherished moments—during parades, across the Twelve Days of Christmas, and in remembrance of loved ones who have passed. But its meaning reaches far deeper than tradition:
“It was built as a reminder to us all that Jesus is with us.
It was built for Faith.
It was built for Family.
It was built for Hope.
For Dreams.
It was made to give light to those who had none.”
With love, the Noel family continues to share the Star with the community.
I do not know what possessed me to write this, but it felt as though an owl had landed on my shoulder on this snow-covered December Saturday, tea in hand and glasses on the bridge of my nose, threatening to fall. The owl whispering in my ear until I felt compelled to put pen to paper.
I didn't tag everyone, because I know you'll spread it.
I will begin by saying I am deeply thankful for many things; one of them being the unwavering help of Brian Hamrick in rebuilding the Noel Family Star, and those who made it possible through donations — the town of Clifton Forge for contributing materials, JenFab for building the star, and Clifton Forge Main Street for their part in this effort.
This star has been a beacon for decades, ever since 1962 when it was built by the brethren of Benjamin H. Noel in collaboration with missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, using locust posts from the Noel propery, but built on a property adjacent to the Noel property. Then after being destroyed by an unforeseen storm and the natural wear of time, it was rebuilt in 1970 and formally dedicated to the Noel family. My great-great-grandfather, Benjamin Noel, played a pivotal role in its creation, and since then, it has been cared for with devotion across generations.
The role of “Keeper of the Star” has been passed down for decades, carried by both men and women alike.
My great-great-grandparents, Benjamin H. Noel and Eva V. Clark Noel, laid the groundwork but passed before ever seeing it lit. That dream was carried forward by my great-grandparents, Berman Hayslett and Gatherine M. Noel — “Nanny.” The lit torch was then handed to my grandparents, Violet E. Hayslett-Shaffer and her husband Theodore C. Shaffer Jr., known to us as “Teddy” and “Pappaw.” After Violet passed, my grandfather became the last Keeper, after my Aunt Bitsy — the middle daughter of Ted and Violet — maintained it for several years, her untimely passing passed it back to Teddy, Before my parents, Jennifer and John Shaffer, took on the responsibility and privilege. Year after year, the star has been maintained: restrung, rewired, bulbs replaced, its body repaired. Yet it has never ceased to shine, despite what some may assume. Weather, time, and wear all take their toll, and yet this family star endures — a testament to perseverance and love.
The new star will shine brilliantly, I hope, but we are keeping the old one as a backup, because in our family, we prepare, we protect, and we honor what came before: Faith, ancestors, animals, life, love, and laughter.
The star has lit countless moments in our family’s history — during the parade, which for decades was held on December 12th; across the Twelve Days of Christmas; and in remembrance when someone we loved has passed. But its meaning reaches far beyond those moments.
This family star was not built for Christmas alone. Not for gifts under a tree. Not for Clifton Forge alone. It was built for family, Faith, and for hope, and for dreams. It was made to give light to those who had none — for those of us who have been kicked when we were already down, for those who had a dream but did not know how to reach for it. It was made to shine a path — not just through the holidays, but toward hope, inner peace, and unity. It brings families together, even in the hardest of times. It bridges gaps between those not bound by blood, because as we know, sometimes muddy water is thicker than blood.
This star represents dreams and determination. It was the vision of those who wanted to make a difference, and they succeeded because they poured their hearts into it. That is why, every year, it shines — not simply as a decoration, but as a living emblem of resilience, hope, and love.
Below, you will see pictures of our family and friends, past and present, working together to care for this star, though these are not all of the pictures. Three of those pictured are no longer with us, and in many of these moments, a broomstick was the only thing holding it together. That is the truth behind the shine — sometimes fragile, sometimes improvised, with broomsticks, eletrical tape, a crane operators version of an electrician's certified work, and a woodcutters thoughts of tapped and glued sturdy grounding— but always steadfast.
This star has endured storms, time, and misunderstanding, as well as its own up and downs. And it shall continue to shine, because that is what it was built to do.
So over the holidays if you feel lost, alone, misunderstood, or hopeless- let your gaze find the star and remember; there is always a path, your never alone because their always in your heart and theirs always hope. And there is someone out there that loves you and has the answer to any problem you may have.
With that, I will leave you with this: now that you know this, now that you have food for thought...what does the star mean to you? Not just those of clifton, not just those of the family- Chosen or blood related-, but as a person?
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