Why did Woodrow become a legend in Coal Station, Virgina?

In Chapter Eight, the reader gets an indepth look at Woodrow's character. From the start, Woodrow shows compassion for those who, like him, are less than beautiful. It is clear that Woodrow does notice beauty, but that to him, it is found within people, instead of in how they look. It is also clear that Woodrow is not only intelligent but charming. His puzzles and stories help others to get to know him, and his stories make him a local legend. His ending comments, however, show that no matter how popular Woodrow becomes, he still thinks of his mother daily.