Princeton West Virginia: Richest Little Railroad & Hot Rod Cruising Capital
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- Опубликовано: 6 окт 2024
- Princeton West Virginia is full of history, including the richest little railroad in the world. It has been the home of minor league baseall in the Appalachian league for decades, and has seen extensive revitalization efforts in recent years in its historic downtown and grassroots dirstrict.
Join me as I explore this once jewel of the south and car cruising capital of West Virginia!
Watch more Mountain Roots:
Exploring Appalachia: • Exploring Appalachia
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New Castle, VA, 24127
#westvirginia #appalachia #carshow
Where should we explore next? Love hearing from y'all!
Josh Boone County West Virginia, Danville and Madison home of the Whites and great folks. Webster County West Virginia and Pocahontas County West Virginia Lord Monroe County too😅
Cleveland VA
Mineral County WV
Daniel Boones Wilderness Road.
Abington VA.
Thanks
I really like what you are doing. You are basically doing what journalists used to do: telling stories without judgment or a political undertone.
Exactly, cultural journalism!
❤❤❤
I am from Princeton. Born there in 1948. I remember when it was a lot nicer than it is now. The streets in the late 50's were busy with women shopping and having their children with them, I know because I was one of them. I couldn't wait to go to town. There were a lot of stores then, GC Murphy's, Western Auto, Post Office, Bank, Restaurant's, Movie House, Also had Hampdens Restaurant and across the street we all use to hang out and just talk. Then you had the east end where Wheebies was. The old lady that ran that place for years and was very nice. But I left there and went into the US ARMY in 1966 and never returned except to visit. Great Videos, Thanks, Dave
I was born here in 1965. Graduated in 1983. I love it here it's been good to me. Every time i move away, i end up coming back home. It's been a bit racist, but it's Home. And i love it❤❤
I have family from there. The Belle family. Mostly my grandmother's family.
My Grandmother's family is from there. I love it there.
I have lived in Princeton since the 70's. There has really been alot of changes. Amazing what you can find in your own town if you get out and explore a little. The history here is amazing. Glad you were able to catch the cruising. The folks here always have and probably always will enjoy that. Enjoyed the interviews as well. Another great job on another small town filled with rich history. Please keep them coming.
You're so right, thanks for watching!
Seems like it's changed so much I barely recognized it. I lived there from 1964 til 1978i lived on straley Ave I remember the school burning
I’ve lived here my whole life! I loved watching you cover the history of this small town I call home. It’s crazy how when you live somewhere you almost forget all it has to offer, even a small place like Princeton. From the baseball games, to cruising, to the rich history in the train museum! Glad to be reminded of all the progress this little town has made for the better, even if it’s a little at a time.
I was born here and we moved when I was 8, but visit regularly to visit family. I hope the downtown continues to grow with small department stores that were there 50-60 years ago.
it's nice to hear about the things that are moving in the right direction, it's a beautiful town.
Before shopping centers were built outskirts of Princeton, in 1960s Mercer Street was the place to run into people that you knew. G.C. Murphy five and dime variety store on Mercer Street inside and outside of store was always packed with people especially on a Saturday when people came into town to shop. A & P grocery where my parents shopped and Leggett department store was another busy place to shop. Shopping centers and Mercer Mall two things amongst other things practically took shoppers away from Mercer Street.
I remember that in the 1960s, then people complained about traffic and parking, and then stores started moving out of the downtown area. Sad.
I remember Murphys
I've lived in Princeton my entire life....I wouldn't want it any other way! It's funny,I was one of the thousands of people in the early 90s that go out on Friday and Saturday nights to cruise Mercer St. Always ended up jumping in and out of others vehicles...getting drunk,into fights,and always getting in trouble! 😆 some of the best years of my life! Thank you for the stroll down memory lane.
Brookman? You wouldn't happen to have a sister named Kim?
I was born in Princeton but did not live in my early years. It was not until my teen year(80s) I moved back to Princeton and remember vividly every weekend cruising Mercer St till midnight or later. It was the highlight of my teenage years. I live is Georgia now but go back often. I was sad when I heard they stopped cruising, but glad its back. I hope to visit and cruise the strip again.
This is where i grew up also, before i joined the service. Thinking about moving back there and see some old friends. Lily grove! Between you and i, princeton was the party capital of the state once upon a time
My family is from Princeton and we visit yearly. Love this vid so much
Watching (and subscribed) from Indiana. In my younger years I had the great fortune of enjoying an extended vacation traveling through many areas you cover in your videos. Absolutely beautiful topography. Watching your video's bring back many fond memories.
So glad you enjoy them, & I love it brings back fond memories for you!
Awesome episode, lived there in 80s/90s and still visit from time to time. Definitely remember cruising in the early 90s…love the Mercer Street revamp. Toured the library, RR museum, Sophisticated Hound, Daily Bread, coffee shops and art stores. A lot of great changes.
I'm from Beckley, great job on the show. I think we need to go back to the Mom and Pop stores, and the home town feeling
I very much like that idea 😁
I've always liked Princeton. I was born here, but, never lived here. My mom just happened to give birth when we were passing through. I grew up in Beckley and Charleston.
I really enjoy the narration of these videos - factual information along with personal reflections, historical insights balanced out by wit and playful sarcasm, etc. What a great community to visit! Thanks for much, and Merry Christmas!
Are you Teresa Brookmans brother ?
@@LindaCantrell-s7k Hello. I'm sorry - I don't have any sisters. :(
Hello from Lesage, just outside of Huntington. I wanted to say thank you for pronouncing Appalachia correctly.
There used to be a well known business man in Princeton whose name was Andy Clark. If I am not mistaken he had a car dealership. He came from a small town in Fayette County called Mount Hope.
He owned Andy Clark Ford. Built a dealership at the Greentree.
West Virginia loves their classic car shows. The 1950s never ended and Ike is still president.
I'm glad to see Princeton is finally on the upswing. I too have deep roots there, my grand father built the court house, my uncle was sheriff of Mercer County, I had kin all over the area. No longer, only one cousin still lives there, a recluse living on a mountain outside of town. Everyone else died or moved on.
Josh another master piece! Been here my whole life and a few things I didn’t know. I think one thing that people from outside area don’t know, is when we ask how are you, we really wanna know and we might even ask you if your heart stopped do you know where your going to spend eternity, it’s about an important question as you can ask a person, I Love these folks and they have Loved me back, God Blessed me to put me here, not perfect but pretty dang good. You are a artist, enjoy and appreciate your work on these videos.
Thanks John really appreciate it! You are a gem of a person and one of the top 5 I'll always hold in my fondest memories of life in Princeton!
Born and raised here. Moved to South Carolina in '74 for work, always planed on moving back but just never made it. This brought back many fond memories, Mercer School, stopping in Sam's Restaurant after school for candy and to play the pinball machine. Tank Hill, city park, cruising Main Street, dances at the old bowling ally.... sigh...memories!
I grew up here and still remember when I was in high school and cruising Princeton every weekend in the late 70's - early 80's. They've tried to stop cruising even back then. But businesses and parents fought it. The businesses didn't want to lose the money the kids spent every weekend and the parents liked knowing that their kids were safe there just diving a couple miles an hour instead of out doing who knows what and getting in trouble.
Outstanding!!!
THANKS! Glad to hear about your connection to Princeton. Cruising was thing to do. I wasted plenty of gas cruising. Great memories. 👏🏼 excellent video
Thanks for watching! ...that gas wasn't wasted, it was well used 😉
@@MountainRoots No kiddin’ !!
Princeton native here 👋🏼 Really enjoyed this video! I never even realized the history that we have right here. Crazy to see how much has changed! Also, loved seeing all of the classic cars🤎
That's usually how it is, we often don't realize what's in our own back yard. Thanks for watching!
Cruising mercer. Street. Lol. Lol. Long time ago what memories 😂👈👍
Lived in Princeton in 1978 and it was dyeing Nice to set it revitalized. Also nice to see the old ball park still in use I played many a game of ball on that field over the years
I grew up there in the days of G C Murphy, Courthouse Lunch, Lloyds Pastry, and Mercer Motors. At that time we could have a ballgame on Roger street and not have to move out of someones way, don't try that now. I miss the old Princeton.
Lived in Princeton in1978-1980 while I attended Concord College was kind of a dead town nice to see it coming back as this is a beautiful area also nice to see the old baseball field in such great service I played many a game here both in high school ,college and afterwards Visit there is so much to see and do here wish I had never left the area here and Greenbrier County
I love these I'm from wva moved tho I was born in Princeton but grew up in welch
We just moved to Princeton about a year and a half ago ❤
Love seeing all of the different cars & trucks. Love me a good car show.
WV’s version of Sunset Strip! Cool episode featuring a community that is endeavoring to redefine itself! 👏
Your videos are really entertaining. Great story lines, music, and cinematic style... have you done one about Morgantown?
No, not yet. Thanks for watching!
Cool car shows, next time i am in Quinwood or heading there i will try to check that out, i have been to Princeton a few times
Some ideas from where I used to live: Fairmont, WV, nearby coal mining disaster; Clarksburg, WV .. home of the annual Italian Heritage Festival; Grafton, used to be a major railroad spot with huge buildings; Philippi, WV ... with a covered bridge and the site of the Battle of Philippi in the Civil War. Keep up your good work.
Thanks, and I appreciate the suggestions!
Beautifully done 😊🇺🇸🙏😇
I live here as well, right by the omelet shoppe across from the state police station lol
I think the grassroots movement and the growing art scene is the best thing to ever happen to this town.
Luved your comment "build community" ....100% agree. well done Princeton WA.
I was born in Princeton and lived there many years ago
I'm from Wheeling, WV but I lived in Charleston for 18 years and had a job as a bubblegum vendor. My routes covered all of southern WV and, of course, went to Princeton. I serviced the gum machines in the G C Murphy five and dime. (long since closed) but I remember that I felt that Princeton had a better chance to improve and progress than many other southen WV towns. It was easy to get to as it was right on I-77 and U S 460 went right through it.
Enjoyed the video and many others from my home state. Great memories.
Thank you for the video, grew up in Princeton came back to a lot of changes. I never understood why they stopped the cruisers, ppl would come from all over the area and spend money at the restaurants and gas stations. It's good to see cruising return even if it is just one weekend a month, lots of great memories from the 80s on that strip
Yes we looked forward to the weekends. It started when I was in Vietnam and when I came home I had never heard a electric police siren and when it went off I thought we were being invaded by people from outer space.
WHAT THE HELL IS THAT? I asked my friend... It was funny..
I’m from Princeton and I totally loved this video. Thank you!
thanks for giving a trure perspective of Princeton good vibes not all negative. born and raised best town in the world just cannot live there.
J Keatley
wow, I would luv to visit one day ..if possible.
I live near the railroad museum and found this video super interesting! I enjoyed finding out new things about the town I'm living in during college. Safe travels in your journey!
You Gotta mention the Military Museum ! This Museum is run by a 91 year old man who has given his heart and soul in dedication to creating a legacy for veterans from the area. It is a can't miss museum if you love Military history. It's something that Washington DC would have - it's that impressive. Ask for Tony Whitlow ( 91 years old and proud of the military history)
We always stop at the Princeton WV rest stop on our visits back to see family in the Montgomery area of WV.
My HOME!! GOD I MISS IT SO BAD!
Man this was awesome. What a charming cool place. I'll be sure to visit if I'm ever in the region. Great video!
Josh your new channel is really good. Don't forget us Overlanders!
I'm hooked
I've lived in this area my whole life minus a few months spent in Florida. I remember how happy I was to be coming back to the mountains when we moved back. There's no place I'd rather be. ❤️
No place like home, huh?
I’ve just discovered your channel, bro’. I love it. I live in Texas, but love the rich history of the towns you visit, especially Princeton. I’d really enjoy a cruising night there. Keep up the great work.
Glad you found it! Thanks for watching!!
Enjoyed watching this. This is my home town!!
I was born and raised here Live near Greensboro N.C. now
My home town. Never forget. The late. 70s. 😁👍👈
Man I look for videos on here all the time that do exactly what you are doing. Great work!! Come to Ohio!! Ill help you!
Enjoyed the video. Love all the history you are sharing. Little cash for gas for ya. Stay safe🙏❤️
Thank you so so much, appreciate your support to keep the wheels turning!!
Looks like a great place to visit and live!
Outstanding.
I’m binging your videos 👍🏽
😁🤙
I have family in Princeton and lashmeet.im glad to see videos from places like this .You should do one on lake shawnee! Creepy place.
So I've heard, I'll look into it!
Best of wishes to them all on rebuilding there town Cool
I'll be heading up to weston wv at the end of September, I might be driving through here or close by it.
I really like this series
Thanks!
Thanks so much Billie-Lee, I truly appreciate all your support!!
Official cruise nights are the 3rd Saturdays of the month May through October.
At one point the Courthouse was located in Athens, WV.
That place looks like it is a lot less boring sometimes than where I live. The area looks like the Fortauderdale strip.
Need to come to Philippi West Virginia Barbour county first land battle of the civil war..
Great Video. New sub here✨💚
Thank you!
I love that. Build community. Man, if i could afford it, I'd rent a car hauler & take my 58 & 62 Impalas to this event. Such a beautiful small town feel. You people there don't realize just what a jewel you have. Trees everywhere. Come to California, concrete, trash, graffiti, homeless. I wish I could click my heels like Dorothy & end up there instead of Kansas
Yup I know Princeton I'm from Bland VA the place no1 knows.
looks like heaven
Oooh my car is in the video
Another video, showing a reasonably sized town with not a soul in sight. This has become a common thread via the vloggers posting journeys through the States. I personally have come to the conclusion that socialising, going out for a walk, visiting the local shopping district and generally living life outdoors is dead in the US. That keyboard, screen and phone reign supreme delivering a warped life without leaving the couch. The more I see of these places, the more I know I haven't wasted my hard earned cash travelling to the US for a holiday. Nothing to see, nothing to do and no one to talk to. How sad. Oh and love your work, enjoyed your insight on the history of the town and that awesome classic car show and cruise!! Have subscribed and look forward to more informative content!!
People are actually outside here, just not really in the downtown area because theres no much to do at all
The places he filmed are mostly residential now. There's no one out and about because there's no reason to be. Even though there are shops there, people aren't going to stop and loiter out front just to talk. But as you saw, on Mercer St, there are little shops that encourage people to build community.
@@librakels3844 but it seems no one goes anywhere, parks are devoid of people also. Only place that surprised me is Flagstaff in Arizona, establishments everywhere, people out and about enjoying what's on offer. Maybe they are overseas tourists, as it seems Americans have lost the art of socialising.
We need more bridges in interstates in Princeton West Virginia we need more highways in Princeton West Virginia
My mom and Dad john (bill) and jewell donovan were born and raised in princeton, the donovan family has strong historcial ties to princeton, my mon and dad and ralf and effie ball ran away together and secretly got married at young age and returned home after their honeymoon to their parent homes afraid to tell parents they married, both my parents and balls were close friends and both stay married to each other for 50 plus years, each having 4 kids, each having a daughter named debbie, our family left princeton when my dad "bill" 9donovan became the lead electrical person on crawler at kennedy space center since beginning of gemini proram for 30 years, my brother pat was best friends with skip ball and i secretly loved skip since a little girl who i loved my entire life but he never knew, my mothers home is the griffey house on harrison st now historial museum for princeton both my grandfathers were machinist and carpenter for railroad, our family still returns every year to visit to see family and friiends
I lived there 17 years
I remember Mooneys drive in
Great video
Thanks!
Lived here all my life and I've seen the worst and best of Princeton.
What's the bad?
We ask God to bless and protect our community and all surrounding communities with His Devine protection, PRAISE YOUR HOLY NAME!!!!!!!
Hey that’s where my parents grew up
We need to build Princeton West Virginia make it into a big city
How about Williamson, WV?
I live there lol
Michele here's my home town.😂👈👍😂👈 Prienction
I'm a resident of Princeton wv a small town that needs new roads and new drainage system
The roads I drove on were pretty good, but I didn't drive on all the roads either. Thanks for watching!
I have family that lives in Princeton .
Go to Doddridge county West Virginia and the town of West Union.
Thery still have the cruising night there?
Every third saturday, May through October ( this past October was Halloween, literally thousands were here)
Cruiser from the 70s here.
🥰❤❤
Merica!
Is Princeton Whistle Pigs a member of the Appalachian League?
@jamesqualls8125 sadly, after a very long history in the region the semi professional Appalachian League disbanded during the height of the covid pandemic.
@MountainRoots but now the same league gets college players and college players that play from late May to late July, 48 to 52 games with the best team from the east and west division play best 2 out of 3 for the title
@jamesqualls8125 to your original question though, it is no longer a professional league.
@MountainRoots its a college league, the Appalachian league, you haven't done your homework? You need to go to a Bluefield stadium where they have a team, if the season is not over yet
@jamesqualls8125 correct it is a COLLEGE league now, not a professional league as it once was.
u go to Beckley?
Are you sure you are in Princeton?