Some of my family lived in Pocahontas and I spent summers there in the 1950s. My uncle either in the mines; they lived on Water Street (if my memory serves). We walked to the company store, had sodas in the drugstore/soda shop and spent idyllic summer days. Daddy worked in other mines in VA/WV and lost his leg in one mine accident. It’s real sad to see the history of Pocahontas and all those folks who lived, worked and died there, pass away. Thank you for helping us to remember it once again.
I visited Pocahontas once back in the 70's with my uncle and his father. His father grew up and lived in West Virginia but had some kind of connection to Pocahontas and wanted to stop by there to have lunch. I remember the town as being small but fairly busy but my uncle's dad kept commenting on how much it had shrunk. He had to drop out of high school to work in the coal mines when he was a teen and hated it. As soon as he was old enough he joined the army to get away from the mines. In the army he learned to be an electrician and returned to West Virginia and swore that he would never let any of his kids work in the mines which was a promise that he kept. These small towns SW Va are disappearing so fast and it so sad every time I come back to visit. Thank you for preserving the remaining portions of it on video.
Come see us in Pocahontas Co. WV......Dad was among the leaders that helped fund the restoration of our Opra House where 2 of my 3 kids were married. Thanks
I have so many memories from Pocahontas VA. I grew up in Abbs Valley and went to Pocahontas high school and graduated in 1992. I have some family buried in the Pocahontas cemetery as well.
Good job. I grew up in Pocahontas in the 1940's and 1950's. You can imagine that so much of this is sad for me. And just recently THE CRICKET being town down. You did a good job of showing us what was left. Any questions, please do not hesitate to write me. ❤
Growing up in Brooklyn NY to me it seems like it must have been a wonderful experience to grow up in a place like Pocahontas. I am not complaining I had fine childhood, but the differences between the two places are great and I often wonder what it must have been like living in a small town. Thank you for sharing Barbara.
Dad from Pocahontas. Grandfather owned the Cricket. Then Uncle Larry. Dad is one of six. The Brown family. Going down in spring with Dad. It's been 20yrs since I was there.
Grew up in Pocahontas. Best video I've seen. Really miss it. Grandparents were hungarian and lived in the large brick home next to st Elizabeth's Catholic church. There were lots of stores in town in the 50s that I remember. Great job
Amazing video!!! I agree with you both, I find it so so sad to see things of yesteryear disappear. Every time I see something gone from my childhood a part of me dies. Thank You both for your amazing videos. Stay safe and God Bless!!!!
The two of you did a great job with this video. It was great seeing the town again. It saddened me to see that the Cricket was gone. I had a lot of family that lived in and around Poci. I lived in Abbs Valley myself. I remember there was Frankies dairy bar across the street from the Cricket. Thanks for the memories.
I love watching you guys my daddy was a coal miner and he died fairly young and he's forties early forties makes me cry when I watch these things I go back so many years I love you guys thank you keep up the good work
LIKE I SAID U GUYS HAVE VERY GOOD VIDEOS I'VE BEEN 2 POTCHONAS 2 MANY HILLS BACK IN THE 70S IT WAS BOOMING I JUST TURN 79 IN MARCH KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GOD BLESS
Shane, It’s your 27th cousin, Daniel Simmons, from NC. 🤣 Yes, my distant relatives are from Surry County, too. Great video. I’ve driven through Pocahontas so many times on my ATV and never knew any of those houses, churches, etc were back behind that Dollar General! Speaking of opera houses, I’ve heard there was an opera house near Elkhorn Inn up in Elkhorn, WV. It’s near Northfork. Have you visited there yet? If not, you might check that out. I’ve seen some photos from inside then inn and it’s gorgeous. I’ve heard that very wealthy folks stayed there back in the old days and that the structure right behind it (up the hill) was a theater/opera house. It’s on highway 52. Keep up the great work.
I grew up just over in West Virginia. When I was a kid my dad’s cousin was married to a guy, I think he was from Colorado. When he would come to visit he would go to the Cricket and shoot pool. He was very good and liked to gamble. He also seemed to love Pocahontas and the Cricket. I was told he even played against Minnesota Fats. This video brings back a lot of memories. Thanks. 😁
Thank you both for another fine video. I agree that it is sad to see old building crumble, or get torn down, the older building had much more character, and more attention to small details was taken in their design. Not to mention the history they represent, all the personal interactions that took place in them, and the era they represent cannot be replaced. I do feel a sense of loss even when I have no personal connection to the buildings. Thank you again for all your work.
We feel the same way about the old buildings there just something so irreplaceable about old relics of history like that so it is sad to see so many of them disappearing
I'm from the area. Lived in Abbs Valley , moved away in late 60s..there is a lot of history in the area. Moore farm history. Enjoy your info. Have lots good memories of the area. Enjoy your tours. Had family that worked in mines.
Thank you for the excellent video. I was in Pocahontas today and didn't know about the demolition of The Cricket. Dad used to bank in Pocahontas and as a kid we went there often. Sad to see what has happened to the town. It has been 50 years since I grew up here. The only thing constant is change.
Melody and Shane, thanks for this wonderful video. I really enjoyed the vintage coal mining film footage, and vintage photographs, that were interspersed with the current video footage. Keep up the great work! 👍
I love watching your videos when I’m feeling homesick! I’m from close to Montcalm and would visit Pocahontas often, especially the cemetery. Thank you for making these videos!
I have to tell you both that your videos just keep getting better and better. Believe me your site will catch on soon, if not already. Pocahontas is a really neat town, with a wonderful history. You both showed it well. Happy New Year and looking forward to future videos.
Thanks for a great video. It is so sad to see historic buildings vanish. In Europe they still have amazing buildings which are hundreds of years old. Unfortunately, here in the USA, most buildings just fall apart.
Another great video from Real Appalachia! Enjoyed the cemetery and looking at the unique architecture. When it comes to buildings nowadays they sure don't make 'em like that anymore! Those old buildings are works of art.
Great video. I never knew that much history was there. It reminds me of the Silver mine I went down when I lived in Colorado. Thanks for taking us alone.
Great job. Love your videos. I live in eastern N.C. and a lot of the small towns in this area look the same as the small towns there. It's very sad. People left the farms for jobs in the larger cities. With the improvement of farm equipment, one farmer now tends what 15-20 farm families tended when I was young back in the 50's and 60's. Flue cured tobacco here was what coal was there. Keep up the good work. Would love for y'all to come to my area and do a video.
Thank you so much for this historical video. Some years back I got interested in some of the coll mining history in this country. I found myself focused on the area of Rocky Top, Tn. BTW, the original name was Coal Creek, then changed to Lake City then to Rocky Top in June 2014. There is so much history as well as coal mining disasters beginning with the one in Fratervillle in 1902 killing 184. Since the town was highly populated by people from Wales, they have a mass burial tradition of erecting a monument and the surround it by the individual graves. That cemetery does reflect that style. This led to a number of things including a battle and then the creation of Brushy Mountain State Pen. It is no long a prison but it is a tour site.
I live on the other side of mud fork about 20 min away from the mine, I did some excavation on my property and found old coal script coins from that mine
When I was kid in the 60's and lived not far from Pocahontas in what is called West Graham in Bluefield VA I got to visit that exhibition mine. Also went through that cemetery as an adult to view the old gravestones that are there. Very interesting
I wanted to see the coal mine museum last year when I was in Richlands and Grundy working on my family history but never got the chance. I think I'm going to have to plan a trip this year just for fun stuff. You guys are showing me lots of awesome places to visit. Thanks! 🙂
My husband's family were all from that area and I have visited Pocahontas Virginia many times since 1979. The 2 story structure that is left at the site of the old company store is a grain elevator. That's all that was left standing of the IGA grocery store after a storm. Most of the store fronts were burned down by the fire department because they were in such bad condition. It's just so sad to watch a vibrant little town turn into almost nothing!! They used to have a Theater that housed Broadway plays and musicals, stores selling the finest goods and banks and churches of every religion. He has 3 great grandfathers in the cemetery, uncles, ect. My daughters have family history steeped in that place and it's all going away. It's just so sad! Another thing, my husband's great uncle Pete Smith died in a electrical explosion in the mine in 1938. They had to start moving out to get married because everyone was beginning to become related to each other if only by marriage and that was close enough. The generation that went to WW2 didn't want to toil away in a coal mine just to die of black lung by the age of 40, they wanted better so that was another reason they left the south and moved north.
Y’all got to come back when it’s open! Also there is life in the area again. Ole No. 3 Restaurant & Bar is there at the Mine. Check it out. Love to see you folks. Let’s plan on it.
We certainly enjoyed the video, it’s been many years since I have been there, the most I remember is the graveyard on the hillside in steps! This place was amazing in its day. Y’all keep up the great work and we look forward to the next time! Drive safe and I’ll catch up with y’all later!
Ain't y'all glad you didn't film this one today?! 16° but feels like 6°! This was neat to see. I especially like the way y'all insert the old videos & pictures along with the history. I live in VA but never been there. Interesting to see how the miners were hauled into the mine & coal buggies moving out. Y'all are just getting better & better! Stay safe & God bless y'all from VA!
Interesting! I'll have to take a ride up there some time. Most of these places that you show us I'd love to drive through and see. Some I have already, most not.
Great videos & history on your channel. Keep up the good work. I do wonder though, has anyone ever hassled you for investigating & taking pictures? Or questioned why your there? Thanks again for these beautiful scenes.
Grew up there, and graduated from the high school a few years before it shut down. Not been back through town since the early 00's (my folks live down Abbs Valley, and I usually come through Horse Pen to visit). Poor old town... I really wish they could manage to restore and renovate the place, but there is so little there and really nothing to attract business. Glad they at least have the Dollar General and the trails and things. Shame about the Cricket. My dad used to play in a country band, and they played there a few times. Learned to play pool in the back room. Best hamburgers around.
If you pause at 11:45, the house on the left of the screen with the tree in the yard is a house that I just bought. If you ever drive back through in the near future, you should stop and take a look at it. The house more in the center of the screen is something I'm going to look at making an offer on. Since you made this video, the roof on that center house has started to collapse in the middle.
I worked for the railroad (NS). im in Ohio and when i went to Georgia for traing there were a few guys there from the Pocahontas Divison. WVA is such a beautiful state and a lot of history
Thank You Shane and Melody for sharing. I had a college buddy who went to Pocahontas High School. He lived in Boissevain (which is not pronounced like it looks and won’t try to butcher the correct pronunciation). If I’m not mistaken, the Bluefield College football team used the old high school for football facilities when they started their team a few short years ago. At any rate, great job. If anything, the warm sunny summertime weather can warm you up on a snowy, cold night like tonight. Take care.
I really enjoy your videos I moved up north a few years back and watching these really brings back good memories the cricket had the best burgers around 😋
But I love the work you guys do just teasing about the beard I was born in Mullens lived at bud and Lamar but we lived in Welch when we moved to Manassas Park Va. My grandparents Bill and Lilly Richards lived about half way between Matoka and Lamar on the right side where the big coal tipple was
Yes it is sad 💔😢 and the failure is nationwide. Ignorant, racially prejudiced people look at the same sad state of affairs in the city and blame it on the locals of color (usually black) 😡
Modern semi tractor-trailers need an 18 foot height from ground level to safely drive under anything but I have no idea what that height would have been at or before 1955.
I was born in Richlands, Virginia and Melody is from Honaker, Virginia. We havent done those towns yet but we are planning out when and how to do them.
We will reopen the Mine for tours the first weekend of May and we are typically open Thurs through Sun. I have been the tour guide there the last 2 seasons, I would Love to give ya'll a tour.
@@realappalachia the restaurant is currently open Thurs-Sat 3p.m-12a.m and Sun 12p.m.-8p.m. Hopefully you both can make another trip down take a tour and enjoy a meal at OleNo.3 as well. I look forward to meeting ya'll. If you wanna see more details about Pocy or things happening in the area visit the FB page Love of Pocahontas.
Wow, this was a surprise , to see bright sunshine and you guys wearing summer clothes. Was this a recent video, or one filmed when it was still warm ? It’s about 20 here today 🥶 It’s always fun to see a new video from you guys. A pretty little town , but sad to see so many empty places.
@@realappalachia You guys probably have warmer weather than we do. It’s nice to see the sunshine. 😊. Stay safe in the snow. I hope your roads don’t get bad.
Brick streets made me smile. They laid paver areas here in downtown Daytona and other areas no more than maybe 15 years ago and they don’t look as good as those from the early 1900’s or so. Job security now to fix and redo.
You would think of all the coal towns this would have been the one that they would have preserved the most. I mean it was where it all started for the coal industry in Appalachia yet the downtown doesn't look nearly as reminisant as other coal towns on this channel. It really looked sad and depressed. I was expecting more. Even the population was really bad. I thought maybe 750 to 1,000 residents but it was down to what? 300? Not sure how this town even survives with that few of people. There must be zero services offer to it's residents. No fire, no police, no ambulances. Nothing. Very sad.
Any idea how French Cemetery got its name? Was it because of a bunch of French people settling there, or was it people named French? Not only was my bunch of Simmons's from Virginia (not the same Shane in the video) but there's a bunch of people named French in my family tree, too.
I was talking to a retired miner who was working as a tour guide at this mine. He told me the foreman would tell the men to take care of his mule above everything else...said if something happens to you I can always hire another man but if something happens to that mule I'll have to buy another mule.
Video put together very nicely. Interesting how this town was built with so much diversity and thought put into it. Truly disappointing to see towns wither away over time and sort of disappear. Our Lord and savior Jesus Christ promises us a new heaven and new earth one day where there will be no more cemetery’s, no more decay, no more tears. Thanks once again for your work on this video.🇺🇸👍
Melody is even more gorgeous in a hat.I love watching.
Klamath falls Oregon is watching
Soooo many memories from this little town. Miss the old Pocy. Grew up there.
Some of my family lived in Pocahontas and I spent summers there in the 1950s. My uncle either in the mines; they lived on Water Street (if my memory serves). We walked to the company store, had sodas in the drugstore/soda shop and spent idyllic summer days. Daddy worked in other mines in VA/WV and lost his leg in one mine accident.
It’s real sad to see the history of Pocahontas and all those folks who lived, worked and died there, pass away. Thank you for helping us to remember it once again.
Love y'alls videos. Y'all need to come Louisiana and make some historic recordings in some of our old towns.
I visited Pocahontas once back in the 70's with my uncle and his father. His father grew up and lived in West Virginia but had some kind of connection to Pocahontas and wanted to stop by there to have lunch. I remember the town as being small but fairly busy but my uncle's dad kept commenting on how much it had shrunk.
He had to drop out of high school to work in the coal mines when he was a teen and hated it. As soon as he was old enough he joined the army to get away from the mines. In the army he learned to be an electrician and returned to West Virginia and swore that he would never let any of his kids work in the mines which was a promise that he kept.
These small towns SW Va are disappearing so fast and it so sad every time I come back to visit. Thank you for preserving the remaining portions of it on video.
Come see us in Pocahontas Co. WV......Dad was among the leaders that helped fund the restoration of our Opra House where 2 of my 3 kids were married. Thanks
Man, that sounds like it would really be something to see
I have so many memories from Pocahontas VA. I grew up in Abbs Valley and went to Pocahontas high school and graduated in 1992. I have some family buried in the Pocahontas cemetery as well.
Good job. I grew up in Pocahontas in the 1940's and 1950's. You can imagine that so much of this is sad for me. And just recently THE CRICKET being town down. You did a good job of showing us what was left. Any questions, please do not hesitate to write me. ❤
Thanks a ton, Barbara, we really appreciate it
Growing up in Brooklyn NY to me it seems like it must have been a wonderful experience to grow up in a place like Pocahontas. I am not complaining I had fine childhood, but the differences between the two places are great and I often wonder what it must have been like living in a small town. Thank you for sharing Barbara.
Dad from Pocahontas. Grandfather owned the Cricket. Then Uncle Larry. Dad is one of six. The Brown family. Going down in spring with Dad. It's been 20yrs since I was there.
My father is Leslie Brown from same time frame as you. D.O.B. 1943.
Grew up in Pocahontas. Best video I've seen. Really miss it. Grandparents were hungarian and lived in the large brick home next to st Elizabeth's Catholic church. There were lots of stores in town in the 50s that I remember. Great job
Amazing video!!! I agree with you both, I find it so so sad to see things of yesteryear disappear. Every time I see something gone from my childhood a part of me dies. Thank You both for your amazing videos. Stay safe and God Bless!!!!
Thanks so much, God bless you too, Greg
The two of you did a great job with this video. It was great seeing the town again. It saddened me to see that the Cricket was gone. I had a lot of family that lived in and around Poci. I lived in Abbs Valley myself. I remember there was Frankies dairy bar across the street from the Cricket. Thanks for the memories.
I love watching you guys my daddy was a coal miner and he died fairly young and he's forties early forties makes me cry when I watch these things I go back so many years I love you guys thank you keep up the good work
Thanks so much, Cassie!
LIKE I SAID U GUYS HAVE VERY GOOD VIDEOS I'VE BEEN 2 POTCHONAS 2 MANY HILLS BACK IN THE 70S IT WAS BOOMING I JUST TURN 79 IN MARCH KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GOD BLESS
Shane,
It’s your 27th cousin, Daniel Simmons, from NC. 🤣 Yes, my distant relatives are from Surry County, too.
Great video. I’ve driven through Pocahontas so many times on my ATV and never knew any of those houses, churches, etc were back behind that Dollar General! Speaking of opera houses, I’ve heard there was an opera house near Elkhorn Inn up in Elkhorn, WV. It’s near Northfork. Have you visited there yet? If not, you might check that out. I’ve seen some photos from inside then inn and it’s gorgeous. I’ve heard that very wealthy folks stayed there back in the old days and that the structure right behind it (up the hill) was a theater/opera house. It’s on highway 52.
Keep up the great work.
My whole family is from here and Abbs Valley and Boissevain ❤ I feel it calling again soon! Great job on the video! I always enjoy
I grew up just over in West Virginia. When I was a kid my dad’s cousin was married to a guy, I think he was from Colorado. When he would come to visit he would go to the Cricket and shoot pool. He was very good and liked to gamble. He also seemed to love Pocahontas and the Cricket. I was told he even played against Minnesota Fats. This video brings back a lot of memories. Thanks. 😁
That’s awesome, shooting pool used to be a pretty big deal around here, not sure why it disappeared
Thank you both for another fine video. I agree that it is sad to see old building crumble, or get torn down, the older building had much more character, and more attention to small details was taken in their design. Not to mention the history they represent, all the personal interactions that took place in them, and the era they represent cannot be replaced. I do feel a sense of loss even when I have no personal connection to the buildings. Thank you again for all your work.
We feel the same way about the old buildings there just something so irreplaceable about old relics of history like that so it is sad to see so many of them disappearing
I'm from the area. Lived in Abbs Valley , moved away in late 60s..there is a lot of history in the area. Moore farm history. Enjoy your info. Have lots good memories of the area. Enjoy your tours. Had family that worked in mines.
Great tour, thank you! It always strikes me how hard those people worked, the miners and their families.
Yes they really did work their lives away
My husband's hometown. I love that little town. We live about 30 minutes away.
Wow i can only imagine how small of a town the neighboring towns to this are.
Thank you for the excellent video. I was in Pocahontas today and didn't know about the demolition of The Cricket.
Dad used to bank in Pocahontas and as a kid we went there often. Sad to see what has happened to the town. It has been 50 years since I grew up here. The only thing constant is change.
Ain't the truth about change
Melody and Shane, thanks for this wonderful video. I really enjoyed the vintage coal mining film footage, and vintage photographs, that were interspersed with the current video footage. Keep up the great work! 👍
Thanks for the feedback and for watching
Love the black and white videos. It's nice to see the original towns.
Yes I was thrilled to get rights to use it
I love watching your videos when I’m feeling homesick! I’m from close to Montcalm and would visit Pocahontas often, especially the cemetery. Thank you for making these videos!
So glad you enjoy them, that comment makes my day
I have to tell you both that your videos just keep getting better and better. Believe me your site will catch on soon, if not already. Pocahontas is a really neat town, with a wonderful history. You both showed it well. Happy New Year and looking forward to future videos.
thanks so much for the kind words and for watching, we appreciate you. Happy New Year to you too
I drove my grandparents through in 1984!!
Thanks for a great video. It is so sad to see historic buildings vanish. In Europe they still have amazing buildings which are hundreds of years old. Unfortunately, here in the USA, most buildings just fall apart.
It is strange to see the difference, not sure what to chalk that up to but it is striking
Another great video from Real Appalachia! Enjoyed the cemetery and looking at the unique architecture. When it comes to buildings nowadays they sure don't make 'em like that anymore! Those old buildings are works of art.
You're sure right about that, they're irreplaceable
They were also built with good quality workmanship. Now everything is prefab or just thrown together
Great video. I never knew that much history was there. It reminds me of the Silver mine I went down when I lived in Colorado. Thanks for taking us alone.
Loved this video. The history, the old clips of the mine. Thank you for sharing. Binge watching all of your travels on Christmas break.
Thank you so much, Teresa
Great job. Love your videos. I live in eastern N.C. and a lot of the small towns in this area look the same as the small towns there. It's very sad. People left the farms for jobs in the larger cities. With the improvement of farm equipment, one farmer now tends what 15-20 farm families tended when I was young back in the 50's and 60's. Flue cured tobacco here was what coal was there. Keep up the good work. Would love for y'all to come to my area and do a video.
that story sounds eerily similar, we would love to check out a tobacco farm someday.
Thank you so much for this historical video. Some years back I got interested in some of the coll mining history in this country. I found myself focused on the area of Rocky Top, Tn. BTW, the original name was Coal Creek, then changed to Lake City then to Rocky Top in June 2014. There is so much history as well as coal mining disasters beginning with the one in Fratervillle in 1902 killing 184. Since the town was highly populated by people from Wales, they have a mass burial tradition of erecting a monument and the surround it by the individual graves. That cemetery does reflect that style. This led to a number of things including a battle and then the creation of Brushy Mountain State Pen. It is no long a prison but it is a tour site.
I live on the other side of mud fork about 20 min away from the mine, I did some excavation on my property and found old coal script coins from that mine
that would be a great find, for sure. I used to collect that stuff myself and some of it can get expensive.
wow vintage film was fantastic, thanks
Glad you enjoyed it, David
When I was kid in the 60's and lived not far from Pocahontas in what is called West Graham in Bluefield VA I got to visit that exhibition mine. Also went through that cemetery as an adult to view the old gravestones that are there. Very interesting
I wanted to see the coal mine museum last year when I was in Richlands and Grundy working on my family history but never got the chance. I think I'm going to have to plan a trip this year just for fun stuff. You guys are showing me lots of awesome places to visit. Thanks! 🙂
My husband's family were all from that area and I have visited Pocahontas Virginia many times since 1979.
The 2 story structure that is left at the site of the old company store is a grain elevator. That's all that was left standing of the IGA grocery store after a storm.
Most of the store fronts were burned down by the fire department because they were in such bad condition.
It's just so sad to watch a vibrant little town turn into almost nothing!!
They used to have a Theater that housed Broadway plays and musicals, stores selling the finest goods and banks and churches of every religion. He has 3 great grandfathers in the cemetery, uncles, ect. My daughters have family history steeped in that place and it's all going away. It's just so sad!
Another thing, my husband's great uncle Pete Smith died in a electrical explosion in the mine in 1938. They had to start moving out to get married because everyone was beginning to become related to each other if only by marriage and that was close enough. The generation that went to WW2 didn't want to toil away in a coal mine just to die of black lung by the age of 40, they wanted better so that was another reason they left the south and moved north.
Thanks so much for sharing that fantastic information, Pocahontas is one of both of our favorite towns so we absolutely love getting to learn more
Y’all got to come back when it’s open! Also there is life in the area again. Ole No. 3 Restaurant & Bar is there at the Mine. Check it out. Love to see you folks. Let’s plan on it.
We certainly enjoyed the video, it’s been many years since I have been there, the most I remember is the graveyard on the hillside in steps! This place was amazing in its day. Y’all keep up the great work and we look forward to the next time! Drive safe and I’ll catch up with y’all later!
thanks so much, yes, the graveyard leaves an impression on you that will stick with you once you see it.
At 3:50~ in the video there is some Appalachian-style music….where can I find that soundtrack to listen to?
Thanks,
SplitHoof
A guy that lives across the road from this let me go in it a few years ago. If you ever back, go ask if you can see inside. Its so neat.
Loving your videos, even over he in England, it gives me a real feel for Appalachia - Thank you
That's fantastic, glad to head from folks in the motherland
Ain't y'all glad you didn't film this one today?! 16° but feels like 6°! This was neat to see. I especially like the way y'all insert the old videos & pictures along with the history. I live in VA but never been there. Interesting to see how the miners were hauled into the mine & coal buggies moving out. Y'all are just getting better & better! Stay safe & God bless y'all from VA!
Interesting! I'll have to take a ride up there some time. Most of these places that you show us I'd love to drive through and see. Some I have already, most not.
Great videos & history on your channel. Keep up the good work. I do wonder though, has anyone ever hassled you for investigating & taking pictures? Or questioned why your there? Thanks again for these beautiful scenes.
Grew up there, and graduated from the high school a few years before it shut down. Not been back through town since the early 00's (my folks live down Abbs Valley, and I usually come through Horse Pen to visit). Poor old town... I really wish they could manage to restore and renovate the place, but there is so little there and really nothing to attract business. Glad they at least have the Dollar General and the trails and things. Shame about the Cricket. My dad used to play in a country band, and they played there a few times. Learned to play pool in the back room. Best hamburgers around.
If you pause at 11:45, the house on the left of the screen with the tree in the yard is a house that I just bought. If you ever drive back through in the near future, you should stop and take a look at it. The house more in the center of the screen is something I'm going to look at making an offer on. Since you made this video, the roof on that center house has started to collapse in the middle.
I worked for the railroad (NS). im in Ohio and when i went to Georgia for traing there were a few guys there from the Pocahontas Divison. WVA is such a beautiful state and a lot of history
Thank You Shane and Melody for sharing. I had a college buddy who went to Pocahontas High School. He lived in Boissevain (which is not pronounced like it looks and won’t try to butcher the correct pronunciation). If I’m not mistaken, the Bluefield College football team used the old high school for football facilities when they started their team a few short years ago. At any rate, great job. If anything, the warm sunny summertime weather can warm you up on a snowy, cold night like tonight. Take care.
Thank you, I bet the college did use it because I saw that Mitchell Stadium in Bluefield was named one of the top high school stadiums in the country.
I really enjoy your videos I moved up north a few years back and watching these really brings back good memories the cricket had the best burgers around 😋
Glad to hear it, thank you, Lew
Always look forward to your videos. I always wonder what the residents do for a living in these small towns that you visit ?
Mainly they either drive to the closest town or work healthcare, local government, etc.
Really enjoy your content thanks for your honesty
We appreciate that!
But I love the work you guys do just teasing about the beard I was born in Mullens lived at bud and Lamar but we lived in Welch when we moved to Manassas Park Va. My grandparents Bill and Lilly Richards lived about half way between Matoka and Lamar on the right side where the big coal tipple was
We are trying very hard to get to Mullens, been wanting to get there for a long time
It is sad that we can't preserve our history of towns and buildings. Thanks for the tour.
Glad you enjoyed it, Ellen
Yes it is sad 💔😢 and the failure is nationwide. Ignorant, racially prejudiced people look at the same sad state of affairs in the city and blame it on the locals of color (usually black) 😡
Oh and I'm definitely just like Melody it makes me cry to see it fade.
Went there today - was very cool, glad you passed this info on.
That’s awesome, still one of my favorite towns for the history there
Wow. You’ve outdone yourself. Amazing. Thanks so much.
Thank you 😃
I really enjoy hearing the history of different cities. Some of these towns look like ghost towns - hardly anyone around.
They've definitely took a big hit in population, for sure
WOW! Thank you for your wonderful, historical video! Stay safe on the roads. Stay away from thirdary roads!!
Great footage 👍💯
Thanks so much
Fascinating!! Love this video.
Thanks so much
Great job
melody melody oh melody !!!!!
I really enjoy you alls videos
Thanks so much
Enjoyed the old Town scenes
thanks, Dan
When I lived there there was a post office two small stores
Love your videos.
Thanks so much
Modern semi tractor-trailers need an 18 foot height from ground level to safely drive under anything but I have no idea what that height would have been at or before 1955.
Which building was the Folger coffee commercial filmed at
What towns were you two born in and have you done videos of them yet?
I was born in Richlands, Virginia and Melody is from Honaker, Virginia. We havent done those towns yet but we are planning out when and how to do them.
We will reopen the Mine for tours the first weekend of May and we are typically open Thurs through Sun. I have been the tour guide there the last 2 seasons, I would Love to give ya'll a tour.
I also should've added, what looks like 2 glass doors at the back of the Powerhouse is the entrance to the new restaurant #OleNo3Restaurant&Bar
That would be absolutely fantastic, we'd love that. Been wanting to check out the new restaurant too.
@@realappalachia the restaurant is currently open Thurs-Sat 3p.m-12a.m and Sun 12p.m.-8p.m. Hopefully you both can make another trip down take a tour and enjoy a meal at OleNo.3 as well. I look forward to meeting ya'll. If you wanna see more details about Pocy or things happening in the area visit the FB page Love of Pocahontas.
@@acamillion2022 that sounds perfect. I'll go check out that Facebook page right now, we love Pocahontas.
love to go see this place but have not made it there yet
It is a great place to check out
Wow, this was a surprise , to see bright sunshine and you guys wearing summer clothes. Was this a recent video, or one filmed when it was still warm ? It’s about 20 here today 🥶
It’s always fun to see a new video from you guys.
A pretty little town , but sad to see so many empty places.
Right? Must have been filmed this summer!
The snow is really coming down today, we had a nightmare of a time editing this video. It was done in the fall.
@@realappalachia You guys probably have warmer weather than we do. It’s nice to see the sunshine. 😊.
Stay safe in the snow. I hope your roads don’t get bad.
@@realappalachia it was done in the autumn yet it still looked like summer. I remember when trees turned color at the beginning of the season!
It's like my past has been erased. 1969-74 then back in 80 s
Awesome video!
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks!
Great video.🙂👀
Thank you
Thank you, Love your Cowboy Hat!
Thank you, Joy!
@@realappalachia You're welcome! We've Lost 3 Queens in a Row Olivia Newton John Queen Elizabeth ll and Queen Loretta Lynn
@@joydunn2109 shew it’s been a tough tough year so far
@@realappalachia You're welcome
I lived in a hollow was called triple hollow Nex to the mine enterence in 1973
Awesome video! Y’all should do more cemetery coverage and your videos. That was really cool.
Thank you! Will do!
We always appreciate your show... That is one Creepy place.. Have you noticed that no one is every out on the Streets?
Thank you, yes, the population drop has made a lot of the towns we visit appear to be almost empty, at least compared to their heydays.
I love all these places you visit. Makes me long to live there. However, I don't know how these men did it. I would have died of claustrophobia.
Shew, I've been underground in a mine for a couple of hours and I am with you - almost had a panic attack needing to get out of it
Brick streets made me smile. They laid paver areas here in downtown Daytona and other areas no more than maybe 15 years ago and they don’t look as good as those from the early 1900’s or so.
Job security now to fix and redo.
Inside that mine looked kinda spooky with those lights floating around in mid air. They weren't lamp posts.
Right?! That spooked me! - Melody
You would think of all the coal towns this would have been the one that they would have preserved the most. I mean it was where it all started for the coal industry in Appalachia yet the downtown doesn't look nearly as reminisant as other coal towns on this channel. It really looked sad and depressed. I was expecting more. Even the population was really bad. I thought maybe 750 to 1,000 residents but it was down to what? 300? Not sure how this town even survives with that few of people. There must be zero services offer to it's residents. No fire, no police, no ambulances. Nothing. Very sad.
What about over the mountain in Anawalt
Any idea how French Cemetery got its name? Was it because of a bunch of French people settling there, or was it people named French? Not only was my bunch of Simmons's from Virginia (not the same Shane in the video) but there's a bunch of people named French in my family tree, too.
great question, if I was guessing I would say it was for the surname French as it is pretty common here - more so than French settlers.
I was talking to a retired miner who was working as a tour guide at this mine. He told me the foreman would tell the men to take care of his mule above everything else...said if something happens to you I can always hire another man but if something happens to that mule I'll have to buy another mule.
Video put together very nicely. Interesting how this town was built with so much diversity and thought put into it. Truly disappointing to see towns wither away over time and sort of disappear. Our Lord and savior Jesus Christ promises us a new heaven and new earth one day where there will be no more cemetery’s, no more decay, no more tears. Thanks once again for your work on this video.🇺🇸👍
Amen to those words. Thanks, Bill
My husband graduated from there in 1999
My family lives there still Mill and the Tabor
That’s really cool
Hihihi, first! Great job! Snow there?
It is coming down today, took us a long time to edit this one so it feels like summer lol
Google Maps still show the collapsed building and no Dollar General at the corner of Centre St and Walnut St in Pocahontas.
The irony of the exhibition mine never being on exhibition.
Would love to buy that Brick Church and convert it to a house .
Man, those men were a tough and rugged lot. Im in shape and I dont even think I would make it a week doing what they did.😃🤣
Melody just about tickles me death sometimes ☮️
love your ouback baby !!
She look good in her hat
I love cabbage rolls, but they're so labor intensive to make.
I've never tried one
Lure the prison in to a town ---> Then flush the local employees. Never Ever go for that trick.