Do not consider this area. I grew up here and visit from time to time. Still have family there. This place is drug infested and most of the good folks have died off
Thank you for devoting so much of this to Big Creek! In the last still of the old school, you can see the lighted football field immediately in front. In the fall of 1931, my grandfather scored the first touchdown on that field. In the spring of 1932, my grandmother was valedictorian of Big Creek's very first graduating class. My mother was in the 25th class, my aunt and uncle were there with the Rocket Boys (one of whom was a pallbearer in 2007 for said uncle). And for those familiar with Homer & The Guys, my mother was the college roommate of the real-life Miss Frieda Riley.
@@realappalachia I meant to also express my regrets that you hadn't "done" Bartley - where my grandfather and mother both grew up, where my parents were married in 1960, where (like War) I have cousins residing to this very day - while you were in that part of McDowell, but I realized that there's not enough "there" there to cover, even combined with English. :)
@@careymitchell4731 Oh my goodness! Ask your wife if she knew, or knew of, Duck and Monnie Barnette or maybe their daughters Kay and Carol Sue, please. Kay was my late mother. *gobsmacked*
My Parents lived in War from 1957 to maybe 1959 , when I was a toddler. I remember we lived across the tracks on the hill above the Town. My Dad was blind and he was a real good Guitar player and singer. I wonder if anyone 75 or 80 years old remembers him playing and singing The Wildwood Flower on the streets in WAR. I was an only Child and would walk in the stores holding my Daddy's hand. It would mean a lot if someone remembered my dad when the Town was a busy place.
Thank you, I done an edit and added the date when we lived there. I remember the house had a real small kitchen and the toilet was the kind that when you flushed there was a straight down drop. If you dropped something in that toilet, it was gone!! Maybe there will be someone born in the 1950 s that will remember him. I also had an Aunt named Berlie Ward that lived in War most of her life.We moved to Beckley in 1959 or 1960 to be close to my dad's twin brother Paul McGrady, my dad was Claude McGrady. They played and sang at the Honkytonks back in those days as The McGrady Twins.@@realappalachia
Hi Nancy, my name is Loretta "Greta" Miller, I was raised in Warriormine, I left in '86, the aunt you spoke of, Berlie, sounds so familiar...or Fox??? The memory is so faint! Wishing you the best...
My Grandmother and her 10 siblings or so lived there in the 60s. I'll have to ask if she remembers. Their last name was Penley if anyone else has some sort of connection to the town and recognizes it.
That Walgreens used to be a Rite-Aid. Jones and Spry was the local grocer. Granny used to send us up the mountain to get runoff water. The Hillbilly Market had the best fried chicken and taters you ever knew. Warrior Mine was where Granny lived when I was a child. You drove right past her old house. Amazing! Thank you
My family on my mothers side is from War. My uncle Carson Penley moved back some time ago and has since passed at his home there. Ive stayed at the War hotel and listened to old timers talk about all the presidents that stayed there. My uncle Cecil use to live at a turn at the bottom of the haller and use keep his house warm with the coal that fell off the train cars and rolled down to his yard. Great history there.
My great-grandmother lived up Big Creek holler behind the school until the early 70's while my great-uncle and -aunt, Melvin & Kathleen Spivey, lived up the same holler and real close to Granny's. If the last name is Spivey, Linkous, or Barnett in War, if I'm not directly kin to 'em then they and me have kin in common. LOL
THANK YOU! Would love to see images from Bradshaw, Jolo, and Paynesville!! So many stories from Bradshaw Mountain and the family farms around the ridge. And you're right, this is the bit of American history most people forget.
My grandparents went to Big creek high school and my grandfather was the only player in that time to receive football scholarship to Virginia Tech (VPI at that time). They were a little older then the Hickams. Your channel brings back many memories of stories my dad used to tell me about his raising in McDowell county when he was a young boy.
Great video as always. Your work in documenting the ever changing history of Appalachia is important. It looks to be a truly wonderful place that played an important part in American history. Great work in recording and sharing the information with the rest of us. Thanks for your efforts.
Wow! Thank you! Brought me right back home! I was raised in Warriormine (pronounced Warrior-hollor)😉 left in '86. Seeing the Library, park and the Willow tree!!! That once majestic tree was our "landmark"... Thanks again for the sweetest memories! -Greta
Cool. Thanks for sharing. First time viewer. Native West Virginian here from the Kanawha Valley. I worked the coalfields for several years handling insurance claims in the 2010s. Brings back lots of memories seeing this. Thanks again.
I stayed in War about a month ago. We ride the trails over there. We ride trails over that way a lot from the Bramwell/Northfork/Ashland Coal Camp areas, too. Next time you’re there, stop in and see Mrs. Orbie at the Coffee Shop. She’s owned it since 1969. Good food and it’s a War institution.
You just passed the house we stayed in over by the fire department in 18:56 in the video. Lol. Little coal mining era house that was renovated. There’s a rock face with a flag pole in it up the mountain that overlooks War and the surrounding area called “High Rocks”. It’s a challenging trail ride up there, but it’s the best view from a trail in WV. It’s actually breathtaking.
I believe, sadly, that the parents passed away. What a wonderful afternoon my wife and I spent there a few years back. He was a coal miner and he regaled us with stories from his younger days. Made us feel so welcome. I hope their daughter is well.
My Fifth Grade teacher - Miss Frances Jeffries - was from War, West Virginia. I grew up in Florida. I was very fond of her, she was a real character! If anyone knows anything about the Jeffries family please contact me! I would love to know whatever happened to her.
I have been through this gem on many a motorcycle tour in Southern, WV. I always stopped at the Coffee Shop with my crew for lunch. Orbie Campbell owned/operated the establishment and provided a great multi-course meal at a very reasonable price that was too good to be true. Her daughter Bonnie(Laura) waited on us and prepared the meals. The Barbershop next door was owned by 2 brothers(Russell & Riley Justice) who had been cutting hair since they were discharged from the Navy in '46 and were a absolute delight to talk to. Thanks for the memories!
Seeing that old picture of Big Creek High School bring back memories of playing football for Duval High School.l before they consolidated. I remember us packing up and leaving Lincoln County shortly after lunch and riding a charter bus to get there. The biggest memory was seeing the "Welcome to War" sign that was posted outside the field house. Being a freshman, that was the furthest away game until we was to play Tolsia in Matewan for a grid event.
It’s a sad little town now, but it was a great place to call home for many years. Born and raised in War, went to Big Creek High. Moved away when I was 18, but in my soul it will always be home.
When I was a child, I loved the hymn Onward Christian Soldiers so much I told my mother I would have it sung at my wedding. I had no clue there was such a thing as "wedding protocol" lol. My mom, bemused, told me I might change my mind one day...
It's been a few years since I been through War, but one sign that coal is no longer a major industry is that the buildings are not layered in heavy black coal dust as they used to be.
Hello Cory, John and Ethel Rutherford were my wife Grandparents and Ernest was her father from War,WV. I understand there were many brothers but have no records.
Worked in War with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief - West Virginia last several months. Localized flooding damaged several homes. Spent 5 or 6 weeks helping folks clean-up and rebuild. Made lots of new friends there. Will never forget my time in War.
Thanks, Shane, for another longer video. And its called "progress" which I have come to dislike myself. The older looking white church(?) across from the Dollar General was neat to see & the waterfall out of the side of the mountain was beautiful. Its a shame you couldn't get a drink from there...probably was good, cold & fresh! This was a great ride along! Thanks again for all you do to bring the beautiful places to us & include some of their history. God bless & keep you safe!
I've watched a few "War, WV" videos today yours is by far the best! Took time to show the town and not just drive through. I lived there late 70s with an uncle who operated a bodyshop in town. I went there because my parents couldn't control me. Kicked out of HS and on a path of destruction. Uncle took me and taught me a trade as a painter. I went to an old time "tent meeting" on Main Street. I was "born again" in War. Went to Seminary and I now pastor, married 37 yrs and have 3 grandkids and 3 of my own. First time laying eyes on this town since I left in 79.
Came across your video somehow I look as it as a gift from my daddy. May he rest in peace. Ken I can't thank you enough Sir. My daddy was born an raised in Bradshaw West Virginia. He his daddy and oldest brother all worked in the mine in War. I can remember going there as a child. I subscribed to your channel instantly can't wait to explore your other videos to visit West Virginia memories. Good job darlin
Thank you for sharing your video of War WV. My mom was born in Worrier Mine in 1940. She lived there until 1962 then moved to western Massachusetts and married my dad that was from Mass. Her name was Wanda Muncy. She was one of ten siblings. About 8 or 9 years ago my cousin and I brought my mom and her mom Violet to see there old home town. They had a great time reminiscing about the old days. Both our moms have passed now.
He does these videos on sunny days. Which in WV is about 60 out of 365 days a year. When the clouds come down in the winter or rainy days, and you live in a place like this (most of WV), its like living in a box. The mountainside goes up to a cloud in all directions and its claustrophobic as hell. Sunny bwautiful though.
My high school, built in 1963, was torn down for single family housing. There were a lot of unhappy residents of my parents' neighborhood, who paid the bonds they voted for, for a high school that's not there anymore. Another excellent video of a place so different from where I've lived.
My hometown up in Port Dover, Ontario, Canada was hustle and bustle back in the 1950s and part of 1960s. Canning Factory, Iveys Flowers (100 year company went belly up around 1990 ), bustling freshwater fishing port. All are now long gone and it has turned into a tourist town for the beach of Lake Erie. The great classic public school we had in town was torn down for housing around 2000. Shortly after, the school on the hill was torn down. That school is where all the kids in town were bussed to for middle school.. but was kindergarten to middle school. Now only the high school remains. Grade school kids are bussed to neighboring towns. The population is mostly retirees and "townies" don't much exist anymore. What was once young families having kids and a growing population of youth is long gone. So sad.. factories are swallowed up.. people move.. situations suffer!
I’m becoming addicted to your videos! In my idea of a perfect world, I could take a train to War or somewhere nearby, stay at a cabin, and rent a dirt bike and explore the trails!
My husband taught at Big Creek High School under Mr. Turner. I taught at War Elementary under John Wargo. Both amazing men! Wonderful memories of War, West Virginia!,
My Mamaw was from War her Daddy worked in the mines there. She moved to Cranes Nest/Coeburn VA in Wise County VA until she passed on to be with the Lord & her lost loved ones
I remember playing in the Iaeger High band, Friday night football game at Big Creek High School. I thought that having their football field in front of school was unique. Thanks for the video share.
Thank for you taking the effort to educate and acquaint us with Appalachia. My mother’s maternal side is from Wv/Va. / KY area. Yes coal miner family for generations. Until my great grandfather decided to leave when the coal mine wars erupted.there was so much division. Mango was epicenter I think. But McDowel was pretty bad as well.
There were plans to restore Big Creek High School but sadly it burned down before anything could be done. I grew up in Warriormine. My family is still there and there’s some great people in that town ☺️
Thank you! I was raised in Warriormine, left in '86, and to see my hometown was so nostalgic! My house, behind the little white Baptist church, burnt many years ago, but my neighborhood was lovely to see! Sending Light and Love to all!💚✌ Greta
Thank you for this video, I'd forgotten how beautiful the mountains are in the spring when the willows and redbud and dogwoods are starting to come out. I grew up in Coalwood and graduated from Big Creek H.S. My uncle, Fred Murphy, was the postmaster in War for many years. I could never go back there to live, but I enjoy your videos very much. Keep up the good work!
Hi, it's really important that you captured places like buildings that later got destroyed. Everything lives on through your videos. You are documenting real history as it was back in the day. I'm really glad to get to witness many old, historic places. I love that you do talk about the History of each place too. These places must not be forgotten. They were important places for the people who built n lived in these places. Thx for all you do.
Thanks Shane, I love your videos... showing history and documenting the past. We don’t appreciate these things when we are young... in the fog of War 😊
Hi mate, I really enjoy your tours, really well put together. I’d really like to see the estate company listings just to see what is happening to house and business prices in each town. Cheers from Australia..
Dad was born in 1929 and graduated Big Creek HS. So long ago. He had one sister and 3 brothers and they all left WV when they graduated. Their mother insisted. All went to school elsewhere after HS.
From Richlands the best way to go is to Jewell Ridge and around Bearwollow mountain 616 to fork with 613 go right on fire road to Berwind lake and on to War and eat at the Owl.
What a great town. They still have their depot. The Grants grocery, Walgreens and Dollar General built there in town. I wonder if they tore buildings down for them. The old buildings and houses are in great shape. The post office and library, the creek. A great historic town.
1984 I hauled a load of guard rail to War WV. Took this skinny windy tar and chipped road to the bottom. Ended up near the mine in a dirt lot to unload. I remember the coal trucks having to use the creek part way to the mine to get a load of coal. One heck of a trip. Wonder if the mine is still open.
Both parents graduated from Big Creek There was some awesome football games there Grandpa used to work at Warriormine when the mines was running I've been there many times in my childhood
Bernard Coffindaffer, a Marine veteran and a native of Craigsville, West Virginia, was the man behind the crosses. It was his desire to remind people that Jesus had been crucified at Calvary to forgive their sins and that he’d be coming back again.
A couple of things that need to be added. Big Creek was scheduled to be torn down, but was burned down by arsons a day or two before it was to be torn down. It had been offered to a few groups, but no one felt they could afford to own it.
I have a genuine and perhaps odd comment about War and others areas of rural WV. As a Canadian, I drove through War and other areas of McDowell county in 2022 and was admittedly astonished by the amount of poverty and and burnt out buildings in this area. I admittedly felt a little bit spooked, but not in a judgmental way. There is a surreal mix of amazing natural scenery and human struggle here, I gathered. It kept me unsettled. What is your honest take on the safeness and friendliness of these areas? It was fascinating to see an area of America most Canadians will never see. Cheers, love your channel!
Nice! My old football coach at Elizabethton high in TN. Starred at Big creek in the mid -fifties...Dave Rider,Heck of a man/coach and went on to play at West Va........remember him talking about this place back 30 year ago........and his grandson was Jason Witten. Find /humble/Hard working people out of that area.
Definitely one of your better vids Shane, especially the historical still pictures, they add perspective and depth as to what the town was back in the day. A couple of suggestions, one is to slow down and document the older buildings a little more because those are the ones that can disappear in the blink of an eye, second suggestion would be at the end of your vids would be to ask the viewers to send you still photos of towns that you are going to make tours soon, part tease, part content material. Just typing out loud, must be war fatigue....
Mitch Evans, I, too, love historical photos, and always did, even as a kid. I always hit pause when a vintage photo pops up, and squint to check out what I can. (By the way, my cousin married a Mitch.)
When I used to visit my relatives in Webster Springs, WV. I would drive way down Gauley River Rd. to a pipe where water runs off the mountain through the pipe. I would fill up 10 one gallon jugs before heading back to Florida. I really dislike Florida water. I would also hike the mountains in the area and drink right from streams. Best water there is.
My dad was born in War in 1951 and raised in Southwest Detroit, his family having moved in 1955, at the height of War's population. Granny and Granddad eventually moved back and were residents of McDowell County until their deaths. I still have cousins there, including many distant relations, both black and white. All have a shared heritage of Native American ancestry, as do most of the people in McDowell. Having grown up myself in Michigan, I am proud to have come from hillbilly stock. Thank you for your dedication to the preservation of the memory of my beloved ancestral homeland, where I vacationed often in my youth.
Thanks for putting up these videos. I would be sharing them with my brother in law John Collins, but he lost the war with Agent Orange in November 2020. In the late 70s and early 80s he drove a truck for a Westinghouse division that repaired motors in Glassport, PA. He had to drive a tandem axle flatbed to War and deliver it. The mine folks met him at the railroad bridge where they rigged the motor from his truck to a wagon. When he and I rode our motorcycles to the Rocket Boys festival in 2008 we rode through War on our way back to Bluefield. He was disappointed that the wooden sidewalks had been replaced along with the steel pie-pan incandescent bulb streetlights. We never got to see Homer, as John found another group of Vietnam veterans who'd also ridden there and he spent the day swapping stories. West Virginia has the best motorcycle roads in the country, but don't tell anyone! WISCO had a twice monthly contract at Island Creek Coal's Mount Storm cleaning plant, and some of the best days of my life were days I could ride there and back to Pittsburgh on my motorcycle. Although the plant closed in 1996, I still go there at least once a year and ride my own "Mountain Course", a loop from Oakland, Maryland that goes like this: MD 136 to US 50. Gorman/Gormania. US 50 East to WV 42 South. WV 42 south to WV 93 East. Here you have to get on the new interstate to get to Davis and Thomas. Follow the signs to US 219 north. This takes you back to Oakland through a magnificent state forest.
Those sound like great memories! So sorry about your brother in law. The sacrifices our military men and women make are heartbreaking but truly a blessing for us all. - Melody
I worked on a road construction crew in war wv in 2001. It was a small town with not many people. Nicest people in world. But area is very run down since mines shut down.
I believe the old high school burned down so they really had no choice. Somebody correct me if I’m wrong. My mother went there several years ahead of the rocket boys but I believe her youngest sister was in the same class with Homer.
Excellent as always. People will never get the time, sweat, and pride people put into these towns to make life better for their families. Sad to say but people in our present "hand-out society" will never look at these places like most who view your channel. Shane, you ever get my email bout paying your gas to make it to Andrews NC and getting me a few pictures? Joe from PA Appalachians
well said. I haven't seen that email but will go back through. I keep forgetting to check my spam folder and every now and then an email gets stuck in there
The houses that you passed when making the uturn at the war church are pretty. The one after 6:22 on the left is so cool. I dig the styles and how the houses climb. Pretty cool
Right at 13:00 and 14:48 there was a charming little white house with a loooooong stairway out front that leads down to the road. I wonder if the homeowner uses it. Like you said, Shane, I am in no shape for it either. Too much huffing & puffing to climb that thing.
Awesome video Shane. I stumbled across your channel a year or so ago and became an instant fan. I love WV, especially southern WV. Born and raised in Ohio, but love WV. I did laugh at your puns, but I am a little disappointed... when you were at the sign that says "Welcome to War" I was hoping you would say "we are on the verge of War here" lol!
Sir, I enjoied your video of the West Virginia town of War. Does anyone remember when the South Carolina National Guard was there for flood relief? Thanks, Pvt Robert
I see you are wearing a Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Shirt. My Mom was from Iaeger and my Dad was from the Bradshaw area. When I was a toddler we lived in War a year or two. We moved to Beckley and ived 2 miles from the exhibition Mine site. I miss West Virginia a lot as I have been in Alabama for 36 years now.. Great job filming these places that most people have never heard of. The aerial view looks like the Creek or River, and Streets are a lot cleaner than they used to be.
My father was born in 1949 and lived in war West Virginia until he was about 10 or 12 I have never been but I would really love to find where he was born and raised
Do you enjoy what you do on RUclips it would be my first question to you and if you said yes just from watching your videos I just became a new subscriber maybe six months ago but I’ve seen your videos for a couple years I’m in West Virginia my sisters live in Virginia Are feel what you do keeps history alive and real not like it’s taught in schools please when I can I’ll send you money because I really do enjoy watching and learning from the work you put in thank you
Pretty cool seeing our motor coach there parked in war by playground lol .. Should see the video of that trip into War Great video we definitely will subscribe
I visited Pocahontas Virginia in 2019, many of the old buildings were burned down on purpose (controlled burns) because it's cheaper than knocking them down. I don't know if that's what happened in war but almost all the old history in Pocahontas is gone!! It's heart breaking to see empty streets. I know most of them were beyond repair but that's your logic saying that, your heart says there's hope.
I love these old little towns and historical buildings that are still standing. One suggestion, please slow down when you're panning around, going quickly made me dizzy and I couldn't watch. Other than that, great video. Thanks!
I am planning on retiring to WV so your videos help me so much to decide where to move. WV is beautiful. Thank you!!
You are so welcome!
Do not consider this area. I grew up here and visit from time to time. Still have family there. This place is drug infested and most of the good folks have died off
I road the school bus from Coalwood to Big Creek High School in War everyday. A wonderful, memorable time and so many wonderful people.
Thank you for devoting so much of this to Big Creek! In the last still of the old school, you can see the lighted football field immediately in front. In the fall of 1931, my grandfather scored the first touchdown on that field. In the spring of 1932, my grandmother was valedictorian of Big Creek's very first graduating class. My mother was in the 25th class, my aunt and uncle were there with the Rocket Boys (one of whom was a pallbearer in 2007 for said uncle). And for those familiar with Homer & The Guys, my mother was the college roommate of the real-life Miss Frieda Riley.
That's a fantastic comment, thanks so much for sharing your history
@@realappalachia I meant to also express my regrets that you hadn't "done" Bartley - where my grandfather and mother both grew up, where my parents were married in 1960, where (like War) I have cousins residing to this very day - while you were in that part of McDowell, but I realized that there's not enough "there" there to cover, even combined with English. :)
@@atldaddybear my wife grew up in Bartley.
@@careymitchell4731 Oh my goodness! Ask your wife if she knew, or knew of, Duck and Monnie Barnette or maybe their daughters Kay and Carol Sue, please. Kay was my late mother. *gobsmacked*
@@atldaddybear Carol Sue was one of her best friends. She was Wanda Faye Pruitt. She left the day after graduation in 61, went to Washington to work.
My Parents lived in War from 1957 to maybe 1959 , when I was a toddler. I remember we lived across the tracks on the hill above the Town. My Dad was blind and he was a real good Guitar player and singer. I wonder if anyone 75 or 80 years old remembers him playing and singing The Wildwood Flower on the streets in WAR. I was an only Child and would walk in the stores holding my Daddy's hand. It would mean a lot if someone remembered my dad when the Town was a busy place.
what a great story, thanks for sharing, Nancy
Thank you, I done an edit and added the date when we lived there. I remember the house had a real small kitchen and the toilet was the kind that when you flushed there was a straight down drop. If you dropped something in that toilet, it was gone!! Maybe there will be someone born in the 1950 s that will remember him. I also had an Aunt named Berlie Ward that lived in War most of her life.We moved to Beckley in 1959 or 1960 to be close to my dad's twin brother Paul McGrady, my dad was Claude McGrady. They played and sang at the Honkytonks back in those days as The McGrady Twins.@@realappalachia
Hi Nancy, my name is Loretta "Greta" Miller, I was raised in Warriormine, I left in '86, the aunt you spoke of, Berlie, sounds so familiar...or Fox??? The memory is so faint! Wishing you the best...
My Grandmother and her 10 siblings or so lived there in the 60s. I'll have to ask if she remembers. Their last name was Penley if anyone else has some sort of connection to the town and recognizes it.
@@realappalachia We are looking for a place to settle down in West Virginia. The Eastern part of WV near Baltimore seems more crime prone.
That Walgreens used to be a Rite-Aid. Jones and Spry was the local grocer. Granny used to send us up the mountain to get runoff water. The Hillbilly Market had the best fried chicken and taters you ever knew. Warrior Mine was where Granny lived when I was a child. You drove right past her old house. Amazing! Thank you
I’ve lived in war all my life, now I’m 3-4 months out of town working and I miss home.
My family on my mothers side is from War. My uncle Carson Penley moved back some time ago and has since passed at his home there. Ive stayed at the War hotel and listened to old timers talk about all the presidents that stayed there. My uncle Cecil use to live at a turn at the bottom of the haller and use keep his house warm with the coal that fell off the train cars and rolled down to his yard. Great history there.
My great-grandmother lived up Big Creek holler behind the school until the early 70's while my great-uncle and -aunt, Melvin & Kathleen Spivey, lived up the same holler and real close to Granny's. If the last name is Spivey, Linkous, or Barnett in War, if I'm not directly kin to 'em then they and me have kin in common. LOL
@@atldaddybear I knew tonya linkous
Wow, an original resident! You can always go back for a visit!
GREW UP IN THURMOND, LOVE IT STILL. WILL ALWAYS LOVE ITSo good to see my home again. Thank you. Left there in 1960.
THANK YOU! Would love to see images from Bradshaw, Jolo, and Paynesville!! So many stories from Bradshaw Mountain and the family farms around the ridge. And you're right, this is the bit of American history most people forget.
My grandparents went to Big creek high school and my grandfather was the only player in that time to receive football scholarship to Virginia Tech (VPI at that time). They were a little older then the Hickams. Your channel brings back many memories of stories my dad used to tell me about his raising in McDowell county when he was a young boy.
Great video as always. Your work in documenting the ever changing history of Appalachia is important. It looks to be a truly wonderful place that played an important part in American history. Great work in recording and sharing the information with the rest of us. Thanks for your efforts.
thank you so much, Ken, I truly appreciate the kind words
Wow! Thank you! Brought me right back home! I was raised in Warriormine (pronounced Warrior-hollor)😉 left in '86. Seeing the Library, park and the Willow tree!!! That once majestic tree was our "landmark"...
Thanks again for the sweetest memories!
-Greta
Glad you enjoyed it, Greta
Lots of people appreciate what you two are doing. Being able to see the places you left so long ago is awesome.
My ancestors lived over in Maybury WV and worked for the Greenbrier Coal and Coke Company. Thanks for these great videos Shane.
Cool. Thanks for sharing. First time viewer. Native West Virginian here from the Kanawha Valley. I worked the coalfields for several years handling insurance claims in the 2010s. Brings back lots of memories seeing this. Thanks again.
glad you enjoyed it, thanks so much!
I stayed in War about a month ago. We ride the trails over there. We ride trails over that way a lot from the Bramwell/Northfork/Ashland Coal Camp areas, too.
Next time you’re there, stop in and see Mrs. Orbie at the Coffee Shop. She’s owned it since 1969. Good food and it’s a War institution.
You just passed the house we stayed in over by the fire department in 18:56 in the video. Lol. Little coal mining era house that was renovated.
There’s a rock face with a flag pole in it up the mountain that overlooks War and the surrounding area called “High Rocks”. It’s a challenging trail ride up there, but it’s the best view from a trail in WV. It’s actually breathtaking.
not sure how I missed that coffee shop but gotta check it out next time, thanks for the tip
Sadly that can’t happen. She passed about 2 months ago. As did her husband recently.
I believe, sadly, that the parents passed away. What a wonderful afternoon my wife and I spent there a few years back. He was a coal miner and he regaled us with stories from his younger days. Made us feel so welcome. I hope their daughter is well.
I live about an hour North of Kansas city and dream about riding the trails there in my utv.
My Fifth Grade teacher - Miss Frances Jeffries - was from War, West Virginia. I grew up in Florida. I was very fond of her, she was a real character! If anyone knows anything about the Jeffries family please contact me! I would love to know whatever happened to her.
I have been through this gem on many a motorcycle tour in Southern, WV. I always stopped at the Coffee Shop with my crew for lunch. Orbie Campbell owned/operated the establishment and provided a great multi-course meal at a very reasonable price that was too good to be true. Her daughter Bonnie(Laura) waited on us and prepared the meals. The Barbershop next door was owned by 2 brothers(Russell & Riley Justice) who had been cutting hair since they were discharged from the Navy in '46 and were a absolute delight to talk to.
Thanks for the memories!
great story, thank you!
Seeing that old picture of Big Creek High School bring back memories of playing football for Duval High School.l before they consolidated. I remember us packing up and leaving Lincoln County shortly after lunch and riding a charter bus to get there. The biggest memory was seeing the "Welcome to War" sign that was posted outside the field house. Being a freshman, that was the furthest away game until we was to play Tolsia in Matewan for a grid event.
sounds like some fantastic memories
Big creek high school my mother designed the mascot for the school forever ago small world .
I also lost a half brother to unfortunate police pursuant incident that took his life .rip Nicholas Bosco Wright..
When you think about everything made in China, think what a single decent size factory could do for a community like this ! Sad !
It’s a sad little town now, but it was a great place to call home for many years. Born and raised in War, went to Big Creek High. Moved away when I was 18, but in my soul it will always be home.
Do you know Bill and Doug Harman? They're my first cousins. They're now 40 and 36 y/o
As my Daddy would say "Onward Christian Soldiers Marching on to War" ☮️✌️ I truly look forward to your videos
beautiful, I remember that song very well lol
When I was a child, I loved the hymn Onward Christian Soldiers so much I told my mother I would have it sung at my wedding. I had no clue there was such a thing as "wedding protocol" lol. My mom, bemused, told me I might change my mind one day...
It's been a few years since I been through War, but one sign that coal is no longer a major industry is that the buildings are not layered in heavy black coal dust as they used to be.
ain't that the truth, great point
My cousin is a pastor in Coalwood was there first of May went to War ate at a nice little restaurant up town
My brother lives in Coalwood and every time I go to see him, we go to the Coalfield Café in War.
I, too, really enjoy the longer videos. This one was great. Thanks for your work.
thanks for that feedback and for the kind words
My grandfather is originally from War, wv.! Thank you for posting this video!
Corey, Are you any kin to Steve Rutherford that lives down in Buckhannon Dip?
@@chuckcollinsworth5000 if I am it's distant. It's my grandpa on my mom's side of the family that's originally from there.
@@coryrofo Who is your Papaw on your mom's side?
@@chuckcollinsworth5000 Curtis Lonnie jennings
Hello Cory,
John and Ethel Rutherford were my wife Grandparents and Ernest was her father from War,WV. I understand there were many brothers but have no records.
Worked in War with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief - West Virginia last several months. Localized flooding damaged several homes. Spent 5 or 6 weeks helping folks clean-up and rebuild. Made lots of new friends there. Will never forget my time in War.
Thanks, Shane, for another longer video. And its called "progress" which I have come to dislike myself. The older looking white church(?) across from the Dollar General was neat to see & the waterfall out of the side of the mountain was beautiful. Its a shame you couldn't get a drink from there...probably was good, cold & fresh! This was a great ride along! Thanks again for all you do to bring the beautiful places to us & include some of their history. God bless & keep you safe!
I love drinking the stream water, soooooooo good. Thank you!
I've watched a few "War, WV" videos today yours is by far the best! Took time to show the town and not just drive through. I lived there late 70s with an uncle who operated a bodyshop in town. I went there because my parents couldn't control me. Kicked out of HS and on a path of destruction. Uncle took me and taught me a trade as a painter. I went to an old time "tent meeting" on Main Street. I was "born again" in War. Went to Seminary and I now pastor, married 37 yrs and have 3 grandkids and 3 of my own. First time laying eyes on this town since I left in 79.
What an amazing testimony you have! Thank you for sharing and we’re so glad you enjoyed the video!
Thanks Again For Streaming Your Life Here On RUclips.
Came across your video somehow I look as it as a gift from my daddy. May he rest in peace. Ken I can't thank you enough Sir. My daddy was born an raised in Bradshaw West Virginia. He his daddy and oldest brother all worked in the mine in War. I can remember going there as a child. I subscribed to your channel instantly can't wait to explore your other videos to visit West Virginia memories. Good job darlin
Thank you for sharing your video of War WV. My mom was born in Worrier Mine in 1940. She lived there until 1962 then moved to western Massachusetts and married my dad that was from Mass. Her name was Wanda Muncy. She was one of ten siblings. About 8 or 9 years ago my cousin and I brought my mom and her mom Violet to see there old home town. They had a great time reminiscing about the old days. Both our moms have passed now.
I knew several Muncys from that area, good people
He does these videos on sunny days. Which in WV is about 60 out of 365 days a year. When the clouds come down in the winter or rainy days, and you live in a place like this (most of WV), its like living in a box. The mountainside goes up to a cloud in all directions and its claustrophobic as hell. Sunny bwautiful though.
I knew a guy who worked for War PD. He was possibly the chief and maybe the only officer, and he was like 18, lol. Late 90s.
My high school, built in 1963, was torn down for single family housing. There were a lot of unhappy residents of my parents' neighborhood, who paid the bonds they voted for, for a high school that's not there anymore.
Another excellent video of a place so different from where I've lived.
So sad when people tear down these pieces of so many folks history. Glad you enjoy the videos.
My hometown up in Port Dover, Ontario, Canada was hustle and bustle back in the 1950s and part of 1960s. Canning Factory, Iveys Flowers (100 year company went belly up around 1990 ), bustling freshwater fishing port. All are now long gone and it has turned into a tourist town for the beach of Lake Erie. The great classic public school we had in town was torn down for housing around 2000. Shortly after, the school on the hill was torn down. That school is where all the kids in town were bussed to for middle school.. but was kindergarten to middle school. Now only the high school remains. Grade school kids are bussed to neighboring towns. The population is mostly retirees and "townies" don't much exist anymore. What was once young families having kids and a growing population of youth is long gone. So sad.. factories are swallowed up.. people move.. situations suffer!
I’m becoming addicted to your videos! In my idea of a perfect world, I could take a train to War or somewhere nearby, stay at a cabin, and rent a dirt bike and explore the trails!
thanks so much for the comment. Your idea sounds like a great time to me
My husband taught at Big Creek High School under Mr. Turner. I taught at War Elementary under John Wargo. Both amazing men! Wonderful memories of War, West Virginia!,
Great videos. Thank you for documenting these communities
My Mamaw was from War her Daddy worked in the mines there. She moved to Cranes Nest/Coeburn VA in Wise County VA until she passed on to be with the Lord & her lost loved ones
Berwind Lake was a Magical place growing up! So many memories!!!!😁💚✌🌞
Thank you, for marching off to War! I enjoy history of WV and of the whole of Appalachia.
great pun lol
Thank you! I graduated from Big Creek High School in 1997. Berwind/War will always be home ❤️
I remember playing in the Iaeger High band, Friday night football game at Big Creek High School. I thought that having their football field in front of school was unique. Thanks for the video share.
Thank for you taking the effort to educate and acquaint us with Appalachia. My mother’s maternal side is from Wv/Va. / KY area. Yes coal miner family for generations. Until my great grandfather decided to leave when the coal mine wars erupted.there was so much division. Mango was epicenter I think. But McDowel was pretty bad as well.
Thank you for your ministry. Love your videos
Thanks for watching!
There were plans to restore Big Creek High School but sadly it burned down before anything could be done. I grew up in Warriormine. My family is still there and there’s some great people in that town ☺️
what a sad ending for the school, hate to hear that
Thank you! I was raised in Warriormine, left in '86, and to see my hometown was so nostalgic! My house, behind the little white Baptist church, burnt many years ago, but my neighborhood was lovely to see! Sending Light and Love to all!💚✌
Greta
Thank you for this video, I'd forgotten how beautiful the mountains are in the spring when the willows and redbud and dogwoods are starting to come out. I grew up in Coalwood and graduated from Big Creek H.S. My uncle, Fred Murphy, was the postmaster in War for many years. I could never go back there to live, but I enjoy your videos very much. Keep up the good work!
Thank ya so much, Carol
Thank you! I'm new to Appalachia area as I grew up in Norfolk.
welcome to the area
Hi, it's really important that you captured places like buildings that later got destroyed. Everything lives on through your videos. You are documenting real history as it was back in the day. I'm really glad to get to witness many old, historic places. I love that you do talk about the History of each place too. These places must not be forgotten. They were important places for the people who built n lived in these places. Thx for all you do.
Thanks Shane, I love your videos... showing history and documenting the past. We don’t appreciate these things when we are young... in the fog of War 😊
thank you so much for the kind words....and the pun lol
Hi mate, I really enjoy your tours, really well put together. I’d really like to see the estate company listings just to see what is happening to house and business prices in each town. Cheers from Australia..
Simply : warm congrats , i enjoyed your vid , seems a true documentary , great job , warm congrats from Argentina ( Southern America )
Thank you for watching and commenting
@@realappalachia Welcome ! Thanks 2 U as well
Dad was born in 1929 and graduated Big Creek HS. So long ago. He had one sister and 3 brothers and they all left WV when they graduated. Their mother insisted. All went to school elsewhere after HS.
From Richlands the best way to go is to Jewell Ridge and around Bearwollow mountain 616 to fork with 613 go right on fire road to Berwind lake and on to War and eat at the Owl.
I hate to admit it but I've never been there that way. I know it is possible but never done it before.
Not a crowded road.
What a great town. They still have their depot. The Grants grocery, Walgreens and Dollar General built there in town. I wonder if they tore buildings down for them. The old buildings and houses are in great shape. The post office and library, the creek. A great historic town.
1984 I hauled a load of guard rail to War WV. Took this skinny windy tar and chipped road to the bottom. Ended up near the mine in a dirt lot to unload. I remember the coal trucks having to use the creek part way to the mine to get a load of coal. One heck of a trip. Wonder if the mine is still open.
Great vid! Very informative as always. Hope you can do a one for Beckley, WV. Keep it up. Take care! ✌🏻😊👍🏻
I hope to get to Beckley too, great place
I take Beckley exit to get to where I was born, Richwood.
When the trees and greenery are on display though this place looks surreal. Northwest is another place
That road that you were on that you turned around is called Tank Hill. My grandparents lived there. I graduated Big Creek in 1985.
Yes. What you do is important. Thank u.
thank you, Graham
Nice ride on a Sunday! My grief, the mountains surrounding War are so steep I'm not sure even mountain goats could habitat on them!
you got that right lol
Both parents graduated from Big Creek There was some awesome football games there Grandpa used to work at Warriormine when the mines was running I've been there many times in my childhood
Great ride to War WV. I noticed the 3 crosses at the beginning of the video. Thanks and GOD BLESS YOU always. ✝️
Those crosses are prevalent all across WV. I live in the Eastern Panhandle, and they can be found in multiple places in my area.
I mentioned them in a part that i ended up editing out but I noticed them too and appreciated them
Bernard Coffindaffer, a Marine veteran and a native of Craigsville, West Virginia, was the man behind the crosses.
It was his desire to remind people that Jesus had been crucified at Calvary to forgive their sins and that he’d be coming back again.
At marker 18:34 War Jr High use to stand there
A couple of things that need to be added. Big Creek was scheduled to be torn down, but was burned down by arsons a day or two before it was to be torn down. It had been offered to a few groups, but no one felt they could afford to own it.
thanks for that info, explains why I couldn't find any footage of the demolition because I guess it burned first
It must be rough getting around on those roads in the Snow !
My siblings went to Big Creek and my parents to Excelsior!! Have you done a video of Hartwell/Vallsxreek/Canebrake? Thanks for the memories!!
Glad you enjoyed it. I do have a video on this channel of Canebrake but not the other two. Hope you enjoy it too.
I have a genuine and perhaps odd comment about War and others areas of rural WV. As a Canadian, I drove through War and other areas of McDowell county in 2022 and was admittedly astonished by the amount of poverty and and burnt out buildings in this area. I admittedly felt a little bit spooked, but not in a judgmental way.
There is a surreal mix of amazing natural scenery and human struggle here, I gathered. It kept me unsettled. What is your honest take on the safeness and friendliness of these areas? It was fascinating to see an area of America most Canadians will never see.
Cheers, love your channel!
Nice! My old football coach at Elizabethton high in TN. Starred at Big creek in the mid -fifties...Dave Rider,Heck of a man/coach and went on to play at West Va........remember him talking about this place back 30 year ago........and his grandson was Jason Witten. Find /humble/Hard working people out of that area.
Definitely one of your better vids Shane, especially the historical still pictures, they add perspective and depth as to what the town was back in the day. A couple of suggestions, one is to slow down and document the older buildings a little more because those are the ones that can disappear in the blink of an eye, second suggestion would be at the end of your vids would be to ask the viewers to send you still photos of towns that you are going to make tours soon, part tease, part content material. Just typing out loud, must be war fatigue....
good stuff and good pun
I agree about slowing down to record the old buildings.
Mitch Evans, I, too, love historical photos, and always did, even as a kid. I always hit pause when a vintage photo pops up, and squint to check out what I can. (By the way, my cousin married a Mitch.)
When I used to visit my relatives in Webster Springs, WV. I would drive way down Gauley River Rd. to a pipe where water runs off the mountain through the pipe. I would fill up 10 one gallon jugs before heading back to Florida. I really dislike Florida water. I would also hike the mountains in the area and drink right from streams. Best water there is.
Yes, the water is amazing
My dad was born in War in 1951 and raised in Southwest Detroit, his family having moved in 1955, at the height of War's population. Granny and Granddad eventually moved back and were residents of McDowell County until their deaths. I still have cousins there, including many distant relations, both black and white. All have a shared heritage of Native American ancestry, as do most of the people in McDowell. Having grown up myself in Michigan, I am proud to have come from hillbilly stock. Thank you for your dedication to the preservation of the memory of my beloved ancestral homeland, where I vacationed often in my youth.
My grandpa worked in all of those mines back in the 40 and 50s wiliameson and parts of my and virginia
Please note if u see any mom and pop restaurants. You wouldn't believe have far me and my husband will travel for good food .... 😍
That also happened in Vulcan.
Thanks Jason.
There are creeks everywhere in West Virginia. Creek fishing paradise. I feel like I am driving along with you on your little journey...lol
welcome aboard lol
My mother and gramama and papa was from War west Virginia my brother was born at worriea mines.My Granmama was Doxie Smith.
Thanks for putting up these videos. I would be sharing them with my brother in law John Collins, but he lost the war with Agent Orange in November 2020.
In the late 70s and early 80s he drove a truck for a Westinghouse division that repaired motors in Glassport, PA. He had to drive a tandem axle flatbed to War and deliver it. The mine folks met him at the railroad bridge where they rigged the motor from his truck to a wagon. When he and I rode our motorcycles to the Rocket Boys festival in 2008 we rode through War on our way back to Bluefield. He was disappointed that the wooden sidewalks had been replaced along with the steel pie-pan incandescent bulb streetlights.
We never got to see Homer, as John found another group of Vietnam veterans who'd also ridden there and he spent the day swapping stories. West Virginia has the best motorcycle roads in the country, but don't tell anyone! WISCO had a twice monthly contract at Island Creek Coal's Mount Storm cleaning plant, and some of the best days of my life were days I could ride there and back to Pittsburgh on my motorcycle. Although the plant closed in 1996, I still go there at least once a year and ride my own "Mountain Course", a loop from Oakland, Maryland that goes like this:
MD 136 to US 50. Gorman/Gormania.
US 50 East to WV 42 South.
WV 42 south to WV 93 East. Here you have to get on the new interstate to get to Davis and Thomas.
Follow the signs to US 219 north. This takes you back to Oakland through a magnificent state forest.
Those sound like great memories! So sorry about your brother in law. The sacrifices our military men and women make are heartbreaking but truly a blessing for us all. - Melody
The housing is crowed everywhere the land gets flat.
I worked on a road construction crew in war wv in 2001. It was a small town with not many people. Nicest people in world. But area is very run down since mines shut down.
Love these small WV towns. One thing I always notice is like there is a church for every 20 people. LOL
I believe the old high school burned down so they really had no choice. Somebody correct me if I’m wrong. My mother went there several years ahead of the rocket boys but I believe her youngest sister was in the same class with Homer.
Yes, Big Creek High School burned down.
very sad to hear about it burning down, a real shame it is gone
@@georgettamuncy no they tore it down build a new 1 put leager high school and big creek togeather
Excellent as always. People will never get the time, sweat, and pride people put into these towns to make life better for their families. Sad to say but people in our present "hand-out society" will never look at these places like most who view your channel. Shane, you ever get my email bout paying your gas to make it to Andrews NC and getting me a few pictures? Joe from PA Appalachians
well said. I haven't seen that email but will go back through. I keep forgetting to check my spam folder and every now and then an email gets stuck in there
Shane if you get up North maybe you could do a video of Rivesville, Mannington, some of those would be cool.
The houses that you passed when making the uturn at the war church are pretty. The one after 6:22 on the left is so cool. I dig the styles and how the houses climb. Pretty cool
Yeah, they had several good ones in town, glad to see they’re still standing after all the changes
@@realappalachia yea most small towns have a bad ratio sometimes but that town seemed to be nicely kept
Nice high school. West Virginians
Know how to build sturdy, long-lasting
Houses.🇺🇲🙂
My Dad was born in War.
Right at 13:00 and 14:48 there was a charming little white house with a loooooong stairway out front that leads down to the road. I wonder if the homeowner uses it. Like you said, Shane, I am in no shape for it either. Too much huffing & puffing to climb that thing.
Awesome video Shane. I stumbled across your channel a year or so ago and became an instant fan. I love WV, especially southern WV. Born and raised in Ohio, but love WV. I did laugh at your puns, but I am a little disappointed... when you were at the sign that says "Welcome to War" I was hoping you would say "we are on the verge of War here" lol!
ouch, how in the world did i miss that great pun lol. Thanks so much, Brandon
Dollar General, Walgreens and drugs are just about everywhere it seems.... thanks for showing us the better side of war, Shane
Sir,
I enjoied your video of the West Virginia town of War. Does anyone remember when the South Carolina National Guard was there for flood relief?
Thanks, Pvt Robert
I see you are wearing a Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Shirt. My Mom was from Iaeger and my Dad was from the Bradshaw area. When I was a toddler we lived in War a year or two. We moved to Beckley and ived 2 miles from the exhibition Mine site. I miss West Virginia a lot as I have been in Alabama for 36 years now.. Great job filming these places that most people have never heard of. The aerial view looks like the Creek or River, and Streets are a lot cleaner than they used to be.
Thanks for the kind words, hope life is treating you well in Alabama
My father was born in 1949 and lived in war West Virginia until he was about 10 or 12 I have never been but I would really love to find where he was born and raised
Hey Wally, lets give Beav the business!
Do you enjoy what you do on RUclips it would be my first question to you and if you said yes just from watching your videos I just became a new subscriber maybe six months ago but I’ve seen your videos for a couple years I’m in West Virginia my sisters live in Virginia Are feel what you do keeps history alive and real not like it’s taught in schools please when I can I’ll send you money because I really do enjoy watching and learning from the work you put in thank you
thank you so much for watching and the comment, Eric, I really appreciate it
Pretty cool seeing our motor coach there parked in war by playground lol ..
Should see the video of that trip into War
Great video we definitely will subscribe
thank you so much
Worked thru there many times with the railroad
I visited Pocahontas Virginia in 2019, many of the old buildings were burned down on purpose (controlled burns) because it's cheaper than knocking them down. I don't know if that's what happened in war but almost all the old history in Pocahontas is gone!! It's heart breaking to see empty streets. I know most of them were beyond repair but that's your logic saying that, your heart says there's hope.
Wow it has changed so much since i.have been gone from down home
I love these old little towns and historical buildings that are still standing. One suggestion, please slow down when you're panning around, going quickly made me dizzy and I couldn't watch. Other than that, great video. Thanks!