A Forgotten Appalachian Holler in West Virginia
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 พ.ค. 2024
- Exploring A Real Appalachian Holler in McDowell County West Virginia!
Hollers like this are commonplace throughout the mountains and hills of Appalachia. But this is is a West Virginia holler for sure, in McDowell County to be exact! You know you've entered a holler when at noon day the sun is almost blocked from view by hills or mountains on both sides of an often dirt or gravel road, sometimes they're paved.
It's not uncommon to see gardens planted on the side of a hill, backyard chickens that have wondered onto the road, or even a dog or two blocking your drive. Most hollers follow a creek between hills or mountains, and there's a head and a mouth to the holler- it's best to know which is which so you can get out!
Many of the mountain communities that settled these hollers go back several generations, so the folks living there today are often close-knit and keep an eye on each other (as well as keep an eye on the strangers who wonder up their hollers). It's best not to loiter or outstay your welcome, although most of these people would give a stranger the shirt off their backs!
This is a REAL Appalachian Holler! (remember how to say it: app-uh-latch-uh and holler, not hollow..)
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#appalachia #westvirginia #holler - บันเทิง
Let us know in the comments where we should explore next in Appalachia!
Cedar Bluff Va follow the road down to Grundy. Would love to see how its changed because of the flooding problems. Thanks.
@@billie-leelawhon3941 was just down there shooting video of the singing barber (look him up on Facebook). I plan on doing a drive and some video around Richlands and into Grundy too, so keep an eye out!
Come up here to Elkins…. Plenty of hollers and old towns to explore, or greenbank wv in Pocahontas county, very interesting place
@@joshualarkin747 thanks for all the suggestions! Definitely looking into it 👍
Do a video on cass/spruce/Whitaker/Elkins wv
I grew up in that holler. The last house where you saw that dog. We moved and sold it in the '90s. Loved this video. That building you went by with all the trees growing up around it, used to be the old Three Forks Elem. school.
Wow! We think our relatives used to live in that same house in the 60s/70s!! Didn't realize that other building was a school, thanks for sharing the info 😊
Thank you for the interesting pieces of history here.
I love taking trips through West Virginia.. Such a beautiful state and being a native of Pennsylvania it's just a short drive from home.
would that be the blue building bout half way up the holler???
Wow!!! Thank you for sharing that with us!! It's so cool to hear from an actual resident from there!!!!
40yrs ago, I graduated high school in Wyoming county, and joined the military.
I've regretted ever leaving home
I love that area
The description of a holler is families that have settled in a close space makes me smile. Nowadays, “generational estrangement” is normal. If I could find property where my mom, myself and my not so little could live with adjacent properties, that would be awesome.
While at WVU I dated a girl, Sonya, who was from Laurel Creek right outside Logan, close to Kermit. Chickens in the yard, beautiful home, nice cars in the driveway, pool out back, her mom was a Speech Therapist for the county school system and her dad was a coal miner. The whole family was very “Appalachian” but so nice, friendly, giving, fun, and they had money! Stereotypes don’t always work!
I was born and raised in Lenore. Loved the place when I was younger
besides the coal mine where eles do people work?
My kin are buried in Kermit. I have roots there that go back over 200 yrs. I've never lived there and only visited once since learning my roots.. I wonder if her family is related somehow.😊
born and raised in West Virginia--Kanawha Falls area,,,am 73 now and proud hillbilly.
Hollers are some of the most beautiful places on God's great earth. 💜
People looking out for each other. What a concept in 21st-century America! Two thumbs up!
Yes, it happens. I live in a suburb in Connecticut and we do the same in my neighborhood. Keeps my faith in mankind alive!
How else can they buy meth safely
I live in a "forgotten holler" in McDowell County. 8 households over the course of about a mile. We're all close and take care of each other. We're all working people or retirees. I tell people I live this way because I want to. Not because I have to! Wouldn't have it any other way! Good video. Thanks!
I'm watching these videos in Finland 🇫🇮 and enjoying them. Have always been fascinated by the WV people, music and resilience❤️🎶🎶
I live on a West Virginia mountaintop in Pocahontas County called Marlinton. We only have about 800 people here and I wouldn't trade it for anything
@@aldoushuxleysghost Been to Marlinton. Beautiful, rural area!
@@bradlane3662 thank you. There's a lot to be said about doing a little extra hard work for a little less reward. The tradeoff is that we don't have to deal with urban problems, which are getting way out of hand these days
@@aldoushuxleysghost So true! I pray it doesn’t happen in our rural areas but we are seeing some of these migrants even here. But as long as they all keep their distance. I hate to get into the arsenal!lol
I was a deputy in McDowell county about 11 years before I moved to North Carolina like so many others. That holler is what we called “Bug Hurley hollow” I’m not sure why and really did think about it. I had several occasions to be in that hollow and one was chasing a guy on a motorcycle who was terrorizing the neighborhood and just acting stupid. He wrecked the bike and ran . I hooked what was left of it to a chain and dragged it back to the mouth of the hollow. The people were standing on their porches clapping as I drove by..lol Good times..My mom and brother still live in Raysal Hollow where I grew up. I miss the mountains and although North Carolina has been good to me and it’s where I raised my kids, West Virginia will always be home..
It was call bug Hurley because that man owned a store right at the mouth where you enter ,,use to live across from the old store grew up there from the 70 s to the 90s before leaving our old hose still there today big rock wall around it..
was there alot of crime?
I was born in Clarksburg so seeing these videos makes me home sick been in Indiana for a while now but I from time to time go back and see family
My family lived from the late 1700’s to the 1970’s in the same holler in Summers County. People don’t realize how many success stories such as the Rocket Boys, Jerry West, Steve Harvey, etc. came from places like these.
They’re ignorant and look down on the folks living there then and even worse now not knowing what greatness lies within those hills.
My football coach in high school played football for Big creek owls...Dave Rider...his grandson is Jason Witten! class act people!
And 80s country singer Kathy Mattea from w Va, and Country legend Loretta lyn
I'm born and raised from a hollor in summers county as well and wouldn't change it for nothing lol
Pk I'm
Smart folk in them there "hollers"! Notice how hollers were established next to creeks - a ready source of water.
We were actually looking out the window wondering who was going up the holler 😂but it was great talking to you guys.
Hey! Thanks so much for stopping to talk with us 😊
I went to middle school in Logan with a boy named Bobby Estep. Any kin? I'm 59 now.
I used to deliver furniture in WV, driving from Dayton oh. I don't drive anymore, but, damn, I miss those mountains,. The crazy part is Im mexican, and never had troubles there.
Thanks for pointing out the shorter period of sun in a holler.
I grew up in a holler in WV, just outside of the city limits of Charleston. Most hollers you’ll find dogs laying in the middle of the road and not wanting to move 🤣😂
It's a hillbilly security system. People slow down so as not to hit the dog, which gives the owner a chance to get a good look at who is there. 😉
I grew up in Charleston
I sure miss them country roads my papa n uncle lived in Scarborough grandma and uncle in Fayetteville family in summers becket god I miss it
@@melaniedelaney640 I took flying lessons from five dollar Frank Thomas back in the day
As we all know TH-cam can become a rabbit hole of videos, this is another rabbit hole I've fallen into and can not stop watching, love your videos. Excellent *******
So glad you found your way here 😉
that isz pretty much all of small town Americal. Of course there can be some downside. such as everyone knows your business. I remember one incident, I just proposed to my wife, also from same small town (under 1500 people small) ; and before we could drive over and tell her parents within the hour, someone had already called and congratulated her mom, Mom was kind of mad she had to find out from some busybody from her church.
I just ran across your channel I’m originally from Ohio but married a boy in 1973 that had moved to my tiny town called Shiloh we married and made our way back to where he was raised which is Man WV I’ve called WV my home steady now since 1975 I love it here I’ll never leave thank you for putting so much thought and love in your videos I get very upset when I hear people bash WV it really upsets me I’ve called it home for over 40 years raised all my children here I live here longer than I did in Ohio I say I’m a born again adopted in West Virginia girl again thank for showing so much kindness and love to our great state hugs Susie
You're so very welcome, thanks for watching!!
Good old Man! I could write a book on the good times I had there for 34 years! I have friends there I love like family there. But they are passing very quickly now.😪
“holler” the Appalachian vernacular of “hollow”, such as Irving’s “Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”
I had no idea what a "holler" was until know. looks very peaceful and relaxing.
I'm from WV and still live in WV......I hate that most people that has never been in this state continue to believe everything they hear! Yes we have bad areas just like every state,but we are a close community, we stick together, but we are also some of the nicest people you'd wanna meet! I have a suggestion on another place....Lake Shawnee to Matoka in Mercer County. There's a lot of history in that short travel
There's soo much to love about WV, from the vistas to the people and it's history. Currently though WV is still trying to figure out what's the next step moving forward in the state. Lots of places were back in the day company store towns. Coal was the industry that made most if not all the jobs. Now that it's changed everyone is wondering what's next? Unlike ghost towns in the west that dried up once it's reason for being was gone. WV has many different reasons to go forward. The question is can they capitalize on it. For myself I wouldn't count this state out at all.
The same is true of emptying Midwestern farm towns. My parents graduated from different small-town high schools in Nebraska. The towns don't really exist any more. One has a high school, only because the previous one burned down in the early 1970's, and thus it had a newer building when school consolidation rolled around. As corporate farms buy out family farmers, counties are left with almost no residents. That whole way of life is basically disappearing.
The one thing going for West Virginia coal country is that the old coal ash piles are rich with vital rare earth metals. The kinds that are necessary for high-tech equipment like electric cars. China currently enjoys a near monopoly on rare-earth metals today. But a 5 metric ton pile of coal ash has a kilogram of the rare earths, and there are billions of tons of coal ash in West Virginia. America's investment in this vial resource would bring construction and jobs to these old coal towns.
www.sierraclub.org/sierra/2021-2-march-april/feature/can-harvesting-rare-earth-elements-solve-coal-ash-crisis
I miss West Virginia badly it was my home state I moved from there in the 80s
!968, Dingess in mingo countywas much like the holler in video.if you were a stranger there the people where a bit stand offish until the word got around from someone knew you who were residents let the word out that you are ok. after a while people would wave when you drove by. good people. loved going there from southern Illinois. fell in love with the mountains.
Loved this! Been all in those hollers! My dad grew up in Coalwood! I still live a few miles from there! ❤️ home!
Grew up in Hungry Hollow. It used to be Happy Hollow until a Winter storm stranded Depression-era parents in their search for food to feed their families.
Love it. My mom's side of the family is from McDowell county & it is true that the hill folks don't just pull together when things are bad, but also for the good times. People from up & down the holler would show up at cookouts, or drop in to pay respects to my great-grandmother on her birthday.
She was a teacher in an old, one-room school. Like a good Catholic, her name was Mary Susan, but everyone called her "Maw Susie".
My mother was from Anawalt, Jenkins Jones. Area, my aunts were teachers there
@@Dee-zi5pk Anawalt? Small world. My mom was from Maybeury.
I have alot of family in hollers in that area. Families been there since the 1700s. Live in a similar place in Washington State now.
I grew up in a holler I miss home I lived in Cincinnati now for 25 years I'll go back to visit when I can no place like home
I look forward to your videos because you show how Wild and Wonderful West Virginia really is.. love them Mountain Views. Love my home state🤗 ❤️
I grew up in WV and never heard an explanation of the holler better than you gave! I want to see more videos like this. it was cool seeing where some of your Mountain Roots started!
Aww thanks! 🥰
Been in and out of so many hollers. I’ve lived in southern WV my entire life. Nice video
Love this. I miss living in Buchanan Co. Va. Beautiful place, wonderful people. ❤
Thanks so much, it is a beautiful place with some great folks!
McDowell is the poorest county in WV. But that doesn't make these folks any less than the richest or most educated counties in the USA. I met several of these kindly folks and there good as gold!
That's beautiful footage! My dad was born in Thorpe, WV in #4 holler. I wish you would do a video sometime of that area and it's history. I know at one time that area used to be booming!
I'd like to see stories on some of the individual places/buildings and people in the towns/counties you visit that are important to the people who live there. I'm sure there's loads of hidden talents, skills, and stories waiting to be shared.
Definitely! Loads of historic towns & buildings full of rich history and stories. Throughout this series and the larger TV docuseries I'm producing I aim to do just that- uncover those places and find those people to tell their stories!
In the 1980s I got stranded in West Virginia with my children broke down on a Labor Day weekend nothing was open for parts and the people came out of the holler and they helped us so much those are great people up in those mountains my mother was from West Virginia and I lived just across the Ohio river in Ohio but I still feel close to West Virginia good people
Great story- they are that indeed!
When I was in college, years ago, '90s, I sold soap door to door. I sold in Virginia, W. Virgina, everyone was kind and even bought some soap. I being a Ojibwe Indian from Minnesota with a Yankee accent they were ALWAYS kind and respectful.
Lived App for a time in my life. Forever.. in my soul!
My grandma and grandpa used to live up sawmill holler ,my mom and my aunt's and uncle was born there ,they all grew up in new camp part of coalwood and I also lived there for 17 years.
I grew up in McDowell County. I love it
Still live up a holler right here in WV. Nothing like home. My family's roots grow deep in this mountain state and for that I and proud and grateful.
PS,I’m praying for everyone affected by the floods,West Virginia Strong is what we are,it can be a challenging state to live in but besides all the infrastructure and sewer,water,power,technology,I hope it never changes,it’s our untouched piece of earth that I love more than I ever knew,God Bless You All !!!!
I loved this. My husband was from this area and it brought back memories of he times we went together
Thanks for the nice ride!
I really love your channel . Thank you for bring this to life. Can't wait for the next video patsy
sold life insurance to union members down there a few years ago. Loved the movie when i was a kid. West virginia is truly a magical place. I hope they get some new industry and money back in those towns in my lifetime.
My grandmother lived there for 2 decades
Josh! This is great! Well done, brother
Hey thanks so much!
I'm a cricker in WV! Love my holler and the farm. NCWV area near Harrison Co.
In my younger years, I grew up in a holler in Clendenin WV
Made me homesick. I grew up in a couple "hollers", Dry Branch and Elk Two Mile, Kanawha county. We used to joke that they had to "shotgun the sunshine in".
Love that, good memories!
I really enjoyed this video. Many people in America are upset about the bad treatment that coal country unreservedly got. I don't believe that coal is done. It's just awaiting a new revival.
My mom was born in Pence Springs and lived in Beckley for a while and raised in Alderson.
I loved it !! I grew up in a Holler in Logan County called Mudfork, Verdunville.
😀😀😀 where I'm from NM, we call a Holler a Valley.
That is some beautiful country.
I would like to find at least 1 acre with a little place on it by water of some sort.
My daddy was born in Powhatan….. (or Pow Town as they called it.) It is closer to the Mercer County side. I love to take a day every now and then to drive through the county. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome ride up the Holler my friend, sure wish I was riding along on these trips.👍🏼
That looks beautiful! Wow...
I ride West Virginia trails (atv) frequently and have met nothing but nicest people up there. Always friendly and willing to help. Makes me feel like a home away from home.
looks just like our hollows in Page county Virginia.Stanley and Luray say hey.
Do a video of elkview west Virginia ❤️❤️ my dad's home town I love west Virginia spent many vacations there.every year we were there . beautiful place west Virginia ❤️❤️ love the people there
I would love to live in a community like this seems so peaceful
Awesome job there I appreciate your time making these videos nice to see place it isn't wild crazy busy and upside down everyday I wish the best of luck to you and your family.
Thanks a lot really appreciate it!
I lived in East Dailey, near Elkins, W.Va. It is a small community that features homes built during the C.C. camp days. There are deep roots there if families that continue to inhabit that area. It would be an interesting opportunity to reveal through your video the history of the era that created that homestead housing. I lived there in the early to mid-seventies and discovered 2 main styles of architecture used in the 3 sections that are connected by an upper road and a lower road, and several crossroads. There is the " slanted roof" type, and the "barn" style homes. Many residents had careers in mining or lumber. The neighboring Civil War town of Beverly, W. VA. has rich history that would also make great video material. Thank you for possibly considering this area. I lived there about 3 years during my young adult life.
That's a great idea, thanks for the suggestion!
@@MountainRoots Should you decide to drive around the area of Elkins & Dailey, you might enjoy taking a drive through parts of neighboring Barbour county. As far as I know, we're the only county in the state with covered bridges over two "main", or paved roads.
It might make for an interesting shot or two for your channel.
I love Daily. We fished on the Elk in Bergoo for decades. Always loved passing through Daily when driving to Bergoo. Used to stop at Campbell's meat market. Sad that it closed.
Man I love these videos!! I live in Northern WV....there are some forgotten places here as well! If you ever interested in Ohio, Brooke, Hancock counties let me know! Thanks for all your work
Thank you for explaining and showing what a "holler" is. I'm a lifelong Northern boy who hasn't traveled much. I've heard and seen so much mocking of and derogatory comments about the areas you visit and share in these videos. I appreciate the historical contexts you provide and the insights about the people who live in these areas. I think you are performing a great service on behalf of this region of the United States and the people who have lived and continue to live there.
Thanks so much for taking time to leave this comment! I think it encapsulates a key reason I endeavored to produce this series- to give an honest look at Appalachia from a perspective that attempts to foster greater understanding and cultural awareness/context. I prefer dialogue over denigration.
@@MountainRoots Your statement that several local people stopped by during your filming efforts to see if you were okay was a powerful testimony to the people of the area. I look forward to exploring the series in greater depth. The history is fascinating! Thanks for sharing.
Awesome!!! I love this tour! Can't wait to see more!
Thanks man, really appreciate you!
One thing I’ve always enjoyed about driving through the rural parts of wv is how excited everyone is to meet someone from “the big city” lol. They can’t wait to hear about your daily life or to share their own stories
Very true!
Strewth! That looks like the back country communities of New Zealand!
I know of a holler that you can explore, it's called Pot Rock and it's in the northern panhandle of West Virginia off of Cross Creek Road in Brooke County. I was born and raised there.
I have enjoyed your videos on McDowell County. I was born there and lived there until age 15. Would love to see one on Elkhorn and Keystone.
I really did enjoy riding with you. The holler is so beautiful!!
Great video my friend looking at the holler's of West Virginia where I know from my history class that a great many of my fellow Scots came and settled in years gone by. All the best from a new friend in Scotland
I have been fascinated with the articles and stories about Applachia. It is great to find out how it all started and how it has survived until now
I’m glad I found your channel I sure miss the mountains of West Virginia I still got family there I’m from oak hill got family there some were in scar room fauetville oak hill love seeing it again
I loved "riding with you" on this journey! Takes me back to when we'd got visit my mother's family in a holler called Crag, WV! Don't know if it was even on the map. Nearest "big" town was Rainelle.
I'm just glad you spelled "holler" right.
Mountain Roots : Hi there ! My dad had a aunt whose house used tobe along side main drag going into Diana-loved that old house. Has been gone(torn down)but there was a holler there that dad&relatives used for hunting . I sure do miss trips into Webster Springs Webster county . TFS !!👌🤗
I love that area.
Thank you for sharing.
Dawg in the holler has got to be a song 🤣
I grew up in War & Bradshaw. I'd love a deep dive there.
I did an episode on War a month or so back, have you seen it?
@@MountainRoots I just subbed. So I will check it out. TYSM 😊
Awesome! I'm fascinated with West Virginia. Never been there. Only lived in Northern California. If I could relocate I would move to WV fast. No need to go in advance to check it out. I already know I would love it. Tell me I'm crazy.
Love that spirit! I've been to California a few times, it's got some beautiful country too...but there's just something about these old hills & hollers of Appalachia & WV🤙
No you are not crazy, I am looking at property there and have never even set foot in WV. Would move there in a heartbeat.
You're not crazy! There's a rare breed who come here and fall in love with it immediately! I had a supervisor who did that very thing. He never got to move here tho. It only happens once in awhile though. We're so stereotyped that even the tourists who come and ride the extensive trail systems are verbally abusive and disrespectful all while they enjoy the wildness and beauty. Go figure!
Yes southern w Va is nice deep in the Appalachian mountains.!East Tennesee, south western North Carolina, North Georgia blue ridge mountains, south west and southern parts of Virginia all Gorgeous. Come on down and get a taste of the Good life. Good down home cooking, friendly laid back folks, especially the older people, wave at you when you drive through town, Speak to you in the grocery store or at post office. Cheap living, cool at night in the higher elevations, country living. Rocky gap and Burks garden Virginia is beautiful to.
@@ericmcbroom7825 getting my act and my finances together as we speak. Too much going on here where I am now as far as overcrowding. Have to retreat to a quiet way of life where people think like I do. The friendly, laid back, good cooking all sound good. Thank you for your perspective!
Such beauty!
I found your vids because I've just seen the movie "October Sky!" A gem of a movie! Hey from the UK!
Great film! Hi from Appalachia, & thanks for watching!
I really like the nature in West Virginia, so many trees, everything is green! 👍
"Almost heaven"!
My grandma was born in Iaeger in the late 30’s. She later moved to Columbus Ohio in the 50’s.
I love your accent. Really enjoying traveling through the US and seeing places like this. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much, glad you enjoy! 😊
greeting from china, I have bypass west virignia for a couple times before. beautiful wv
Just found your video. I very interested in learning about McDowell county and about the people of the West Virginia coal mining era. I have family that lived in these areas of West Virginia. Thank you for your videos.
Nice videos. My mom grew up in McDowell Co.
Can you take a ride up Barnshe Holler in Freeburn Kentucky, Pike co. I work over in MAN WEST VIRGINIA, ROCKHOUSE#2.. LORD I miss them mountains and my people..Thank You for the videos and I truly appreciate you. If you only knew how bad I want Togo back home......I'm just not in the position to do so .... GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS, AMEN..
I am from india i want to visit west Virginia its my dream,almost heaven😊
Yes, sir! I survey utility lines for different internet providers. My job has me traveling to remote locations to gather information on the telephone/electric poles. I have to visit hollers just like this. It's better to reach out to a home owner and make your presence known than to just assume it ok for you to be there. They look out for eachother, most are families. They go back for generations. Met some really awesome people. One gentleman who owned a couple thousand acres gave me a ride to the poles on his property while telling me the history of his family. Amazing place.
I was born in Welch 1947 lived in caples holler till 1962 family moved to Maryland
I'm very interested in learning more about Appalachia and its people. Thank you for this.
From the UK- Great videos; looks very similar to (And just as wet as !) the little village I live in in Snowdonia and also to my eldest son's home in the hills -and-valleys area of Indiana; it would be interesting if you paused in some of these places and maybe talked to local people ? However-keep at it
Thanks-Tom
My great uncle Rowes house is right at the end of the video coming out of that holler 💖💖
Cool, I live in east central Ohio, very close to south east Ohio. the Mason Dixon Line is about 8 miles down the road on the other side of the Ohio River where I live in the foothills of Appalachia.