Granny got up at 4:00 a.m. every morning, started that wood stove, (identical to the one you seen in the kitchen) it wouldn't belong the aroma of breakfast seeped into the bedrooms, throughout the rest of the house. Grandpaul went milked the cows, come in for breakfast, then he'd slop the pigs. There was a hefty breakfast, bacon, sausage, gravy, biscuits, jam, King syrup, scrambled eggs, fresh butter, cream, oatmeal, coffee, it was the best! I lived our vacations here. Aunt Mable had a pantry like the white one in the kitchen. What memories you brought back. I loved going out to the outhouse in the middle of the night. The stars were so beautiful. I loved how they twinkled. Don't miss the outhouse today. I enjoyed these back roads. Thank you Russ.
Once you have ever know a person that cooked on a wood burning stove you never forget that person are the peaceful aroma of the house i am now 75 and when I was 14 i still remember my great aunt bell host i will until the day I die thanks aunt bell for the fig preserves and biscuits love you forever Amen and Amen
Love it! West Virginia lives in my heart! Born in Welch & reared in southern coal mining towns. My Dad was a coal miner. I'm retired & coming back soon! Can't wait. Most beautiful mountains & folks in the world! Thank you for the video!
I was born in Beckley WV! Dad was in the military, so we lived all over the US. Now I'm living in Summerville WV!! I love it here! It is literally almost heaven!! 💜
Some miners suffered greatly from depression because they worked long hours underground without getting any sunlight. They regularly went in before daylight and came out after dark.
Someone beat me to it...but this is a John Denver song🕺Almost heaven, West Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River Life is old there, older than the trees Younger than the mountains, growin' like a breeze Country roads, take me home To the place I belong West Virginia, mountain mama Take me home, country roads
My Grandparents retired in Shady Spring after raising 4 sons at Naoma. I remember driving over to Beckley so Grandma could get her hair done while Grandpa waited in the car. Then he'd take her to Kroger and again we waited in the car. He was a miner all his life and died of black lung. She lived on to be in her late 80s...they're buried together at a big cemetery Beckley. I want so badly to visit their graves and then find my way back to the places that were such a big part of my life. I miss West Virginia...it's an ache that won't go away. Thank you, nice riding with you!!🙋♀️
We really enjoyed watching this. You are very respectful of where you are, and you have a pleasant voice. My husband and I appreciate you taking the time to share this
Awe man now I'm really homesick! Stuck in New England for school until I get my degree and country roads PLEASE take me home! The mountains are calling and, I must go.
Most people just hurry through the state. I went to University for two years in West Virginia and many of my friends came from the towns you are driving through. Keep up the good work here.
When you asked how you would like to go to an old school like that - my high school was built in 1933 and the junior high was built in 1925. They are still both in use.
I love reading all these comments, it makes me feel like I'm back home. I spent my first 18 years in Beckley, born in 1960 at the Beckley hospital. I loved growing up in Raleigh County through the 60's and 70's. I live in north Georgia now, as close to the mountains as I can get. I may never get to go home again but I know my ashes will be spread there.
Oh my gosh!! My 💔 ...Daddy was from Beckley & my Grandparents Pauley ran the company store. Granddad was also a coalminner there as well. Wish I could have taken Daddy back there before Jesus carried him to Heaven. Thanks so much for this video 💔❤️🙏❤️
Beautiful Bekley WV my family live their for over 150 years I’m driving back their in Aug with all my see my father family those who are still alive thanks for taking us along on this journey travel well sir my grandkids ask RV their yet 😂😂lance and family
Great video! I grew up in southern WV and lived in Beckley for 8 years. The Exhibition Coal Mine is a great place. I do wish you would have ridden inside the coal mine on the mine tour. It gives you a little bit of the feel of what the coal miners experienced, and the guys that give the tours are very knowledgeable and engaging. Thanks so much!!
I live in Hinton.. 45 min from Beckley.. it’s beautiful Country here.. a place where you actually know your neighbors and generally people are nice and friendly to each other..
Loved this. Been to Beckley many times. Did the exhibition coal mine. Amazing to think how many men spent their entire lives working underground all day in the dark. I grew up in nearby Logan County. Memories.....
You should have taken the coal mine tour. It is amazing history. I live in Beckley and just went to the Exhibition Coal Mine a couple of weeks ago on a work outing. I hadn't been for years, but it was an amazing experience! If you ever pass this way again, be sure to go into the mine. The guides are all former coal miners and the stories are priceless. The day we visited, there were hosts in the three room miner's house, the superintendent's house, and a guide through the pioneer village. Great history. I really enjoyed your video.
I was born and raised in Coalwood,West Virginia. Welch was where I worked In the parking building as a teenager. Went to high school in War, WV. In 1951 I went into the military. My parents stayed in Coalwood and we visited them frequently. I’m now 92 years old and still have fond memories of my childhood. Thank you for your video. Don Walls, St Petersburg, FL
I was shocked when you said you went into the military in 1951 wondering how old you have to be and the choices you made to be as successful to make it into your 90’s texting on TH-cam like you have plenty of life left! You are living history and im jealous you got to experience the best American had to offer before it’s eventual decline. Congrats. Its a privilege to be “old”. Most people don’t make that milestone.
Mom was from West Virginia and we had family that lived in Beckley and the surrounding area. Grandpa and uncles worked in the mines. Brings back memories of my childhood when we would go back there every summer to visit family. Good times and wonderful memories.
Love that you are so generous, most just make fun of WV...thank you! My maternal grandfather was a coal miner and my mom worked in Beckley when she was young.
Thank you for the video. I am familure with this area as I lived not far from there when I was younger. We moved out of the state but I remember it well. My sisters and I took a trip to WV and we have been to the coal mine museum. So many memories from there!!
Excellent video Russ and a beautiful area. Working with your hands making and fixing things was much more satisfying than throw away electronics, touch screens, or pushing buttons today. Take care, Mike
I am from Hinton WV which is near Beckley. It is a Railroad town and they have been restoring the business district for several years and the downtown is looking wonderful. We have the Bluestone Dam there with a big lake behind it and the Bluestone River and Greenbriar River run into the New River right there. You should visit Hinton when you have a chance.
@@debrahelmlinger6256 I was born and raised in Beckley and graduated high school there in 1965. Family name was Tucker-my mon (nee: Gadd) was born in Hinton but moved to Beckley when young. My father and his family were born and lived in Beckley their entire life. Both my mom’s and my dad’s fathers were editors of the two Beckley newspapers, the Beckley Post Herald and the Raleigh Register. Reply if you want to discuss further.
@@dcproman my mother graduated in 1960 but by that time they moved to the Florida Keys but will check with Mom to see what she remembers about newspapers. Know my Grandfather owned a gas station in Beckley
Years ago my husband was doing a construction job for the company he worked for and we stayed for 9 months there and met some wonderful people. They put us up at the Holiday Inn saying we were only going to be there for a couple of weeks but ended up being a lot longer than that, room 106 was home lol. Absolutely loved the mountains
This is from my neck of the woods . The woman coal mines Big Mama Stroud is from Glen White ,Wv where I grew up I know her and went to school with her son . Very good memories there . Nice to see this in your video .
I was born in Beckley hospital my grandparents lived just out of Beckley over in Pemberton I've got cousins that live in coal city and down on coal river there is alot of great places around there it brings back slot of memory's seeing this video I live in Virginia but I'm proud to be from w va
The middle school you passes in Mullens use to be the high school that I went to in 1982-‘86 mullens rebels. I lived just past where the woman was planting flowers on the left. Right beside the railroad tunnel. Grew up listening to the train horns blow as they were entering the tunnel. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
I am from Maryland...I to West Virginia back in 99..I have sinced move back to Maryland...I did like living in West Virginia...It is a great state..Beautiful scenery and people...I will go back and visit when i can......If at all possible move back to live again......I am a simple guy i just want to work and relax.....
It is a wonderful video. You did a good job. In my earlier comment I mentioned that I was born in Mullens hospital, but I wish you would have driven just about 10 to 15 miles south on Rt. 16 and you would have gone through the town I grew up in which was Rhodell. My father mined coal for 21 years in Amigo and Beckley, and then we left and moved to Washington where he worked for the Government until he retired. A picture of him and his three brothers that I posted on the internet about 20 years ago has become fairly famous on the internet. I will always be a West Virginian though I have been away for quite a few years.
I loved in Beckley all though the eighties and into the 9p's. I was even born there! I did visit a few of the towns surrounding the area where I loved. It has several beautiful state parks, thr most popular of which is Grwbdview State Park. On route 19, going towards Fayetteville, my favorite attraction was the New River Girge Bridge completed in 1973. It is beautiful and connects two mountains. It is a major tourist attraction and the Amtrak Cardinal goes right under it! I miss the beauty of Wild Wobderf West Virginia. I moved because the mountain winters reaped havoc on my sinuses!
Awesome video! Yes it’s pronounced “it-man”. Stonehaven was a hospital at one time. My mother told me a story of her dad carrying her to the hospital there when she was 3 which would’ve been in 1948. A lot of history and I can remember when that area was rich and booming, with mining falling our small towns are drying up and decaying. My grandfathers pictures are in the museum. In southern wv we are coal hearted!! I’m so glad you made the trip and hope you come back soon!
Grew up in Mullens, and other places around, walked this roads many times, the Wyoming hotel, JFK stayed in, while doing his campaign here in Southern West Virginia. He visited Logan and other small town dotted throughout this state.
Appreciate the visit thru the Beckley museum. My Mom mom told me stories of yrs past being a very young girl, running bath water in a metal tub over a fire for the miners. And baking up a mess of biscuits with milk gravy for them. Up at 3am last one to get a bath, she said the water would be pitch black but it was easier then making the 50th trip to fetch water. I've heard thousands of stories so many times over the yrs I could recite them while standing in a fire with a cup of gasoline in my hand. Seeing video kinda put a picture to the imagination of little boy listening to stories from the 1920s.
Rooks showers there at that coal mine in the 80s before my pops passed away you too spend the summers up in Bekley I miss it use too horse back into Kentucky with my uncle trading horse and guns had so much fun I still have my first Rifle my uncle bought me
Russ, we are enjoying your trip thru our home state of WV. You are showing us things that we like seeing, off the beaten path so to speak. I also LOVE the fact that you are being so kind when describing the people and the area you are traveling in. So many who describe WV seem to always find something negative to say, but you aren't doing that in your tour and it is so refreshing and nice to listen to you to talk about WV. Thank You!!!!! You are so kind to us, and those of us who are from WV and who still live in WV are very thankful to you for these videos. Glad you are enjoying traveling thru our state, as much as we do, living here.
So many who describe WV seem to always find something negative to say, W V Bon Bon Queen because it is true when you live out in BFE, societies don't progress they stay stagnant, backward, clannish, repressive, xenophobic, ignorant. The advent of the internet makes ignorance a choice.
I really like these type of museum's where they bring in buildings from all over the area. Preserving the history needs to happen good and bad. Thank you for the video need to check out. Thanks Russ keep up the good work you do.
I've been to Beckley numerous numerous times I was born in Mullins now live in Washington state but still have family in West Virginia that I go and visit all the time I'll pokey Mullins pure point Lester maben. Your video just made me homesick
I wasn't going to comment but when you said a town where everyone knows your name I had to chuckle because I am from Mullens and if thats not the truth!! I went to that school, Had you went right instead of left you would have went through a few more communities, over a mountain and came out in the same spot. Its a beautiful ride as well. The highway you went over has only been open to Mullens 2yrs. Im glad you are showing a little of WV histort. Its truly remarkable.
Also the big picture you showed of the shop was called a company store and it was the only place a miner could shop and feed their families, Most mines had their own store and they paid with a company store coin that cld only be spent in that store. The trip through the mines is well worth it and so amazing to go through.
My grandmother and her family are all from Beckley. I dad died from black lung in the 1930s. Ive never been back to where my family roots are but id like to visit
Hi Russ, Your videos have now cost me around $16,000! My wife and I bought a Convelesence bus with 25K miles, practically brand new. It is now being converted into an RV. We got married last July (4th) and she had never been West of St. Louis. We are now headed to South Dakota in mid-July. To make matters worse, her 10-year-old is a "Rock Hound". Looks like Quartzsite is on the list too! LOL Thanks for the Great Videos, we watch every single one of them. Drive Safe!
I was born in Beckley general hospital but lived in Ohio all my life my whole family is outside Beckley!! I was in Beckley about 2 months ago but didn't get the chance to go to coal mine but we did talk about it but didn't have enough time but going back this summer again!! Beckley is a bigger town u we're on the outskirts of it but definitely enjoyed your video!!😎👌🍺✌🙏
Really nice video. Enjoyed all of the history and scenery, great museum and out buildings. Hard workers those miners. Wish a company would buy the rehab building, rehab it literally, and use it. So beautiful. Thanks for all of your work. Enjoyed. 😊👍
2 years ago we visited Beckley, it was the last day of operations for the season, we were the only people there, we rode the tram into the mine, our driver, a retired miner, had lots of stories of working in the mine and growing up in Beckley, great day great experience.if your in the area dont miss it.
I grew up there , right off Euart Ave , which is the street u was on when u turned off Harper Rd,. When i left in 1974 after getting outta the army , only thing there was a parking lot with a hole in the side of the hill, small train that would take u in to the mine and back , no buildings , no trains or anything other than a place to park ,lol brings back memories galore for me.
With all that greenery, both War WV and Beckley, WV are so inviting to someone like me who has lived years on the Arizona desert, Tucson and Phoenix. If I won a Lottery, instead of a big mansion, I'd set myself up in smaller houses in varied geographical climates: Ozarks or West Virginia in spring and early summer, Mich U.P. summer, lower Mich fall, and Arizona winter. I'd also slip in a few weeks in a Florida beach house for part of winter.
👍 Almost heaven, West Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River Life is old there, older than the trees Younger than the mountains, growing like a breeze Country roads, take me home To the place, I belong West Virginia, mountain mama Take me home, country roads
As a former resident of the Laughlin-Bullhead City area, we follow your travels closely. We're beginning our own "Big trip" this September. Iowa to Washington state, to California, then Utah, Tucson Arizona and then back to Iowa. Many stops along the way. 73 years young and living the life! Happy trails!
My Grandfather is in one of the pics with all the miners ,you need to goto Thurman also the New River Gorge . This is the place I call home , hope you have a great time.
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Granny got up at 4:00 a.m. every morning, started that wood stove, (identical to the one you seen in the kitchen) it wouldn't belong the aroma of breakfast seeped into the bedrooms, throughout the rest of the house. Grandpaul went milked the cows, come in for breakfast, then he'd slop the pigs. There was a hefty breakfast, bacon, sausage, gravy, biscuits, jam, King syrup, scrambled eggs, fresh butter, cream, oatmeal, coffee, it was the best! I lived our vacations here. Aunt Mable had a pantry like the white one in the kitchen. What memories you brought back. I loved going out to the outhouse in the middle of the night. The stars were so beautiful. I loved how they twinkled. Don't miss the outhouse today. I enjoyed these back roads. Thank you Russ.
Once you have ever know a person that cooked on a wood burning stove you never forget that person are the peaceful aroma of the house i am now 75 and when I was 14 i still remember my great aunt bell host i will until the day I die thanks aunt bell for the fig preserves and biscuits love you forever Amen and Amen
Love it! West Virginia lives in my heart! Born in Welch & reared in southern coal mining towns. My Dad was a coal miner. I'm retired & coming back soon! Can't wait. Most beautiful mountains & folks in the world! Thank you for the video!
I was born in Beckley WV! Dad was in the military, so we lived all over the US. Now I'm living in Summerville WV!! I love it here! It is literally almost heaven!! 💜
Since there IS no Summerville in West Virginia, I don't believe you are or were living there, amandalegg9222.
@@wurds509 I only know of Summersville, Nicholas co., WV
Some miners suffered greatly from depression because they worked long hours underground without getting any sunlight. They regularly went in before daylight and came out after dark.
Russ you inspired me and my future wife to buy a travel trailer, hit the road, and explore our beautiful country. Thanks sir!
That is awesome!
@@rvertv Careful, Russ, they may be setting you up to take blame for the divorce. Lol!
We have a beautiful day to see.
Someone beat me to it...but this is a John Denver song🕺Almost heaven, West Virginia
Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River
Life is old there, older than the trees
Younger than the mountains, growin' like a breeze
Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads
W Va is a very special place, nothing else like it ❤️
We live in Covington va and go to wv pocahontas County alot
Just came through Beckley on Monday on my way to Tygart Lake in Grafton. West Virginia is the most beautiful state!
My Grandparents retired in Shady Spring after raising 4 sons at Naoma. I remember driving over to Beckley so Grandma could get her hair done while Grandpa waited in the car. Then he'd take her to Kroger and again we waited in the car. He was a miner all his life and died of black lung. She lived on to be in her late 80s...they're buried together at a big cemetery Beckley. I want so badly to visit their graves and then find my way back to the places that were such a big part of my life.
I miss West Virginia...it's an ache that won't go away.
Thank you, nice riding with you!!🙋♀️
We really enjoyed watching this. You are very respectful of where you are, and you have a pleasant voice. My husband and I appreciate you taking the time to share this
🎶 Almost heaven, West Virginia, Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River. 🎶 Take me home, country roads 🎶 👋🏼🇨🇦
I was thinking the same this🌷
🎼🎤🎻I’m proud to be a coal miners daughter ...
Awe man now I'm really homesick! Stuck in New England for school until I get my degree and country roads PLEASE take me home! The mountains are calling and, I must go.
@@vicpie6608 LLP l
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Thanks for this video. I grew up in Mullens and then moved to Beckley. I'm no longer in WV so this brought back some good memories.
Grew up in Welch area and now live in Bluefield! Welcome to West Virginia!
Welcome to Mountaineer Country!
Grew up in Coalwood….lived in Bluefield, Princeton 💛💙💛💙💛💙
@@chirpycrow2061m m
Most people just hurry through the state. I went to University for two years in West Virginia and many of my friends came from the towns you are driving through. Keep up the good work here.
When you asked how you would like to go to an old school like that - my high school was built in 1933 and the junior high was built in 1925. They are still both in use.
I love reading all these comments, it makes me feel like I'm back home. I spent my first 18 years in Beckley, born in 1960 at the Beckley hospital. I loved growing up in Raleigh County through the 60's and 70's. I live in north Georgia now, as close to the mountains as I can get. I may never get to go home again but I know my ashes will be spread there.
I spent a summer building an apartment complex in Beckley West Virginia back in the 70s.... They make good sausage gravy and biscuits around there
Was it Pikeview Manor?
Wow i'm really enjoying watching these Towns, very beautiful homes and some are abandoned. They Big white house very beautiful.many thanks
My wife has relatives in Beckley and Morgantown and absolutely LOVES in WEST Virginia!!!!
Oh my gosh!! My 💔 ...Daddy was from Beckley & my Grandparents Pauley ran the company store. Granddad was also a coalminner there as well. Wish I could have taken Daddy back there before Jesus carried him to Heaven. Thanks so much for this video 💔❤️🙏❤️
Beautiful Bekley WV my family live their for over 150 years I’m driving back their in Aug with all my see my father family those who are still alive thanks for taking us along on this journey travel well sir my grandkids ask RV their yet 😂😂lance and family
Very cool!
Great video! I grew up in southern WV and lived in Beckley for 8 years. The Exhibition Coal Mine is a great place. I do wish you would have ridden inside the coal mine on the mine tour. It gives you a little bit of the feel of what the coal miners experienced, and the guys that give the tours are very knowledgeable and engaging. Thanks so much!!
Is Iaeger still there?
100%
@@ehtshamgujjar1266 Mom was from there. I spent a couple of summers in Iaeger. Had a good time. In FLA now.
I am originally from. WVa. Pocahontas County. Really enjoyed this. I haven't been back for 40 years. Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
I want to move there...someday!
I live in Hinton.. 45 min from Beckley.. it’s beautiful Country here.. a place where you actually know your neighbors and generally people are nice and friendly to each other..
Loved this. Been to Beckley many times. Did the exhibition coal mine. Amazing to think how many men spent their entire lives working underground all day in the dark. I grew up in nearby Logan County. Memories.....
You should have taken the coal mine tour. It is amazing history. I live in Beckley and just went to the Exhibition Coal Mine a couple of weeks ago on a work outing. I hadn't been for years, but it was an amazing experience! If you ever pass this way again, be sure to go into the mine. The guides are all former coal miners and the stories are priceless. The day we visited, there were hosts in the three room miner's house, the superintendent's house, and a guide through the pioneer village. Great history. I really enjoyed your video.
I was born and raised in Coalwood,West Virginia. Welch was where I worked In the parking building as a teenager. Went to high school in War, WV. In 1951 I went into the military. My parents stayed in Coalwood and we visited them frequently. I’m now 92 years old and still have fond memories of my childhood. Thank you for your video. Don Walls, St Petersburg, FL
Pinellas park here.wife is from Morgantown
I was shocked when you said you went into the military in 1951 wondering how old you have to be and the choices you made to be as successful to make it into your 90’s texting on TH-cam like you have plenty of life left! You are living history and im jealous you got to experience the best American had to offer before it’s eventual decline. Congrats. Its a privilege to be “old”. Most people don’t make that milestone.
Beautiful video, I love that country. Appalachia is the most interesting place in the world to me.
West Virginia is a BEAUTIFUL STATE ALL TOGETHER. I WAS BORN AND RAISED in MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA. Columbus GA 😎
Russ,you're the latter day Charles Kuralt.He explored and traveled the back roads.😀😀😀
I loved that show, "On the Road with Charles Kuralt". He explored parts of America one never saw, let alone even thought about.
@@michaela.chmieloski3196 The difference is C. Kuralt stopped and talked to the people.
Mom was from West Virginia and we had family that lived in Beckley and the surrounding area. Grandpa and uncles worked in the mines. Brings back memories of my childhood when we would go back there every summer to visit family. Good times and wonderful memories.
Wow lived near Beckley when I was a kid. Went to school in Oak Hill. My parents both went to school in Mt. Hope. Beautiful place.
Love that you are so generous, most just make fun of WV...thank you! My maternal grandfather was a coal miner and my mom worked in Beckley when she was young.
Too anyone that makes fun of any state in the USA,"get a life and be somebody".🗽👍
Do they were shoes in WV?
@@guyorvis6599 Do they teach spelling where you are from?
@@guyorvis6599 shoes?
I'm planning a trip to the Beckley area in a couple weeks. I'll definitely be checking out this coal museum. Thank you for this incredible video.
Thank you for the great video! West ‘by-God’ Virginia for life!
Thank you for the video. I am familure with this area as I lived not far from there when I was younger. We moved out of the state but I remember it well. My sisters and I took a trip to WV and we have been to the coal mine museum. So many memories from there!!
Such a pretty area. Love the old architecture
Thanks Russ 🚐
This is very interesting.The miners had a hard and dangerous job.They have really done a good job in setting this up.
Never thought my house would be on TH-cam, but here we are lol
No hard feelings!
Excellent video Russ and a beautiful area. Working with your hands making and fixing things was much more satisfying than throw away electronics, touch screens, or pushing buttons today. Take care, Mike
I really enjoyed this video, the coal Museum really showcased the coal miners lifestyle and hardships.
Thank you very much for making an awesome vdo. I miss WV
My great grandmother lives down #6. Bless her heart, she passed on November 1st this year.
so sorry
What's even more impressive is the old building doesn't have Graffiti all over it!!
Kid's who are not empowered don't do that.
Love this...I feel like I'm on vacation...traveling the highways and by way of America...I can almost smell the West Virginia air!!!💞
People respect the area and the history
I am from Hinton WV which is near Beckley. It is a Railroad town and they have been restoring the business district for several years and the downtown is looking wonderful. We have the Bluestone Dam there with a big lake behind it and the Bluestone River and Greenbriar River run into the New River right there. You should visit Hinton when you have a chance.
Born and raised in Beckley. Been away for 55 years now. But a great place to be from.
Mother was born in Beckley, family names were Kiddy and Miller
@@debrahelmlinger6256 I was born and raised in Beckley and graduated high school there in 1965. Family name was Tucker-my mon (nee: Gadd) was born in Hinton but moved to Beckley when young. My father and his family were born and lived in Beckley their entire life. Both my mom’s and my dad’s fathers were editors of the two Beckley newspapers, the Beckley Post Herald and the Raleigh Register. Reply if you want to discuss further.
@@dcproman my mother graduated in 1960 but by that time they moved to the Florida Keys but will check with Mom to see what she remembers about newspapers. Know my Grandfather owned a gas station in Beckley
@@dcproman ok, he didn't own it but was manager at one of the Standard oil stations in town.
Years ago my husband was doing a construction job for the company he worked for and we stayed for 9 months there and met some wonderful people. They put us up at the Holiday Inn saying we were only going to be there for a couple of weeks but ended up being a lot longer than that, room 106 was home lol. Absolutely loved the mountains
I Love Beckley. We go through it every time we go to N.C. . I also love the taking the road less traveled.
This is from my neck of the woods . The woman coal mines Big Mama Stroud is from Glen White ,Wv where I grew up I know her and went to school with her son . Very good memories there . Nice to see this in your video .
My late grandparents lived in Beckley for a time. Worked hard all their lives, always poor, patriotic and God loving
Used to be a coal mine that you could ride through in Beckley. Was a tourist type thing. Their museum is awesome!
You done a great job, showing how beautiful and amazing this state is. If you're ever back this way you should take the mine tour. It's so much fun
I was born in Beckley hospital my grandparents lived just out of Beckley over in Pemberton I've got cousins that live in coal city and down on coal river there is alot of great places around there it brings back slot of memory's seeing this video I live in Virginia but I'm proud to be from w va
The middle school you passes in Mullens use to be the high school that I went to in 1982-‘86 mullens rebels. I lived just past where the woman was planting flowers on the left. Right beside the railroad tunnel. Grew up listening to the train horns blow as they were entering the tunnel. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
I've been trucking most of my life. 42 plus yrs now. It's heartbreaking to go to areas now vs 40 yrs ago. That goes for all over the country.
I am from Maryland...I to West Virginia back in 99..I have sinced move back to Maryland...I did like living in West Virginia...It is a great state..Beautiful scenery and people...I will go back and visit when i can......If at all possible move back to live again......I am a simple guy i just want to work and relax.....
It is a wonderful video. You did a good job. In my earlier comment I mentioned that I was born in Mullens hospital, but I wish you would have driven just about 10 to 15 miles south on Rt. 16 and you would have gone through the town I grew up in which was Rhodell. My father mined coal for 21 years in Amigo and Beckley, and then we left and moved to Washington where he worked for the Government until he retired. A picture of him and his three brothers that I posted on the internet about 20 years ago has become fairly famous on the internet. I will always be a West Virginian though I have been away for quite a few years.
I live in the small town of Mullens, it's a peaceful place to live. I didn't expect to see my town on here. Thanks for showing it some recognition.
I loved in Beckley all though the eighties and into the 9p's. I was even born there! I did visit a few of the towns surrounding the area where I loved. It has several beautiful state parks, thr most popular of which is Grwbdview State Park.
On route 19, going towards Fayetteville, my favorite attraction was the New River Girge Bridge completed in 1973. It is beautiful and connects two mountains. It is a major tourist attraction and the Amtrak Cardinal goes right under it! I miss the beauty of Wild Wobderf West Virginia. I moved because the mountain winters reaped havoc on my sinuses!
Awesome video! Yes it’s pronounced “it-man”. Stonehaven was a hospital at one time. My mother told me a story of her dad carrying her to the hospital there when she was 3 which would’ve been in 1948. A lot of history and I can remember when that area was rich and booming, with mining falling our small towns are drying up and decaying. My grandfathers pictures are in the museum. In southern wv we are coal hearted!! I’m so glad you made the trip and hope you come back soon!
Grew up in Mullens, and other places around, walked this roads many times, the Wyoming hotel, JFK stayed in, while doing his campaign here in Southern West Virginia. He visited Logan and other small town dotted throughout this state.
Hey! I'm from Beckley!! Graduated from Bluefield State. Left Beckley in 1983!
I’m so familiar with this area. I grew up 29 miles from Beckley. I know it so well. Beautiful drive to get there.
Appreciate the visit thru the Beckley museum. My Mom mom told me stories of yrs past being a very young girl, running bath water in a metal tub over a fire for the miners. And baking up a mess of biscuits with milk gravy for them. Up at 3am last one to get a bath, she said the water would be pitch black but it was easier then making the 50th trip to fetch water. I've heard thousands of stories so many times over the yrs I could recite them while standing in a fire with a cup of gasoline in my hand. Seeing video kinda put a picture to the imagination of little boy listening to stories from the 1920s.
Rooks showers there at that coal mine in the 80s before my pops passed away you too spend the summers up in Bekley I miss it use too horse back into Kentucky with my uncle trading horse and guns had so much fun I still have my first Rifle my uncle bought me
Russ, we are enjoying your trip thru our home state of WV. You are showing us things that we like seeing, off the beaten path so to speak.
I also LOVE the fact that you are being so kind when describing the people and the area you are traveling in. So many who describe WV seem to always find something negative to say, but you aren't doing that in your tour and it is so refreshing and nice to listen to you to talk about WV. Thank You!!!!! You are so kind to us, and those of us who are from WV and who still live in WV are very thankful to you for these videos.
Glad you are enjoying traveling thru our state, as much as we do, living here.
So many who describe WV seem to always find something negative to say, W V Bon Bon Queen because it is true when you live out in BFE, societies don't progress they stay stagnant, backward, clannish, repressive, xenophobic, ignorant. The advent of the internet makes ignorance a choice.
People in West Virginia are good, hard working down to earth. Thanks for that comment.
I really like these type of museum's where they bring in buildings from all over the area. Preserving the history needs to happen good and bad. Thank you for the video need to check out. Thanks Russ keep up the good work you do.
I've been to Beckley numerous numerous times I was born in Mullins now live in Washington state but still have family in West Virginia that I go and visit all the time I'll pokey Mullins pure point Lester maben. Your video just made me homesick
Beckley is our home town. The abandoned building in Itman was the coal company store. My wife was born in Itmann and went to the school in Mullens.
I wasn't going to comment but when you said a town where everyone knows your name I had to chuckle because I am from Mullens and if thats not the truth!! I went to that school, Had you went right instead of left you would have went through a few more communities, over a mountain and came out in the same spot. Its a beautiful ride as well. The highway you went over has only been open to Mullens 2yrs. Im glad you are showing a little of WV histort. Its truly remarkable.
Also the big picture you showed of the shop was called a company store and it was the only place a miner could shop and feed their families, Most mines had their own store and they paid with a company store coin that cld only be spent in that store. The trip through the mines is well worth it and so amazing to go through.
I recall all my memories watching ur blogs when I was in Saudi Arabia then
You drove right by my niece's house in Mullens. Amazing.
I live about 15 20 mins well I live in Beckley lol but it's still awesome to watch your video and just see what I take for granted Evey day ty
Well done Russ....I have wanted to visit this state for a long time and it is very cool to do it through your lens....... Thank you.
(IT MAN) That building was at one time a coal camp store. My husband and I grew up in that area. Can hear the coal trains in the background.
My grandmother and her family are all from Beckley. I dad died from black lung in the 1930s. Ive never been back to where my family roots are but id like to visit
Hi Russ,
Your videos have now cost me around $16,000! My wife and I bought a Convelesence bus with 25K miles, practically brand new. It is now being converted into an RV.
We got married last July (4th) and she had never been West of St. Louis. We are now headed to South Dakota in mid-July. To make matters worse, her 10-year-old is a "Rock Hound". Looks like Quartzsite is on the list too! LOL Thanks for the Great Videos, we watch every single one of them. Drive Safe!
I was born in Mullens and lived in Welch over Morts Army store across the street from Sears until we moved in 1965
Oh my god that building...!! Oh to be able to poke around in there with a camera!
Fantastic video born in whelch .Lived In. Cucumber was as young child ... wow what memories. Tytyty
I never knew that existed. Looking forward to some more. One of these days, i plan to travel soon. And this area is going to be a must see .
I was born in Beckley general hospital but lived in Ohio all my life my whole family is outside Beckley!! I was in Beckley about 2 months ago but didn't get the chance to go to coal mine but we did talk about it but didn't have enough time but going back this summer again!! Beckley is a bigger town u we're on the outskirts of it but definitely enjoyed your video!!😎👌🍺✌🙏
Russ, since you like museums, and since you will be in Pennsylvania, there's a great railroad museum in Altoona.(if you are anywhere near that town.)
Really nice video. Enjoyed all of the history and scenery, great museum and out buildings. Hard workers those miners. Wish a company would buy the rehab building, rehab it literally, and use it. So beautiful. Thanks for all of your work. Enjoyed. 😊👍
2 years ago we visited Beckley, it was the last day of operations for the season, we were the only people there, we rode the tram into the mine, our driver, a retired miner, had lots of stories of working in the mine and growing up in Beckley, great day great experience.if your in the area dont miss it.
I was born in west virginia and it's such a beautiful state 😍
I grew up there , right off Euart Ave , which is the street u was on when u turned off Harper Rd,. When i left in 1974 after getting outta the army , only thing there was a parking lot with a hole in the side of the hill, small train that would take u in to the mine and back , no buildings , no trains or anything other than a place to park ,lol brings back memories galore for me.
Pretty scenery 😍
As someone who lives there. There's also a nice historic city and a park next to it
Another great video ! Thanks Russ.
I’ve lived in West Virginia my whole life and it’s the best kept secret
With all that greenery, both War WV and Beckley, WV are so inviting to someone like me who has lived years on the Arizona desert, Tucson and Phoenix. If I won a Lottery, instead of a big mansion, I'd set myself up in smaller houses in varied geographical climates: Ozarks or West Virginia in spring and early summer, Mich U.P. summer, lower Mich fall, and Arizona winter. I'd also slip in a few weeks in a Florida beach house for part of winter.
Grew up in WV. Been to Beckley many times. I had chairs like that in school.
Place must hold many memories
I can almost smell that fresh air. And that stone building! Hope they bring back mining. Hopefully, soon.
Yes, Sir. Many thanks for showing this.
👍 Almost heaven, West Virginia
Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River
Life is old there, older than the trees
Younger than the mountains, growing like a breeze
Country roads, take me home
To the place, I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads
As a former resident of the Laughlin-Bullhead City area, we follow your travels closely. We're beginning our own "Big trip" this September. Iowa to Washington state, to California, then Utah, Tucson Arizona and then back to Iowa. Many stops along the way. 73 years young and living the life! Happy trails!
Oh I love this! So nice. Thank you for this tour! Gonna have to watch this again.
Enjoy your videos as here in Nova Scotia we are still locked down and can't go anywhere. I love the US east coast.
My Grandfather is in one of the pics with all the miners ,you need to goto Thurman also the New River Gorge . This is the place I call home , hope you have a great time.