My dad is from Matoaka and I've hear the names Barger and Spirolock in my father's stories. My mother moved there after she married my dad and she said dad had a truck and he would taxi African-American men that worked in the mines. She said my dad said we're all the same color when we come out of the mine. He took me there as a kid and it was amazing to see the houses all over those mountains and I wondered how in the world they were built on such steep property. When there he would always drive to a pipe they came off the mountain and collect water. His sister lived in Princeton WV so we visited the area at least twice a year
I stayed up on the mountain near matoaka back in the mid to late 80s, That place has a warm spot in my heart.. I hope one day to retire there... Alot of history.. nice deep dive.
Oh thank you so for putting this up.i was raised here in the 1930s and 1940s. Really bring back good memories of the theatre and the drug store.and the othere shops and school.back in the day matoaka was a very busy and vibrating town.
Did you know Iris Elaine Basham? She was born in 1929 daughter of Pastor Arley Basham and iola Basham "Shrewsbury" Maiden name? They were present in the town at the time He was a pastor and jeweler.
7:18 to 7:56 is the most pathectic piece of this video. Sickening how houses just falling in and people too lazy to just burn them down. And dont even get me started on the trash that sets around almost all houses people are living in. Hell, we were poor when I grew up back there in the 60s but peoples houses didnt ook this bad even during the depression.
I was in attendance at Matoake during that period of time when the school was integrated. I saw many movies at their local theatre, and sometimes had lunch at the Matoaka Drugstore. There was a Williams’ Cafe and a Hall’s where many High School children had lunch. I often think how difficult that must have been for the Afro-American children having to calm their fears and face so many haters that day. Looking back, there should have been more protection for them. I would love for you to do a video and history on the nearby area of Giatto which was where most of the Afro-Americans lived at the time. I have no idea where they all went, but it was once a busy little unincorporated town. A railroad went down through the middle, and there were numerous businesses along the tracks. I recall two young boys drowning on a hillside above the town. Then there was the murder of a man they called “Ole Mose” I think. I had always thought southern WestVirginians were less prejudiced because all races worked side by side in the coal mines, and so many came in from other countries to work in the coal fields. I cannot thank you enough for all that history, even taking in Lamar. I remember well when they were tearing down the numerous houses that once had been Lamar. I rode the school bus with many of them. Love love the history.
@@randygenasetzer9130 I remember a pretty girl named Sandra Shrewsbury. However, both names were common in that era. The one I knew went there, but did not graduate from there.
I'm one of the blacks that went to Matoaka High School!!! I lived in Arista and then moved to Hiawatha... I have been gone since 1972. Iived in New York the most of my life and now I have settled in Florida. I still have relatives living there!!! Between Giatto and Princeton. Also have family in Bluefield where I was born. I became a teacher and went on to get my Masters degree in Education. I had many friends and they didn't look like me. I had a great childhood experience and all of it helped me to be who I am today.
My grandparents and parents grew up there, use to go on vacations to see family. My parents moved for jobs to Chicago after the Korean War. Camp Creek is beautiful. Good memories
My family lives right thru the hollow from there...church hollow...the hill on the north side was the location of the old school....school house hill... just to your left when coming into town from the lashmeet direction was the new school which was open for decades and has been half way torn down for over 25 yrs now....right next door was Blankenships Gulf Station for decades
Right next door to the school was the small building that I think used to be a ice cream place, and then there was the gulf station. I still have one of the orange balls that we used to stick on our car antenias from that station.
Been to many of those locations. Explored a good part of the abandoned bluestone line. Was last there 5 or so years ago. The first time just before the PD line was shut down. Always wondered about the burned buildings. Haven’t traveled much for nearly two years. Health keeping me down. This town is on my list to revisit
14:52 that little 2 story brick building next to you, it used to be a barber shop owned by a distant relative of mine. I read a book and saw a picture of it and watched this video in hopes of seeing it. It's kind of sad to see it so dilapidated, but very cool nonetheless. Awesome video as well. This town is about an hour away from me and I may have to ride up there one day.
My dad was born and raised there I actually just bought his old home place it is right across the street from the welcome to matoaka sign up on the hill
I am unfortunate enough to have my father to be the man who burned down the buildings in Matoaka, I still remember the day when I saw on the news that Matoaka was on fire, my Paw Paw, who had grown up in that town back in the 50s and 60s, went down to see what was going on. I later found out that my dad was the one to have burned the buildings down. Once learned that he had done it, I had no respect for him. Since then, the town has gone down and down, more buildings have been tore down and more people have left it. Overall, Matoaka is a town full of old memories.
My Grandmother and grandfather are from Matoaka WV, my grandmother born in 1929 and grandfather in 1923. There names were Arnold C McElyea and Iris Elaine (Basham) "Maiden name" she is the daughter of a man named Arley Basham pastor of a church and jewelry store owner in Matoaka, grandma and grandpa left the town back in the 1950s for work to Florida then to Toledo Ohio where he got a Job working at Libby Glass. They are no longer with us but left behind a large family. I am her second from the youngest Grandson. Apparently there is a family cemetery there in them hills in Mercer County I have not found. I hope to find it someday. 🙏🏼 cheers
OMG I luved reading this very informative!! I went to school there, left in 1966 moved outta State, it's sad wht it looks like today, luved eating at William's Cafe/Hall's would LUV to take a trip there, wondering if it would be safe to do so!!!!
This is an outstanding video! We never had coal mining in my part of Appalachia in the Northeast corner of TN, but boy the story of scrapping copper, lol I have been there.
Hello Johnny, this is a very informative video you made and a super history lesson. Been in that town on a photo shoot but never new the history till now. I was told there is a haunted train tunnel near there and me being a model railroader and model N&W would love to know if you are familiar with the tunnel. Good seeing you back on TH-cam and still would love to get up with you this fall with a buddy I photo shoot with if we can get together and work keep out of the way. Love old buildings for I will try and replica them for my layout. This video has given me so much more information of that era and help to explain what had happened to the towns when questions are asked of me. Enjoyed the video immensely for all its information you shared. Stay safe and keep the video’s coming.
@@hoodinthewoods Thank you for the reply and the information we got was from a local girl who said the tunnel is just out side of town. Will do some more research on it and when I learn something I will let you know. You really come up some interesting history of the area’s and some interesting locations to photo shoot. Keep your video’s coming and be safe doing them.
The woman who I did marry and had children with is from Beckley West Virginia and I did live with her there and we eventually moved up to Elk View outside of Charleston and I got a job working for DH Jones and Sons heating and cooling in St Albans and we did end up moving to Florida for a few years and we'll things just happen.
My cousin and his friend had to jump from the windows of this school in the 50's. I was watching on tv channel 10 news from NY was there to head line. I myself had to attend in the 60's, this was the worst for me the teachers that I had was so prejudice except one and I'll never forget Ms. BALDWIN. I was so glad my mother moved us to beckley wv afterwards I had no problems since.
Writing this I could tell there was more going on because of the difference of black students enrolled in the school during those two years. That’s sad what happened to your cousin and his friend. Lots of things happened and don’t get told, whether they know it or not, almost 20k people have heard their story.
The country schools were closed & the surrounding one room school houses were closed. The kids were transferred to the small town schools. They began riding buses. Many black children went to these country community schools along with whites & other nationalities. Some had 4 or more rooms.
Northerners talk fast. Very literate. I have worked with people that talk slow. It's hard not to finish their sentences already knowing what their about to say. But taking forever iterating it.
Lmao. You left out some details about the mighty mayor and his questionable intentions for the money he made while being mayor. Also Powhatan is NOT right down the road. Maybe talk to locals next times?
Thank you for the informative video. Please slow your rate of speech down some to make it easier for others to understand the importance of what you're saying instead of it getting lost due to some people not being able to understand what you're saying.... I can't tell people to listen faster when getting amped up/excited and have to consciously speak slower at times myself.
@@MsDebauchery I have a much better life than you can even dream of. I have been places that you caan only read about. Met people that you envy, and have the ability to go where ever I want. Live where ever I want. And I never have to worry about working for one red penny. ALL FACTS. And yes, it has been a month since this was posted. So, there is now a time limit to comment on stupid peoples post and advice. Before you give others advice, look in the mirror. Oh, and I dont need makeup either. LOL.
@@TheRaghorn When a person states that they have had to make an effort themselves to speak slower so that others can understand them how is that not acknowledging a flaw? You CLEARLY overlooked that in your trifling and completely unnecessary attack on me. In your infinite wisdom, or lack thereof kindly reassess your approach and do not presume to know a single thing about my past, or future trajectory in life. It takes a deluded narcissist to brag so much about how superior they think their life must be than that of a complete stranger. You are not omnipotent and you have no idea who I am, who I know and where I am from so don't judge people and pick a fight to inflate your ego.This isn't a peeing contest.... I liked his video and other videos, my family member couldn't understand him talking so fast at times and that is WHY the suggestion was given.
My dad is from Matoaka and I've hear the names Barger and Spirolock in my father's stories. My mother moved there after she married my dad and she said dad had a truck and he would taxi African-American men that worked in the mines. She said my dad said we're all the same color when we come out of the mine. He took me there as a kid and it was amazing to see the houses all over those mountains and I wondered how in the world they were built on such steep property. When there he would always drive to a pipe they came off the mountain and collect water. His sister lived in Princeton WV so we visited the area at least twice a year
I stayed up on the mountain near matoaka back in the mid to late 80s, That place has a warm spot in my heart.. I hope one day to retire there... Alot of history.. nice deep dive.
I'm proud I'm from there. Sad to see the town fade away
Oh thank you so for putting this up.i was raised here in the 1930s and 1940s. Really bring back good memories of the theatre and the drug store.and the othere shops and school.back in the day matoaka was a very busy and vibrating town.
Did you know Iris Elaine Basham? She was born in 1929 daughter of Pastor Arley Basham and iola Basham "Shrewsbury" Maiden name? They were present in the town at the time He was a pastor and jeweler.
Hello from Saint John New Brunswick Canada....Excellent video.I look forward to more ...
Great job 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I love history and this was very interesting.
TY, I've been looking at homes in and around WV. I just love the Landscape and Hystory.
7:18 to 7:56 is the most pathectic piece of this video. Sickening how houses just falling in and people too lazy to just burn them down. And dont even get me started on the trash that sets around almost all houses people are living in. Hell, we were poor when I grew up back there in the 60s but peoples houses didnt ook this bad even during the depression.
I remember reading Follow the River! Very interesting! I love your pictures and videos. Thank you for all your hard work.
I was in attendance at Matoake during that period of time when the school was integrated. I saw many movies at their local theatre, and sometimes had lunch at the Matoaka Drugstore. There was a Williams’ Cafe and a Hall’s where many High School children had lunch. I often think how difficult that must have been for the Afro-American children having to calm their fears and face so many haters that day. Looking back, there should have been more protection for them. I would love for you to do a video and history on the nearby area of Giatto which was where most of the Afro-Americans lived at the time. I have no idea where they all went, but it was once a busy little unincorporated town. A railroad went down through the middle, and there were numerous businesses along the tracks. I recall two young boys drowning on a hillside above the town. Then there was the murder of a man they called “Ole Mose” I think. I had always thought southern WestVirginians were less prejudiced because all races worked side by side in the coal mines, and so many came in from other countries to work in the coal fields. I cannot thank you enough for all that history, even taking in Lamar. I remember well when they were tearing down the numerous houses that once had been Lamar. I rode the school bus with many of them. Love love the history.
You must be around my mom and dad's age or went to school with them...Bernard Reynolds from Matoaka and Sandra Shrewsbury from Lashmeet or Rock area.
@@randygenasetzer9130 I remember a pretty girl named Sandra Shrewsbury. However, both names were common in that era. The one I knew went there, but did not graduate from there.
I'm one of the blacks that went to Matoaka High School!!! I lived in Arista and then moved to Hiawatha... I have been gone since 1972. Iived in New York the most of my life and now I have settled in Florida. I still have relatives living there!!! Between Giatto and Princeton. Also have family in Bluefield where I was born. I became a teacher and went on to get my Masters degree in Education. I had many friends and they didn't look like me. I had a great childhood experience and all of it helped me to be who I am today.
❤
@@carolynmckinney4382 I feel there may be many who went on to excel in life. If somebody ever writes a book, it would possibly be a best seller.
My grandparents and parents grew up there, use to go on vacations to see family. My parents moved for jobs to Chicago after the Korean War. Camp Creek is beautiful. Good memories
So did mine. My mother was born here. I was born in Princeton
My family lives right thru the hollow from there...church hollow...the hill on the north side was the location of the old school....school house hill...
just to your left when coming into town from the lashmeet direction was the new school which was open for decades and has been half way torn down for over 25 yrs now....right next door was Blankenships Gulf Station for decades
My family lived up above the tracks. I called it Mills mountain.
Right next door to the school was the small building that I think used to be a ice cream place, and then there was the gulf station. I still have one of the orange balls that we used to stick on our car antenias from that station.
Love hearing stories about WV and VA very interesting
Thank You. I spent most my adult life in Matoaka. Specifically in LAMAR Holler. 1971.
Did you know my dad randy mills? Son of Robi Mills
Been to many of those locations. Explored a good part of the abandoned bluestone line. Was last there 5 or so years ago. The first time just before the PD line was shut down.
Always wondered about the burned buildings. Haven’t traveled much for nearly two years. Health keeping me down. This town is on my list to revisit
So sad. It was such a beautiful place at one time. Very informative information.
I’ve heard stories of that egg throwing and that my grandparents were part of that, it’s sad.
Thank you. My family is from there, and I was researching family.
First time subscriber. Fascinating video, Thank you so much.
14:52 that little 2 story brick building next to you, it used to be a barber shop owned by a distant relative of mine. I read a book and saw a picture of it and watched this video in hopes of seeing it. It's kind of sad to see it so dilapidated, but very cool nonetheless. Awesome video as well. This town is about an hour away from me and I may have to ride up there one day.
You've done an amazing amount of research. Well done!
My dad was born and raised there I actually just bought his old home place it is right across the street from the welcome to matoaka sign up on the hill
Excellent research and a lot of work involved. Thank you for the info. Very interesting.
There was a bar and grill called Woody’s Grill, when little I asked my mom why my dad always had to stop and see Woodys Girl..😂
I am unfortunate enough to have my father to be the man who burned down the buildings in Matoaka, I still remember the day when I saw on the news that Matoaka was on fire, my Paw Paw, who had grown up in that town back in the 50s and 60s, went down to see what was going on. I later found out that my dad was the one to have burned the buildings down. Once learned that he had done it, I had no respect for him. Since then, the town has gone down and down, more buildings have been tore down and more people have left it. Overall, Matoaka is a town full of old memories.
damn bro, im sorry bout all that
My Grandmother and grandfather are from Matoaka WV, my grandmother born in 1929 and grandfather in 1923. There names were Arnold C McElyea and Iris Elaine (Basham) "Maiden name" she is the daughter of a man named Arley Basham pastor of a church and jewelry store owner in Matoaka, grandma and grandpa left the town back in the 1950s for work to Florida then to Toledo Ohio where he got a Job working at Libby Glass. They are no longer with us but left behind a large family. I am her second from the youngest Grandson. Apparently there is a family cemetery there in them hills in Mercer County I have not found. I hope to find it someday. 🙏🏼 cheers
@@jonathanfreedom1st have you tried using findagrave.com?
@@hoodinthewoods I have Not. Thank you. I'll take a look...
OMG I luved reading this very informative!! I went to school there, left in 1966 moved outta State, it's sad wht it looks like today, luved eating at William's Cafe/Hall's would LUV to take a trip there, wondering if it would be safe to do so!!!!
This is an outstanding video! We never had coal mining in my part of Appalachia in the Northeast corner of TN, but boy the story of scrapping copper, lol I have been there.
Thank you for mentioning some Fire Department history.
Hello Johnny, this is a very informative video you made and a super history lesson. Been in that town on a photo shoot but never new the history till now. I was told there is a haunted train tunnel near there and me being a model railroader and model N&W would love to know if you are familiar with the tunnel. Good seeing you back on TH-cam and still would love to get up with you this fall with a buddy I photo shoot with if we can get together and work keep out of the way. Love old buildings for I will try and replica them for my layout. This video has given me so much more information of that era and help to explain what had happened to the towns when questions are asked of me. Enjoyed the video immensely for all its information you shared. Stay safe and keep the video’s coming.
I’m sure there is abandoned tunnels closer, but the closer I know to here is near bramwell going a to Pocahontas
@@hoodinthewoods Thank you for the reply and the information we got was from a local girl who said the tunnel is just out side of town. Will do some more research on it and when I learn something I will let you know. You really come up some interesting history of the area’s and some interesting locations to photo shoot. Keep your video’s coming and be safe doing them.
@@johnnyrobertson5971 I live in the town and I haven’t heard about a Haunted tunnel lol Can you get up with me about it
Really great video man you actually showed my house in this Video
Maybe we can all get together and Explore some I will ask around for tunnels close to the town
The woman who I did marry and had children with is from Beckley West Virginia and I did live with her there and we eventually moved up to Elk View outside of Charleston and I got a job working for DH Jones and Sons heating and cooling in St Albans and we did end up moving to Florida for a few years and we'll things just happen.
I grew up in Matoaka..Pawama hill where the mine was
Very interesting history.
My cousin and his friend had to jump from the windows of this school in the 50's. I was watching on tv channel 10 news from NY was there to head line. I myself had to attend in the 60's, this was the worst for me the teachers that I had was so prejudice except one and I'll never forget Ms. BALDWIN. I was so glad my mother moved us to beckley wv afterwards I had no problems since.
Writing this I could tell there was more going on because of the difference of black students enrolled in the school during those two years. That’s sad what happened to your cousin and his friend. Lots of things happened and don’t get told, whether they know it or not, almost 20k people have heard their story.
Great videos
Matoaka Boy here...
The country schools were closed & the surrounding one room school houses were closed.
The kids were transferred to the small town schools.
They began riding buses.
Many black children went to these country community schools along with whites & other nationalities.
Some had 4 or more rooms.
Very interesting ty
I love your vids! Very informative. I live in Prices Fork, not far from your stomping ground.
My next video should be about someone born on coal hollow rd, the old prices fork school might make a guest appearance in it
My grandparents were from Matoka.
God bless you God bless west Virginia the truly. Last free state for free MEN
My home town wow😁👀👈👍
What the song on the end of this awesome video
its by clovis draper, checkout his channel
My mother was born here.
Is anybody else having trouble keeping up with what he's saying??? He's talking too fast to keep up and follow all the information.
Northerners talk fast. Very literate. I have worked with people that talk slow. It's hard not to finish their sentences already knowing what their about to say. But taking forever iterating it.
Great videos man !!!
You have improved your channel , nice job
Thankyou, more improvements coming too
Copied the other site. ???😢
It was Daniel earnest who burned down the building
Your wrong!!
It was Brandon Combs aka Duck that burned it down with a cigarette steeling copper. Get your facts straight!!
It is a goast town now
They just tore down lost of the buildings I was in front of
Lmao. You left out some details about the mighty mayor and his questionable intentions for the money he made while being mayor. Also Powhatan is NOT right down the road. Maybe talk to locals next times?
Bro, I did the funny that you put into the videos.
Dude, SLOW DOWN. What is the point when you appear as to having better things to be doing?
I'm from wva
DEad and dying....al these small WV coal towns
And half way burned down
You talk WAY too fast, slow down, we are not in a hurry.
Yo just sub not watching for free I'm kicking up ok great channel thanks
Thank you for the informative video. Please slow your rate of speech down some to make it easier for others to understand the importance of what you're saying instead of it getting lost due to some people not being able to understand what you're saying.... I can't tell people to listen faster when getting amped up/excited and have to consciously speak slower at times myself.
Hoooooow Slllllllooooowwwww Doooooo Yaaaaw Neeeeedddd Itttttttt? LMAO
@@TheRaghorn One month later you want to troll someone? What a life you have!!!
@@MsDebauchery I have a much better life than you can even dream of. I have been places that you caan only read about. Met people that you envy, and have the ability to go where ever I want. Live where ever I want. And I never have to worry about working for one red penny. ALL FACTS. And yes, it has been a month since this was posted. So, there is now a time limit to comment on stupid peoples post and advice. Before you give others advice, look in the mirror. Oh, and I dont need makeup either. LOL.
@@TheRaghorn When a person states that they have had to make an effort themselves to speak slower so that others can understand them how is that not acknowledging a flaw? You CLEARLY overlooked that in your trifling and completely unnecessary attack on me. In your infinite wisdom, or lack thereof kindly reassess your approach and do not presume to know a single thing about my past, or future trajectory in life. It takes a deluded narcissist to brag so much about how superior they think their life must be than that of a complete stranger. You are not omnipotent and you have no idea who I am, who I know and where I am from so don't judge people and pick a fight to inflate your ego.This isn't a peeing contest....
I liked his video and other videos, my family member couldn't understand him talking so fast at times and that is WHY the suggestion was given.