'The Volcano, Wood County oil fields, once the scene of fabulous supplies of oil, has become one of the ghosts areas of the county. The photo shows current operations at an old center, wherein an endless cable rolls over the wheels, driving the pumping mechanism for 25 wells in a large area.'
'The Episcopal Church that Red Neck Nellie helped to build. This picture was taken from an oil well derrick, another can be seen on the left, and at least 15 others are in the background.'
'Protestant Episcopal Church, Volcano, later moved to Kenova. There is quite a story behind this church. Mrs. William C. Stiles, Jr. missed her church in Philadelphia. The community of Volcano built an Episcopal Church for $3000. Mrs. Stiles was very well liked. Red Neck Nellie owned a bordello in Volcano aptly named the Golden Horn, Nellie, especially when drunk, liked to preach and Nellie wanted to contribute to the new church. Mrs. Stiles refused Nellie's money. Nellie, being an enterprising business lady, went to Parkersburg and enlised a minister to make her donation. Nellie and Mrs. Stiles were both happy.'--Mike Naylor, 03/2006.
'Concrete oil tank, probably only one built. The remants of two tanks (concrete) are visible from the top of Petroleum Road. These tanks, and the one in this photo, appear to be water tanks. Water was needed for the steam engines. (Note the water in your tank) Oil tanks were either wood, or metal. The metal tanks could be moved from one site to another. When the gushers first came in there was labor unrest because the coopers were making more money than the oil workers-barrels could not be made fast enough to meet the demand.'--Mike Naylor, 03/2006