The White Oak Railway was constructed during the early-1900's and came under the control of the New River Company. The short-line railroad was originally incorporated to provide citizens of the area a direct rail-connection between the primary business centers in Beckley, Mount Hope, and Oak Hill.The railroad consisted of two unconnected "pieces" that never were completely finished. The first section consisted of about 7 and ½ miles of track connecting with the C. & O. Railway at Carlisle, running from there through Oak Hill to Stuart. The second section was about 4 to 5 miles in length connecting with the C. & O. Railway at Price Hill Junction, running to a mine located at Price Hill.Under an agreement with the C. & O. Railway, the White Oak Railway operated passenger and freight trains along the tracks of the C. & O.'s White Oak Branch between Glen Jean and Carlisle. In 1912, the New River Company sold the locomotives and rolling stock of the White Oak Railway and jointly leased operation of the railroad to Virginian and the C. & O.
P. H. Kelly and a colleague stand outside of a dog wagon--a small restaurant often specializing in short orders that occupies a converted vehicle or that is built to suggest such a vehicle.
The walk way on the right is identified as leading to the Dun Glen Hotel. Wallace Bennett lived in the first house from 1918 to 1922, and the second house from 1925 to 1933.
Dunglen Hotel Under Construction, Thurmond, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1900
Description:
Built in 1901, the Dunglen was a towering 4-story, 100-room wooden structure with a wrap-around deck. The Dunglen was known for the many parties it hosted, where huge dances were held in the elegant ballroom and symphonies would play through the night.According to Ripley’s Believe it or Not and the Guinness Book of World Records, the Dunglen housed the longest-running poker game, which stretched on through 14 years.The hotel was burned down by arsonists on July 22, 1930.
Mike Mangen's Moving and Hauling Truck, Scarbro, W. Va.
Date:
undated
Description:
Mangen stands beside his truck on "moving day" in the coal fields. His truck holds a number of personal belongings, including a sewing machine, as well as a cow.
Store manager W. M. Pifer stands in front of the store entrance while his five employees sit on the stairs. An African-American man is pictured in a horse-drawn carriage to the left.
Work Train Explosion in Powellton Hollow, McDunn, W. Va.
Date:
1934/12/27
Description:
Those killed as a result of the accident were William Blankenship, Homer Cart, Thomas W. Craft, James Hunter, Eddie Huelett, Steve Kozma, Everett Leach, John Long, William J. Maynus, Henry McMillian, J. L. "Pat" Murphy, Delmar Oxley, Jesse Persinger, S. L. Runyon, Ray Tartar, William Turner, and Jerome Walters. In addition to those who lost their lives, 43 or 46 were injured. A Chesapeake and Ohio derrick car works to clear the wreckage.
A group of men wearing hats are pictured beside and inside what appears to be a street train, but is likely an automobile and wagon disguised as a train. Red Devil Post 59 is likely a group within the American Legion.
The town is situated on the Fayette County-Raleigh County line. In the rear is the Hatfield Saloon. A barber shop and restaurant are also pictured. Winfred Sheppard was the owner of one of these establishments and is also pictured.
A number of automobiles are parked along the street. Visible signs include 'Hardware & Furniture,' an advertisement for Wrigley's gum, an advertisement for a play or movie called 'Baby Mine,' Ford and Chevrolet, and Frigidaire.
"Mt Hope W. Va. after the conflagration March 24th, 1910" The majority of the buildings in town have been destroyed. A number of brick chimneys are left standing after the wooden buildings burned.
View of the town's main street which is situated next to railroad tracks. The train station is visible at the far left, while businesses line the street.
Charley, sitting in the center behind the cake, grew up to be a nationally known person in the entertainment field. This is either his sixth or seventh birthday party.
Justice of the Peace Office and Photo Gallery, Glen Jean, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1900
Description:
Men and horses are gathered in front of the buildings. James L. Long, Attorney at Law and Notary Public, advertises fire, life, and accident insurance. The Photograph Gallery advertises frames and art novelties for low prices.
The Hanging of Wash Adkins, who was convicted of killing Isaac Radford at Deepwater on November 11, 1893, was the last public hanging in Fayette County.
Wreck of Engine No. 2149 in Babcock's Woods, Near Davis, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1910-1930
Description:
This image is part of the Thompson Family of Canaan Valley Collection. The Thompson family played a large role in the timber industry of Tucker County during the 1800s, and later prospered in the region as farmers, business owners, and prominent members of the Canaan Valley community.
Birthday Party at Jones Residence, Oak Hill, W. Va.
Date:
1938
Description:
Family members gather to honor the man seated with a child on his lap. Pictured to his left is his son, Oather Jones. Also seated is Mrs. Jones. To the far right is Clarice Roberts who stands in front of Charles Wood and beside a mine superintendent (wearing overcoat). To the far left is Mamie Spurlock, who is standing in front of a member of the Moonlight Strollers Band.
New River Gorge Bridge Construction Site, Fayette County, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1976
Description:
Photo of the steel bridge being put together by the United States Steel Corporation. The bridge's arch was the world's longest main arch at 1,700 feet.
New River Gorge Bridge Under Construction, Fayette County, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1976
Description:
Photo of the steel bridge being put together by the United States Steel Corporation. A group of unidentified construction workers scatter across the site.
Construction of New River Gorge Bridge, Fayette County, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1976
Description:
Photo of the steel bridge being put together by the United States Steel Corporation. The bridge's arch was the world's longest main arch at 1,700 feet.
Nineteen Cars derailed, spilling it's contents at the M. D. Cabin.Pictured is engineer E. V. Rogers, conductor R. B. Tinsley, fireman E. W. Gwinn, and rear brakeman Carlos Garten examining the damage.
Sewell Valley Passenger Train Operating Between Rainelle, W. Va. and Meadow Creek, W. Va.
Date:
1917/08
Description:
From left to right is Harry Lee (holding his daught, Lucy), Lum Bennett, Emmitt Crotty, Cap. Starrett Moore, John Dobbins, John Wilt, Mark Perkins, and Mitchell Dilly.