That’s where I grew up. My father’s name is on that memorial. Thank you for your videos. The company executives lived on Roanoke Hill. I saw my father a couple of times in the video. Thank you so much for this throwback to my childhood. I was born there in Bear Wallow in 1948. I can picture all of those buildings in my memory.
Beautiful to see my little town but sad to see it had gone so far down. I lived there from 1945 until 1949. My brother and I went to church in the Union Church which was at the beginning of this video. Our Sunday School class was in that little room on the left when you went into the church. I remember the stained-glass window, but it seems to be a different one now. The Sunday School teacher would give us a little Bible story on a small piece of paper to take home. My mother started taking us to Church but when she was pregnant in 48-49, she sent us by ourselves down the hill to church. Across the tracks in front of the church and across the road there used to be a little bridge to cross the creek and a brick walkway all the way to the top of Roanoke Hill. We lived on lower Roanoke Hill and the Superintendent of the coal company, and some senior people lived on the top of Roanoke Hill. My sister was born in the Dante Hospital, but I don't remember it. We had an African American lady who worked in our house when Mother was pregnant because she had trouble with the pregnancy. Previously, Mother had taught 2nd grade in the Dante School. There was a Catholic Kindergarten on Roanoke Hill where I went to kindergarten when I was 3-4 years old. Many other memories especially when the High School burned in 49. My father was the Principal of the High School during the 40's.
Those were the days long ago and far away, never to be again. The people seemed happy in that clip around the 1940s, everything was hitting on all cylinders, the mines, the trains, lots of local activity. 🚂🙏❤
My father, greatest man I ever knew, was born and raised there in Dante, VA. He was born in 1936 and just died this last November 6, 2021. How I wish I could have glimpsed him in this video (I know, he would have only been 4 when this footage was taken, but one can dream). I miss him terribly, it’s so raw. I loved watching this. Thank you!
I wish he had been in it for you! The old videos we have of loved ones is priceless. I’m sorry for your recent loss and hope we did his hometown proud. Thank you! - Melody
Little kids wearing leather jackets and goggles from the film The Christmas Story and men women and children wearing hats and chewing bubble gum sure put a smile on my face😄
❤️ this video!!!! It showed (some others need to watch this) that different races can get along and live amongst one another. Even though they may have not had a lot and times were difficult. There was a pride and happiness. Thank you Shane and Melody.
Let me start by saying how much I enjoy your videos. My wife and I were just talking about the inequity of the mining industry and how a handful of people got extremely wealthy on the backs of some very hard working people. It breaks my heart to see people having to move away and living on so little. It almost seems like our government could give incentive to new, safer, cleaner industries to move to this part of the world and lift everyone up. Coal and steel built this country but that seems to be forgotten. I recently watched a video about a huge logging town on an island in British Columbia that was abandoned years ago and now has turned to tourism and is hosting Bit Coin mining as they still have unlimited hydro power. Really need to get some people in DC to work to rebuild this area of the country...This without a doubt is the finest video you've made to date. I don't know how you got your hands on all that old footage. Those two ladies you spoke with were just adorable. I'll end as I started...I really enjoy your travels.
I loved the old video of all the people in town and they are all smiling at the camera . How they dressed back in the day and wore their hair so proper . I also love the old general stores . There is a few left around Roxboro, NC and I just love them the people are so friendly. . Thank you again for your videos. You both are amazing.
I was born in Dante in 1945. Left in 1962 to join the Army. Thank you for this reminder of the old home place. I recognized my dad in one of the videos taken in 1940. You were talking about all the hollers up there, you didn't mention Cigarette Holler. lol But you did mention the Phillips family that first came to Turkey Foot. I'm descended from them - Willard Phillips, living in Temple, TX now. I go back and visit when I can - I went to the reunion many years ago with my brother Andy and saw some people I grew up with. Thank you again for this video. If anybody from Dante reads this, Willard says "Hello!"
Thank you Shane and Melody for this video. I absolutely love it. The film of all the people from the 1940s is priceless. People just seemed so much happier then than now. I long for the innocence of the time.
I wat h a lot of film from all ti.e periods...I wanted to say the I serted film showing Dante citizens from 1930-1940 is some of the best I've seen. What a clear view of the good people there. The nicest coal camp ive seen far as the people there and the company that actually cared for them. It's no wonder they still have the pride showing. We are now even more happy to be moving there and bringing our ATVs for sure now. Legalization will surely bring a needed bump to the virgi IA economy.
Loved the old footage of Dante…very bittersweet glimpse into peoples everyday life back in the town’s heydays. Hard working folks, trying to get by, the more things change the more they stay the same. Thanks for including the classic film in the video.
I've been waiting for this one!!😉 And YES!... That is my neighbor's tent for a revival he just had!! Fred Rife will love to know he made UA-cam!!😊 Thanks again, Shane & Melody!!
Loved the old 1940 video....the people looked happy ...the men and boys wearing fedoras and news boy hats and the women dressing so nice and very beautiful....
I'm from a little town in Pennsylvania called Wall. These small Virginia (and West Virginia) towns really remind me of my childhood. This video showing the townspeople had me mesmerized.... the people in it reminded my of my childhood. Thanks so much for making these video. Ron B, Las Vegas, NV
Watching now, from Northumberland County Virginia on the Chesapeake Bay I Just Subscribed. I have always had a Love for the Appalachian Mountains and It's People .THANKS FOR SHARING 💕
I loved the Richlands video, I born there in 1958 and lived there till 63 then moved to Alabama. Attended The Tabernacle, both sides of my family lived there. My Grandmother Lowe and my aunt worked at the King Kone for many years. We always came back in the summer and I spent my 9th grade year at Richlands High. Both of my grandfathers were miners. I haven’t been back since 2014 but plan on coming in the fall to scatter my brother’s ashes at the cemetery where we have many family members. I am a Alabama graduate ( Roll Tide 😮) But Richlands has my heart. Again, thank you for doing these videos….
I grew up in Dante. The old video was great. I remember watching it with my dad probably 30 years ago. I've looked for that thru the years with no luck, so thank you much. If that wasn't the full video I would love to see the rest of it. Post it all if you have it. Thanks again Darrell Mays
Back in tha day. Simple and good times. Past History. Back roads West Virginia. Hey; You Two! Enjoy your History back roads videos. Hills and tha Hollers. Beautiful Scenery!... 🙌👍👍👍👍👍
Those two ladies you spoke to... such beautiful voices and way of speaking. It's a real shame the school burned down. Dante is not too far from where I spent a summer hiking - ended up in southern WV. I have a friend from St. Paul VA and it was amazing seeing where he grew up.
Awesome video as usual :-) Loved watching the clip of the 40's. Dante was a hustling and bustling little holler in the day. Still has beauty within it. The ladies were lovely to listen to as well. Safe travels guys ♥♥♥
Great video. I love vintage video like that. The interview with the two ladies, I live getting first hand experience from people who lived that life. Have to give this one👍👍.
Thank you for the video . What a great place! My husband and I just got back from SW VA last week. We stayed at The Breaks Interstate Park in their beautiful Dogwood Lodge. The Breaks features the grand canyon of the South! It is truly breathtaking. We even got to see some snow . ❄️🏞️
Glad you enjoyed our area! Please tell your friends! Tourism is a big plus to our area. Some towns here are now letting 4 wheelers have access to the trails from and around town, we have the great Russel Fork Rivet for Kayaks, great Fiahing , hiking , camping and the most beautiful scenery in the fall of anywhere you've ever seen.
Thank you for the great video of Dante, VA. I was born and raised on Hazel mountain, the mailing address was Dante,Va in1960. It was wonderful to see. The people there are good people, I have always been proud of my raising. It was hard for my mom but it made us a stronger people. Thank you both and may. God bless you.
Thank you for this amazing story of Dante! I appreciate how much research and work you put into telling these stories. I loved the entire thing! It’s so important we learn what used to be in this part of our country. It looks like the winter scenes of the old video when everyone was dressed up in their winter clothing, was at Christmas time, since the older woman in the museum said back then children 14 and under received a slip to get a little treat at the hotel. You could see in one scene they were holding up a slip of some kind. What a treasure that video is, you could really feel the emotions of the people of Dante, even though there was no audio!
My family had to leave in 1950s due to my grandfather in a mining accident. I so wish to learn more of Dante. Most of the old family members are gone now. Please could y'all do some videos of the family's that are still there?
Very interesting video of Dante, VA. Loved the film clip from the '40's(?) Amazing how happy most of the people were! Some of it brought back memories of my folks in WV back in the '50's. Thank you so much for the trip to Dante!
"was originally called "Turkeyfoot" due to the confluence of hollows." I wrote that! In fact, I wrote most of the History section of the Dante Wikipedia article. My Great-Grandfather Stefan emigrated from Budapest to Dante in 1922.
My grandfather also emigrated from Hungary to the US and initially worked in the mines. He was a big guy (for those times) -- 6 feet tall and muscular -- and he was used to farm work in Hungary. But he said that nothing prepared him for the really hard labor in the mines. He was pretty sure that if he stuck with it, he wouldn't last long on this earth!. He moved to Ohio then and got a job with the Nickel Plate Railroad. Stayed with them for the rest of his life. He was always a union man; he felt that the union was what enabled him to buy a house and support a family on one income even though he was not college educated. Congrats to you on having written the Wikipedia article on Dante. It's good to keep that history alive. Do you still live in the area?
@@kesmarn I live in Bristol, VA which is about 30 or 40 miles south of Dante. We still own property in Upper Bear Wallow....my grandparent's property and a couple of adjacent parcels.
Thank you for these beautifully crafted and informative videos! I live in Connecticut now and miss visiting the Virginia Apoalachians. You provide a virtual trip for me!
I think the film came from Duke University. A guy visited small towns back in the 40s advertising "see yourself on the big screen" where he basically filmed people during the day, then showed it at the local theater at night. Duke somehow has the archived footage, I remember seeing it 8 or 10 years ago.
Brilliant job on this video! That black and white film is totally irreplaceable -- so valuable. You can tell that by 1940 the demands of war production during WWII were pumping money into these coal communities. After 10 years of the Great Depression, people could finally get a decent paycheck. I noticed a lot of newer looking coats and hats, shoes, etc. It must have been such a relief finally to have enough income to cover the basics and a little more. The women you interviewed were gems. Thanks so much for this amazing piece of research.
Love the video my dad's family is all from Nora, VA. He graduated from what used to be Ervington HS. We still have property just outside Nora in the mountains.
Anyone else notice how thin everyone was in the 1940 clip? Young, old, black, white, male or female, all skinny. The portion size of food was different back then.
You guys hit the mother-load of information when you've met these 2 ladies in that museum. Quite interesting what they've told you. I've also enjoyed those clips from back in the days. Love you vlogs in the Hollers. 👍👍😍😍😊😊
This was such a neat video! I loved the video from back in the day! It was interesting watching how people reacted to being on camera! Most were funny & smiling, then others seemed like they didn't quite know how to act with a camera toward them. I absolutely adore the old videos of places. It's so special that these have been preserved. And the sweet ladies y'all talked to were lovely. It's such a shame places as beautiful & nice to live in as Dante are just sort of melting away. It's really kinda sad. But so glad you two are still keeping history alive in these places! Y'all do a great job! Stay safe & God bless y'all!
At one time, this was one bustling place. Not all that much going on today. That video was really amazing to see in detail how the people dressed back then. So many of,the men looked like they were in a place like Pittsburg or some such place. Men in suits complete with vests, hats of all sortsm, nice top coats. Same for the ladies in their stylish top coats, hats and dresses. It was interesting to see how people reacted to the camera. Most didn't mind and even mugged for it, while some acted like they wanted to smack the camera person. Great video. Drive safe out there.
Thank You both for another wonderful video. It’s clear you’ve been doing your homework. This one is even better then the last. It’s nice to hear the story along the way. Straight Hollow if you ever venture into the mine area you’ll see it is actually straight but there is very little that’s straight about Straight Hollow Road. Your first turn into Hospital Hollow, it used to be much bigger and it’s actually the toe of the Turkeys Foot. William Dante for who the town was named after his name was originally spelled “Dant” The E was added later to avoid association with a neighboring family of Moonshiners in Dickenson County and Kentucky with the same last name.
Oh my!!from a time when everyone was content and somewhat happy.the people all seemed to have a purpose.really enjoyed this.thankyou for another great trip.
There's something very peaceful about the area. It gives me a warm feeling like I have been there before. It is sad people are moving away. I would like to bring back that general store. It can be brought back I have seen buildings in such bad shape they were propped up to keep them from falling over so I know that can be brought back like new.
Sawmill hollow you guys was right at it you should went though it they tore the artylee school down and made a campground out of it ball field there then on up the road is called west dante
The vintage footage is beyond fantastic!! Even though it's a little before my time I see things that I recall. Notice all Adult males wore a hat!!! Only a handful did not. My grandfather wore a hat outside the house at all times, I do too to this day. Notice how many boys are wearing fighter pilot caps with goggles! And by today's standards everyone was 'dressed up' to go to town. The young girl at 24:01 is typical Appalachia back in the day. Neat, clean, nothing fancy and a little serious. I'll watch again in a few days. Where did the footage come from? It is so great. Thanks
I enjoyed this video. I am very familiar withe Dante. Before I was born my Grandfather pastored the Assembly of God Church. Most people called it 'The Hainted House church" . ' Hainted" is the way they pronounced they word "haunted". If I remember the story correctly there was a house in the coal camp believed to be "hainted". Nobody was willing to live in it so the coal company was willing to let a church that was willing to meeti in it have it to meet in. I never knew if the church bought it or if it was just loaned to them. It was a thriving church when Dante was a thriving town. The Church is still in Dante in a different building.
Thanks for returning to Dante..walked that road many times to the Post Office...Dante had a store back in the days...a restaurant next to the post office...the Clinchfield Coal offices is now apartments...wow..have not been to visit in a few years....I have a relative still live there..I usually visit Castlewood and the Tri-Cities when I visit...can u visit St. Paul..my grand parents still have property there...oh the memories..thank you!
My daddy was pastor of the Dante Assembly of God Church, It was known as the "Haunted House Church." We lived in Bear Wallow Hollow! We would go to Hamlin to get our drinking water for an Artisan well. That was in 1948-1950.
Wonderful video!! I love it! Great old movies showing the people and times, great music too. Very well done and enjoyable to watch. Thank you for putting it together!
This is my grandmother and mothers hometown my grandmother Thelma whittington ( Taylor maiden name) mother Roenna Simonton ( Whittington maiden name) as a little girl I would go to Dante with my grandmother to visit my great grandmother Clair Taylor, aunts, uncles, and cousins for the summer back in the 80’s my great grandmother passed away in 1993 oh how I miss her my grand mother and mother. Thank you for this it’s a reminder that I need to go for a visit soon. The Donaldson Taylor family are whom I derive from along with the Whittington family that are all apart of Dante Virginia.
Shane! have you ever seen the "little Abner" comic strip, famous in the 40s, 50s, 60s. A lampoon of Hillbilly people living in Dogpatch, a town in the imagination. Well, there IS a real town named Dogpatch! It is in Logan County West Virginia. About 2 or 3 miles south of Logan town. Probably only a few people live there but maybe there is more as this small area has most of the county population. Ever drive through it?!
Yes, I got the Sunday paper every week, in the 50s and I always enjoyed LITTLE ABNER. the locale was a town called "Dogpatch". I always assumed it was in the Ozark mountains, if there really was such a town that inspired him. Now I see that there is such a town and it is about 3 miles south of Logan, West Virginia, in Logan county. Probably all of 50 people live there, but it is on the map. Maybe, Shane, if you were ever to go look at Logan, you could pay Dogpatch a visit. freestone
Great video. Thank you Shane and Melody. I’ve enjoyed many of your videos of nearly-forgotten coal towns. Your work inspired me to take a road trip with my son last summer. We explored many sights in Western Pennsylvania and especially loved beautiful West Virginia. We got as far into southern WVA as Welch and Coalwood-places featured in your videos.
Love seeing those old pics compared with what it looks like now. Late fortys and fifty's best time of my life. Normal moral people for the most part, safer for everyone, especially children.
Love your videos.. my dad was from dante or west dante.. I talked to a lady in coeburn last year and she told me how in the 50s big companies.. Goodyear gm and such came down there and rounded up all able bodied men that wanted to come north to manufacturing jobs.. I always wondered how all these people from grundy dante Jenkins lots of other towns all ended up in the foundry in defiance.. and like the coal towns.. the foundry in the late 90s employed 5000 people.. now it's down to 500.. just fyi.. but I found it interesting how they all ended up here
I was born and raised about ½ mile from the Old Hamlin Gen Store. I have a photo of my grandfather and several other men standing in front the store. The photo was taken in about 1922. It was called F.R. Stinson Staple & Fancy Groceries then.
That’s where I grew up. My father’s name is on that memorial. Thank you for your videos. The company executives lived on Roanoke Hill. I saw my father a couple of times in the video. Thank you so much for this throwback to my childhood. I was born there in Bear Wallow in 1948. I can picture all of those buildings in my memory.
@jan
Thts so awesome that u seen ur dad in this video...now u can save n keep this for memory of ur dad! 😉
Beautiful to see my little town but sad to see it had gone so far down. I lived there from 1945 until 1949. My brother and I went to church in the Union Church which was at the beginning of this video. Our Sunday School class was in that little room on the left when you went into the church. I remember the stained-glass window, but it seems to be a different one now. The Sunday School teacher would give us a little Bible story on a small piece of paper to take home. My mother started taking us to Church but when she was pregnant in 48-49, she sent us by ourselves down the hill to church. Across the tracks in front of the church and across the road there used to be a little bridge to cross the creek and a brick walkway all the way to the top of Roanoke Hill. We lived on lower Roanoke Hill and the Superintendent of the coal company, and some senior people lived on the top of Roanoke Hill. My sister was born in the Dante Hospital, but I don't remember it. We had an African American lady who worked in our house when Mother was pregnant because she had trouble with the pregnancy. Previously, Mother had taught 2nd grade in the Dante School. There was a Catholic Kindergarten on Roanoke Hill where I went to kindergarten when I was 3-4 years old. Many other memories especially when the High School burned in 49. My father was the Principal of the High School during the 40's.
Those were the days long ago and far away, never to be again. The people seemed happy in that clip around the 1940s, everything was hitting on all cylinders, the mines, the trains, lots of local activity. 🚂🙏❤
My father, greatest man I ever knew, was born and raised there in Dante, VA. He was born in 1936 and just died this last November 6, 2021. How I wish I could have glimpsed him in this video (I know, he would have only been 4 when this footage was taken, but one can dream). I miss him terribly, it’s so raw. I loved watching this. Thank you!
I wish he had been in it for you! The old videos we have of loved ones is priceless. I’m sorry for your recent loss and hope we did his hometown proud. Thank you! - Melody
Nice tribute. Sounds like you come from good stock.
its my home town where i live still today 56 years
Loved the video from the 40’s. My parents were born in the 20’s and were teenagers in Huntington, WV in the 40’s.
This is where my mother is from. Looking forward to watching. She was born in 23’. She lived in a holler outside of town, they were farmers.
Little kids wearing leather jackets and goggles from the film The Christmas Story and men women and children wearing hats and chewing bubble gum sure put a smile on my face😄
They were really dressed up nicely in coats and hats.
I just fell in love with Dante, what a wonderful film that they have to remind then of the good times, the happy times
❤️ this video!!!! It showed (some others need to watch this) that different races can get along and live amongst one another. Even though they may have not had a lot and times were difficult. There was a pride and happiness. Thank you Shane and Melody.
I noted too, how happy most people in the film seemed. I wonder if we would get as many people looking so happy in such a video taken in this time?
@greg
AMEN....I agree 100%
👏👏👏👏
Very well said!
Let me start by saying how much I enjoy your videos. My wife and I were just talking about the inequity of the mining industry and how a handful of people got extremely wealthy on the backs of some very hard working people. It breaks my heart to see people having to move away and living on so little. It almost seems like our government could give incentive to new, safer, cleaner industries to move to this part of the world and lift everyone up. Coal and steel built this country but that seems to be forgotten. I recently watched a video about a huge logging town on an island in British Columbia that was abandoned years ago and now has turned to tourism and is hosting Bit Coin mining as they still have unlimited hydro power. Really need to get some people in DC to work to rebuild this area of the country...This without a doubt is the finest video you've made to date. I don't know how you got your hands on all that old footage. Those two ladies you spoke with were just adorable. I'll end as I started...I really enjoy your travels.
I loved the old video of all the people in town and they are all smiling at the camera . How they dressed back in the day and wore their hair so proper . I also love the old general stores . There is a few left around Roxboro, NC and I just love them the people are so friendly. . Thank you again for your videos. You both are amazing.
I was born in Dante in 1945. Left in 1962 to join the Army. Thank you for this reminder of the old home place. I recognized my dad in one of the videos taken in 1940. You were talking about all the hollers up there, you didn't mention Cigarette Holler. lol But you did mention the Phillips family that first came to Turkey Foot. I'm descended from them - Willard Phillips, living in Temple, TX now. I go back and visit when I can - I went to the reunion many years ago with my brother Andy and saw some people I grew up with. Thank you again for this video. If anybody from Dante reads this, Willard says "Hello!"
Thank you Shane and Melody for this video. I absolutely love it. The film of all the people from the 1940s is priceless. People just seemed so much happier then than now. I long for the innocence of the time.
All those faces full of life, hope, dreams. Most are gone now.
Excellent video.
I wat h a lot of film from all ti.e periods...I wanted to say the I serted film showing Dante citizens from 1930-1940 is some of the best I've seen. What a clear view of the good people there. The nicest coal camp ive seen far as the people there and the company that actually cared for them. It's no wonder they still have the pride showing. We are now even more happy to be moving there and bringing our ATVs for sure now. Legalization will surely bring a needed bump to the virgi IA economy.
Loved the old footage of Dante…very bittersweet glimpse into peoples everyday life back in the town’s heydays. Hard working folks, trying to get by, the more things change the more they stay the same. Thanks for including the classic film in the video.
The film footage from 1940 was very cool. 👍👏
I've been waiting for this one!!😉
And YES!... That is my neighbor's tent for a revival he just had!! Fred Rife will love to know he made UA-cam!!😊 Thanks again, Shane & Melody!!
One of your best yet. Loved the interview with those two awesome ladies at the museum. The 1940 video was an absolute treat!
Thanks so much, Randy
Loved the old 1940 video....the people looked happy ...the men and boys wearing fedoras and news boy hats and the women dressing so nice and very beautiful....
You two are awesome! Great job and what great memories. Originally from Southeast Kentucky myself. Greetings from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
I'm from a little town in Pennsylvania called Wall. These small Virginia (and West Virginia) towns really remind me of my childhood. This video showing the townspeople had me mesmerized....
the people in it reminded my of my childhood. Thanks so much for making these video. Ron B, Las Vegas, NV
Thanks for the old film of the people, it's fascinating
Watching now, from Northumberland County Virginia on the Chesapeake Bay I Just Subscribed. I have always had a Love for the Appalachian Mountains and It's People .THANKS FOR SHARING 💕
I loved the Richlands video, I born there in 1958 and lived there till 63 then moved to Alabama. Attended The Tabernacle, both sides of my family lived there. My Grandmother Lowe and my aunt worked at the King Kone for many years. We always came back in the summer and I spent my 9th grade year at Richlands High. Both of my grandfathers were miners. I haven’t been back since 2014 but plan on coming in the fall to scatter my brother’s ashes at the cemetery where we have many family members. I am a Alabama graduate ( Roll Tide 😮) But Richlands has my heart. Again, thank you for doing these videos….
Loved the 2 Lady’s makes me miss my mom and grandma
Ah Dante. Very nice people and place. I'm from Rose Ridge Clintwood VA. So nice if you 2 showcasing our Beautiful area we call home.
I grew up in Dante. The old video was great. I remember watching it with my dad probably 30 years ago. I've looked for that thru the years with no luck, so thank you much.
If that wasn't the full video I would love to see the rest of it. Post it all if you have it.
Thanks again
Darrell Mays
Back when life was more simple and you see something that's rare these days and that seeing folks happy and smiling.
Very true!
Lived in St Paul Va. Use to go to Dante with my pap pal... I remember going to that old store. God Bless.. Thank you..
Back in tha day. Simple and good times. Past History. Back roads West Virginia. Hey; You Two! Enjoy your History back roads videos. Hills and tha Hollers. Beautiful Scenery!... 🙌👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks so much, Stephen
@@realappalachia Your; Very Welcome! 🥰🥰
Those two ladies you spoke to... such beautiful voices and way of speaking. It's a real shame the school burned down. Dante is not too far from where I spent a summer hiking - ended up in southern WV. I have a friend from St. Paul VA and it was amazing seeing where he grew up.
Glad you enjoyed it
Thanks you my friend good video I get a great feeling when I see you have a new video up see you soon
Awesome video as usual :-) Loved watching the clip of the 40's. Dante was a hustling and bustling little holler in the day. Still has beauty within it. The ladies were lovely to listen to as well. Safe travels guys ♥♥♥
Thanks so much, Sherry
I enjoyed the old footage so much. All those beautiful, smiling faces. Wonderful.
Thank you for the video. My patient who was raised their had a big grin and was able to share stories. It meant alot!
That makes my day to read, that’s awesome
I don't know if I mentioned...this was your best ever and the two ladies you interviewed were addorable.
Great video. I love vintage video like that. The interview with the two ladies, I live getting first hand experience from people who lived that life. Have to give this one👍👍.
Thank you for the video . What a great place! My husband and I just got back from SW VA last week. We stayed at The Breaks Interstate Park in their beautiful Dogwood Lodge. The Breaks features the grand canyon of the South! It is truly breathtaking. We even got to see some snow . ❄️🏞️
Glad you enjoyed our area! Please tell your friends! Tourism is a big plus to our area. Some towns here are now letting 4 wheelers have access to the trails from and around town, we have the great Russel Fork Rivet for Kayaks, great Fiahing , hiking , camping and the most beautiful scenery in the fall of anywhere you've ever seen.
Thank you for the great video of Dante, VA. I was born and raised on Hazel mountain, the mailing address was Dante,Va in1960. It was wonderful to see. The people there are good people, I have always been proud of my raising. It was hard for my mom but it made us a stronger people. Thank you both and may. God bless you.
Thank you for this amazing story of Dante! I appreciate how much research and work you put into telling these stories. I loved the entire thing! It’s so important we learn what used to be in this part of our country. It looks like the winter scenes of the old video when everyone was dressed up in their winter clothing, was at Christmas time, since the older woman in the museum said back then children 14 and under received a slip to get a little treat at the hotel. You could see in one scene they were holding up a slip of some kind. What a treasure that video is, you could really feel the emotions of the people of Dante, even though there was no audio!
I grew up in nearby Trammel back in the 1990's and 2000's and I have a lot of fond memories of Dante
Thanks guys, great tour! I love that those hard working people were quick with a big, bright smile. It's a beautiful place.
My family had to leave in 1950s due to my grandfather in a mining accident. I so wish to learn more of Dante. Most of the old family members are gone now. Please could y'all do some videos of the family's that are still there?
Thank you for sharing. I travel through these parts for work and need to stop and enjoy the museums. Dads side of the family is from WV Appalachia.
Very interesting video of Dante, VA. Loved the film clip from the '40's(?) Amazing how happy most of the people were! Some of it brought back memories of my folks in WV back in the '50's. Thank you so much for the trip to Dante!
"was originally called "Turkeyfoot" due to the confluence of hollows."
I wrote that! In fact, I wrote most of the History section of the Dante Wikipedia article. My Great-Grandfather Stefan emigrated from Budapest to Dante in 1922.
My grandfather also emigrated from Hungary to the US and initially worked in the mines. He was a big guy (for those times) -- 6 feet tall and muscular -- and he was used to farm work in Hungary. But he said that nothing prepared him for the really hard labor in the mines. He was pretty sure that if he stuck with it, he wouldn't last long on this earth!. He moved to Ohio then and got a job with the Nickel Plate Railroad. Stayed with them for the rest of his life. He was always a union man; he felt that the union was what enabled him to buy a house and support a family on one income even though he was not college educated. Congrats to you on having written the Wikipedia article on Dante. It's good to keep that history alive. Do you still live in the area?
That's awesome
@@kesmarn I live in Bristol, VA which is about 30 or 40 miles south of Dante. We still own property in Upper Bear Wallow....my grandparent's property and a couple of adjacent parcels.
Thank you for these beautifully crafted and informative videos! I live in Connecticut now and miss visiting the Virginia Apoalachians. You provide a virtual trip for me!
That’s fantastic, thanks for watching and the kind words
Enjoyed this very much and the extra clip.Thanks and be safe .
Love the vintage film! Where in the world did you find it? Ya'll do a fantastic job. Very entertaining. Look forward to your next video.
I think the film came from Duke University. A guy visited small towns back in the 40s advertising "see yourself on the big screen" where he basically filmed people during the day, then showed it at the local theater at night. Duke somehow has the archived footage, I remember seeing it 8 or 10 years ago.
H. Lee Waters was the filmmakers name. Also filmed Lebanon, Wytheville, and Damascus
I loved it too!
Great video guys! At 27:26 what are those kids drinking from that glove or whatever it is?
Brilliant job on this video! That black and white film is totally irreplaceable -- so valuable. You can tell that by 1940 the demands of war production during WWII were pumping money into these coal communities. After 10 years of the Great Depression, people could finally get a decent paycheck. I noticed a lot of newer looking coats and hats, shoes, etc. It must have been such a relief finally to have enough income to cover the basics and a little more. The women you interviewed were gems. Thanks so much for this amazing piece of research.
thanks so much, kes, we really appreciate the kind words
Loved the video great seeing that time 🙏🏻
still one of my favorite videos. I have watched it several times. Moving there in April. Cant wait🥰
That’s fantastic, best of luck with your move
After all these months of watching this video over and over, I now live up on hazel mountain. Thank u Shane and Melody
Absolutely love this video.
Thank you so much for this! My Great Grandparents and Grandpaw are from Dante. I’m going to try to visit soon ❤️
Shane and Melody, this was a wonderful video! I really enjoyed the 1940 film footage, too. 👍
Love the video my dad's family is all from Nora, VA. He graduated from what used to be Ervington HS. We still have property just outside Nora in the mountains.
Love this video of people going about their lives!
The tent was actually there for tent revival. Good guess!
Anyone else notice how thin everyone was in the 1940 clip? Young, old, black, white, male or female, all skinny. The portion size of food was different back then.
You guys hit the mother-load of information when you've met these 2 ladies in that museum. Quite interesting what they've told you. I've also enjoyed those clips from back in the days. Love you vlogs in the Hollers. 👍👍😍😍😊😊
Thank you so much, Lyne, we were blessed that day for sure
When we were viewing the film from 1940 we wondered how many of those young men went to fight in World War II and how many didn’t come home.
This was such a neat video! I loved the video from back in the day! It was interesting watching how people reacted to being on camera! Most were funny & smiling, then others seemed like they didn't quite know how to act with a camera toward them. I absolutely adore the old videos of places. It's so special that these have been preserved. And the sweet ladies y'all talked to were lovely. It's such a shame places as beautiful & nice to live in as Dante are just sort of melting away. It's really kinda sad. But so glad you two are still keeping history alive in these places! Y'all do a great job! Stay safe & God bless y'all!
At one time, this was one bustling place. Not all that much going on today. That video was really amazing to see in detail how the people dressed back then. So many of,the men looked like they were in a place like Pittsburg or some such place. Men in suits complete with vests, hats of all sortsm, nice top coats. Same for the ladies in their stylish top coats, hats and dresses. It was interesting to see how people reacted to the camera. Most didn't mind and even mugged for it, while some acted like they wanted to smack the camera person. Great video. Drive safe out there.
Very good observations. Thank you, Michael
Lived there when i was a year old then again when i was 21. My old stomping grounds...
Amazing!!! Wow, the video makes it so real.
Thank You both for another wonderful video. It’s clear you’ve been doing your homework. This one is even better then the last. It’s nice to hear the story along the way. Straight Hollow if you ever venture into the mine area you’ll see it is actually straight but there is very little that’s straight about Straight Hollow Road. Your first turn into Hospital Hollow, it used to be much bigger and it’s actually the toe of the Turkeys Foot.
William Dante for who the town was named after his name was originally spelled “Dant” The E was added later to avoid association with a neighboring family of Moonshiners in Dickenson County and Kentucky with the same last name.
Wow that’s awesome info! Thank you so much for sharing and the nice comments! - Melody
What a Unique Experience.
Living, Working and Existing together.
In such a Unique Area of the world.
I wouldn't mind Living in a area like that
Oh my!!from a time when everyone was content and somewhat happy.the people all seemed to have a purpose.really enjoyed this.thankyou for another great trip.
There's something very peaceful about the area. It gives me a warm feeling like I have been there before. It is sad people are moving away. I would like to bring back that general store. It can be brought back I have seen buildings in such bad shape they were propped up to keep them from falling over so I know that can be brought back like new.
Sawmill hollow you guys was right at it you should went though it they tore the artylee school down and made a campground out of it ball field there then on up the road is called west dante
Love the history!
Thank you for this. Very cool. Dante is where my family is from. I haven't been back there since 2018. Loved the 1940s video footage.
Glad you enjoyed it!
The vintage footage is beyond fantastic!! Even though it's a little before my time I see things that I recall. Notice all Adult males wore a hat!!! Only a handful did not. My grandfather wore a hat outside the house at all times, I do too to this day. Notice how many boys are wearing fighter pilot caps with goggles! And by today's standards everyone was 'dressed up' to go to town. The young girl at 24:01 is typical Appalachia back in the day. Neat, clean, nothing fancy and a little serious. I'll watch again in a few days. Where did the footage come from? It is so great. Thanks
It was shared several years ago on FB, I think it came from archives at Duke University.
H. Lee Waters was the filmmakers name
I find it very beautiful. Just as it is
I enjoyed this video. I am very familiar withe Dante. Before I was born my Grandfather pastored the Assembly of God Church. Most people called it 'The Hainted House church"
. ' Hainted" is the way they pronounced they word "haunted". If I remember the story correctly there was a house in the coal camp believed to be "hainted".
Nobody was willing to live in it so the coal company was willing to let a church that was willing to meeti in it have it to meet in. I never knew if the church bought it or if it was just loaned to them. It was a thriving church when Dante was a thriving town. The Church is still in Dante in a different building.
Another great video. Thank You folks for bringing back so many memories. May God bless you, and keep you safe during your travels.
Thanks for returning to Dante..walked that road many times to the Post Office...Dante had a store back in the days...a restaurant next to the post office...the Clinchfield Coal offices is now apartments...wow..have not been to visit in a few years....I have a relative still live there..I usually visit Castlewood and the Tri-Cities when I visit...can u visit St. Paul..my grand
parents still have property there...oh the memories..thank you!
Great video. I especially enjoyed the ladies at the Museum.
Skip Salmon, Roanoke, VA
Glad you enjoyed it!
You guys are awesome; really love this one. Thx
Thank you so much!
My daddy was pastor of the Dante Assembly of God Church, It was known as the "Haunted House Church." We lived in Bear Wallow Hollow! We would go to Hamlin to get our drinking water for an Artisan well. That was in 1948-1950.
TX
Wonderful video!! I love it! Great old movies showing the people and times, great music too. Very well done and enjoyable to watch. Thank you for putting it together!
thanks for the kind words, Shelley
This is my grandmother and mothers hometown my grandmother Thelma whittington ( Taylor maiden name) mother Roenna Simonton ( Whittington maiden name) as a little girl I would go to Dante with my grandmother to visit my great grandmother Clair Taylor, aunts, uncles, and cousins for the summer back in the 80’s my great grandmother passed away in 1993 oh how I miss her my grand mother and mother. Thank you for this it’s a reminder that I need to go for a visit soon.
The Donaldson Taylor family are whom I derive from along with the Whittington family that are all apart of Dante Virginia.
Shane! have you ever seen the "little Abner" comic strip, famous in the 40s, 50s, 60s. A lampoon of Hillbilly people living in Dogpatch, a town in the imagination.
Well, there IS a real town named Dogpatch! It is in Logan County West Virginia. About 2 or 3 miles south of Logan town. Probably only a few people live there but maybe there is more as this small area has most of the county population.
Ever drive through it?!
Yes, I got the Sunday paper every week, in the 50s and I always enjoyed LITTLE ABNER. the locale was a town called "Dogpatch". I always assumed it was in the Ozark mountains, if there really was such a town that inspired him. Now I see that there is such a town and it is about 3 miles south of Logan, West Virginia, in Logan county. Probably all of 50 people live there, but it is on the map.
Maybe, Shane, if you were ever to go look at Logan, you could pay Dogpatch a visit.
freestone
Great video. Thank you Shane and Melody. I’ve enjoyed many of your videos of nearly-forgotten coal towns. Your work inspired me to take a road trip with my son last summer.
We explored many sights in Western Pennsylvania and especially loved beautiful West Virginia. We got as far into southern WVA as Welch and Coalwood-places featured in your videos.
Thank y’all for sharing another great video. You guys are al some 🇺🇸
Your vids are exactly what I wanted; to me, this area's earned an interesting history; THANKS for sharing...👍😷👣
Such a wonderful video! I've saved Dante on my bucket list as a place to visit!
Melody was on a roll this trip. Kept me laughing
Cute little museum. 😊
Love seeing those old pics compared with what it looks like now. Late fortys and fifty's best time of my life. Normal moral people for the most part, safer for everyone, especially children.
Thank you both for this video
Just bought a little cottage on Timber Scent to retire in So Happy 🥰
stunning video , wow , love it
Love your videos.. my dad was from dante or west dante.. I talked to a lady in coeburn last year and she told me how in the 50s big companies.. Goodyear gm and such came down there and rounded up all able bodied men that wanted to come north to manufacturing jobs.. I always wondered how all these people from grundy dante Jenkins lots of other towns all ended up in the foundry in defiance.. and like the coal towns.. the foundry in the late 90s employed 5000 people.. now it's down to 500.. just fyi.. but I found it interesting how they all ended up here
Definitely so! Thank you!!!
Really Enjoy your videos !! Keep going ❤
Thank ya, Joe
I was born and raised about ½ mile from the Old Hamlin Gen Store. I have a photo of my grandfather and several other men standing in front the store. The photo was taken in about 1922. It was called F.R. Stinson Staple & Fancy Groceries then.
I love this I just looked at a house on Lower bear wallow