To give you an idea of how many residents have left McDowell county. At one time there were 4 large class AA high schools and 1 class AAA high school in McDowell Co. Today there is one class AA and one class A. The class A is located in Welch, which used to be the class AAA school back in the early to mid 70s
I just watched a coal mining PBS special. Sad hard life and the wars when they tried to unionize. That’s mysterious, when towns are closed down. You’re scaring me, by crossing that road🥹. Amazing to see the staircase. Pretty and scenic countryside. 🤠🌻⭐
Thank you for watching. The mine wars were crazy. It is sad the way the coal mines were shut down, leaving no jobs, and then the opioids were funneled into Southern West Virginia like no where else. It is beautiful country! Take care my friend!
@kissy kat - I didn't say much about the opioids but they have decimated Southern West Virginia. West Virginia is dying due to coal production being reduced greatly. The workers moved out, and then the opioids came in. My hometown, Kermit, which had a population of 400 was noted as having had over 12 million hydrocodone pills shipped to one pharmacy. There would be lines of cars trying to get these pills. Williamson, West Virginia, just up the road from Welch had over 20 million pills shipped into its town of 3000.
Great little stories on what was and what use to be. Sad that the government shut the mines down and basically closed these small towns. Surprised someone has not bought up these parcels of land in Switchback and built a little something. Welch must be a little better off than the others, it has a McDonalds. So sad how everyone bailed on the town. You did need jobs though. Thanks for the history lesson. Lots of stories like this in small town all over the USA. Cheers my friend. See you soon.
Thanks for the great comments. I've been wanting to do this video for a while, was just waiting for the weather to warm up. Yes! Hope to see you soon. Cheers!
I came down route 52 from route 119 from Charleston. I seen those walls and wondered what the red brick structure was in-between the steps there in Switchback
Love your videos, just moved into the area and you have inspired me to dive into the coal mine and railroad ghost towns of yester year ! thanks for the content !
Hey Walt, when is the next mystery & whiskey chat (that rhymes)? Happy Friday & big hello to sweet Tina. I bought a new set of Texas longhorn ketchup & mustard dispensers yesterday & though of her🤣👍
Good Morning Walter, such an interesting area, seeing the old abandoned houses was so interesting and also a little sad, so interesting about the history and hard working people here. Nice walk through the town too. Great old buildings, just a bummer about not much being open. Nice to hear about the workers back then.
please do not share this. 'Walt I am asking you as a friend. How do you deal with the lose of a family Member. I lost my Dad in June of 2022 and now I am taking care of My Mom, her memory is probably at 5% and I will not let her go. She always there when I needed her growing up and I am not about to let her down, Any input will be taken seriously
@Lance Staab - Lance, I am so sorry that you are going through this. I've lost my Dad, Mom, and brother in the last 8 years. The only way I have gotten through this is by my faith in God. I pray daily to Christ for strength. Losing my brother Bruce was so very hard. My Mom developed Alzheimers and it was very hard. Lance, you have to be proud of yourself for what you are doing for your Mom. I know it takes patience. You just need to focus on the person she was that you remembered before she got to where she is now. You will be in my prayers. You can reach out to me anytime. My email address is wjrain3@aol.com
I grew up in Wyoming county (Ikes Fork), just off highway 52. Joined the military at 17, and left. Haven't gone back, because it's now a dead area. Really depressing, because it was a fantastic place to grow up
That is so true. I graduated from high school in Kermit, West Virginia in Mingo County. Was around a great bunch of guys. I went to Marshall University and from there moved to Virginia. I go back as often as I can, but it is just not the same. Thank you for your service.
Born in Welch Memorial Hospital, raised in Iaeger and reside in Kanawha County WV. Sad to see McDowell County fade away. Maybe hope for a better future. Thanks for sharing.
My family is from Switchback (Smokey Hill). I went to Switchback and Gary elementary schools and NorthFork High for the 10th grade in 1977. I'm going back. Seeing the trestle, Elkorn Jr High where my first crush lived right across the road are bringing back good memories. I will always love McDowell County. Gonna get back there.
I was born & raised in McDowell W.V. I'm still here I lived in Welch 4 yrs I'm back down Davy way now I love W.V. it's home through the good times & the bad it's beautiful landscapes it's so sad seeing the shape we are in now you still have good ppl here some hard workers kind folk thanks for the video I enjoyed it .
@marthalester6137 I'm from Mingo County. It's sad to see the towns in the shape they are in, but definitely there are great, hard working people in Southern West Virginia
I have relatives in Bluefield. My family from way back in the 1700s came from Atkins, Va, very near Bluefield. My dad and his brothers cooked a bit of corn up in those hills back in the 20s. Dad was the youngest, so his job was to stay at the bottom of the mountain and look out for government men. Times were hard back then, and they did what they had to do to survive. I miss the mountains as I live in the hot Philippines now, but I remember.
Thanks for watching and sharing that great history. Times were always tough it seems in Appalachia, but families were very tight. Take care, and enjoy the Phillipines. I've never been.
Hi Walter ! My father's family is from McDowell county W.V. The Walters and Smith family also the Bishop sur name. Great video . Also wondering the name of the 1st song that you played. Loved it. Thanks so much.
These towns remind me of so many old Paper mill towns here in Maine. Its always sad to see them decay after the mills shut down. Thanks for showing us around though. There is always great stories to be told about these places.
You didn't mention Keystone (just north of Northfork) in your video. This little town had one of the most colorful histories along route 52. I'll leave it there. Look it up if you want to know. Otherwise, thanks for the video.
Oh, I totally agree. I have been through Keystone 100s of times. My father would drive us from North Carolina and South Carolina to Kermit on Route 52 to visit his parents in Kermit on all the holidays. We ended up moving back to Kermit where I graduated from High School. Keystone, definitely has a colorful history, and I need to come back and do a video just about Keystone. Keystone is mentioned in the book Bloodletting in Appalachia by Howard B. Lee. As a Kermit Graduate and a Marshall University Graduate, I love West Virginia and its history. I've done quite a few videos about places in West Virginia and will continue to do some more! Thanks for watching and thank you for the comments!
No man it started in 1981 with Reagan shut all the big mines down i was working at gary then thats when the shit hit the fan. Not been the same since i know i lived it 35% unemployment in the 80s i worked at the paper then i had to leave but im back
Hey, thanks for sharing. I wish you the best. My buddies in Mingo County made a lot of money in the 80s and 90s, working through the Reagan, Clinton and Bush years. The mines were working until 2008 when the WAR ON COAL took place during the Obama years
This part of WV resembles SE Ohio so much! Jason just asked if Walt was in Athens County OH. Thanks for the tour! Love it! Best Wishes and Luck to you and Tina! Happy Easter!❤️🍀🐇
That is a great question! If my father was still alive he could tell me. My best guess is that those sort of buildings between the stair steps with the two openings on the front and one on the side were to give access to water lines and gas lines if needed. A good friend of mine who grew up in West Virginia is calling his Uncle to see if he can give us a better answer! Thanks for watching and asking that great question. Hopefully, I can find an answer.
That is hard to take , to see all those house`s and buildings falling in. It is the same in Eastern Ky , Appalachia has So much to offer but as of the day`s of old , politics gets in the way and people suffer. I remember , late 70/80`s we sent trucks from Greenup Ky to the mines in Wv , Dingess, Lenore,Logan,Naugatuck, Kermit. An 1 1/2 to 2 hr drive to haul coal to the Big Sandy docks. At that time there were not enough trucks to haul the coal , the demand was so high. Then you had the OG "Karens" on the news complaining about how unsafe Wv roads were with these big trucks and how dirty it was. I will get off my soapbox , Great video , I really enjoyed it but bitter sweet !
I graduated from Kermit High Scholl, so I definitely agree with everything you are saying. It is a shame what has happened. Destroy the jobs, then bring in the drugs which took a terrible toll on Southern West Virginia. It's funny, you never hear anything about the devastation and erosion that all these ATVs create.
I grew up throwing rocks at trains from my front yard. Hundreds of coal trucks bouncing by the house every day. It was the Tug River, our house, the road, and the railroad tracks. All in a few hundred feet. Coal dust on everything. Including my dad haha. It was a good life.
Coal has been in a decline since the 50's. It's no new thing. These areas have always been this way. My dad grew up in Gilbert in the 1940's and 50's. He said it has always been the same.
I graduated from Kermit in Mingo County, My Dad grew up in Kermit. Welch, Iagaer, and many of these other Coal Towns were thriving until the War on Coal led by Obama and Clinton. Then the drugs were poured in to these small towns especially Kermit.
Melissa grew up in Bluewell and had family all the way up 52 in McDowell County. She could tell you all kinds of tales all the way up through there.
I bet she could. I graduated from high school in Kermit. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Hard times were here before wal mart they stayed wal mart left
When the workers left, and those that were left were on drugs...WalMart had to close
To give you an idea of how many residents have left McDowell county. At one time there were 4 large class AA high schools and 1 class AAA high school in McDowell Co. Today there is one class AA and one class A. The class A is located in Welch, which used to be the class AAA school back in the early to mid 70s
Yeah it is crazy, and very sad to watch this happen. Thanks for commenting, brother.
Born and grew up in McDowell county. Left for 20 years back now just like the song ever mile a memory. Sad the shape it's in now.
Yes, for sure. It used to be a thriving town. Take care, and thanks for watching!
I just watched a coal mining PBS special. Sad hard life and the wars when they tried to unionize. That’s mysterious, when towns are closed down. You’re scaring me, by crossing that road🥹. Amazing to see the staircase. Pretty and scenic countryside. 🤠🌻⭐
Thank you for watching. The mine wars were crazy. It is sad the way the coal mines were shut down, leaving no jobs, and then the opioids were funneled into Southern West Virginia like no where else. It is beautiful country! Take care my friend!
@@FrontiersmanAdventures I’m rewatching and I didn’t know about the opioids. Greedy owners, it made me sad to see their living conditions. 🥲
@kissy kat - I didn't say much about the opioids but they have decimated Southern West Virginia. West Virginia is dying due to coal production being reduced greatly. The workers moved out, and then the opioids came in. My hometown, Kermit, which had a population of 400 was noted as having had over 12 million hydrocodone pills shipped to one pharmacy. There would be lines of cars trying to get these pills. Williamson, West Virginia, just up the road from Welch had over 20 million pills shipped into its town of 3000.
Great little stories on what was and what use to be. Sad that the government shut the mines down and basically closed these small towns. Surprised someone has not bought up these parcels of land in Switchback and built a little something. Welch must be a little better off than the others, it has a McDonalds. So sad how everyone bailed on the town. You did need jobs though. Thanks for the history lesson. Lots of stories like this in small town all over the USA. Cheers my friend. See you soon.
Thanks for the great comments. I've been wanting to do this video for a while, was just waiting for the weather to warm up. Yes! Hope to see you soon. Cheers!
I came down route 52 from route 119 from Charleston. I seen those walls and wondered what the red brick structure was in-between the steps there in Switchback
I think they housed the gas, water, and sewage lines, but not 100% sure.
Enjoyed the video and story behind it! Nicely done! 👍
Thank you!!! That means a lot to me.
Love your videos, just moved into the area and you have inspired me to dive into the coal mine and railroad ghost towns of yester year ! thanks for the content !
Awesome! There is definitely a lot of history in these hills! Take care, and thanks for watching and leaving a comment!
Hey Walt, when is the next mystery & whiskey chat (that rhymes)? Happy Friday & big hello to sweet Tina. I bought a new set of Texas longhorn ketchup & mustard dispensers yesterday & though of her🤣👍
We are hoping to do a livestream Saturday 4/1 around 9:00 pm. And the next two Saturdays as well!
Good Morning Walter, such an interesting area, seeing the old abandoned houses was so interesting and also a little sad, so interesting about the history and hard working people here. Nice walk through the town too. Great old buildings, just a bummer about not much being open. Nice to hear about the workers back then.
Thanks Nicole. I drove through this area a lot growing up, so it was sad to see this area turn into a living ghost town.
Looking forward to the Kermit video!
Thanks sweet Cuz! Love you!
Democratic stronghold and the UMWA helped kill coal
Yep.
Miss you Walt, Glad you are back streaming again, I see Tina online alot,
Thanks Lance! I hope you are doing well!
please do not share this. 'Walt I am asking you as a friend. How do you deal with the lose of a family Member. I lost my Dad in June of 2022 and now I am taking care of My Mom, her memory is probably at 5% and I will not let her go. She always there when I needed her growing up and I am not about to let her down, Any input will be taken seriously
@Lance Staab - Lance, I am so sorry that you are going through this. I've lost my Dad, Mom, and brother in the last 8 years. The only way I have gotten through this is by my faith in God. I pray daily to Christ for strength. Losing my brother Bruce was so very hard. My Mom developed Alzheimers and it was very hard. Lance, you have to be proud of yourself for what you are doing for your Mom. I know it takes patience. You just need to focus on the person she was that you remembered before she got to where she is now. You will be in my prayers. You can reach out to me anytime. My email address is wjrain3@aol.com
I grew up in Wyoming county (Ikes Fork), just off highway 52.
Joined the military at 17, and left.
Haven't gone back, because it's now a dead area.
Really depressing, because it was a fantastic place to grow up
That is so true. I graduated from high school in Kermit, West Virginia in Mingo County. Was around a great bunch of guys. I went to Marshall University and from there moved to Virginia. I go back as often as I can, but it is just not the same. Thank you for your service.
I bout had a heart attack watching you walk on the side of the road! You really shouldn't do that to me Walter!
I'm sorry...it was a bit sketchy! I am so happy that you watched. You made my day!
Born in Welch Memorial Hospital, raised in Iaeger and reside in Kanawha County WV. Sad to see McDowell County fade away. Maybe hope for a better future. Thanks for sharing.
@@304ivan - You are so welcome! Thanks so much for watching!
Very good. But I still say you need to take a trip to Preston County and see Kingwood and Terra Alta
I'll get there! Thanks for watching!
My family is from Switchback (Smokey Hill). I went to Switchback and Gary elementary schools and NorthFork High for the 10th grade in 1977. I'm going back. Seeing the trestle, Elkorn Jr High where my first crush lived right across the road are bringing back good memories. I will always love McDowell County. Gonna get back there.
I am glad you are planning to go back. Thanks so much for watching!
*꧁ uau incrível!! Que bela partilha ❤ ꧂*
Thank you so much!!
I was born & raised in McDowell W.V. I'm still here I lived in Welch 4 yrs I'm back down Davy way now I love W.V. it's home through the good times & the bad it's beautiful landscapes it's so sad seeing the shape we are in now you still have good ppl here some hard workers kind folk thanks for the video I enjoyed it .
@marthalester6137 I'm from Mingo County. It's sad to see the towns in the shape they are in, but definitely there are great, hard working people in Southern West Virginia
I have relatives in Bluefield. My family from way back in the 1700s came from Atkins, Va, very near Bluefield. My dad and his brothers cooked a bit of corn up in those hills back in the 20s. Dad was the youngest, so his job was to stay at the bottom of the mountain and look out for government men. Times were hard back then, and they did what they had to do to survive. I miss the mountains as I live in the hot Philippines now, but I remember.
Thanks for watching and sharing that great history. Times were always tough it seems in Appalachia, but families were very tight. Take care, and enjoy the Phillipines. I've never been.
Hi Walter ! My father's family is from McDowell county W.V. The Walters and Smith family also the Bishop sur name.
Great video . Also wondering the name of the 1st song that you played. Loved it. Thanks so much.
Thanks for sharing that info. The first sing is by one of my favorite artists: Kylie Dailey. The song is Friends Forever.
These towns remind me of so many old Paper mill towns here in Maine. Its always sad to see them decay after the mills shut down. Thanks for showing us around though. There is always great stories to be told about these places.
Thanks so much Andy! Definitely some great stories in these old towns!
You didn't mention Keystone (just north of Northfork) in your video. This little town had one of the most colorful histories along route 52. I'll leave it there. Look it up if you want to know. Otherwise, thanks for the video.
Oh, I totally agree. I have been through Keystone 100s of times. My father would drive us from North Carolina and South Carolina to Kermit on Route 52 to visit his parents in Kermit on all the holidays. We ended up moving back to Kermit where I graduated from High School. Keystone, definitely has a colorful history, and I need to come back and do a video just about Keystone. Keystone is mentioned in the book Bloodletting in Appalachia by Howard B. Lee. As a Kermit Graduate and a Marshall University Graduate, I love West Virginia and its history. I've done quite a few videos about places in West Virginia and will continue to do some more! Thanks for watching and thank you for the comments!
No man it started in 1981 with Reagan shut all the big mines down i was working at gary then thats when the shit hit the fan. Not been the same since i know i lived it 35% unemployment in the 80s i worked at the paper then i had to leave but im back
Hey, thanks for sharing. I wish you the best. My buddies in Mingo County made a lot of money in the 80s and 90s, working through the Reagan, Clinton and Bush years. The mines were working until 2008 when the WAR ON COAL took place during the Obama years
This part of WV resembles SE Ohio so much! Jason just asked if Walt was in Athens County OH. Thanks for the tour! Love it! Best Wishes and Luck to you and Tina! Happy Easter!❤️🍀🐇
Happy Easter! It is sad what is happening to these small cities throughout America.
Currently looking at a few homes in Welch.
I'm sure you can find something. Good Luck!
Great Video!!
It is very sad to see how the economy has been hit there
Yes, it sure has. Welch used to be a thriving city! Thanks for watching Derek!
Sir, when you were in Switchback, what are those brick structures at the bottom of the stairs that have 2 openings in the front and one on the side?
That is a great question! If my father was still alive he could tell me. My best guess is that those sort of buildings between the stair steps with the two openings on the front and one on the side were to give access to water lines and gas lines if needed. A good friend of mine who grew up in West Virginia is calling his Uncle to see if he can give us a better answer! Thanks for watching and asking that great question. Hopefully, I can find an answer.
@@FrontiersmanAdventures Thank you sir
That is hard to take , to see all those house`s and buildings falling in. It is the same in Eastern Ky , Appalachia has So much to offer but as of the day`s of old , politics gets in the way and people suffer.
I remember , late 70/80`s we sent trucks from Greenup Ky to the mines in Wv , Dingess, Lenore,Logan,Naugatuck, Kermit. An 1 1/2 to 2 hr drive to haul coal to the Big Sandy docks. At that time there were not enough trucks to haul the coal , the demand was so high. Then you had the OG "Karens" on the news complaining about how unsafe Wv roads were with these big trucks and how dirty it was.
I will get off my soapbox , Great video , I really enjoyed it but bitter sweet !
I graduated from Kermit High Scholl, so I definitely agree with everything you are saying. It is a shame what has happened. Destroy the jobs, then bring in the drugs which took a terrible toll on Southern West Virginia. It's funny, you never hear anything about the devastation and erosion that all these ATVs create.
@@FrontiersmanAdventures I also agree !
I grew up throwing rocks at trains from my front yard. Hundreds of coal trucks bouncing by the house every day. It was the Tug River, our house, the road, and the railroad tracks. All in a few hundred feet. Coal dust on everything. Including my dad haha. It was a good life.
@andiparsley3389 Absolutely! Great memories! That sounds just like my time in Kermit! Stay blessed, my friend
Love seeing these towns with those old pics. 🤘
Thank You! Thanks so much for watching!
Have you been there before !?
Coal has been in a decline since the 50's. It's no new thing. These areas have always been this way. My dad grew up in Gilbert in the 1940's and 50's. He said it has always been the same.
I graduated from Kermit in Mingo County, My Dad grew up in Kermit. Welch, Iagaer, and many of these other Coal Towns were thriving until the War on Coal led by Obama and Clinton. Then the drugs were poured in to these small towns especially Kermit.
Enjoyed the drive as well as some of the accompanied music. Wish you had credited the music composers .
Kylie Dailey sings one song, and another instrumental.
Thanks, I will look her up
@@FrontiersmanAdventures