A Fascinating Journey Through Richlands, Virginia: Uncovering The History of Shane's Hometown

Richlands, Virginia: Shane’s Appalachian Mountain Roots…In The Center Of A Friendly Circle
Known as “the center of a friendly circle,” Richlands, Virginia is the hometown of our very own Shane Simmons. This video takes a look at several local landmarks that are still standing and pictures of a few others that are gone. Richlands is located in Tazewell County and is as rich in history and the mountains are rich with coal.
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[@brittanyperkins6639]

This is my hometown. I still live here. So many things have changed. But it's still home for me.

[@kittylynnlpn]

I grew up in the military. My mother is from Richlands and my dad is from honaker funny enough. Every summer we would come to visit both sets of grandparents and various aunts and uncles. We go up to Grundy and breaks interstate Park and hungry mothers. To me it was the most beautiful place in the whole world. And I've lived in Europe and at least driven through all 48 Continental United States . One day I will get to Alaska and Hawaii. When my husband and I were first married he fell in love with Richlands as well and the Big Creek area. So we decided to retire here last year after my husband retired for the military. And we absolutely love it. There's no place like home. Thanks for this I'm going to send it to my parents

[@louisamason5521]

I am a long time resident of Virginia, born at the old Mattie Williams Hospital in 1947. I attended Tazewell High School in the early 1960’s and attended many Tazewell High vs Richlands sports events. I was a member of the band at THS and have marched in the Richlands Christmas Parade more than once. You have given me much of interest to view on your website. Keep at it, and thanks for the memories!

[@AnneStar-kj3uj]

I was born in the old Mattie Williams Hospital in 1968. Lived in Honaker then moved to Tazewell from there to Bland. Now I live in Pulaski. My mother was raised in Grundy VA. Miss my old stomping grounds.

[@kesmarn]

This was just wonderful. That hour flew by. And to think that you did this when neither of you was feeling good...! Thank you so much. Somehow you managed to make *your* hometown feel like *our* home town too. Such a welcoming feeling. That coal miner sculpture is a true work of art. I don't know how to describe the way it makes the figure almost seem to come to life. That artist was/is a genius. And so was the person who painted the mural. There's so much hidden talent throughout Appalachia. And the Railway Diner? Please, please stay in business. That interior is one in a million. A small (self-indulgent) anecdote. I was watching the news right around the time of this most recent election, and two talking heads were describing the Iowa caucus and then went on to talk about the Midwest and Appalachia in general. Even though I *knew* it was coming, I still got a little aggravated when they went on to describe the "butter sculptures" at the State fairs in these areas.(Can't tell you how often I've heard this line of discussion, complete with eye-rolling.) The snickering started. Then they tried to smooth things over by shaking their heads and ending up with the observation: "But they're SO *earnest*!!" ("They" being us "pious simpletons," of course.) That put me right over the edge. I turned the television off. It was one of the most patronizing things I've seen/heard in years. Sorry to be long-winded, but the point of this story is that the next thought I had was "Thank God for Shane and Melody!" You are the classy, intelligent, good humored, but down to earth voice of the real people who live in "flyover country." No one does it the way you two do. Please don't stop. (Well, not longer than it takes to recover from "the bug...") Blessings.

[@cynthiaspann8944]

Thank you for this video. This is my old stomping ground. Am from there and moved 7 years ago. But believe me, I am so homesick. Love the memories

[@southernman5839]

My x wife was born there. I visit Richlands 3 or 4 times . We use to visit her grandma and granddaddy. This was back in the 70’s . One of her family still didn’t have indoor plumbing.

[@charliepc56]

I'm from the Vansant, Virginia area, but I also love Richlands. My two daughters were born there in the old Richlands Hospital, and their doctor was Dr. McCue. 😃 I bought a few new trucks and cars there, and loved the old Acme Super Market. The little deli there was one of the best around. The King Kone was the best restaurant in town. Loved them Footlong Hotdogs, and Ice Cream Cones! Great Video! Thanks!

[@jacklyons6640]

Dr. Adair owned king Kone.. I taught school there for 25 years and coached Richlands High School basketball for 8 years. Many good people and many good memories.

[@greasemonkeystrikesback8808]

This channel has got to be one of the best channels on KZbin I just wish you guys would interview people in the towns to find out more local history

[@realappalachia]

Thank you!! We certainly love to do that when we can! - Melody

[@demartin5366]

Awesome video Shane and Melody, I just discovered your channel while looking up info on Bluefield and Princeton, WV. So glad to see Richlands, VA from a hometown perspective. Your videography and narration are wonderful! I like the feeling of riding along in the back seat and getting a personal look at the town. I watched the entire hour and enjoyed every bit of it. The closest I have been to your part of the world is the Tri-Cities of Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport, TN. I'm from Evansville, IN and went down to an airshow at the Tri-Cities Airport. I love your part of the world, the people of the Appalachia area are so warm, friendly, and genuine. You can be proud to call it home.

[@user-fj2le3wj3n]

I lived in Richlands and went to the Brick Yard for the first and second grade then moved to Cedar Bluff College Hill and went to Richland High School until I moved to Maryland. I'm now 82 years old and I haven't been back for several years but it was nice to see it although it has changed a lot. When I lived in Richlands I lived in the Dalton Addition near the gravel pit. I aldo had family in North Tazewell. Keep Up the good work of showing the Southern Appalachia.

[@realappalachia]

Thank you so much for watching and the kind words. We are glad we brought a little bit of home to you.

[@sharonharrison3611]

I went to Richland's High School. Great memories of Richland's. Thankyou.

[@johnnymayo8534]

Awesome hometown tour!! I hope Ms Melody is feeling much better!

[@disco07]

Makes me proud of Virginia. Thanks Shane and Miss Melody. I even like the ads!

[@user-vn7xs7lu9y]

Thank you for sharing your great video! There is one of my company’s branches and I have been to Richlands many times. I can watch this movie thousands times! I want to go there again…so much.😭

[@kennethstuckey7823]

Excellent video tour, fantastic nostalgia and a wonderful history lesson. You both are truly amazing! Fun fact: A&P stands for "The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company."

[@anitalassiter7284]

Beside the A and P was Ben Franklin. I love this by the way. Thank you guys so much!!!❤️

[@realappalachia]

Oh yes, dadgum it, how did I forget the Ben Franklin lol. Thank you, Anita, glad you enjoyed it

[@anitalassiter7284]

@Real Appalachia I love all your videos but this one was very special. I am so homesick and this meant a lot to me. I grew up in Richlands in the seventies and eighties and most of my family still live there. I miss the old days so much!!!❤️❤️

[@pdxwatcher]

Nice work on this one. I worked for General Shale in Groseclose, Richmond and Knoxville in the late 70's and have wondered what happened to the brick plant (guessing it was closed after the Germans bought the company), so I'm glad you mentioned it in passing.

[@benlaw4647]

Enjoyed this ! Been a minute since I've been thru Richlands. Beautiful area ! Thanks for taking us along with y'all. I hope and pray that melody is feeling better! I saw in the comments, that you have been sick too shane. I hope and pray that you have recovered from your sickness also... appreciate y'all always, my friends...prayers...🙏🙏❤❤

[@SpookyAppalachia]

Hey you finally did it! Thanks for talking me into doing mine. I’m still watching but so far so good guys. PS my brother-in-law who does the audio on the stories and his family are from Tazewell area as well.

[@realappalachia]

That’s awesome. It took me over a week to get this one finished because I’ve gotten sick too. Glad to hear you did your hometown. I know after doing this one that it can be a little bit nerve-wracking.

[@SpookyAppalachia]

@@realappalachia I bet it did, I bet it took a long time to process. You saw my hometown videos on the Black Sisters i think. Sorry to hear you were sick, hope ya feel better!

[@brittanyN94]

I have family down there and in honaker and I absolutely love yalls videos!! 💗

[@realappalachia]

Thank ya so much, Brittany, we appreciate you

[@robinhaupt9119]

So fun coming along through your hometown Shane. Thank you Melody and Shane.

[@realappalachia]

Thank you, Robin, thanks for coming with us

[@talldude5841]

Great story Shane and Melody. Such beautiful country side. Love the old pictures about the history of Richlands. Hope you both have a wonderful holiday season.

[@sandy89107]

A lot of interesting history in this town and I really enjoyed the old photos to go with your commentary 😀

[@CCsLife]

Howdy from Wise, VA & Merry Christmas 🎄🎄

[@rebeccastreet5811]

Finally💜HomeBoy!!! Been waiting on this one!!! You really went beyond and above covering our town! I know you put a lot into this! You would mention a store or a area and I would think oh yeah I remember that or places that were before my time and dad would have mentioned it! Very cool! Well done!!! When your blood runs blue it runs blue! I had to laugh when I see our high school with air! Man that building would get hot in the 80s! I can’t applaud you more! Well done my friend! Well done!!!💜

[@glennacordill8028]

Dr McCue was my doctor as well. He used to make house calls back in the 1950's and whenever I had a bad cough, he would tell my mother to put a drop of whiskey in a spoonful of sugar and give that to me. I was a happy child!

[@realappalachia]

I bet that worked like a charm lol

[@karenreichenbaugh856]

Good to see you guys!

[@mmj3839]

Where I grew up. Thanks for sharing

[@realappalachia]

Thank you for watching

[@glenbo2464]

No shame in love for your home town and where your roots are from. I love how they have the light poles decorated for christmas. My town did that when i was a kid but not anymore sadly.

[@exterminator1]

Been there a hand full of times is all. Glad to see a longer vid from yall. Thanks!

[@charityhall4141]

Thanks for the drive through our hometown! It's been a while since I’ve been home to visit. I was born and raised in Richlands and still call it home. It's sad to see so much has changed, yet so much has stayed the same! 🙂 I miss the RMS and RHS the most. So many beautiful memories of times spent at the school, the mall, and the Rec Park. Good times! 😊 Thanks again for sharing. It was good to see home again, even if by video.

[@rubensalcido5606]

Interesting historical sites and scenic drive.I believe Virginia and West Virginia will have a great booming economy when Trump comes back to the white house!

[@MeadeSkeltonMusic]

Amen!

[@MeadeSkeltonMusic]

​@@cccnotbrand8919bless your heart , you still have TDS😂

[@georgeseymour7116]

What a well done video! The music introduction with photos was great. Safe travels.

[@judypierce7028]

Thank you so much for the wonderful history of this beautiful area of Virginia. It has been a few years since I was in Richland, but I remember the people were friendly. It is going to be a while before I will be able to view any of your videos as I am traveling to PA for Christmas and will not return until January. My sister is quite ill and I am going to help take care of her. I just want to wish you and your lovely family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Glad to know that you are feeling better Melody.

[@glennacordill8028]

Oh, thank you for this, Shane and Melody!

[@realappalachia]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@AnnC....]

Great video, Thank you

[@realappalachia]

Thank you, Ann

[@keithtimmons378]

Enjoyed the video of your hometown. The Railway Depot was especially neat. Happy to see that floor and ceiling restored.

[@ralfgroh2719]

Really enjoyed your awesome presentation. Thx!

[@danieltaylor6745]

Loved the video!!! Thanks for all the bitter-sweet memories. You guys did great job!! You did mention my father's business location and the locations of two of my uncle's business locations. l was born in Richlands and lived my first twenty years there. After five decades, l returned for a weekend visit. My memories of Richlands have followed me every place that l have went. Thanks !!

[@corepersonalfitness]

Appreciate you showing your home town Shane. Great job with the history. Cheers

[@karenmatthews7913]

Thank u for this. Miss living out that way

[@georgeshort2016]

I have to save this so I can watch it as many times as I want. It sure brings back some wonderful memories.

[@Surfguitarist59]

You both are hilarious..LOL. Melody is on to something. Movie and a pool, Call it "Melodies Moat & Movies." Now I really thought that small place was called "Lip-Lock"...LOL. I'm thinking yeah, my kind of town. I just love your videos. Keep 'em coming.

[@dales79]

I graduated from Richlands in 02, went to Raven elementary! These videos are great

[@pamelaburks8695]

I'm from Grundy, Va. I remember coming to watch a movie and cruise around looking at nice cars or hang with friends at McDs. Then made it unlawful to cruise around😂.Good times for sure.

[@realappalachia]

I remember those days

[@sman7099]

What a lovely place. Thanks for the tour. I'd love to visit somewhere like this. Love from the UK.

[@dirtyblondfish]

Gosh, I spent so much time in that library back in the 80s and 90s when I used to go to visit my relatives for summers in Richlands as a kid. Got to go back there last year and it hadn't changed very much, thankfully. Sorry if I missed it, but did you go past Hillcreek Baptist Church at all? My grandma used to organize Vacation Bible School there and we went there every Sunday. Great video, nice walk down memory lane. I live in London now so it's nice to go back every once in a while, even through videos.

[@realappalachia]

I don’t believe we did pass that church. I’m sorry! I’m glad the video brought back some good memories though! - Melody

[@JustAGuyYaKnow42]

The A&P reminds me of the old joke, "I've got to go to the A and pee".

[@golfpro5220]

Grew up in Richlands, brought tears to my eyes…. Thank you so much for this video.

[@realappalachia]

That’s so awesome, that’s why we do them so it’s great to hear we brought a little of home to you

[@danielarmstrong9219]

Nice video! Richlands seems like a sprawling place. Thanks for sharing!

[@marisachambers6192]

I went to a church camp many years ago there called Camp Evangel. I think it's right around that area.

[@realappalachia]

It sure is there

[@brittanyperkins6639]

This is my hometown. I loved going to the king Kone.

[@realappalachia]

@@brittanyperkins6639 king kone was always a winner

[@mattjohnson0718]

I'm actually from there myself every time I go out to town I drive through there I actually live up on Jewell ridge on the mountain but yeah it works Lance has been home for years

[@angiejackson7452]

Rita Jackson my family still lives on Jewell Ridge, I love to go back up there. It's like a whole different time period.

[@sqzdog]

Whew! I could listen to her accent for days ❤❤

[@axecuttimber8307]

Emjoyed the video !!!

[@cakegirlone2669]

I really enjoyed watching this.. thank you for doing this.. I grew up in Baker Hollow.

[@realappalachia]

That’s wild I was raised right above Baker Holler

[@haroldmabe107]

My home town

[@jeanettelove8490]

Great video ! Thanks

[@realappalachia]

Thank you!

[@marybale4326]

I saw the Mercer mall series. On Oct.19, 1957, my 10th birthday, I arrived in Bull Tail Hollow. It was a place of rebirth for me. Arrived Palatka FL. 1961. I visited Bull Tail in 1986. I thought it was a big place until I returned. It was big to a 10 year old boy. When my family visited Bull Tail it was the same as it was in 1957. Nothing had changed. God change my life in Bull Tail Hollow. Jim

[@Tameasa]

My Daddy, Jim Shook, is from Richlands and my Momma, Ginger Keen, was from Whitewood. When we were kids, we'd go visit family in Richlands and Whitewood and Daddy would always stop at King Kone to get us kids a footlong hot dog. Y'all brought back a lot of memories. Momma and Daddy used to say that the only thing they learned in school was the 3 Rs, Reading, wRiting, and the road to Richmond.

[@Tricksofatrade]

Thanks for the ride didn’t recognize a lot of things but Claypool Hill looked the same but for some reason my head started hurting when I seen the motel : ))))))

[@benandcis]

I loved this

[@clydeminton805]

Sure hope Raven is included in this video.

[@audramatney1148]

My uncle owned the exonn station in Richlands in the 80s

[@tygreenwood472]

WV is a very unique state a lot of interesting small towns and people have always thought that being a truck driver and traveling through out it and occasionally delivering loads there you and melody have great chemistry and make a good couple really enjoy your videos makes us viewers feel like we're riding along with you!

[@realappalachia]

Thank you, Tyrelle, we appreciate the kind words and feedback.

[@shaheen2830]

Love this

[@loriwhinery3210]

I just found your channel, I am from Tacoma Washington In the Pacific Northwest and I love seeing these out of the way places I would probably never visit so seeing these special places gives me a bigger view of the U.S. oh and I love your accents.❤️

[@realappalachia]

Awesome!! So glad to have you join us!! Thank you! - Melody

[@jeffjackson9688]

Spent so many summers and Christmass there , it's still he to me, spent my summers in that pool too

[@bevanstacykearse9099]

Just found your channel im really enjoying the history and sights

[@dearally4787]

My aunt is from Richlands. ❤

[@carsonjones1341]

Congratulations on new addition!❤

[@realappalachia]

Thank you!

[@rays2877]

I'm from Vancouver BC Canada. I loved, not the old buildings rather the growing up in small rural town. The "life experience". Happy New Year BTW

[@realappalachia]

Happy New Year!

[@michaelbowers3946]

Love the videos y'all do. I was wondering if you guys can do a video on Clintwood Virginia. If they'll let you, show us the Ralph Stanley Museum. Also go to the Greenbrier Hotel in West Virginia.

[@jwl9286]

The last and only time I was ever at Richland's stadium my Orange County Fighting Hornets lost the only state Championship we've ever been in. Your football field has changed a bit since then. I've enjoyed all your video's and this is a good one too but it hurts still to see that place. I watched it though. Keep up the video's. Thanks

[@kyleelsbernd7566]

Great content from metro Milwaukee Wisconsin

[@lindagoodson3363]

This is where I lived for years. Good old Lake Park

[@howardtabor7211]

Very nice job keep it up

[@realappalachia]

Thank you

[@MillerMeteor74]

We have a Richland (no S), here in Atlantic County, NJ. It's an unincorporated community in Buena Vista Township. The population, as of 2020 was 623. It has a locally famous prep school, a nice park, and a big old general store, which I still have yet to visit. It is right next to another unincorporated community called Mizpah. Both are along US 40. You were talking about King Kone and mentioned peanut butter milkshakes. That sounds awesome! I remember when Wendy's used to have a mini buffet called the Superbar. Any time we went there I would just order the Superbar, and not bother getting a burger. I loved it. I love Chinese. Where we go, I get the spicy chicken and vegetables combo, which includes the fried rice and an egg roll, and it's really good. That Hidden Valley is huge! The Christian school where I went for my last 7 years of school- it closed for good in 2019. Well that was a fun video. I enjoyed that. I lived in my home town from Kindergarten till I was 21. Sorry that I always leave long comments, but I enjoy telling stories and so forth.

[@oldguyBMX]

Wow I love the photos in the beginning. Proof that our country was once PURE, TRUE & SO INNOCENT! Thanks for reminding me of what our country once was! These small towns are what our country was all about!

[@ladydraphyn]

Love them old Plymouth station wagons.

[@dougkitts40]

My dad, bill Kitts, swam there as a youngster. He told me, that one of his friends went under water, and never came up. By the time they could get help, the friend had drowned. That's when they closed the guys swimming hole.....

[@realappalachia]

That’s so sad to hear but makes sense

[@dixiestrong]

Yep our generation grew up through the best years.

[@dagmarmarionkidwell-to9ub]

I lov everything u do

[@realappalachia]

Thank you so much

[@lindagoodson3363]

I was raised there from the time I was 8 years old until I was 18. My sister still lives at Doran

[@ericbuckles4901]

Melody is precious I bet your channel took off and views went up when she came on the sceen like the gansta lean 😂love her accent

[@benandcis]

My dads family is related to Simmons

[@kenwilson7583]

My family origins in n Burke’s Garden dating back to founding of community

[@bacoda58]

cool. man....

[@benandcis]

Did they have talking movies back when Shane was a kid? Lol!

[@annhayton2757]

Thats right shane our hometown where we went to school together this is christine Horton thank you for sharing guys

[@brsimmons8552]

I miss your Dad. He was always nice to me. I miss him with the little store at the school.

[@MeadeSkeltonMusic]

She's a girl

[@benandcis]

Our town is dying mall has died out. We only have target and kohls and big lots. It’s a big town but it’s died out. They even stopped having the Xmas parade and people had a fit and had it themselves. Poor management of the city. I was born in Owensboro Ky but was raised in Hawesville pop 1,000. I like growing up in a small town. I miss it.

[@burlphillips948]

I did leave Appalachia whe I was 18 now I am 80

[@marilyndaniels2081]

I used to live at Claypool hill

[@brandydye9016]

my Great grandmother was a simmons that lived up on the mountain in Raven. Red Root Ridge,

[@realappalachia]

My Simmons family lived on Red Root Ridge so I bet we are distantly related

[@brandydye9016]

@@realappalachia my great grand mother was effie lou simmons and her father was charle scott simmons.

[@toirmetalshaping]

Looks like a 1949 Crosley convertible infront of that Hortons. . .would "chalkin" refer to pool?

[@TheROKnROLLOUTLAW]

have you ever been to Fairmont, WV ? idk if you just have "that face" but I coulda sworn I saw you at my job the other day.

[@benandcis]

Do they have stop signs in Richland’s?

[@burlphillips948]

I did go to coffee cup.a lot

[@benandcis]

Big town I grew up in a city of 1,000

[@brandydye9016]

Not my home town but My grandparents were there. The Dye and Cox families