Matoaka, West Virginia: The Miner’s Hideaway Named For a Famous Indian Princess:

[@terrythorne402]

I grew up in Matoaka. My class was the last class to graduate from the high school in town in 1983. The town was booming when I grew up there. There was a pharmacy 3 grocery stores. 4 pool halls bar and grills. A laundry mat. 2 hardware stores. A Ben Franklin 5 and dime. 5 churches, lumber store. A funeral home 2 barber shops and a beauty shop. That's all I can think of. In its hay day at was a great little town. Miss those days.

[@realappalachia]

That’s awesome, Terry! I think so many of our towns are in the same position, unfortunately. I’m in the same boat with my little town. But I’m hoping the ATV business will build back the area some. - Melody

[@terrythorne402]

@@realappalachia my daughter in law is from around where you are she grew up in Haysai Va.

[@bonnieleelee9936]

Where to people shop?

[@terrythorne402]

@@bonnieleelee9936 they have to travel 14 mile a to princeton to shop

[@leelawrence2996]

I also grew up in Motoaka. From the age of 6 to 12. I remember the town booming back then. We lived in the top apt right across from the lumber yard. I could sit on the back porch and see the sand and lumber. I explored every part of that town then. It was a different time it is hard to see it the way it is now. At 12 my mom and dad moved to Beckley. I also graduated in 1983. I remember the 5 and 10 and a Piggly wiggly with the squeaking floors and front screen door. It was nice back then lots of traffic.

[@Chefgator]

I grew up in Bluefield on the VA side, but my parents and both sides lived and some were born in McComas, Montcalm, Northfork, and Jenkin Jones, and my cousins lived in Matoka and Lashmeet. I thoroughly love the videos you two share, you do an awesome job. I'm in Florida now and don't get back home often but the memories you bring back almost always bring tears to my eyes, THANK YOU both from the bottom of my heart you two are the best. GOD BLESS and take care.👍🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤

[@markshrewsbury1848]

I grew up in Matoaka and graduated at Matoaka High School in 1975. I remember my class reunion in 1997 we had it in the old high school gym. My dad and cousins were coal miners and my uncle was the town barber in Matoaka. I remember it being a booming town when I was a young kid there in the 1960s. The biggest event was always anytime Matoaka high Indians had a basketball game. I was And IAM sad the town died out. I recently visited there in 2019 and 2021. My class of 1975 reunion is in August 2022 ... Wow.... 47 years ago!!! I will always have my memories from childhood living in Matoaka WV...ps good town for a zombie movie 😂

[@Whatsupbuddiebud]

Do you remember any family last name Tibbs? My grandparents are buried there. I never knew them as they died before I was born. I graduated in 1975 in Princeton

[@tiggers84]

Your Uncle cut my hair back in the 70's. Lemuel Shrewsbury was his name. He later became a church pastor & was the pastor of Athens Church of God in Athens, WB in the early 80's.

[@sandy89107]

Really like the old photos and the music was perfect 🥰

[@realappalachia]

thanks so much, Sandy

[@rachelc.5463]

Building that was set fire to was old Matoaka hotel. Only part of high school left is what was the gymnasium at one time. Blankenship's garage gas station was on the corner from the high school. At one time Matoaka had a Piggly Wiggly, A&P, drug store, post office a thriving town. Dr. Butt was the town doctor his office was located on residential street that you drove down. No appointments made first come first served. Dr. Harlow was there in the 1950s. A walk down memory lane. Thanks for making this video.

[@realappalachia]

Thanks so much for filling in that information, that really helps to visualize it in better days. Love hearing how towns operated back in their heyday

[@nancymichaels8854]

Thanks for this video. I was born in Matoaka , 70+ years ago. My grandfather had a grocery store/ gas station and home outside of town. I remember visiting and being scared by the miners who would stop by on their way home, still covered in coal dust.

[@willydiesel2081]

Did you know Ed Robinette Frances Robinette they were coal Miners they had children Shirley Wanda Ronnie Rodger Jim. All last name Robinette they were a coal mining family that lived in the mountains

[@ladonnahylton8768]

Matoaka was thriving when I was a child visiting my Grandparents on holidays and summer. I also went to kindergarten and part of first grade there. It was a safe haven for myself and my siblings. I know you can't tell now... but all of the houses were well cared for and beautiful back then. People took pride in what they had. My family attended the Pentecostal Church downtown. My grandparents were Ordie & Mae Repass Hylton. My dad Donald or Donnie Wayne grew up there as well. My grandparents home was deep in a holler cross the road right before Cecil's little store. When you were coming down the mountain you can see their house. Our time there was magical! I was there a few months ago and it broke my heart. I sure wished they would revive these little towns somehow. Thanks for the video:-)

[@realappalachia]

Thanks so much for sharing your memories

[@rachelc.5463]

@Ladonna Hylton...I remember going to school in 1960s at Lashmeet Elementary with Michael Hylton. Times back then was a lot safer for children and parents didn't have concerns about their children being out all day playing. Totally different for children in todays society.

[@mathewhephill8686]

Thanks again

[@BlpBud]

Thanks again for another peek into the past. Two things: i wish the ky, virginia and tennessee areas would make arson a much harsher sentence, we see too much of it. AND STAY on your soapbox and stay proud of our America and it’s heritage! Your pride of country shines throughout your videos.

[@realappalachia]

thanks so much, that was an awesome comment

[@JetSerNeen]

I agree. We lost our family home to arson. It is so interesting that people do that. I hope to come back one day and rebuild.

[@MattsScaleModels]

Absolutely fascinating and poignant. A glimpse into a world rich in history, thank you for sharing it. All the best from rural Australia.

[@karengormanh9292]

my dads fam was from there. we lived in Princeton. spent many many weekends and holidays in the white house on the hill! lots of great memories with my favorite aunt Jo

[@TenmaFN]

I spent a week there when I was 13 with my dad, I am now 49, it left a lasting impression. I have spent my life hoping to retire there, I have stopped in many times but I just could never find the road leading up to the house I stayed in on the mountain ridge. We stayed in a small house with a older couple and their two sons. We would wake up sit on the porch and watch the sun rise with the clouds in the valley... I loved it there.

[@Liz-t4e8m]

I would love to see a video of Watagua, TN, just outside of Elizabethton, TN. My mother-in-law was born in Watagua and grew up there. She passed away in 2016. I loved hearing her stories and learning about her Mother. Raising 8 children, working at the Rayon Factory, and keeping a huge garden and canning so they could eat. All before, during, and several years after the Great Depression, and a single parent. Divorced her husband because of his alcoholism and abuse. My mother-in-law was the youngest of the 8 children, born in 1932. She graduated high school, attended Johnson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing class of 1954, and married and had 4 children. My husband was her youngest. They lived in Florida when I met my husband and she had not been back to her hometown of Watagua. Thank you for your interesting drives and sharing Appalachia with us.

[@realappalachia]

Thank you so much. We are interested in getting to Watauga at some point because it also isnt too far from the infamous Copperhead Road.

[@chrishensley6745]

@@realappalachia You all were semi-close to Copperhead rd. when in Damascus va......it is a little side road not very long that they cant keep the road sign on!!!

[@robinhaupt9119]

Thank you Shane and Melody for a great video! I enjoy the old pictures too, nice addition.

[@realappalachia]

thank you, Robin!

[@ronbass8136]

Love you guys videos, keep em coming. Y'all do a great job honoring these places and the people who live there.

[@realappalachia]

Thanks so much, Ron

[@ernestwalker1232]

Graduated from Matoaka high school 1975. Went straight into the military after that.

[@AnnC....]

Love your video, Thank you

[@realappalachia]

Thank you, Ann

[@chubbawubba9801]

Great intro, very enjoyable as usual. Thank Y'all

[@realappalachia]

Thank you

[@keithbrianwilliams8039]

Excellent!

[@pambroderick4275]

Great little tour! My brother-in-law grew up in Matoaka. I’ll definitely be sharing this with him. Thanks!!

[@realappalachia]

Awesome, glad you enjoyed it :)

[@kennethmckinney2088]

I didn't grow up there,but my mom and sisters did. My brother in laws dad was the Chief of police there back in the day. When I was a kid there was 2 grocery stores,2 hardware/furniture stores,the building with the glass bricks was the Bluestone clinic. There was a drug store and a lumber yard. There was a Moose club and another bar. The area of grass with the picnic table use to be filled with buildings. All those houses on that one street was all nice at one time. As you went out town the first time,that brick building on the left was the town jail. There was a car wash and garage on the other end of town. I think after the closing of the high school,it was burnt by some punk kids. They stole school busses and other stuff. Matoaka always had the rough lookin buildings,but nothing like it is now. I grew up in Lashmeet.

[@realappalachia]

Man, it must've been a pretty happening place back in its day. Thank you for that information.

[@stovepipe1015]

WOW, very interesting, thank you. No disrespect intended, but aren't these impoverished areas being hit hard with an opiate epidemic? I live in Connecticut, and we're getting hit hard with fentanyl, people are overdosing at warp speed. It's killed more people than covid, but they choose not to talk about it. I'm 68 years old, the changes I've seen are not good at all, liberal policies have destroyed our culture, and our entire Country.

[@kennethmckinney2088]

@@realappalachia at one time I'd say it was. All coal towns were. I don't know what all else was there,but that's all I can remember. Y'all are doing a good job and a good service with these video's. Thanks.

[@kennethmckinney2088]

@@realappalachia also there was 2 churches,a gas station,lots of apartment buildings and an frozen custard stand. Like all coal towns,once the money dried up...the town did too.

[@TheRaghorn]

What custurd stand? I have been told a dozen times, from the experts on Matoaka that there was never a custurd stand there, althoug in my memory it was right at the corner of the school and the little road that went behind the school, that kids used to walk on from Corvins to the front of the school. So I guess you and me are the only 2 living that saw this place. LOL LOL..

[@bruinsfan8278]

Did anyone check out the where abouts of Earnest T. Bass, at the time of these Fires? Just a thought

[@realappalachia]

Haha! Good thinking!! - Melody

[@stovepipe1015]

Best Comment!

[@margaretblodgett6656]

Thank you for the tour.

[@christophermaggard9917]

Love your channel!🐕

[@realappalachia]

thanks so much, Christopher

[@randymillsjr.1730]

Proud to say I was for matoaka West Virginia. Sad to see it grow into a ghost town

[@willydiesel2081]

Did you know the Robinette family Ed Robinette Frances Robinette Shirley Wanda Jim Roger Ronnie where the children

[@OnkelPHMagee]

The Methodist church at 5:54 was my mother's family's church home for many years. Mom was born in Weyanoke, and the family later moved to Hiawatha. She taught at Matoaka high school from 1947 to 1955. Matoaka in its good days was the "anchor" for a lot of coal camps in the area-Arista, Dott, Springton, etc.

[@stovepipe1015]

Very interesting, thanks.

[@realappalachia]

That makes perfect sense, thanks for clearing it up for me

[@tiggers84]

When ya went over the little bridge & up the hill & where you turned around at on the left that was the Presbyterian Church.

[@thomastommy1192]

Another great video thanks for sharing. Thumbs up to this video. I've never heard of this town. It's great to learn new things. Stay well & safe out there.

[@realappalachia]

Thanks so much Thomas

[@stevensmith3087]

your videos are highly appreciated in Würzburg, Bavaria, Germany. i enjoy watching yout clips and your accent. Best of luck !

[@realappalachia]

Thanks so much, Steven, great to hear from you in Germany

[@chelseagomez9694]

With what is going on in Matoaka now, I appreciate this video more than ever. Truly heart breaking!!

[@realappalachia]

Sorry to hear that

[@B-and-O-Operator-Fairmont]

I have been enjoying your looks at the past in the present day. My angle is the railroads, and I thought I would pass along that Matoaka was as you stated originally on the Virginian Railway. Then Virginian merged with Norfolk and Western in 1959. I researched some on-line employee timetables and found a 1968 edition (N&W Pocahontas Region, New River Division #2 effective September 22, 1968) showing Matoaka on the Princeton District. A 2008 Norfolk Southern employee timetable (probably still in effect today) has Matoaka on the Princeton-Deepwater District. By 1968 the line was under centralized control of the dispatcher, although there was a notation of "MX" which may have been a signal tower handling the end of double track prior to "Centralized Traffic Control". Judging from appearances of the hillside right-of-way at 9:40 it is a well-kept heavy-duty line. It is not really correct to say Matoaka is a terminus of the railroad (that denotes an endpoint) since it is roughly an eighth of the way up the 94-mile line between Princeton and Deepwater. Keep preserving as much of this as you can; so many of the smaller coal camps in northern West Virginia are essentially gone now.

[@realappalachia]

Thank you for the info, I've noticed how quickly these coal camps are disappearing nowadays across the board. Sad to see.

[@Julie-ms9ss]

Are you guys saving up all your bloopers to make a whole video of them ? This is a neat little town. I wonder what it’d be like to live in a place with such a small population ? I also wonder why the houses are so close to the road ? You could mow your yard with scissors. Thanks for showing us another neat place.

[@realappalachia]

yeah, we talked about sharing some of them because several of them get pretty bad lol

[@maryblevins2438]

I've lived there, it's sad. The people that stay struggle and it's over run with drugs. There are people that live close that don't even have access to water.

[@johnperdue2327]

Another great video thank you guys so much!!! I drive a bus in matoaka and surrounding areas but don't live there...it's great seeing the old pics and hearing the stories of how it used to be.

[@realappalachia]

Thank you, John! That’s very cool you drive a bus there. We loved visiting the area and it’s rich history and lovely people! - Melody

[@jordanshupe6990]

I grew up in Matoaka from the age of 2- to about about 11. I moved probably 1999 or 2000. I am 36 now. I can remember riding my bike up and down all the streets. All day long it felt like. I went back in 2014 when Matoaka had the fire. It was devastating. So sad to see how run down it is now.

[@tribecca626]

Keeping it real, girl ! Love you Melody . Thank you for sharing this great video, Shane & Melody. ⛰️🌄🤗

[@realappalachia]

That's right!! Thank you - Melody

[@JW-xn3gk]

Just watched a couple of your videos, I think y'all are doing great! I'm all signed up and ready for more... Thanks...

[@realappalachia]

Thank ya so much, JW

[@kesmarn]

I really appreciate the way that you both are committed to showing the Real Appalachia -- including the parts that may be tragic or difficult to see. That shows a good deal of respect for your audience and for the area that you are so rightfully proud of. If we wanted to see a sort of "Disney" version of the area, or a slick "come spend your tourist dollars" film, we could go that route. But Shane and Melody, you are more in the line of true journalists and historians who have a mission to present the truth. Especially appreciated the historical photos at the beginning of the video. Thanks so much.

[@rotavarp]

Well stated

[@realappalachia]

Thank you, that's very kind of you. It is a tricky balance sometimes because some folks are pretty sensitive but reality is reality.

[@kesmarn]

@@rotavarp Thank you!

[@kesmarn]

@@realappalachia That's what makes people love your channel. You both have warm hearts, but you also believe in straight talk. 💗

[@realappalachia]

@@kesmarn that's what we strive for, thank you so much

[@jessemcclanahan9712]

Thank y’all so much old towns going Away breaks my heart when my invention takes off I’ll move the headquarters there and rebuild!!!!! Back to the point y’all are awsome

[@realappalachia]

thanks so much, Jesse

[@russelltilley6308]

I grew up in Matroska lived there from 1958 to 1970 .my mom, brother and sister stayed till the mid 90's I noticed the old N&W caboose was gone the street you drove down with the burned down house and the Medodist church was called Easy Street and you were going the wrong way it was a one way street when I was growing up there I lived in the house on the corner of easy street I think it is now named Mercer St

[@realappalachia]

uh oh, i have a bad habit of going the wrong way down streets lol. Thanks for the info.

[@rachelc.5463]

@Russell Tilley...Street with run down houses was where Dr. Butt family doctor had his office inside his home. He made a point of getting to know his patients and their families. No appointment needed first come first served.

[@willydiesel2081]

Did you know the Robinette family Ed and Frances Robinette had children Shirley Wanda Ron Rodger Jim

[@richarddillon7856]

Thanks for your video on matoaca haven't been back there at least 20 years , I remember when I was a six or seven-year-old boy with my grandfather and watching him blow coal from his coal mine on the strip mine above his house . Then loading it on the homemade wooden sled he had made and wrapping huge logging chains on the runners of the sled so it wouldn't run over the mule on the trip down the mountain , Kate Grandpa's mule was pulling it straight down the mountain I'm riding in the back my grandfather in front with a whip and the mule hauling ass so the sled wouldn't run over his heels .a drop off straight down to the one side and a Clift up on the other that was just another day with Grandpa 55 years ago.

[@Whatsupbuddiebud]

My family that I never met was born and buried there. Last name Tibbs. Wish I could find out more about them. I don't even have pictures

[@w.d.6722]

Fantastic channel! I grew up in east TN but moved away 20 years ago. After discovering your channel two days ago, I've watched about 10 videos so far. I really like how you are interested in the history and culture of all these places. I have a feeling I'll be watching so many of your videos the rest of my family is going to go crazy.

[@realappalachia]

Thank you so much!!! Hopefully your family will get interested too! Haha We’re glad to have you aboard with us! -Melody

[@barbaracline305]

Thank you for sharing and preserving the history of The Appalachian area. I love learning some of the history of the area where I grew up.

[@realappalachia]

Glad you like it, Barbara, thank you

[@seasonandsprout2213]

thanks for the tour shane and melody! i really liked how you opened up with those pictures. melody - i have the same setiments about these little towns. once the coal industry moved out, it seemed to have left our little towns in nothin but bits.. im so proud to be an American and Appalachian and unfortunately, i dont think the government gives a rats hine den about us Appalachians until we have something they want. i pray us Appalachians can figure it on our own, free from the government apron strings. Were a tough bunch and with wisdom and prayer, i think, some day, well see the life put back into these beautiful towns.

[@realappalachia]

Thank you! I totally agree! I would love to see us build back on our own and get some industry and attractions here. I hope we can before too many beautiful buildings are destroyed. - Melody

[@deborahkoller9463]

Thank you so very much!!!❤ I grew up with my Granny in Piedmont Hollar there and knew the Blankenships from there. My Uncles Ray and Bernard Ashby had their cars fixed at Blankenships' gas we station back then!! 🤗❤

[@realappalachia]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Whatsupbuddiebud]

What years?

[@deborahkoller9463]

@@Whatsupbuddiebud 1957 thru 1964 at least.....I lived with Granny, Maud Ashby

[@deborahkoller9463]

L .

[@Whatsupbuddiebud]

@@deborahkoller9463 thanks for responding...I was born in 1957 in Princeton. My family in Matoaka last name was Tibbs. My grandparents are buried there. They died before I was born and my parents never made any effort to visit anyone so I lost out. I am doing my family tree. Wish I could find photos and more

[@normaclemins4134]

Thank nfor showing

[@Rbs35405]

Enjoyed ❤

[@cayman6653]

I was born in Matoaka 1938. Remember going to the only movie. My mother, aunt & 7 uncles were also born there.

[@Whatsupbuddiebud]

My mother was born here. Her mother died young in 1934. Did you know any Tibbs? I never got to know any of them as my parents refused to visit them though we lived in Princeton. I was only over there once or twice in the 60s to visit their graves and someone in the family that has been kicked by a horse and was bedridden. Our whole generation was dysfunctional

[@GoodbyeKamala2024]

What a great trip. We get down to that area from time to time. My dear sweet mother in law is from Montcalm, just down the road. I love the whole area and always look forward to any trips down there. Thanks for taking us along. 👍👍👏👏 Blessings from Ohio.😊🙏🙏 This is Gene, Im still hanging out in the shadows, I just have a different handle now lol.😉

[@realappalachia]

So good to hear from you, Gene. Hope you’re doing well

[@GoodbyeKamala2024]

@@realappalachia Thank you, we are and I pray you all are doing well also. God bless you both.🙏🙏

[@realappalachia]

@@GoodbyeKamala2024 God bless you too

[@judypierce7028]

Thank you Shane and Melody for another wonderful video of WV. I am unsure if I have been to Matoaka, but I know it is close to Princeton. From your video, it is a neat little town that is not booming as it did in earlier days. Many small towns in WV and VA have only one school that houses elementary, middle and high school.

[@realappalachia]

Very true

[@rachelc.5463]

@Judy Pierce...Matoaka High was 7th through 12th grades. I attended Matoaka 1966-67 school year there wasn't even a school cafeteria at the time and majority of students spread out during lunch to as I recall a couple of restaurants in town or other places to eat lunch even school gymnasium. My friends and I ate lunch in Piggly Wiggly grocery store standing at a grocery shelf. Matoaka High students kept Matoaka going for decades.

[@judypierce7028]

@@rachelc.5463 It looks like a really neat place to grow up.

[@johnlane6275]

Love your trips in WVa.

[@realappalachia]

Thank you

[@bradlane3662]

I hate to see these old towns die! I was actually still servicing several accounts right there in the little downtown section of Matoaka from '87 to '92, including a pharmacy. They even had a up and running Moose lodge at that time. Thanks for another good one guys!

[@realappalachia]

It pains us to see them too. So many of these towns have seemed to drop off pretty quickly.

[@johnmarshall8021]

This is a town on SR 10 towards Princeton and also towards the mountains and to Mullens …. Headed to Pineville

[@TedLee-e8k]

Thank you all for the memories😂

[@lorraineeagle4009]

Melanie I completely agree with you. I live in Clarksburg and grew up in a little town just outside of it called Lost Creek. Clarksburg was a booming Railroad town. We have a lot of history in this town. Mainly the birth place of Stonewall Jackson. The government should and could help revitalize our small town if they would. If you are ever in North Central area you should really stop by. Love your videos.God Bless

[@tiggers84]

At 9:26 straight ahead was where the main grocery store was. At 9:32 if I recall correctly, on the left was a small bank. Used to go there & cash Grandma's Social Security check for her.

[@realappalachia]

Thanks for that information, helps fill in the blanks

[@stullsanders6774]

A nice surprise to see a video on Matoaka WV. My mom's family, the Hartwells, lived and worked in that area. My memories would mostly be from the 70s and early 80s. I remember shopping with my parents and eating at a grill in my earliest memories of Matoaka, but there has been a big decline from then to now it seems. I look forward to checking out your other videos.

[@realappalachia]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting

[@shawnshrader4987]

I grew up in weyanoke it's 2miles out of matoaka but I went to grade school in matoaka the old bank building was a restaurant back in the old days it was called Shucks my great-uncle and aunt owned it for many years up until they retired.

[@realappalachia]

Very cool! It’s a beautiful building!

[@TedLee-e8k]

I lived in hiwiatha the lees graduate i. 1975. Played 🏀 basketball for the the year we went up state. A great time😂😂

[@DoloresZawadzki]

I went to Matoaka about 8 months ago and it is even sadder now.my grandparents settled in Matoaka when they came from Italy. Of course, grandpa and his friends all worked in the coal mines. My grandpa eventually ran the grocery store on Barger. If anyone has any info about the grocery store, I would love to hear about it.

[@anitajounderwood8973]

I was born and raised here, the town really went downhill, idk seems like everyone gave up on it ppl moved away and what was left was really ppl that couldn't get away because of they're money situation, sad to say drugs then took over they started taking the copper wire out of the buildings, which caused most of the uildings to burn down its sad but they're right now tearing down all the buildings that burned, I loved our little town, and still do its just so sad to see it this way, ty so much for visiting ! Godbless you two

[@Whatsupbuddiebud]

What years?

[@tiggers84]

Our grandmother lived in Matoaka from 1963 until 1987 or 1988

[@carolynbobyk3514]

Hey guys- I wanted to say I really like your videos'. I was born in Baltimore Maryland, moved to Orlando Florida when I was 9 yrs old, moved to Oahu Hawaii when I was 20 yrs old and moved to BC Canada Vancouver area in 1990. I had a relative that worked in the coal mines and lived in West Virginia. I believe he dies of black lung... anyway I love you both and wanted to tell you that. :)

[@realappalachia]

That made our day, Carolyn. It sounds like you've led a most interesting life

[@carolynbobyk3514]

@@realappalachia yes it has been interesting for sure :) Love ya and have a great day :)

[@biggjimjones8381]

I went back in 2019 to do family genealogy over in Springton. Travelling through Matoaka and seeing Barger Street now broke my heart. Hard to believe how the town has become nearly 40 years after I left Princeton.

[@realappalachia]

Yes, I've heard of Matoaka all my life and was sad to see how much it has dropped off. I hope and pray for better days for those folks.

[@christinaanderson2774]

My favorite thing to do is take car rides to small towns and explore, shop and eat.... I LOVE my WEST VIRGINIA!!!

[@realappalachia]

it is such a fun thing to do

[@dancrofford927]

Its always so cool seeing all this old stuff , if you donate food do your shopping at aldis because the pricing is awesome

[@realappalachia]

Good tip

[@ameebrewster9984]

I grew up there when it was nice looking and nice people. I remember being a kid running the streets and our parents didn't mind because you could trust them. But now days.

[@talldude5841]

Its so sad what is happening to these historic small towns. I guess our government don't care about this anymore. Mother nature will now take over and eventually return it to its original place. Great video you two. Makes you want to think where we went wrong.

[@realappalachia]

Very sad to think about, they seem to be disappearing a little bit every day

[@robertwiley7744]

My dads hometown. Wayne Wiley.

[@d0nproffitt216]

I watched this video and l thought of some lyrics from a song .Long ago but but not so long ago the world was different oh yes it was😔

[@realappalachia]

great stuff!

[@therocknroller184]

Fun fact, that ATV lodge that can be seen at 3:40 has since been torn down and more buildings are planned to be torn down due to safety hazards.

[@willydiesel2081]

My mom grew up there. Her father was a coal miner

[@TedLee-e8k]

Thanks yall😂😂

[@whitebeardskydaddy6756]

Love it guys. Wanna hear my Matoaka memories? What can we say? It's a hole in the wall, drive on through kind of little town. No gas stations, convenience stores, or really much of anything. Well, I had a low opinion of the it, but it had little to do with the town really. I got a speeding ticket there once, but I wasn't speeding. I drove through there on Rt10 regularly back in the late eighties. I suspected something was up because the ticket never appeared on my driving record. The mayor at the time, police chief, and two or three other "city officials" decided that the State of West Virginia didn't need to be included in the city's business. Plus, they decided to set up a couple of unavoidable speed traps to get the cash flowing. I was living just over in Virginia, and my brother noticed a story about Matoaka in the paper. They were splitting and pocketing the city funds on a regular basis, including any ticket payments. They came to seriously regret the decision eventually because they got caught. Of course they got caught! Like the State wouldn't notice. No grudge. That little town is part of home. I searched a bit for any lingering record of that time, but hey, that was quite awhile back. No dice. Safe journeys guys.

[@petegregory517]

Ukraine needs the money more than these towns. Potato said so.

[@tomnohmy1273]

U know a couple is close when there looks are similar.

[@JanetWilham]

please keep your windows clean also give the route these towns are on..thanks.

[@keithtimmons378]

Looked like it was a nice community at one time. It wouldn’t hurt for some federal money to be spent if for nothing else but to remove all of the dilapidated structures that, as Melody pointed out, constitute a safety hazard. These communities who’s better days are behind them are located in some beautiful country. Safe travels!

[@realappalachia]

Very very true

[@MsPrincessBlonde]

The houses were in great shape, even 10 years ago. Loss of coal mining jobs caused the decay. Many live with grandpa, mom & dad, & grown grandchildren.

[@MsPrincessBlonde]

I grew up around here. Graduated at Matoaka High in the town in 1981. Easy street is now a mess. It was where the most prominent & richer ppl lived. Yes, rich ppl lived here in the 70's.

[@MsPrincessBlonde]

Thanks for the memories

[@MsPrincessBlonde]

The ATV Lodge was formerly the Moose. A bar in the bottom. Dance hall/ meetings in the top.

[@MsPrincessBlonde]

The corner building was a Bank, In the 70's it was a restaurant called Shuck's.

[@MsPrincessBlonde]

The large church they turned around at, was Matoaka Christian Church

[@cathymidkiff8905]

The locality of Matoaka was settled by Council Walker, father of C. W.J. Walker, who was the first white child to be born in this vicinity in the year 1857. These are my ancestors, my, great-great grandfather and my great grandfather.

[@Whatsupbuddiebud]

My family they Tibbs was also here from around 1900 to 1953. Not sure if any descendants are still there. My grandparents are buried there

[@marylthompson9]

Where are you from.

[@realappalachia]

We’re both from the southwestern part of Virginia! He’s from Tazewell county and I’m from Russell. - Melody

[@samanthachurch3403]

My family is from Matoaka

[@Whatsupbuddiebud]

Mine also was there from around 1900 to 1953. Not sure if any family is still there named Tibbs

[@TedLee-e8k]

My home town 😂😂

[@jimpeck6437]

Just FYI there’s a Matoaca in Chesterfield county Virginia…spelled with a C instead of a K and here they pronounce all three A’s

[@realappalachia]

Now that adds to the confusion

[@cathymidkiff8905]

The Name Matoaka, is Indian, and was applied to this settlement because history records that Matoaka was the mother of Pocahontas. This being part of the great Pocahontas Coal field, hence the appropriateness of the name. Thanks for this video

[@carolynbobyk3514]

I agree with you with how the US govt... would be wise to send funding to these towns... I agree

[@realappalachia]

Very true

[@authorgalahad]

the people who live there now how far do they have to drive to get to a gas station and a grocery store

[@rachelc.5463]

@Flashback Charisma Channel...Around 5 or 10 minute drive to Lashmeet there are two roadside markets that have gas pumps. Half an hour drive to Princeton for any major shopping.

[@authorgalahad]

@@rachelc.5463 thank you

[@vegwell]

Once we have consistent good broadband throughout the state we will see a lot growth in WV. In fact, 20 years from now we might not be able to recognize this place,

[@Whatsupbuddiebud]

With the mountains phone and others services will be hard IMO

[@roberthicks5704]

Another interesting trip to a once thriving little town. As I've watched many of your videos this question always comes to my mind...... Who actually owns these properties these days? Do individuals own it? Did it become properties of the state of West Virginia? As I understand it I assume that everything was owned by the coal companies back in the day so I'm assuming they rented to their employees? Just curious.

[@realappalachia]

It somewhat depends on the place so there's not an easy answer. In this town of Matoaka the commercial buildings are normally owned by individuals. For the most part, when a company went out of business or left a town they would let individuals buy their homes and would sell the other buildings.

[@roberthicks5704]

@@realappalachia okay. I've just always wondered as I've watched your vids what happened to the properties when the coal companies left town. Makes sense that they would offer to sell them to their employees. Thanks for the reply again. Be safe. Looking forward to more adventures with y'all.

[@rawdawgg_]

Sad to see these American towns like this.. we need to keep jobs here in America instead of sending jobs overseas

[@Whatsupbuddiebud]

My moms birthplace and some family buried there

[@michaelgarrity6090]

Got to say, this is kind of depressing to see how this town has fallen on such truly hard times. It's so bad off, they cannot even tear down the places that got burned out what was probably a long time ago. You have to feel sorry for those that are still living here. Not much at all to look forward to in life for these folks. Seeing this sort of economic devastation, it's no wonder such places have such a high rate of drug addiction. Hate to be so negative, but just my honest feelings about this place and the sad reality of such places as this one.

[@realappalachia]

Wish I could say you're wrong but I cant. No question that living in a bleak area in a state of decline has a huge impact on drug addiction issues.

[@walterlangston4484]

stick 3 lol

[@danalynch8889]

My family had its ancestry traced back to John Rolfe and Matoaka. Unfortunately a step-brother broke into my trailer I living in at the time and stolen my Thompson Chain Bible and burnt most of the ancestry papers for no reason. I had no proof or otherwise I would have called the police. My trailer was in a field and his next to mine. He has been nothing but trouble.

[@realappalachia]

I've had a family member do the same to me, such an awful feeling of violation

[@Whatsupbuddiebud]

Same crazy in my family. All from Matoaka, Princeton etc. Glad I left WV and never looked back thiugh its such a beautiful state

[@stovepipe1015]

I sure do miss President Trump, a President that gave us peace & prosperity, loved our beloved Country, and it's people. He tried very hard to revitalize our industries, manufacturing, our agriculture, and lifted a ton of communist regulations. Just a fraction of our hard earned tax dollars that's being squandered to Ukraine, could be a well deserved shot in the arm for American communities like this one. We are being gutted by design folks, I hate to think about it, but we are in big big trouble. Thank you for the video.

[@stovepipe1015]

I can see that a Conservative President isn't to popular on this Channel, how's our Country doing under these progressive liberals? While they steal Trillions from our Great Grandchildren.

[@realappalachia]

Has absolutely nothing to do with President Trump, we dont do politics on this channel. It is an escape from all the drama in the world.

[@stovepipe1015]

@@realappalachia I understand, and I respect you for not censoring my Comment. But I'm sure that you're aware, that every spec of blight that you show, is due to sleazy politicians outsourcing our industries for a pound of silver. So when tears run down my face while watching, they are all I think of, the root cause. I also respect you're hard work in preserving this heartbreaking history of our beloved America. Once I see a Like from you, I'll know you read this, then I'll delete my original Comment and Replies, thanks again to both of you.

[@TheRaghorn]

Are you really that stupid?? Every year the US buget contains billions of dollars for the military. Now not one dime of that money can ever be spent on roads schools or anything else except for anything the military thinks is in the best interst of the safety of the US. Are you following me so far? Now when the debt ceiling is passed, the entire amount is from taxpayers, that would also include the millions of dollars of cash that Obama gave Iran in the middle of the night. That cash did not raise you taxes one penny higher. So, now the US decides thatn helping Ukraine is in the best interest of the US so money is ALLOCATED to them. That doesnt mean it goes in one lump sum and never will. So far, per government records ONLY 27% allocated to Ukraine has been Delivered, and Some will never be delivered or did you forget about the 1.4 Billion that the mighty TRUMP allocated for Ukraine to make himself look good, but then never signed the papers to have the military aid sent to Ukraine. Ukraine didnt get a dime of that money when Trump was in office and that is a fact. I didnt hear you complaining back then about the war in Ukraine raising your taxes. I guess the reason is you failed some classes in school and decided being a moron was the path you would walk.

[@Whatsupbuddiebud]

​@@realappalachiayet you was nasty in your response. All you had to say was NO POLITICS PLEASE

[@SpaceYourFace]

Needle bangers....and needle bangers.🤷‍♂️

[@bertcandee3188]

Very sad ... that place is depressed and depressing.