The Most Incredible Coal Company Store You'll Ever See: Itmann, West Virginia

[@terrikennedy2004]

Growing up, I lived behind that company store. My grandmother worked on the “dry goods” side..the women’s side. My grandaddy worked in the mines. I have so many fond memories of the company store. The school bus would drop us off at the foot of the path. I’d go check in with my grandmother, get a can of chicken noodle soup, then hop the wall behind the store and go up the path to the house. Also spent a lot of time playing on the elevator. The post office was at the other end of the breezeway before the homeless shelter was put in. So sad to see the current condition of this building.

[@realappalachia]

We both loved reading this comment so much! We love the memories these places hold. Thank you so much for sharing. I almost felt like I was there back in that time. We just loved it here. - Melody

[@heatherfulmore3412]

The company store was the only store in that neighborhood? At least it had high quality goods.

[@roberthicks5704]

Hey again Shane and Melody. These videos make me want to come to West Virginia so bad. I know that I told you in an earlier message that I live in North Mississippi and had no ideas that towns like these existed. I continue to be amazed at the beautiful buildings and scenery that y'all show and tell in detail the history of the towns. I can't begin to imagine how busy these places were back in the day. Thanks for what you do guys. Please continue to educate us on a very important part of our country's history.

[@realappalachia]

thanks so much for the kind words, Robert, we are really happy that they register with you. We appreciate you taking the time to write the comment.

[@kareinacook523]

Thank you so much for the video. Brought back a lot of great memories. The two gentlemen that you talked with are my uncles. I lived behind the company store fir 22 years. My brother still lives in the house we grew up in. I can remember going to the company store after school and getting candy and a coke. Again, thanks for the video of my little hometown. ❤️

[@realappalachia]

Thanks for sharing your memories with us. Allen and Ray are some fine fellas so you come from a good family, meeting them was a highlight of our trip.

[@chubbawubba9801]

I sure wish all contractors and builders, used the same craftsmanship and just pride as our fore fathers did. Great architecture for what they needed and well built. Thanks

[@dirtydan2007]

My grandmother worked there when it was a homeless shelter in the 90's. I remember exploring this building when I was younger and had a blast. I'd love to explore it again.

[@ladyk6829]

They're having a haunted house in it this year for Halloween!

[@judya.shroads8245]

You have shown me more of West Virginia than I will ever get to see. I was born, raised and live here, in this lovely state. Thank you. BLESSINGS

[@realappalachia]

That is quite a compliment, thank you so much

[@randomvintagefilm273]

I LOVE it when you find some ol' timers to talk too 😊

[@realappalachia]

We do too

[@johnbaumgartner7731]

Thank you for sharing this. My wife and I watched it and her and her family used to live up above the Company Store back when it was still open. She has fond memories of the place and used to roller skate around on the Bridge portion between the two sections. Sad to see it in it's current condition.

[@smartass6071]

When I drive I have always wondered about all the old buildings and what they were and who lived there and what they did for a living. Old houses and building all have a story. Love your channel. Thank you for showing old towns and building. So much history.

[@realappalachia]

we talk about some of those things while we are driving home...thank you

[@Julie-ms9ss]

Wow 😮. You guys knocked it out of the park on this one. What a neat building. I’m glad you found some local guys who remembered a lot about the place. It’s like having tour guides. That would have taken such a lot of work to build it ! There have got to be spirits still there. Melody, did you get any eerie feelings anyplace in there ? Great job, guys .AND melody, your shirt is so cute. 💕

[@jameswithrow3666]

Good job love watching nice video

[@realappalachia]

Thank you, Julie!! It was definitely eerie in spots. Especially the left side of the building that was used as a homeless shelter later on. It was a lot colder on that side and I got a very weird picture! Those gentlemen spoke of a scary picture someone got on the right side too though! They definitely were a great asset to this trip and video!! Thank you so much again!! - Melody

[@dlmullins9054]

I really like this one. The building was amazing. I hope it is restored and made into a museum or something. Thanks!

[@realappalachia]

We sure hope so too, thank you!

[@LKH-mm2ls]

Awww does this make me home sick. I grew up a mile or so from there. Went by that ole co store many many times on my way to Mullens. It is so sad seeing it the shape it’s in now. I was in there a few times as a lil kid, before it closed. Even now the rare times I get back Don there, I drive slow as I go by ..the structure it’s indeed a beauty 💕 Glad you all went there and looked around. Thanks for this vid.

[@debbieepperly3821]

That was AWESOME! I love old buildings & getting to see inside them! You two are amazingly brave & those two gentlemen were precious! Loved this! Stay safe & blessings from VA!

[@realappalachia]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you so much

[@SaraGomez-iu8oo]

One of my favorite places on earth. My dad is a West Virginia native, he grew up on Bud Mountain. My aunt lived on 2nd Hill St and I spent loads of time at the Company Store growing up. Picking up the mail, getting some candy and running around the grounds. It is such a beautiful building, even in its state of semi-arrested decay. I live in California now, but I still love visiting the store and roaming around the grounds. It always brings back happy memories of my childhood. Thanks for the awesome video!!

[@sandy89107]

What a gorgeous stone building and I liked the breezeway with all the benches. That area must have had a lot of socializing there ☺️

[@lisaj3522]

My mother and her sister would roller skate in that area in the late 40s

[@Jesse-kd2jf]

I sat many many times on those benches.

[@kevinneal3488]

My grandfather lived across the street. Wiley Bowling was a Forman in the mines. I use to play on the steps of that store... Thanks for the memories..

[@StonesAndSand]

Thank you for bringing us along with you on the wonderful adventure.

[@trixier6505]

Good to see the town and the remains of the company store. I can just imagine the excitement at Christmas with kids gazing longingly at all the toys. I would have been a child back then. Thank you.

[@realappalachia]

i bet those would have made for some great memories

[@deirdrepasko9965]

I would have explored every inch of that place. That's a nice little town, I loved it. Those gentlemen were so sweet too, for talking with you. My heart dropped though when the taller one got tears in his eyes when he was saw what the place looks like now. Great video, thank you!

[@realappalachia]

Glass you enjoyed it, Deirdre, it was one of our favorite stops so far

[@tonimactavish9937]

Abandoned buildings are so fascinating but there is always a sense of sadness.

[@realappalachia]

So very true

[@Linda-gi8pr]

Omgosh !!!!!! HOW BEAUTIFUL !!! SOMEONE SAVE THIS MASTERPIECE !!!! I think you need to talk/interview the locals more often !

[@realappalachia]

Yes, we love meeting locals as often as possible.

[@deancampbell3553]

Boy do I remember that place we drove by that place every weekend going to Lamar to be with my grandparents Thank you guys and Shane you looking good so go ahead and keep your beard after showing me the old company store.. but seriously I like to kid around. Thank both of you for all these places you bring back to Mind.I was 8 years old the 1st and only time I was in that building..thank you ❤❤ both

[@realappalachia]

Thank you so much, Dean

[@wythetrumpet6419]

Wonderful video! I remember going in this store as a kid with my Dad! The stone craftsman were incredible! Thank you for the great video!

[@realappalachia]

I bet it was an amazing place to see in its day

[@robinhaupt9119]

I enjoy all your visits but this one was really cool. Thank you Shane and Melody!

[@realappalachia]

Thank you, we got a little something extra out of this one too

[@robinhaupt9119]

@@realappalachia I'm watching the whole thing again to make sure I saw all the cool stuff. Thank you!

[@WilliamMcAlister-f9b]

Thanks so much for this video. It brought back a lot of childhood memories. I went to first grade in the school you passed by. It accommodated first through sixth grade. After the sixth grade students went to Mullens. I had my immunizations by the company doctor in the office across the street from the company store, so many years ago.

[@realappalachia]

So glad you enjoyed seeing it!

[@ogamhunter]

Thank you Shane and Melody, for making a video of this building. It is a huge part in our WV. History and for our little county. My prayers is that this gets out there, to where someone might see it and have an idea on saving this beautiful building. It would make a great hotel, for the Hatfield and MCoy Trails! God Bless, (Glen).

[@realappalachia]

it would be amazing if someone would come and save this jewel of a building

[@heatherfulmore3412]

They should turn part of it into a museum. I don't really like spooky buildings. The creeking doors are nerve-wracking. I can understand why it's not a homeless shelter anymore.

[@judypierce7028]

WOW! I am so proud that you visited the same area that John F. Kennedy visited way back in the 1960s. I believe he had a photograph made wearing a coal miner's helmet that appeared on the cover of Life magazine. He was running for State Treasurer at the time. Itmann is quite an interesting place in WV. Please know that Wyoming County is the LEAST populated section of WV. It is a literal wilderness. Pocahontas County is also a literal wilderness. I am so proud that a couple would be so interested in the historic sites in WV. Most people that I have met while living in VA and TN believe WVirginians are ignorant for the most part. Thank you both ever so much for taking interest in such a beautiful state with very loving people. Although I live in Kentucky now due to a teaching position, my heart will always remain in WV. You may wonder how I know to much about WV. My ancestors were early settlers in what is now Dunbar where I was born and raised. I taught in Kanawha County Schools and was a county reading specialist in Monongahela County (Morgantown). In the 1980s I was the State Program Coordinator for Reading/Language Arts and Social Studies; therefore, I traveled the entire State of WV. So, in my travels I drove up such hollers as Cigarette and many other thirdary roads. Again, thank you for your interest in WV. Please keep up with the wonderful job that you are doing educating people about WV.

[@realappalachia]

I didn't realize Wyoming County was so lightly populated but there's some beautiful land there. In our travels, it seems like people are pretty much the same everywhere - good and bad, just depending on where you look for them. We have met some wonderful and unforgettable people in West Virginia, really makes our trip to talk with these folks. We accidentally drove through Dunbar a few months back and were totally unprepared but it looked like a good place to be from. Thank you as always, Judy.

[@judypierce7028]

@@realappalachia Thank you. I love you both for what you are doing.

[@judypierce7028]

Sometimes I believe my brain has gone south for the winter. I reread my comment on John F. Kennedy and did not complete what I was trying to share. In addition, I gave you some incorrect information. JF Kennedy did visit Itman along with a few other coal mining towns when he was running for President of the United States. His photograph was taken for the local newspapers, not Life Magazine. He returned to Charleston, WV on June 20, 1963 as the guest speaker at the 100th birthday of the State. Now, John D. Rockefeller came to WV about 1965-66 and also visited several coal mining towns. He did have his picture taken wearing a coal miner's helmet for Life Magazine. I am so sorry for the misinformation, but sometimes my fingers work before my brain.

[@carlloar3619]

That was really great that those local gentleman. Stop and told u and us about the store

[@realappalachia]

Those fellas were a couple of great guys we were fortunate

[@lazarusmesserian8186]

Wow! You knocked it out of the park with this episode. What a magnificent structure. Those old company stores were the lifeblood of the coal camps back in the old days. The husband of my 6th grade teacher ran a company store for Island Creek back in the good times. The husband of my Sunday School teacher ran one for Collier Coal and my wife's dad later was in charge of the Red Jacket company store. As I recall, they all had quality merchandise. I do remember those 10 cent movies.

[@realappalachia]

Thanks so much, Lazarus, we love those company stores - so many warm memories inside of them

[@TexasGalOnTheHill]

That was so cool. The two old guys made it even more enjoyable with their stories. I'm a new subscriber now!

[@realappalachia]

Thanks so much, those fellas were great

[@bmask4731]

Stumbled across this bldg today, and grew up in nearby county. Approx an hour and a half away. Have traveled all around it, on both ends, but never came all the way through until today. Hidden beauty. Found this video researching the bldg. I knew from the front of the bldg it had to be a company store originally. Especially for this area. Thx for sharing the info.

[@realappalachia]

Glad you enjoyed, it is truly a marvel

[@frankbullit90]

One of your best videos ! A big fan of you guys and what you do. The interview and conversations you had with the locals made this an outstanding experience. Itmann is on my list to explore and thank you both for turning me into a fan of old Coal mining and railroad towns of Virginia and West Virginia

[@realappalachia]

Thanks so much, we were really happy they agreed to be on camera. They were great guys. Itmann and that whole Wyoming County area is full of great things to see.

[@FixIt1975]

Very cool. That building deserves to be saved

[@flu4pdmt]

This was an excellent video. Terri Kennedy, who made a previous comment, is my sister and I can agree about the fond memories this place has with me. Like she said, our grandmother worked in Dry Goods. There’s a term you never hear anymore. Like Allen was saying about Christmas, it was awesome to see it with all the toys up on the shelf to the right when you walked inside. The part about women going to NYC I didn’t know; that was very interesting. It’s a massive piece of architecture for sure and so sad to see what is has become. Sadly, the amount of money that it would take to bring it back to life would be mind boggling. The breezeway between the two buildings is where I learned to roller skate. Such an awesome video as you touched parts of the buildings I’ve never seen before. Along with the post office, I can remember being told there was also a doctors office. It truly was it’s own contained city. Keep up the good work :-).

[@realappalachia]

How funny, I heard someone say "dry goods" the other day and it struck me how long it had been since someone called it that. I am so glad you enjoyed it and it makes my day to read a comment with memories like those, looks like a fantastic place to learn to roller skate...as long as you don't go over the ledge lol. Thanks so much!

[@stevenhiter916]

Drove thru there yesterday,didn't know what I was looking at, thanks for the video!

[@stevenhiter916]

It has a for sale sign on it

[@robertradcliff3254]

My dad's house has the same stonework , beautiful stonework .

[@rcook1973]

Very cool video. Thanks for doing this. I grew up behind the store up in one of the coal camp houses. It is still home Eve though I have been away for 25 years. My dad is Allen that you talked to with Ray. My parents still live up on the hill behind the store where I grew up. I can remember going to the store frequently as a kid. It was always a treat to go get a snack in the store. The grass area beside of the store was where we always played football with all the kids from the area. It is such a beautiful building. It would be nice if it could be fixed up and used for something. Thanks again for producing this video.

[@realappalachia]

love hearing from folks who know these areas so well, thanks for sharing your memories. Meeting Allen and Ray were one of the highlights of the trip for us, they were super helpful and generous with their time and information - we couldn't have done it justice without them.

[@lisaj3522]

Thank you for sharing this video. My mom is from Itman. Lived there 1949 to 1952. She remembers the store. She lived with her family in one of the company houses. My grandfather worked for pocahontas fuel company at the mines. He worked there 40 years. My grandfather is James whitson My mom is 80 now her name is Drema Whitson Powell. She told me in the basement part the school held 3rd grade there in 1950

[@realappalachia]

Thanks for all that information, that was great.

[@dispLock]

Amazing store! Thanks for sharing.

[@MrLuke1951]

I love the old places you guys go

[@1Dougloid]

What I get from your videos that stands out is an incredible sense of loss and grieving for a world that seems to have passed, and the social flotsam that is left. I lived in rural New York state up by the Canadian border and the mill, mining and timber industries are largely gone. The only growth industry is prisons. Now I live in Iowa, and if you've got time to read one book this year it would be "We Have All Gone Away" by Curtis Harnack.

[@kevingoodwyn3884]

Awesome video thank you guys. It would take a lot of money to restore that building.

[@realappalachia]

Thank you, yes, it would cost a fortune to fix it up

[@michaelgarrity6090]

That building in its day would have been something to see. Sad to say, the building looks to already be in an advance state of decay, no doubt due to the failure of the roof. It's probably well beyond the point of it ever being financially viable to restore it, just like the hotel was in that recent video. As always, it's great that you all visit such places and video them before they are gone. It is sad such once grand places already have gone away and what is left of them are bound for demolition or collapse. Be safe out there ya'all.

[@realappalachia]

Yes, so many of the buildings we've seen have already disappeared. It is heartbreaking but understandable given the economic reality of trying to fix them up

[@heatherfulmore3412]

The plaster is falling out of the ceiling.

[@heatherfulmore3412]

Yes the building is falling apart.

[@erniehowerton7461]

Thanks for the video,brought back lots of memories.My precious Dad and myself worked in the mines at Itman #1 with the taller of the two gentlemen.We always called him Cookie,a fine man.Several coal mining brothers live or lived around this store.Cookie ran a continuous miner underground.

[@realappalachia]

Thank you for the comment, great to hear from someone who worked in the mines there

[@daveperryman291]

Amazing building. So much history lost. Thanks.

[@realappalachia]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@AnnC....]

It's a shame to let a beautiful stone building go to waste, Love your video, Thank you

[@realappalachia]

Thank you so much, Ann

[@ladyk6829]

They are making this into a haunted house or something for Halloween this year. Thank you for sharing our amazing county and history with the world.

[@realappalachia]

oh wow, i bet that will be amazing

[@stovepipe1015]

That's an impressive camera, the way it brightened up those dark rooms.

[@realappalachia]

Thank you, we've been happy with it.

[@beverlyproudfoot583]

Thank you, Almost Heaven 👍🤗

[@realappalachia]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@danalynch8889]

I've seen a video of the store before but the two gentlemen really added to the video.

[@realappalachia]

We loved talking to them too

[@chrisalexander5900]

The history of this. The stories that with never be told. The people,families,Daly life,hard working people that lived with very little and relying on the company houses and company stores. CWA

[@frozenbits48]

When I was a kid in Hawaii, 1959 to 1962 we would go to the movies in Lahaina for 15 cents. It was Samari movies in Japanese, and my friends Tanaguchi and Shimokowa would translate for me. Good times long gone.

[@ellensedge1898]

Great great and thanks!!!

[@DonsATVAdventures]

great video ! Love seeing these places. We are coming to WV to ride the Hatfield McCoy trails in April for our first time coming from Ontario Canada and love the history in this part of the US .

[@realappalachia]

hope you have safe travels, really glad you enjoy the videos.

[@terryrose6208]

If you have time and are so inclined, come to McDowell county and visit Wilmore Hollow for the ATV trails, a few rental cabins and nine official camp sites with amenities. You can ride all day on the trails. These are new facilities that are to be opened in April. A diamond in the rough.

[@mikalpechota770]

Great video. It’s cool you guys visit old places like that so we can learn about history as well. Heading down to WV in June this year. Can’t wait. Take care from MI.

[@realappalachia]

Thanks so much. Hope you have safe travels.

[@davidbell9130]

thats pretty cool old buildings

[@MilesOhToole]

Guys, I just discovered your channel and love it. I grew up in Wyoming County, not far from Itmann. Recently, my wife and I visited this company store and I only stepped inside for a moment to take a few pictures. I'm so glad to have taken the entire tour with you guys. I can't wait for more exploration and I'm so glad to find younger people than me that are so enthusiastic about historical landmarks. I haven't had the time to look through all of your videos but are you aware of the ancient rock carvings in Wyoming County? On second thought, maybe we shouldn't be talking about that, since it might trigger a mass influx of people who would ruin the place...

[@darrylturpin37]

My Grandfather worked there. He was in the group of miners photographed with JFK for Life magazine. I plan on visiting the area this Fall.

[@realappalachia]

That is an iconic photo. Hope you have a safe trip, it is a a sight to see in person.

[@randykey5700]

Man y’all have been cranking out the videos!! We been off to Pa. on a buying trip for the store, we’ve been busy last week, I did finally get a chance to watch all the ones we missed last week and before! As always we enjoyed the video’s keep up the great work! The building in this one was great!

[@realappalachia]

Sounds like y'all have been going as hard as we have, we love staying busy. Yes, this old company store is a sight to behold.

[@stevecarte9330]

The marble facing is very interesting. I'm totally into your podcast. Melody is delightful. That's the first time I've used that word. And probably the last. Lol. I can't help but comment on her southern WV accent. I love it. Refreshing. I know I'm getting old when delightful and refreshing are part of my vocabulary. I have to add a comment about swinging bridges. I remember the ones here in the Elk River vicinity. particularly one on Little Sandy and one on Blue Creek we had to cross to gain access to the lower part of the family farm. Also one on Williams River. They always scared the hell out of me. You were completely at the mercy of them being safe enough to cross and your own stability and balance.

[@realappalachia]

Yeah when I was a dumb kid I just hopped right across those bridges but not in a million years these days lol. Thank you

[@samcook1545]

SO glad you’re finally made it there! I have a vague memory of going in that store maybe in the late 60s. Other than that I’ve always wanted to explore.Thank you!

[@realappalachia]

So cool! glad you liked it

[@rebeccakleitz3177]

OMG, you got to go in BOTH of my two favorite places on my trip out to Maryland to visit my daughter and her family--The Wyoming Hotel and now the Itmann Co. Store. Thank you once again for easing my curiosity so that I don't feel such an urge to stop and try to go in them myself! LOL.

[@realappalachia]

Rebecca, that's awesome that we took care of them both for you. I know that feeling of overwhelming curiosity so I sympathize lol

[@johnhumphries6116]

Enjoyed the video!!!

[@realappalachia]

Thank you, John

[@johnhumphries6116]

@@realappalachia Your Welcome.

[@morgan3105]

Believe it or not, my mom was born in that building, on Mothers Day 1943

[@realappalachia]

Now THAT is a story, how awesome

[@seasonandsprout2213]

thank you so much for sharin this with us shane and melody. what beautiful architecture. my hometown in mannington, wv, has a gym with very similar rock.

[@realappalachia]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you!

[@danielarmstrong9219]

I owe my soul to the company store! Thanks for sharing!

[@realappalachia]

always loved that song

[@MamaCountry]

Thank you guys for going to my hometown!!!! I was born and raised in Mullens and have followed you guys for awhile. I can remember (barely) being in the company store when I was a kid and my dad worked for the mines in Itmann. It is really cool to see someone love to see areas that most people would call areas that time forgot. But it will always be home to me and my Uncle still lives in Itmann. Oh and fun fact…. In the beginning of the video the old white building across the street where y’all are pulling out used to be the old UMWA Union hall for the miners. My uncle was president for along time. 😀. Love your videos. Y’all are awesome!!!♥️♥️

[@realappalachia]

Thank you so much for the kind comments and sharing the memories! We loved our visit to both Mullens and Itmann and can’t wait to get back again! - Melody

[@lisahope4582]

LOVED THIS so much!!! Tytyty!!!!

[@marybethwilson4804]

So interesting....thanks so much!

[@realappalachia]

Thank you!

[@keithchapmanii2406]

Neat video!!! I have drove by that building hundreds of times, always wondered what it used to be.

[@realappalachia]

Thank you!! I’m sure a lot of people have wondered. It definitely has an impressive past! - Melody

[@michaelkoon8371]

This place is beauitful guys love watchin you in your travels a cross wv be careful and be safe mike from west virginia

[@realappalachia]

Thank you so much, Mike

[@pambroderick4275]

I love this video, Shane and Melody! Most of my relatives grew up in Wyoming county, so I’m sure a lot of them have been here when it was a bustling place. The two gentlemen were great! I’ve seen another video of the Store, but yours is the best! And Shane, I loved your comment about Barney and Gomer in the haunted house. LOL! One of my favorite episodes. Thanks for all y’all do!! 😀❤️😀

[@realappalachia]

That is awesome! Thank you, Pam. When in doubt, I usually reach for a good ol Andy Griffith Show reference lol

[@Jesse-kd2jf]

The very first building shown is the union hall. I have an old meeting notice that was posted on the door.

[@tammyphillips9835]

Have you visited the Company Store in Page, Wv. The building is still there and there is a store inside. My Mother told me the floor and size of the store and the front still looks like it did when it was the Company Store. She use to work there as a cashmere after she graduated from high school.

[@realappalachia]

We havent visited there yet but it sounds right up our alley

[@talldude5841]

I would have loved to watch the stone masons cut the stone to make it fit like a glove. Great show you two.

[@realappalachia]

man, that would have been something to see

[@Jesse-kd2jf]

Looks like All the mailboxes were removed when remodeled for the shelter.

[@walterlangston4484]

if I win the lotto will have to buy and restore it live just a hour from here

[@realappalachia]

We would love to see it restored!! I bet that’d be an awesome house besides the electric bill! Haha! - Melody

[@TheRealBuckFiden]

Splendid as always!

[@realappalachia]

Thank you

[@johnreed8336]

Thank you for your latest KZbin video. Really interesting and entertaining . Had something extra with your two local old timers . Kinda filled in a few gaps so you knew what the camera was looking at . I am sure at some point in time someone will restore the building to its former prime , it would be a great shame if it's lost to history as it has so much attached to it . Looking forward to the next one!!

[@realappalachia]

Thank you so much, we hope and pray that someone fixes it up

[@ogamhunter]

Noticed your name John Reed, Did you teach mine electricity at the Wyom. County Voc. School?

[@johnreed8336]

Nope , sorry that wasn't me I afraid. I worked as Pharmacy technician for 36 years . I think the name John Reed seems to be very common certainly in England !

[@paulcole9042]

So cool! Love it. Thanks so much!

[@bdpbdp9988]

Videos like this they really need to be made

[@realappalachia]

Thank you!

[@rachelc.5463]

Wonderful these two men could give you a history lesson about this building. It's a shame that it's not being put to use. You should take a drive through Matoaka, West Virginia. It's a ghost town once the high school was gone the town went downhill.

[@realappalachia]

Funny you should mention Matoakaz we did a video there that should be out in the next week or so. Hated to see what the fire had done to the downtown.

[@pambroderick4275]

@@realappalachia I’ll be eager to see the Matoaka video! My brother-in-law grew up there. I’ll have to share it with him. 😀

[@realappalachia]

@@pambroderick4275 it took us three trips through to get the camera to work but now I am glad we put in the effort lol

[@livincountry]

My husband works at the Itmann #5 mine

[@beachbum9869]

Hey guys. Another great video. Yay. You out did yourselves this time! There is one way and only one way you can top this. Do a tour of that company store at midnight. 👻👻👻👻 Wouldn't that be great. Have fun, stay safe and stay healthy.

[@realappalachia]

That would be great, we'll have to do that...in our next lifetime cause there ain't no way we'd do that now lol. Thanks so much!

[@mathewhephill8686]

Thsnk you.

[@alanwilliamson9350]

Thats a cool looking ole place. 👍

[@mikeanderson7165]

Absolutely love it my favorite yet ❤️❤️❤️❤️💯you guys Rock

[@realappalachia]

Thank you, Mike!!

[@rickv9251]

I bet there some hidden doors going to tunnels back inside that mountain.

[@heatherfulmore3412]

A very old town but so interesting

[@chasitymoore1063]

I would love to explore this place. Do you have to get permission to do so? Great video!!

[@1209carolyn]

I would love to see the building restored,d but I doubt it ever happens. I was in it a few times as a child and was amazed at how big it was and how pretty. It is a shame that the company didn't sell it or donate it as a point of interest in Wyoming County.

[@realappalachia]

So true

[@thomastommy1192]

Awesome video many thumbs up. This must-have truly been a happing place back in the day. There used to be a town in WV that had a Prison and a big Pots and Pans factory. A neighbor of mine used to go there and buy truckloads of pots & pans and sell them. Does anyone know what the name of that town was? I was a young kid. I don't remember the name of the town. I will look forward to your next video. Thank you for sharing them. Stay well & safe out there guys.

[@realappalachia]

I hope someone knows that town, it would be great to hear about. Thanks so much.

[@bruinsfan8278]

Next Halloween Shane, you and Melody should spend the night in their !!!

[@realappalachia]

I think we'll pass lol

[@2023Red]

Hello. We want to plan a road trip thru your coal towns. We live in South Texas and want to make 3 week or so to include eastern Kentucky thru WV and then back to Texas possibly to include Tennesee. Could you list the top 5 towns to see? And places? Thank you much! We hope to spend a couple of days at each location possibly in May as the weather should be good then.

[@realappalachia]

If I were to recommend 5 places for coal history off the top of my head, they would be - Lynch, KY -great stone buildings that are almost all intact from the glory days and a good coal museum just up the road in Benham; Matewan, WV - Mine Wars Museum, Hatfield & McCoy history, etc.; Pocahontas, Virginia (just across the WV border) - Fantastic exhibition coal mine and great old buildings; Bramwell, WV - Once "home of the millionaires" it still has several old mansions from the time period and really close to Pocahontas: Fayetteville, WV area - You can see the New River Gorge, the ghost town of Thurmond, Whipple's company store, abandoned Nuttallburg mining complex. Hope that is helpful and hope you have safe travels.

[@terrikennedy2004]

We always welcome visitors to Mullens WV. There is a brand new place to stay called cabins on the Guyandotte. They have a Facebook page for your reference. Enjoy your time in Appalachia

[@realappalachia]

I can vouch for Mullens/Itmann too, some of the best food we've ate in all of our travels was in Mullens, loved it there.

[@terrikennedy2004]

Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, too

[@brockriser9953]

That store is in the movie hollow break which was filmed in Wyoming County. And Ritchie county wv has burt Reynolds in it

[@brockriser9953]

Hollow creek

[@2771jojo]

Think about many communities were built by house kits shipped by trains in the first half of the twentieth century. You could order those kits from a Sears Catalog!

[@realappalachia]

I bet it was a sight to see them making it through the mountains on those trains

[@robertcummings892]

Great video! Where was the mine in reference to the town

[@realappalachia]

Just down the road, pretty much in walking distance

[@jeffraines414]

Someone could turn that company store into a sweet house 😃

[@realappalachia]

That would be amazing

[@ronalddawson3873]

I love looking at the old buildings,mines and company stores.But,it is very sad to see them in such bad condition.I know they can no longer be used for their original use but they could certainly be used for SOMETHING. It just takes some imagination and ambition to turn them into a useful part of the community.I just can't understand how a whole town can stand by and let them deteriorate.The town or other organizations could have :FUnd Raisers" and reach out to the citizens for people to volunteer their services and talents to do a lot of the labor.With good advertising they could be Tourist attractions from the past,community centers for clubs,sports dances,concerts,flea and antique bazaars,etc. Well,just some ideas.If I had the money I would finance the entire project.Take Care and Stay Safe,there is still a lot of Covid around. I am a loyal viewer.See you on down the road.

[@realappalachia]

Thank you so much!! We totally agree about the old buildings! - Melody

[@dancrofford927]

Almost 29k subscribers, wooooooooooo, that was beautifully historically awesome

[@realappalachia]

Thank you, that deserves a big wooooo