Yeeeeee-Hawwwwww! Last week was Spring Break for us Hillbillies so we loaded up the car and headed to Washington DC! A 9 day/8 night road trip started last Friday evening. After about 4 hours of travel, we stayed somewhere around the KY/ WV state line, got up Saturday morning and headed into WV Coal Country, Rayleigh County - a lil town called Beckley WV.
There we stopped at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. Over 200 years old, this coal mine is the largest and most popular coal heritage destination in the region. It includes a company store, visitor center, coal museum, fudgery and gift shop. The main attraction is a tour that takes visitors below ground. Carried along track, riding authentic man cars, you travel to old working areas of the coal mine. Also visitors can explore the historical coal camp situated through the grounds.
Headed underground with our guide (40 yr coal mine veteran) Sonny!
200 years ago two brothers mined this hole. They would use a pick ax and shovel to remove 4 ton of coal a day. That would be 4 of these carts.
The old Canary cage. Miners used Canaries to signal the presence of hazard gases before more precise measuring instruments were developed.
Riding the old carts through the old mine.
Setting pins for roof support.
The old coal camp was really interesting. The City of Beckley moved these old coal camp structures to the museum and mine grounds. Had them restored and decorated in original furniture and accessories from the late 1800's and early 1900's.
A Bachelor's Shanty was a one room shack for the bachelor man or any man working out of town away form his family. Had all the basics!
The Miner's House was a 3 room house.
The Superintendent's House consisted of about 10 plus rooms. Along with his free rent he would also receive free coal to warm the house.
Old Post Office
The gentleman in the photo's below is a 95 year old retired school teacher who taught in a very similar school. At 95, he still comes to the old school house for daily tours and still has his original paddle from his teaching days.
A lot of old photos and really cool "old"stuff.
After we left Beckley, we stopped at Grandview Mountain Lookout. It was an amazing view! Just wish we had better weather.
Now off toWashington DC!
Ok, enough pictures for one post, I'll be posting picts of our DC trip soon!
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