When Johnny come's marching home again, hurray, hurray. The men will shout, the boys sing,the woman all will gather round,and we'll all go marching,when Johnny come's marching home!That was worth the price of admission all by itself!Thanks Melody and Shane!

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

I'm SO glad somebody picked up on that 🤣🤣🤣🤣

As a young boy i lived in Garden Creek when slate dump or explosion happened at Red Jacket, my dad helped in the rescue of the victims..... best to you both

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your story, wow

@pissotterflyswatter

2 ай бұрын

Thats cool! My great grandfather was one of the miners!

@jamesharris9546

2 ай бұрын

@@pissotterflyswatter I was raised up in coal camps born in Red Ash, Va. soon be 88 years young...Love , light and peace brother God bless.

Love this little town!!!! I’m falling for the Virginia’s!!!

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

it is a beautiful place

@tomdavis3038

2 жыл бұрын

@@jtukbb that’s actually true. I moved from western MD a few years ago and when I drive back to visit, and as awe inspiring as some of the places out west where I now live may be, once I get into MD on 79 around Morgantown WV it’s some of the prettiest rolling hills you’ll ever see. Cheers

My dad worked for Red Jacket Coal Co from 1939 to 1956 and used to go the mine at Keen Mt...don't know the reason. We lived in a nice two story house. Great place to grow up.

I grew up in the camp. It was a great place as a kid. When someone asked you where you lived all you had to say was the Camp, they knew what you were talking about!! My parents lived in the camp from 1966? to 2015. The company store was originally in Oakwood.

I started school in Logan WV. In the ‘50’s , dad worked for Island Creek. The big houses were really nice! Built by the coal companies for people as well as the ones smaller one story houses up on the hill. Lots of fun for us kids.

That is awesome how these places have been maintained. We still have a lot of old coal camp neighborhoods here in Triadelphia, WV area. We moved to one in the early 70's and by then the coal company (Valley Camp Coal) had sold them all off. Many of the houses are still lived in today and taken care of. Some of them burned over the years, some fell into disrepair and got torn down and replaced by newer dwellings. When my family moved into what was called the Pickle Patch, and some still call it that, we were aware that it was former coal mine housing. I wonder if the folks that live in those neighborhoods realize that they were mine camps since the mine closed about 40 years ago. The company store and other buildings have been repurposed and house businesses. Thanks for posting, I enjoy your videos as they are part of history that is disappearing.

Love my county! Coal runs deep in all us!❤️❤️

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Amen to that

Crazy how small and diverse Virginia is. I’m from Northern Virginia and when I head down to VA Beach, it’s a completely different feel. And this place looks completely different from all 3. The eastern shore is also a really beautiful place.

I lived their in the 60’s. It was a great place to grow up.

Sure would like to see these small coal camps like this guy's.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you 😊

Thank you Shane and Melod. That was a very nice place. I really enjoy the coal camp tours!

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback

@kennyking8016

2 жыл бұрын

This is a teachable moment coming from Shane and Melody about the history of coal mining that they never teach from the classroom.

My grandparents lived here. I spent many summer vacations in the “camp”. This brought back a lot of good memories.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Glad to bring you a few memories from the past

Thanks for all you 2 do. Appreciate your videos

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Leroy

This was such a beautiful drive. I liked the music for "when Shane comes marching to the car, hurrah, hurrah!" Can't believe it was snowing there! We were in 60's yesterday & supposed to be in 70's Saturday! Crazy weather! Y'all stay safe and warm! God bless y'all!

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

You never know what weather to expect here in the winter. God bless you too

Seminole Wind= GREAT song! Thanks y'all.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

I love that song too 😊

Those were nice houses back in the past ! They must have cared about each other there 😊

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

I think so too!

First! Love your videos guys! Canadian here, I’ve always wanted to travel those parts. Much love to the U-S-of-A

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome, thanks so much, we appreciate you. Hope things are well to the north of us 😊

@1940limited

2 жыл бұрын

I've always felt n attraction to this part of the country, but never been there except back in 1973 when I worked Allied Chemical's coke factory in Ashland, KY for a couple weeks on strike duty.

This is great. I live near here. The church had been abandoned but will be in use again soon. There is a reason some of alleys are basketball themed. Some great Garden High players lived there. Then several years ago some parents started the BBF . Buchanan Basketball Foundation. A great youth league. We are also hoping that the museum will be compleated. Rodneys brother now lives in the camp. Keep up the great work. Ps I am friends with your cousin Matt.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

I am glad to hear the church will be reopened. I remember Garden having great athletes back in their day. A fella named Roby Hale jumps out to me, he was a beast of an athlete. Glad to know Rodney's brother lives there. I was just texting with Matt a few minutes ago, small world :)

I am eagerly escaping Commyfornia and this is the kind of town I'm looking for!

Thank you for sharing the history and footage! Have a great weekend!

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching

Thank y’all for sharing these videos. Absolutely love the history of coal towns. You guys are awesome 😎

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Thank ya so much, Mike

Enjoyed this video! I'm familiar with this area. Before retirement I sold auto body shop supplies to independent parts stores in Oakwood, Richlands, Grundy and all over VA and W.VA. Those that survive were bought up by chains. With the internet, travelling sales guys like me are not around anymore. I was too busy to get off the highway and explore, so I enjoy your travels. Thanks

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

I didnt think about it until I read your comment but you really dont see traveling salesmen anymore

@mikefannon6994

2 жыл бұрын

It's really a shame, I loved it! Got to travel, enjoy the seasons, all my customers became friends over the years. Basically got paid (well paid) to drive around visiting friends, treating them to lunch or dinner. With some I took a 6-pack in after 5 o'clock, sat around writing an order, drinking a beer. Sure beat sitting at home in front of a computer! You and Melody are doing something similar. Thanks, take care!

You two are so good together, it’s great to see couples that respect one another and have a great love, keep up the incredible work, I love watching because it’s truly interesting and a lot of history for those like me who had no clue. Thank you for helping others and myself. You guys are amazing 😊👍

Love your videos and your interaction with each other. Keep up the good work!

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Will do!

Great ride today guys, Thanks 👍

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, JR

This is so interesting, and thank you for the hard work connected with the coal industry which benefited everyone across America.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, Toni

I love the company houses. I love this place. Thank you for sharing this.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

I like yall's videos. and I love your voices. makes me feel right at home.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir

I am from Alabama and I have never met a man woman or child from westvirgina that I did not like,I love the State and I love the people of this state and would defend West Virginia against anyone who runs their mouth about it,just the most awesome people in America!

Thanks for taking the tour of this old coal camp. It still is a nice one. Those are some beautiful houses. It's something that you mentioned John Anderson. I will be seeing him do a show on this coming Saturday night at a performance hall near me called The Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale, Florida. "Seminole Wind" is one of my favorite songs. I am sure he will be doing it. Melody and Shane, ya'all take care on your winter travels. Spring is coming though.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

That's fantastic, Michael, I've seen John Anderson 3 times and he sings just as good as ever so I hope you enjoy the show

Thank you so much I am enjoying learning of part of my father’s family. Unfortunately my parents divorced twice before I was 10 and I never got to spend time in Virginia.

WOWWWW!!! That’s a heck of a coal camp!!!! Thank you for the tour!

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it

Another Great video Friends! Warm up ! And keep em Coming !!

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Thank ya so much, oddly enough it is about 70 degrees today...tis the season lol

Nice looking town! Thanks for sharing!

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

It is a great little stop along the way

Nice and fun video as always! thanks Y'all

@chubbawubba9801

2 жыл бұрын

BTW Shane you make me as happy as a mongoloid when you sing! LOL

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Dont encourage me lol...jk, thank you!

This has to be one of the most well kept old coal towns I've seen so far. The houses, the roads and buildings are still in amazing shape.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Yes there’s always been a lot of pride taken in Keen Mountain, the folks from there love the community

Great video!

Every time I see videos like this in VA it brings back memories of similar places in WV. As a matter of fact, when I lived in Roanoke, one of the first things I learned was that some Virginians believe that the boundary line ends in Roanoke. I was wondering if you have thought of visiting Thurman, WV. It is a literal ghost town which was once a thriving due to coal. It is one of the most interesting places to visit. I believe about 3 people still live in the area. Well, to make a long email short, I loved the video. It still brings back childhood memories of growing up in WV.

Great video thanks 😊 👍

Well kept camp..love the church on the chill

I just love y’all to death ! thank you so much for your videos ! And y’all make the perfect couple !

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much

Very interesting and what a pretty place. My grandmother was a Keen and she has Appalachian roots. Looks like I need to do some more research.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like it 😃

@joanietaylor1564

12 күн бұрын

My grandpa was a Keen, wonder how we are related?

That looked like a COLD day!! It’s amazing at a lot of those houses have HIP roofs, I certainly liked the church on the hill! Keep up the great job!

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

It was freezing but well worth it to get to the church

I've been to that area of the country a few times, although the closest I got to Keen Mountain was Norton (Carter Caterpillar dealership - the truck sitting there put me in mind of it). I do like the area, though. Even though historically, it's known for its hardships, in comparing it to today's pressures, the simplicity of life is so relaxing. Interacting with neighbors is more important than tying yourself to the internet with a psychological umbilical cord, in my opinion. Unfortunately, I doomed myself a long time ago.

Way to go guys keep it up

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Greeting Shane and Melody from North Mississippi. I so enjoy every one of your videos. Never been to West Virginia and had no idea places existed where once nice towns are almost totally ghost towns now. Y'all are teaching me a lot of history and it's fun and educational to hear about a part of the country that I'm pretty unfamiliar with. Keep on doing what you're doing.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, Robert. Mississippi is one of my favorite states but, man, that heat gets to me lol. Glad you enjoy the videos

@roberthicks5704

2 жыл бұрын

@@realappalachia ahhhh you're preaching to the choir Shane. The heat here is bad but this humidity is sickening. Been here all my life and never get used to it. Would love to visit your area at some point. The mountains are absolutely beautiful. I come to Gatlinburg 2 or 3 times a year but that's as far east as I get. Come to Mississippi some time in the Fall or Spring. I think you'd enjoy it. Y'all stay safe and keep doing your vids. I LOVE every minute of it.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

@@roberthicks5704 thank you so much. Just got back from Gatlinburg a little bit ago, love it down there too.

Nice to see well kept houses

That's neat, please next video if able include some freight trains. Very nice shoots!

The craftsmanship of those homes makes modern homes look like paper crap!

Great job guys!!

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Brenda

I ENJOY THESE TWO !!!!!-

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

thank you so much

We lived in Keen Mountain Camp from 1987-2010. The references to basketball were referenced to the boys who all placed basketball during the 1990’s and 2000’s. My two sons were part of the group. Hoops Alley had several basketball hoops where the kids played. From 2006-2010 Twin Valley High went to State in Basketball 3 out of 4 years and were either state runner up or played in the quarter finals during that time. My boys, as well as others, sledded and played on the “church hill”. All the families knew one another and kids played all over the camp! Great times.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

I remember those great basketball teams, some real talent in the area

My dad grew up in Buchanan County and my Papawl worked in the mines. Those are the biggest nicest company houses I've ever seen. You sure don't see that in the small mines in the hollers.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Very very true

I was raised by my grandparents in the camp! 😍

Every time I see a shot of your car, I know Melody is inside, staying warm. 😊

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

You can count on it lol

Not sure what happened to you guys but missed you you guys. Anyways found you again keep your videos coming and thanks

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you found us 😊

Very nice town!

Very kool !!

There's another Black Diamond, just about 25 miles east of Seattle WA. A brother lives there. Named that for the same reason. Is there a road leading up to the old coal mine? Another nice video, guys.

That is probably one of the better kept coal camp towns I have seen so far. Where would all of the cars park if they went to that church up on the hill Shane? Great show by the way you two.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Very good point about the cars. I'm sure most healthy people in the camp just walked to church.

I live in Middle Tennessee near the Kentucky line and I have seen hundreds of coal cars heading east the last few days. I mean whole train cars of nothing but coal

@1940limited

2 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear that!

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

It seems to be going through a mini boom right now with the issues between Australia and China

Thanks for showing off The Camp...I grew up in the keen mountain camp and always had great times and friends there. Some of my family still lives there.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

that's awesome, glad you enjoyed seeing it

I put the roof on the 4th house on the left with the fenced in yard at the driveway of the church

@1940limited

2 жыл бұрын

You did a nice job.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

I second that, you did a great job

@jackdamron382

10 ай бұрын

That was the home of my grandfather, John A. Damron. He was the mine superintendent for Keen Mountain.

Tom Witten, who used to be assistant principal at Richlands High School was the last pastor at Keen Mt. He is also the pastor at Garden Creek UMC.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

I had no idea he was the pastor. I went to school with his son Tim. A fine family.

Great pride still there....chevy,dodge trucks and not many folks driving japenese cars......says alot right there.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

That's always been a definite thing in coal country...especially anywhere with coke ovens for the steel

Nice video. I would have never known about these places if it weren't for you guys. I'm falling behind on watching your videos. Starting training for being a first responder. I'm trying to catch up. Be safe.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Hope your training goes well for you...thank you

@jamese3169

2 жыл бұрын

@@realappalachia Thank you. So far so good. It like being back in school with all the test. Lol

love you guys

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you 😊

I’ll tell ya what, I’m glad the coal is a shadow of its former self. As much” Americana” as the whole coal thing may be, those companies would level all the mountains in Appalachia if they were allowed. That strip mining was terrible and the mountains just aren’t the same after the top is knocked off Cheers

@michaelgarrity6090

2 жыл бұрын

No kidding. It can make a grown man weep to see a mountain reduced to a heap after its been hit by MTR. A true sin of mankind to do that to destroy God's creation.

@tundrawomansays5067

2 жыл бұрын

@@michaelgarrity6090 Agreed. No one appears to care about us except us and our environment.

I didn't know what a coal camp is until thus video. I whish we had snow again in STL.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

You might get one more if you're really lucky lol

Man just Awsome I can’t help but wonder where do these people work now with coal dwindling or gone? PS you never know where your gonna be when nature calls keep up the good work

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

They're in a pretty decent spot compared to a lot of other coal camps. They have the Keen Mountain prison, Jewel Smokeless and healthcare options to work at withing reasonable driving distance

Just thinking 🤔 do you realize some years ago just about every house hold had a pile of coal somewhere around there house 🏡 amazing....

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Ain't that the truth

@brendalane4228

2 жыл бұрын

I still have about a ton of coal downstairs in my basement from many years ago when we had a coal furnace. If propane goes much higher, we may have to dig into it!

These ppl about to make a lot of money

my home was built in 1914. All solid oak beams , floor joyces ,etc. would cosy 250k to rebuild this home.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

I dont doubt that at all

Definitely a "know everyone in town" town.

just A few days ago got to film the east gaulf prep plant that may be gone soon

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

I'd like to check that one out too

St. Peter don't you call me, because I can't go. I owe my soul to the company store!

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Love that song

@michaelgarrity6090

2 жыл бұрын

Great song. Loved old Tenneesee Ernie Ford when I was a kid. He'd often be on one of those great TV "variety shows" they used to have on back in the 1960s. Another great song about coal mining is John Prine's "Paradise." Some others are "You'll Never Never Leave Harlan Alive." All kinds of stars did that song but my favorite version is Patty Loveless's version from her first "Mountain Soul" album. Steve Earle and The Del McCoury Band did an entire album of great coal and mountain living related songs called "The Mountain." Check that music out sometime. If I had done this trip, I'd be playing all these kind of songs.

Are we getting a video of Mullins WV? I just saw you all in town. Lol

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

You win the pony lol. We sure are, gonna be hard to edit so it might take a week or so. You should have ran over us with your car lol

@keithchapmanii2406

2 жыл бұрын

@@realappalachia I was the good looking guy that went by driving a fed ex tractor and trailer lol. I was going to hollar at you all but it looked like you all were interviewing a lady.

Those were my kin! :)

Took my son trick or treating in that neighborhood

It's all very well kept ! How do they make a living nowadays ?

@realappalachia

Жыл бұрын

There are a few options around there - Jewell Smokeless, a prison and a couple of hospitals that are in pretty easy driving distance plus the majority of folks there are retired now

@mell682

Жыл бұрын

@@realappalachia oh very good :-) Thank you for answering ! I’m very close to the appalachia but in the northern part (Quebec) where it’s mostly timber business and not so much mines. :-) thank you again and have a great day !

Have to ask...related to Brad ....love his channel?

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Not sure who Brad is?

Been under all the hills around there working for Jewel Smokeless.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

Jewel Smokeless is still the employment beast of that area, I'm guessing. Everyone wants to work there.

Homes look nice but I cannot help but wonder what people do for work in the area. Is coal a major industry today? Or are there other industries providing jobs?

@1940limited

2 жыл бұрын

I asked the same question.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

There's the Keen Mountain prison, Jewel Smokeless (which has some mining), healthcare jobs, etc. within reasonable driving distance from there.

My grandfather had a first cousin who died in the explosion in 38’.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

So sorry to hear that

Pan "left and right" a little bit slower. It's a bit too quick. Two thumbs up !!

What caused be mine explosion ?

Island Creek Beatrice killed my grandpa. They nicknamed him the preacher man. Frank Rowe was his name

@realappalachia

3 ай бұрын

Sorry to hear that, such a tough way to make a living

My papaw said he saw you when you were coming through the camp

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

That's awesome

@henryplays6251

2 жыл бұрын

Isaiah 53 (keep in mind this was written centuries before Jesus): ”Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? 2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. 9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

Why didn't you talk about that first big building right next the company store? It wasn't a home, what was it? A motel? A rooming house? It was the white and green one. Why did you ignore it? It's the most interesting building there.

@glasgavlen

Жыл бұрын

I believe my mom told me that was the clubhouse, she described it as sorta like a hotel. She had a teacher in gradeschool who lived there in one of the rooms.

@jackdamron382

Жыл бұрын

@@glasgavlen Rooming house. Run by Virgie Shortridge in the 50s.

As a published author I would love a link to your book

@brendalane4228

2 жыл бұрын

I purchased Shane's book from Amazon.

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

That's awesome, for some reason KZread isnt allowing me to post a link to the book but it is called Legends & Lore of East Tennessee and is on Amazon and a few other bookstores.

This is a really neat place. Glad you covered it. With all the homes so well kept, I wonder what people do not for money? Where is their income derived from today? The only problem for me is I'd need garages! :-)

@realappalachia

2 жыл бұрын

There are a few good options there - Keen Mountain prison, Jewel Smokeless, healthcare, etc. Not immediately in the camp but within reasonable driving distance.

@1940limited

2 жыл бұрын

@@realappalachia It always gets down to money.

Love love, love your historical videos. But in the beginning of this one you kept swinging the camera back and forth. And back and forth. And back and forth. I started getting sick to my stomach. Please pan very slow and not too often. Thanks much! Again, love your videos. Thank you so very much!!!!

i wonder who does garbage around there