Ethel, WV Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company Store No. 2 (taken between 1913-1918). Courtesy of Emmett Ray Adkins.
Tales of Ethel, WV
by Richard D. Fortner
Ethel, WV, was a coal camp in Logan County located on Dingess Run Creek, upstream from the village of Stollings where I grew up.
I have often tried to dig out information from her past without much success.
Note carefully the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company on the company store sign. You may also see the homemade telephone poles, the Model T Ford, the railroad freight station. The photo dates back to the 1913-18 period. Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company was formed in 1847 to exploit the rich iron ore deposits of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and northern Minnesota. The Great Lakes enabled the shipping of iron ore pellets, coal and coke economically. The coal was metallurgical grade coal which was coked to become the carbon source needed to make steel from iron. This was especially critical in WW II. Appalachian coal fields, iron ore and steel making in Cleveland and Pittsburgh were knitted together by rail and lake freighters to help America win WW II. The coal camps were critical to this effort.
In the 1890s, land speculators James L. Caldwell, a banker from Huntington, C.W. Campbell, an attorney from Huntington, and John Q. Dickinson, a banker from Charleston, acquired many acres of land on Dingess Run and Rum Creek. The trio procured some of Logan County’s finest coal lands with six accessible seams of coal: the Lewis-Stockton or Five Block, the Chilton, the Winifrede, the Coalburg, the Cedar Grove or Island Creek, and the Number 2 Gas or Eagle Seam. They formed the Dingess-Rum Coal Company in June of 1903 to administer their lands, which totaled over 26,000 acres. They surveyed a railroad bed up Dingess Run and laid the cross-ties, leaving only the rails to be laid by the C&O Railroad, which occurred by late 1906. From there, the railroad extended up Right Fork and Left Fork (Ethel Hollow). At the juncture of the two forks, the company town of Ethel, named for the daughter or wife of an early coal operator, was established around 1907.
Ethel Coal Company, formed in 1906, operated No. 1 and No. 2 mines from 1907 to 1916 in Ethel Hollow.[4] Between 1907 and 1916, the company constructed dwelling houses in Ethel Hollow. The company built the Ethel No. 1 Company Store; its ruins are visible today. During this time, about 1914, Italian stonemasons constructed the Ethel Coal Company Supply Building, one of the town’s few remaining landmarks. Ethel Coal Company employed 184 men in 1915; nearly half of the labor force was immigrants, with the largest group being from Hungary. Italians were also employed and 1/6 of the work force were African-Americans. Ethel Coal Company operated No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 in 1917.
In 1923, Ethel was populated by 2000 residents, featured a Methodist Episcopal church, a High School and was accessed by the Dingess Run Branch of the C&O Railroad. J.H. Cress served as postmaster and express agent; mail was received daily. Businesses included Central Amusement Company, Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company, Ethel Cleaning and Pressing Company, Ethel Theatre, Georges Creek Coal Company, Illinois Commercial and Mining Company, Logan Mining Company, Rex Coal Company, and Wood Coal Company. Dr. W.T. McClellan and Dr. E.B. Thompson served the community.[7]
Today, only a few structures remain from Ethel’s earlier days, namely the Ethel Coal Company Supply Building and ruins of Ethel No. 1 Company Store. Ethel Post Office is located near the mouth of Bearwallow Branch. Bearwallow Trailhead, opened in 2000 as part of the Hatfield-McCoy ATV Trail, is located in the headwaters of Bearwallow Branch.
Anyone who has good source material on Ethel, please add via comment.
Thanks, Richard D. Fortner
Ethel Photo Gallery
This is a collection of photos of Ethel, WV. You can help preserve a bit of Logan County history by sharing your vintage photos with us. To share a photo, please send it to the admin at loganwv.us@gmail.com. Please note that you must own the photo you are submitting or ensure that no one has a copyright claim on it.
Ethel Grade School Toy Band courtesy of Glenna Reed. Image 4913. If you recognize any of them, please leave a comment.
Ethel Grade School Toy Band courtesy of Glenna Reed. Image 4913. If you recognize any of them, please leave a comment.
1952 Ethel, WV courtesy of Glenna Moore Reed. (Ethel 558112)
1952 Ethel, WV courtesy of Glenna Moore Reed. (Ethel 558112)
Ethel School Grade 5 1947-48.
Ethel School Grade 5 1947-48.
1935 Freeze Fork.
1935 Freeze Fork.
March 1st, 2020 - Ethel, WV courtesy of Brandon Ray Kirk.
March 1st, 2020 - Ethel, WV courtesy of Brandon Ray Kirk.
March 1st, 2020 - Ethel, WV courtesy of Brandon Ray Kirk.
March 1st, 2020 - Ethel, WV courtesy of Brandon Ray Kirk.
March 1st, 2020 - Ethel, WV courtesy of Brandon Ray Kirk.
March 1st, 2020 - Ethel, WV courtesy of Brandon Ray Kirk.
March 1st, 2020 - Ethel, WV courtesy of Brandon Ray Kirk.
March 1st, 2020 - Ethel, WV courtesy of Brandon Ray Kirk.
Ethel Coal Company & Supply Building, Left fork of Dingess Run (Ethel Hollow), Ethel, Logan County, WV. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Ethel Coal Company & Supply Building, Left fork of Dingess Run (Ethel Hollow), Ethel, Logan County, WV. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Ethel Coal Company & Supply Building, Left fork of Dingess Run (Ethel Hollow), Ethel, Logan County, WV. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Ethel Coal Company & Supply Building, Left fork of Dingess Run (Ethel Hollow), Ethel, Logan County, WV. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Ethel Coal Company & Supply Building, Left fork of Dingess Run (Ethel Hollow), Ethel, Logan County, WV. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Ethel Coal Company & Supply Building, Left fork of Dingess Run (Ethel Hollow), Ethel, Logan County, WV. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Ethel Junior High School, circa 1940s. Image 4161.
Ethel Junior High School, circa 1940s. Image 4161.
Ethel Coal Company & Supply Building, Left fork of Dingess Run (Ethel Hollow), Ethel, Logan County, WV. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Ethel Coal Company & Supply Building, Left fork of Dingess Run (Ethel Hollow), Ethel, Logan County, WV. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Ethel Coal Company & Supply Building, Left fork of Dingess Run (Ethel Hollow), Ethel, Logan County, WV. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Ethel Coal Company & Supply Building, Left fork of Dingess Run (Ethel Hollow), Ethel, Logan County, WV. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Ethel Coal Company & Supply Building, Left fork of Dingess Run (Ethel Hollow), Ethel, Logan County, WV. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Ethel Coal Company & Supply Building, Left fork of Dingess Run (Ethel Hollow), Ethel, Logan County, WV. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Ethel Coal Company & Supply Building, Left fork of Dingess Run (Ethel Hollow), Ethel, Logan County, WV. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Ethel Coal Company & Supply Building, Left fork of Dingess Run (Ethel Hollow), Ethel, Logan County, WV. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Between Ethel and Logan, WV
Between Ethel and Logan, WV
Ethel Theatre ad courtesy of Jane Kelley. Emergency Call was made in 1933.
Ethel Theatre ad courtesy of Jane Kelley. Emergency Call was made in 1933.
Logan Coal Company, Ethel, West Virginia, 1913. Photo from Page 87 of the Centennial Program Booklet published by the City of Logan in 1952.
Logan Coal Company, Ethel, West Virginia, 1913. Photo from Page 87 of the Centennial Program Booklet published by the City of Logan in 1952.
Photo courtesy of Lynn Skaggs Davis. Circa 1926, 1st Grade Class, Ethel School. Standing at the top is the teacher, Miss Clay and the Principal, R.H. Carder (my grandfather).
Photo courtesy of Lynn Skaggs Davis. Circa 1926, 1st Grade Class, Ethel School. Standing at the top is the teacher, Miss Clay and the Principal, R.H. Carder (my grandfather).
1906 Logan Coal Company, Ethel, WV
1906 Logan Coal Company, Ethel, WV
Miner, Freeze Fork WV Oct 1935. Identified as Clyde Hood courtesy of Rhonda Schwendeman. Image 11164.
Miner, Freeze Fork WV Oct 1935. Identified as Clyde Hood courtesy of Rhonda Schwendeman. Image 11164.
Ethel in Logan County, WV 1922 “Ethel Coal Company Mine Supply Building is located in mid-ground in center partially obscured by roof of house in foreground.” Courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Ethel in Logan County, WV 1922 “Ethel Coal Company Mine Supply Building is located in mid-ground in center partially obscured by roof of house in foreground.” Courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Freeze Fork, Logan County, WV Oct. 1935 Courtesy of the Library of Congress -16891.
Freeze Fork, Logan County, WV Oct. 1935 Courtesy of the Library of Congress -16891.
Freeze Fork, Logan County, WV Oct. 1935 Courtesy of the Library of Congress
Freeze Fork, Logan County, WV Oct. 1935 Courtesy of the Library of Congress
Ethel Coal Company and Supply Building, Ethel, WV. Courtesy of the Library of Congress
Ethel Coal Company and Supply Building, Ethel, WV. Courtesy of the Library of Congress
Ethel Grade School - boy in center is Delmar Adkins, first girl on the left standing is Lorain Dakins McNeely, last girl standing is Bulla Adkins. Photo courtesy of Emmett Ray Adkins.
Ethel Grade School - boy in center is Delmar Adkins, first girl on the left standing is Lorain Dakins McNeely, last girl standing is Bulla Adkins. Photo courtesy of Emmett Ray Adkins.
Ethel Hollow about 1953 or 54 courtesy of Toby Sabo. My brother sitting on the fender of an old Autocar coal truck Daddy used to drive in Ethel Hollow at Ethel, WV.
Ethel Hollow about 1953 or 54 courtesy of Toby Sabo. My brother sitting on the fender of an old Autocar coal truck Daddy used to drive in Ethel Hollow at Ethel, WV.
Photo of courtesy of Toby Sabo. This is my Daddy Frank Sabo in 1946 in Ethel Hollow where he not only worked but grew up as well. He was 16 years old in this photo. The company store is in the background. He was a awesome baseball player and as you can see and he is wearing his UMWA sponsored uniform. As I was told, the Cleveland Indians was very interested in him. However marriage and babies being born sort of steered that away from him. But I am glad it worked out as it did.
Photo of courtesy of Toby Sabo. This is my Daddy Frank Sabo in 1946 in Ethel Hollow where he not only worked but grew up as well. He was 16 years old in this photo. The company store is in the background. He was a awesome baseball player and as you can see and he is wearing his UMWA sponsored uniform. As I was told, the Cleveland Indians was very interested in him. However marriage and babies being born sort of steered that away from him. But I am glad it worked out as it did.
Ethel, WV Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company Store No. 2 (taken between 1913-1918). Courtesy of Emmett Ray Adkins.
Ethel, WV Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company Store No. 2 (taken between 1913-1918). Courtesy of Emmett Ray Adkins.
The Methodist Church at Ethel courtesy of Glenna Moore Reed.
The Methodist Church at Ethel courtesy of Glenna Moore Reed.
Ethel, WV circa 1921 courtesy of Lynn Skaggs Davis.
Ethel, WV circa 1921 courtesy of Lynn Skaggs Davis.
Picnic at Ethel, Logan County, WV. Courtesy of Lynn Skaggs Davis.
Picnic at Ethel, Logan County, WV. Courtesy of Lynn Skaggs Davis.
The great train wreck at Ethel early 1920s. Photo courtesy of Lynn Skaggs Davis taken by her grandfather.
The great train wreck at Ethel early 1920s. Photo courtesy of Lynn Skaggs Davis taken by her grandfather.
Ethel, WV. Photo courtesy of Lynn Skaggs Davis.
Ethel, WV. Photo courtesy of Lynn Skaggs Davis.
Linville Children & grandchildren with Ma Linville -Top Virginia, Zena ( Ma) Linville, Ethel; Bottom: Rosezena, Nellie & Thelma
Linville Children & grandchildren with Ma Linville -Top Virginia, Zena ( Ma) Linville, Ethel; Bottom: Rosezena, Nellie & Thelma
Linville Children: Back: Lora, Virginia; : Front Ethel, Buddy, Richard & Norman Linville
Linville Children: Back: Lora, Virginia; : Front Ethel, Buddy, Richard & Norman Linville
Fred Hutchinson at their home at Ethel, WV
Fred Hutchinson at their home at Ethel, WV
1923 Ethel High School courtesy of Harold Cagigas and Don and Annette Jones Browning.
1923 Ethel High School courtesy of Harold Cagigas and Don and Annette Jones Browning.
Early 1920s Ethel camp High School, Logan County, WV. Courtesy of Lynn Skaggs Davis.
Early 1920s Ethel camp High School, Logan County, WV. Courtesy of Lynn Skaggs Davis.
Miner at Freeze Fork, WV Oct 1935. Logan County unknown - 20. If you can ID this person, please leave a comment. Image 1613.
Miner at Freeze Fork, WV Oct 1935. Logan County unknown - 20. If you can ID this person, please leave a comment. Image 1613.
My best memories are of Ethel hollow, visiting with my mamaw and papaw; Orville Craddock and Vesta Sutphin Craddock. Many family members resided at Ethel until it was closed for further mining in the 90s.
Victor Kidd: I was born in Monaville in 1940. My parents were William T and Ruth M Kidd. We moved to Cherry Tree in 1941/2 and then to Freeze Fork in about 1945. We lived in Freeze Fork below Freeze Fork creek, 2nd house on the right as you went down Dingess Run. Our neighbor was Willard Reynolds. He and his wife had two girls, Brenda and Dorthy (?). I’m the drummer boy in the Ethel Grade School band in the picture. If I recall correctly, we played at the Appalachian Power Company meeting room on Main St. Some of my friends who attended Ethel Grade school were Saul Findley, Larry Montgomery, Tom Howard Crum and Peggy Copley all from Freeze Fork. Larry lived next to the store, Tom lived up Freeze Fk hollow, Saul lived 4th house down form us. Hickey McDonald lived two house below us. People in the pic are (if I recall correctly): 2nd row right end: Victor Kidd (drummer), same row 5th person: Carolyn Jean King – Wanda, 1st row kneeling, 5th person: Saul Findley (FF), same row 4th person may be Larry Montgomery (FF). I may have this same photo with names. I’ll look. Peggy Copley lived in Freeze Fork across for the store. She had a sister, Sue lived in Ravenswood, WV at one time.
If I had to guess I would say sometime around 1915. I say that because back in the hills not far from that was two buildings with the same materials and craftsmanship and between the buildings was an opening to a mine again same materials and craftsmanship that said 1915 on the center.
Like fools that was toor down and hid when the trails was opened up. If they would have sealed up the mine and made a picnic area or a little park it would have been a huge hit with tourists,but they destroyed it instead. I wish I had a picture to post. It was so cool and now it’s gone forever.
My grandparents, Fred and Bertha Hutchinson, lived in Ethel. In fact, a picture of him is listed on this site. I remember going there every summer. Great memories.
I was born in 1950 at Ethel, at my Grandparent’s home. They lived in a coal company owned house that sat across from the stone Methodist Church. Dr. Stork signed my Birth Certificate, but as the story goes, my Grandmother actually delivered me before the Dr arrived. However, I still tell people that “the stork brought me”. 😂 My family moved to Indiana when I was 4, but I continued to stay with my Grandparents, Ben and Rose Moore, every summer and every holiday until they moved away from Ethel in 1960. I can truly say those years spent at Ethel were some of the best years of my life and I have wonderful memories of that area.
We lived in Ethel for two years just down from the mouth of Ethel hollar. Carman and Willard Bowen were my best friends. We used to swim in the sludge ponds at the coal temple,
I happen to stumble across this trying to find info on my papaw who grew up on ethel holler… I am truly amazed because I believe he’s in the 5th grade class photo. His name was Terry Mckinney, son of Ezra. If you happen to know if it is him or have a way to check and see if it’s him in the photo I would greatly appreciate if you would notify me.
Thanks for the post. I was born August 3, 1938 on Missouri Fork of Hewett’s Creek and have memories of visiting Ethel area in 1940’s & 50″s as well as Georges Creek nearby. Many men from Hewett’s Creek walked up Craddock’s Fork at the headwaters of Hewett’s Creek, crossed the mountain and down Ethel Hollow to work at the various mines. The picture of the wood frame on its way to becoming a coal tipple was particular interesting to me. My Great Grandfather, Zatto Gore (1850-1934) lived at Georges Creek when he died. My email is “joegore1938@gmail.com
Betty Young, My cousins the Jeffrey family lived in Ethel. Cousin Betty Jeffrey (Short) would have graduated LHS in 1954. Her sisters were Nola and Marcella.
I was raised up Ethel holler.We left there in 1961 or 62. That was the best years of my life. I sure would like to relive those days with all my friends and family. Those were the days!!
I lived in Ethel Hollow from 1959 to 1962, the third child of Ralph and Eula Wiley. My Dad was a Section Boss at the mine further up the “holler”. We lived next to Tom Colley and his parents. As I understood it, his father was the mine Superintendent. A couple of houses up were the Gingeses, their daughter, Sharon was my friend. The Burns family lived across the drainage ditch from us and down valley just a few houses. The father was a high-ranking coal Company man. I remember those long school bus rides to Logan Junior High School and later, to the High School. We left West Virginia the summer after my 10th grade when my Uncle Stanley Simmons was killed in the mines. Now I see that when the Mines closed in 1962 was another reason we left the Hollow and moved to Michigan.
My dad’s half-sister Mary Kovacs was married to David Gingese. In about 1989 or 1990, I took my dad back to Ethel for a nostalgia visit and we located a sister of David who lived in nearby McConnell. I can’t remember her name but she worked in a lady’s clothing store in Logan. I wonder what memories we might be able to share and look forward to your reply.
I was born in Ethel in 1946. My dad Clell Browning b1912 in Lincoln county used to be a carpenter and one day he and another guy was putting a roof on one of those two story houses. A man in the neighborhood came by and took their ladder down. They were stuck and they were trying to persuade him to put the ladder back up. The man was mentally challenged and my dad never did say how they got off the roof.
My best memories are of Ethel hollow, visiting with my mamaw and papaw; Orville Craddock and Vesta Sutphin Craddock. Many family members resided at Ethel until it was closed for further mining in the 90s.
Just reading the Cherry Tree website & saw the Ethel, WV photos! My father (Fred Black) was born there.
Victor Kidd: I was born in Monaville in 1940. My parents were William T and Ruth M Kidd. We moved to Cherry Tree in 1941/2 and then to Freeze Fork in about 1945. We lived in Freeze Fork below Freeze Fork creek, 2nd house on the right as you went down Dingess Run. Our neighbor was Willard Reynolds. He and his wife had two girls, Brenda and Dorthy (?). I’m the drummer boy in the Ethel Grade School band in the picture. If I recall correctly, we played at the Appalachian Power Company meeting room on Main St. Some of my friends who attended Ethel Grade school were Saul Findley, Larry Montgomery, Tom Howard Crum and Peggy Copley all from Freeze Fork. Larry lived next to the store, Tom lived up Freeze Fk hollow, Saul lived 4th house down form us. Hickey McDonald lived two house below us. People in the pic are (if I recall correctly): 2nd row right end: Victor Kidd (drummer), same row 5th person: Carolyn Jean King – Wanda, 1st row kneeling, 5th person: Saul Findley (FF), same row 4th person may be Larry Montgomery (FF). I may have this same photo with names. I’ll look. Peggy Copley lived in Freeze Fork across for the store. She had a sister, Sue lived in Ravenswood, WV at one time.
Victor, your family is on the Cherry Tree
Map on this website.
Does anyone know what year the old stone church was built?
I do not know the exact year but I was told it was built in the early 1900’s, by Italian immigrants, as a Catholic Church.
If I had to guess I would say sometime around 1915. I say that because back in the hills not far from that was two buildings with the same materials and craftsmanship and between the buildings was an opening to a mine again same materials and craftsmanship that said 1915 on the center.
Like fools that was toor down and hid when the trails was opened up. If they would have sealed up the mine and made a picnic area or a little park it would have been a huge hit with tourists,but they destroyed it instead. I wish I had a picture to post. It was so cool and now it’s gone forever.
My grandparents, Fred and Bertha Hutchinson, lived in Ethel. In fact, a picture of him is listed on this site. I remember going there every summer. Great memories.
I was born in 1950 at Ethel, at my Grandparent’s home. They lived in a coal company owned house that sat across from the stone Methodist Church. Dr. Stork signed my Birth Certificate, but as the story goes, my Grandmother actually delivered me before the Dr arrived. However, I still tell people that “the stork brought me”. 😂 My family moved to Indiana when I was 4, but I continued to stay with my Grandparents, Ben and Rose Moore, every summer and every holiday until they moved away from Ethel in 1960. I can truly say those years spent at Ethel were some of the best years of my life and I have wonderful memories of that area.
My dad was born in Ethel in 1924. His name was Ernest Swaim
We lived in Ethel for two years just down from the mouth of Ethel hollar. Carman and Willard Bowen were my best friends. We used to swim in the sludge ponds at the coal temple,
Online research shows that swimming
in these ponds can cause cancer, heart damage
and neurological disorders.
I happen to stumble across this trying to find info on my papaw who grew up on ethel holler… I am truly amazed because I believe he’s in the 5th grade class photo. His name was Terry Mckinney, son of Ezra. If you happen to know if it is him or have a way to check and see if it’s him in the photo I would greatly appreciate if you would notify me.
Casey, familysearch.org shows
he was born in 1936 & he died in 2009.
Your photo says 1947 to 1948.
Shows Ezra in the 1940 census &
all of Terry’s relatives.
If you have any photos of them
you could compare them to the
photo that you have.
Also if you have Ezra or Terry’s
draft cards they will give you
color of hair & eyes.
Someone on Facebook might
be able to help you.
Casey, Ezra 1917 to 1918 draft card
is on the familysearch.org site.
It shows that he had brown hair & eyes.
Its impossible to see the boys eyes
in the photo.
Hair color is possible to match.
Terry might be in Row 1,
3 or 5 both have brown hair.
Hopefully you know the color
of Terry’s hair? Usually father
& son would be the same.
Hopefully you will see this reply.
Thanks for the post. I was born August 3, 1938 on Missouri Fork of Hewett’s Creek and have memories of visiting Ethel area in 1940’s & 50″s as well as Georges Creek nearby. Many men from Hewett’s Creek walked up Craddock’s Fork at the headwaters of Hewett’s Creek, crossed the mountain and down Ethel Hollow to work at the various mines. The picture of the wood frame on its way to becoming a coal tipple was particular interesting to me. My Great Grandfather, Zatto Gore (1850-1934) lived at Georges Creek when he died. My email is “joegore1938@gmail.com
Joseph, do you have any photos of
your GG Zatto Gore & maybe his
family history that you could post
to this website?
Bob. I am Betty Young (Williams)
I grew up in Ethel & grad LHS in 1954
Any one else out there who I may know?
Betty Young, My cousins the Jeffrey family lived in Ethel. Cousin Betty Jeffrey (Short) would have graduated LHS in 1954. Her sisters were Nola and Marcella.
I remember Nola Jeffrey. She was friends with my Aunt Joyce Moore.
Betty, I think you may be my 1st cousin if your parents were Ernest and Josephine. My dad was Earl, Ernest’s brother. I am his youngest daughter.
Betty, was your parents Ernest and Joe Williams. My parents were Earl and Marie Williams and we lived at Wanda, If so, our daddys were brothers,
Hello Betty,do you know the name of
the teacher in the Grade 5 1947 – 1948
photo, she’s at the top on the left?
Also did you have a teacher named
Elizabeth Spears?
I was raised up Ethel holler.We left there in 1961 or 62. That was the best years of my life. I sure would like to relive those days with all my friends and family. Those were the days!!
Does anybody know if any of Don Copley,s family still live in Ethel.
some of Don copleys family still lives there.
My father-in-law was Don Copley his wife still lives across from the stone church. Also two if his sons and one daughter live there too
I lived in Ethel Hollow from 1959 to 1962, the third child of Ralph and Eula Wiley. My Dad was a Section Boss at the mine further up the “holler”. We lived next to Tom Colley and his parents. As I understood it, his father was the mine Superintendent. A couple of houses up were the Gingeses, their daughter, Sharon was my friend. The Burns family lived across the drainage ditch from us and down valley just a few houses. The father was a high-ranking coal Company man. I remember those long school bus rides to Logan Junior High School and later, to the High School. We left West Virginia the summer after my 10th grade when my Uncle Stanley Simmons was killed in the mines. Now I see that when the Mines closed in 1962 was another reason we left the Hollow and moved to Michigan.
My dad’s half-sister Mary Kovacs was married to David Gingese. In about 1989 or 1990, I took my dad back to Ethel for a nostalgia visit and we located a sister of David who lived in nearby McConnell. I can’t remember her name but she worked in a lady’s clothing store in Logan. I wonder what memories we might be able to share and look forward to your reply.
I was born in Ethel in 1946. My dad Clell Browning b1912 in Lincoln county used to be a carpenter and one day he and another guy was putting a roof on one of those two story houses. A man in the neighborhood came by and took their ladder down. They were stuck and they were trying to persuade him to put the ladder back up. The man was mentally challenged and my dad never did say how they got off the roof.