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COALWOOD AND CARETTA
in PICTURES - VOLUME TWO
FAMILIES of the SISTERS

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"This life lasted but a moment ... like the blink of an eye ... a spring dream only imagined"

A unique look at family life in the historic coal camps of Coalwood and Caretta West Virginia through the filters of time and personal experiences ... they were sons, grandchildren and descendants of white bond slaves, indentured servants, black slaves, Civil War soldiers and poor European immigrants 

Front and Back Cover of Volume Two
    

INTRODUCTION

ost of us look back with many memories from our past years, especially our early years. As we grow older, raise families, move to new locations, and have new experiences. these memories fade with time and are often lost forever.  Those of us who grew up in Coalwood and Caretta or lived there as adults from the 1940’s through the 1970’s believe it was a unique time and special place. What made our communities different from other small towns of that era and why were they unique?  Families living in Coalwood and Caretta had a great deal of pride in the community.  Houses and yards were generally neat and well maintained, trash was practically non-existent on streets, and crime of any type was extremely rare.  Teachers and educators lived in the community and students went to the same school.  This provided a strong bond and great communication between parents, children, and school.  The mining company provided much more to the sister communities than employment and housing.  It provided a wealth of other benefits not found in surrounding towns.  The company supplied land and equipment to build playgrounds, ballparks, and a swimming pool.  Along with Coalwood School, the company provided accommodations for clubs, community activities and Scouts.  Labor for community projects was supplied by many volunteers who gave their time and effort freely to help improve our towns. Because of this citizen activism and cooperation between residents, school, churches, and the company, our sister towns enjoyed advantages that were not enjoyed by other coal-mining communities.  

      The content of Volumes I and II was gathered from many sources, and with the help of a great number of people.  The majority of former residents have moved away to other states. An effort was made to contact as many people as possible in order to obtain more information. Individuals were asked to provide family histories and family pictures from the past and present.  They were also asked to write down their memories and experiences while living in Coalwood or Caretta.

       Pictures of the communities and activities taking place during this era are of special significance in both Volumes I and II. Pictures of mining operations are also included but are not our primary focus.  Personal interviews provided much of the material for this volume.  In a section called “Search Tidbits”, research included census reports, draft registrations, death certificates, and marriage records.  The “Memories” section provides a unique look at life in Coalwood and Caretta through personal experiences of many people.  Certainly, some families have been left out but every effort was made to contact and receive input from as many families as possible. 

       Much about the early history of Coalwood has previously been documented. The book “Coalwood” by Alex Schust and David Goad provides an excellent history of Coalwood with emphasis on the time from 1900 to the 1940’s.  Homer Hickam Jr. has given a glimpse of life in Coalwood with his acclaimed book “Rocket Boys” and movie “October Sky.” The goal of “Families of the Sisters” is to provide a history of the spirit and uniqueness found in Coalwood and Caretta, with emphasis from 1940 to 1980.

     We hope that “Families of the Sisters” will provide many memories for those people who grew up or lived in the sister towns. The many pictures of families, school and church activities, mining operations, and written memories  is an attempt to show what life was like during this period of time.  Much of the content was on the verge of disappearing forever. The historical information included was scattered among a large number of people across the country, all having common roots in Coalwood or Caretta.

     By researching, collecting and consolidating this information we hope to preserve the heritage of the communities and help save individual and family histories.  This history is not only for the present generation of people from the “sister towns.”  It is also meant for their descendents as well, in the hopes that they might gain a better understanding and appreciation of their ancestors.  

Photos from COALWOOD and CARETTA in PICTURES - VOLUME TWO 

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Authored by Bradley N Hatmaker
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