Elkhorn, WV is located in McDowell County along US 52 between Bluefield and Northfork. It was home to the Crozer Coal and Coke Company. The mine was opened in 1888 and closed in the 1950's. The coal was mined from 6 seems of the Flat Top-Pocahontas Coalfield. Currently there are 160 residents.
The center piece of the community is the John L. Lincoln house. The house pictured above was built in 1899 for John L Lincoln who was the general manager not only the Crozer mine but also the Upland and Page Coal and Coke Companies. This house is current owned by Bob and Tish (St Clair) Beasley and has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The home has been owned by the Beasleys since 1962. Contained on the property are a private school house for the Lincoln's children and other mine bosses children. The house remains relatively unchanged with some of the original furniture.
The area had its own high school, opened in 1923 and closed in 1953. (My fathers graduating year). There was a hotel/boarding house, post office (1889), several churches including eastern orthodox along with elementary and Junior High schools. The camp was named Elkhorn after the creek that ran through the area.
The Pictures to
above and below are of the post office. In the right of the above picture is Elkhorn creek. To the left not seen in the John Lincoln house. In the picture to the left, on the right hand side of the photograph is my grandparents house which is currently owned by my cousin. Also my Grandmother, Aunt and cousin have worked as Post Mistress of the Elkhorn Post Office
above and below are of the post office. In the right of the above picture is Elkhorn creek. To the left not seen in the John Lincoln house. In the picture to the left, on the right hand side of the photograph is my grandparents house which is currently owned by my cousin. Also my Grandmother, Aunt and cousin have worked as Post Mistress of the Elkhorn Post OfficeI remember spending summers in Elkhorn. Even though the mine had been closed more than 10 years before my birth the coal trains still ran through every evening. We would go to sleep hearing the click clack of the train as it passed by. Going to my cousin's football game in nearby Northfork or just playing in the big yard. The little community continues to survive unlike so many of these coal camps. On a recent visit, I was surprised to see some of the houses along "bosses row" had been painted a different color than the traditional white with green shutters.
More to be posted
It is great that you have a family connection to Elkhorn. It makes your research so much more relevant. Thank you for sharing your research and personal information on the town.
ReplyDeleteSo excited to find your post.
ReplyDeleteWe recently purchased The Lincoln House in Elkhorn.