These are really great photographs. I grew up in Charleston during the 60's and early 70s, and it was a blast of nostalgia to see the old sights from long ago. Thanks so much.
I love your photos of the Charleston that I grew up in. The one picture that you have of the Municlpal Auditorium in 1940, is the place and time of my first memories of Charleston. My dad knew the Young's, who owned "Young's Feed and Seed", across from the auditorium. They let out family watch Wendell Wilkie as he entered the auditorium for a rally during the 1940 Presidential race. Brings back old memories of a place that I have always loved. John Cook
Jerry, Sad to see they finally ran you out, loved your show. I wrote before when I left West By God for upstate NY-currently in Pa now still managing to make a decent buck (bout twice what Wv had to offer) heading to sunny florida soon, taking a office in Daytona beach with everything going on in the world today want to get as far away from NY WASH DC as possible. We NEED you back onthe air, best of luck friend take care. harold haroldferguson957@hotmail.com
Absolutely amazed at this compilation Jerry Love to meet you sometime. Have lots of Chas stories. Mel Ogrin ----retired Fl---- age 86 born West Side across from the Quarrier Estate ---took the Rutledge cow to pasture on the Stonewall School Site on Park Ave 1930-31---loving memories of flying a kite there on the weekends. the Maytag engines excite me as I powered a home made go cart that I bought for $2.00 at the junk yard about age 12 and rigged a mechanical icecream maker with one also. Big hit on the farm in Elkview at the time. Get to Charleston occasionally---certainly enjoy your work---don't understand why I don't remember hearing of you thru the years-------Mel Ogrin
Incredible collection! Thanks for making it available to all. The article in today's (7 June 09) Gazette says this site has a picture of Fernbank Elementary School, which I attended 1954-69. But I can't find it. Can someone point me in the right direction?
I am not a native Charlestonian. Came here in 1969 when I married a native. First job was at The Diamond Department Store. Would love to see some pictures of the store. I can't seem to find them anywhere. I love this site.
Great website. A quick search of newspapers shows a nice article about Airport School in the Charleston DM on Nov 25, 1952. May help you locate the original site.
I saw the article about your site in the Charleston paper. It really brings back memories. I grew up until 1965 on Stadium Place when my family moved to Pinch because of the Interstate, I was 12 at the time. The picture you have labled as St. Place is actually the next road toward Greenbrier St.(It went almost straight up the hill and it now connects to St. Place, I cannot remember its name.) The sawhorse is sitting at the end of Elisabeth St. I can remember playing ball at a large field at the corner of St.Place and Piedmont Rd. on the right going up the hill. They also used it for parking for ball games. Again, what a great site, Thanks, Scott Bickel
Loved the photos! I'd love to see photos of MacCorkle avenue from the early 1900s, before the South Side bridge was built, when people took the ferry and there were small businesses where the railroad tracks are now. I live in a house built around 1915, at the top of the road that led down to the ferry. The man who built the house had his store at the bottom of Ferry Road.
MountainWhispers.com and NewRiverGorge.com would like to assist by providing a sponsorship for this site. Please contact us at rossb@rocketmail.com Great Site. Thanks. Ross...
Great website, but I grew up on the West Side during the 50's, 60's and early 70's. Would love to see photos taken of the old West Washington Street. Remember Gordon's Drugs, Custer Theater, and the old Valley Bell at the corner of Washinton and Watts??? I tell stories about these places to the "younger" kids (from the 80's and 90's) but don't have any pictures to show.
I really enjoyed your work. My family (Mother and father plus six children)lived on Slack Street and I have special memories of our life in Charleston West Virginia. I had a wonderful family and never knew I grew up on the wrong side of town. I am 63 years old and these pictures make me feel young again. I attended Fruth School. We moved when I was 12 years old. Thank you.
Thank you so much for the memories. I grew up in Charleston (West Side). I have called several family members that live in other states now and told them about your site. You deserve an award for saving this history. Thank you, thank you so much! Live in Summersville now and a West Virginian through and through.
Not being originally from Charleston this was very enlighting as to the history of the town. However, this brought back memories of the northern WV towns where I grew up and made me think of the drastic changes. You have done a wonderful job. Keep it up.
The GIS says that Airport School was, indeed, on Twilight Drive. It also says that Parsons School was on Amity Drive (latitude 38.3784296 longitude -81.6504024).
I was astounded to find my father in one of your photos. He's gone now and this is only the second/third photo I have seen of him at such a young age. I tried emailing you with details, but I understand you are way until 12/31/1969??? I hope you are able to retrieve it. Thanks so much for this site!
I grew up in the 40's and 50's on the West Side. I lived on Park Ave. and could see Stonewall from the front porch. I love the pictures. Brought back memories. My sister still lives there and I get a couple times a year. It was a good place to grow up. I still miss it. Colleen
I just want to let you know that I really love the pictures. I grew up in Chesapeake, WV and now live in Charleston. We would come to town on the weekends to go shopping and hang out. Capital Street was the "mall". Keep'em coming.
Great memories of growing up in Charleston in the 1950s! I've often wondered if any pictures exist of Fruth grade school, as it was called then. I saw only a corner of the old building in one picture. I went from Fruth to Thomas Jefferson Jr High in 1957, then moved to the west side in 1959. Now retired and living in Tucson, AZ.
The school on Greenbriar Street is Martin School. My sister and I attended this two room school in the late '50's. There was a pot-bellied stove in the foyer. Mrs. Hale was the first grade teacher, and Mrs. Phelan was the second grade teacher. They were both wonderful, as are my memories of this school!
As a kid growing up in Beckley, I have fond memories of coming to Charleston with my parents in the late 60's to shop at Sears (Dad was a big Craftsman tool fan, but I was a bigger fan of the BBQ sandwiches at their snack bar). I remember coming off the Turnpike with those cool round doors on the toll booths, passing the large stone building on the Blvd at Wertz Avenue and, of course, staring in awe at our beautiful Capitol building. I live in Charleston now, and love telling those old stories, but for some strange reason, my kids don't seem to enjoy listening to my stories as much as I enjoy recalling the memories. Needless to say, I love your site. Thank you very much for sharing!
A friend sent me the link to your site today. Once I started looking around I coudn't stop until it was finished. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to preserving Charleston's history. I didn't know the Charelston in your photos but this site makes me wish I had.
A friend sent me the link to your website today. Once I started looking around I couldn't pry myself away until I was finished. I never knew Charleston before the "mall" but your site makes me wish I had.
Jerry, I so injoyed all the photos and have learned so much about all our history here.I am trying a photo of the Dunn Hospital in So.Chas.I was born there in 1951,if anyone can help me out finding any info.or possibly a photo I would so appriecate it so much,and also i am trying to find any in. on a home for unwed mothers in Chas.1931-32.My mom passed away and recently discovered that she gave birth to a baby boy there,he later died at age 3yr.old,but Ican not find anything on this,its a fact that this place existed. Thank you so much,
Jerry, I just want to say THANK YOU! I only recently discovered this site, and now plan to visit each & everyday! I am one of those "misplaced" West Virginians that only gets to visit on occasion. I think that West Virginians hold a certain pride that no other state can lay claim to, and I never hesitate to give someone a history lesson on our Great State! I have enjoyed your photos and will from now on...thank you!
Loved it and thank you for bringing back a lot of great memories. I grew up on the west side of Charleston in the 30s & 40s and at first thought I would send you a picture of the Mt. State Hospital's 1925 graduating class until I saw that you didn't want photos of just people. I return to Charleston from San Jose, CA every summer to visit my brother's family. You are right. After living away from there for the past 58 years and although I love living in the Silicon Valley, Charleston is still home to me.
Well gang, I feel a lot better now about losing my memory! ;)
The most mail I received was about the old Martin School on Greenbrier Street. Some said it was called "Martins Branch", while others named it "Saint Martins". All were close! But it just goes to show ya how we can forget over time, and exactly why I wanted to put this site up in the first place.
I'll have more photos posted soon! Also: please note the new information for submitting photos at the bottom of the main page.
Jerry, I love you pics, and as a kid in your Mercer pic, you have the APP Bldg as 1108 Quarrier, at Beni Kedem. 1108 Quarrier St is Mercer School`s address as we lived at 1108 Lee St, and 1108 Va St was the Kanawha Valley Hospt Nursing School my mother graduauted from. Your pic wish list is almost the same as mine, I have, if I can find them dozens of old Chas Police photos from the 50`s and 60`s. You have inspired me to make a real effort to locate these, I will let you know. Thanks, just glad it will keep growing, and I hope I can contribute. Eddie letitbe AT suddenlink DOT net
Love all your pictures.I was wondering do you remember the all night diner on east washington street.Up from empty glass that corner right in there , was not on the corner but at that end.What the name of it was. It was in the late seventies or later.
What a wonderful site! Was sent this from a friend. Like everyone else I grew up in Charleston left in 1986. These photos are great!Thanks for sharing!
Wonderful site, Jerry. I can tell it is purely a labor of love. Thanks from all of us native West Virginians. P. S. I think you used to work with my ex-husband on the CFD?
Thank you for taking me through a ton of memories unfortunately the younger generation won't have them like those of us familiar with all of your pic's. It is so nice for all true Mountaineers to see the real Charleston, WV. I just wish Capitol St was still the main shopping mecca it once was. Everyone does not like malls. Keep up the good work it is greatly appreciated by all.
I absolutely love this site!! Charleston looked very different back in time. I would love to see some old pictures of the Woodrums Building before and after it was built. I work in that building now and have been very interested in seeing old pictures of it.
This is such a great site- I remember when the woodrum's building was a furniture store and a funeral home at one time. I would also be interested in seeing pictures of woodrums back in time as well.
Hello! I was born and lived in Charleston for 18 years, and still go back monthly. I've lived in Wheeling for many, many years, now. Thank you for bringing so much honor to our beautiful state with these photos. It's obvious that they were taken with a lot of love.
I had often wondered about the origins of the Kanawha City "tiny houses" myself, so it was quite fascinating to read the history . Thanks so much and keep up the great work!
Thanks very much for the wonderful memories of WV-especially Chas.. I grew up on the West Side and see places my Dad used to talk about!! I remember Ben Franklins and Cohen's Drugstore-so many great memories. I now take my grandkids to the Fountain Hobby Center!!!
yeah i might of been born in 79 but i love the pic's of old charleston i was born and rised in charleston now live in st albans but i mess charleston more lol and also u rock jerry great job my fivrite pic u have on there are piedmount road in 69 tag chevy and the beer joint pic's also woundering do u know any of the folks names in any of the pic on the beer joint pic's i check ur site every day to see if u put anything new on well keep up the great job . tim legg
Thank you so much for doing this ! I was born and raised on the Westside, went to Robins,Wilson, and Stonewall in the 50's & 60's. Even though I am displaced and have lived in 8 other states..West Virginia is still "home" to me. Those mountains are in my blood. It is wonderful to see your photos.
I love this web site. I love Charleston and am greatly interested in the history.
I love pivtures of the Union building. I would like to find out any information about the resturant that used to be on the top floor. any photos opf that around?
I always swore that if I ever win the lottery, I will buy the Union building and re open that old resturant if I can. You will be welocme to eat there for free any time.
Jerry; Absolutely great site. You should compile the pics and the stories in a book. Was a former listener to your radio show. Why aint you back, man? You torque someone off, or just get fed up with the thing? I'm not exactly a native, but I've been in CRW since 1968 and both parents were from WV, so I claim "native by default." Flew airplanes out of Kanawha/Yeager airport for 40 years, retired last year. Saw and recognized you at lunch at the Chinese at Trace Fork several years ago. Never had seen you, but recognized your voice from the radio. Was gonna say hi, but figured you just wanted some anonymity with a friend. Again, great site. Does the State proud. As you can see from the time of this post, spent several hours in it.
Hi Jerry, You delivered the DVD about Chas. to me yesterday and I enjoyed watching it. And, to my surprise, I was in it. I love looking at the pics on your website. Thanks for the memories. Vicki Trent
Love the web site. I grew up on the hill above Laidley Field and would love to see more photo's of the east end of Charleston. The photo that shows the intersection of Piedmont Rd. and Stadium Place should be Bowen St.
While seeking out information for family history, I stumbled upon your site. Its seems my great uncle was a barber at the Kanawha Hotel in Charleston. Forgetting my original purpose, I have been reviewing your site for over an hour, loving all the pictures and giving thanks that someone thought to take photos before things change as they always do. I did not grow up on Charleston, but now feel as if I did. Great site! Debra
Wondering if the spooky old house you mentioned wanting a picture of is the same house that has stuck in my memory for 40 years. I remember when I was around 10 walking past a very large and spooky house with a black iron fence. For some reason I believe it was at the east end of Quarrier Street near the end of town. I remember my mother telling me her father always said it was haunted. Any information on this? Thank you. I love, love, love your site
Many of your loyal radio fans are missing your show. Have you thought about starting a similar show online? You are guaranteed the return of many of your faithful listeners.
Do you have or know where I could find any old baseball photos from Charleston. I know there was Wehrle, Kanawha & Watt Powell. Love the history of baseball here. I LOVE your site & all of the awesome pics you have for us to enjoy. If you have any pics or info on where i could find them I would appreciate it greatly. Thanks for your time. Scott Robinson sdrbluegrass@hotmail.com
Hey Jerry, Love your website. Alot of wonderful photographs. I found my mother in your CHS class of 1942 picture. She is in the third row from the bottom and from the left is the second girl--Patricia Smith Nelson. Thanks for sharing!
Hey Jerry great site.I'm glad to see you loaded pic's of the old brick yard in charleston.I lived next door to the plant from 1961 to 1979. I remembered going inside the plant talking to the workers and buying soft drinks.The pic's of the pond on the hill,used to be a lot deeper,we had a diving board and a swing. I remember in the 70's they lowerd the pond level so there went the diving board.You talk about the mine shaft was gated up.The gate has been down for years and the the road to the mine has been wash out.It seems funny that the school board spent so much money on that site to build the new Charleston High school on top of the mine site.Makes you wonder how much of the mines is still standing inside.I went Thomas Jefferson Jr high school, they closed it next year when i went to Charleston High.Kept up the great pictures, Really injoy your website, thomas Davis.
Love your photos. As a WV expat I love seeing the photos of Charleston and Kanawha City (where I grew up). Keep up the great work, your site is fantastic.
I love the pictures and was happy to know Mel Ogrin is still alive. His family and mine were dear friends. I remember playing in the yard next to McMillan Hospital. The picture that you posted must have been later than I lived at Maple Terrace. My grandmother worked there and I was born there. Molly McMillan, wife of Dr. McMillan, drew a picture of me when I was about six months old. It looks amazingly like my newest great grandson. The picture now hangs in his bedroom. Thank you for this site. So many memories.. Mary Jane Vandale Wood
Jerry, just wanted to thank you for this website. But to also ask you a question. I know you stated that you usually do not accept photos with family members in them, however I have a wonderful photo of my parents before they got married and had 5 children. What's so amazing about it they were in high school at charleston high I believe the early 50's but they were standing across the street and in front of " the blossom dairy" on quarrier street in charleston. I would love for this photo to be posted and to be able to show it to them. Like everything else things have changed. But after 25 years of marriage they divorced, but I believe they both still love each other. Please consider? Thanking you in advance for your time. Youngest of five. Susan_childress@yahoo.com
Would love to see pictures of Quarrier Diner, YWCA, C & P Telephone building (other side of river) Morris Harvey College. I went to school at MHC 1959-1963; worked at C&P Tel Co 1963-1966 after college, and spent many evenings in the Quarrier Diner bar drinking coffee!!!!
Thank you for sharing these wonderful old pictures
I remember you from when I was a little guy living around the corner from you. We were the black family that lived on the corner of Dickinson street North of Prestons Funeral Home, right across from the Sunbeam bakery. I was friends with Carl Olian. I use to hear stories about you being bad, and although back then, I was just a little guy, and only saw you and talked to you a couple of times, you were always nice to me. Take care, and thanks for your the wonderful pictures.
Jerry: Hey thanks so much for all the work you put into your wonderful site. I grew up on Cabin Creek Redwarrior to be correct. Went to East Bank Grad in 67. Was in and out of Charleston all the time. I was in the Hospital one time Kanawha Valley Hosp to be exact. When i came back from the Air Force i came in on a bus to Summers St Greyhound station. Over the years i had shoes repaired at Fife St Shoe Shop. Again Thanks So Much my Memories are vivid of my youth and even more after touring Charleston and area with you thru photos. Jim McCracken Keyser WV.
These are really great photographs. I grew up in Charleston during the 60's and early 70s, and it was a blast of nostalgia to see the old sights from long ago. Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteI love your photos of the Charleston that I grew up in. The one picture that you have of the Municlpal Auditorium in 1940, is the place and time of my first memories of Charleston. My dad knew the Young's, who owned "Young's Feed and Seed", across from the auditorium. They let out family watch Wendell Wilkie as he entered the auditorium for a rally during the 1940 Presidential race. Brings back old memories of a place that I have always loved. John Cook
ReplyDeleteJerry,
ReplyDeleteSad to see they finally ran you out, loved your show. I wrote before when I left West By God for upstate NY-currently in Pa now still managing to make a decent buck (bout twice what Wv had to offer) heading to sunny florida soon, taking a office in Daytona beach with everything going on in the world today want to get as far away from NY WASH DC as possible. We NEED you back onthe air, best of luck friend take care. harold haroldferguson957@hotmail.com
Absolutely amazed at this compilation Jerry
ReplyDeleteLove to meet you sometime. Have lots of Chas stories. Mel Ogrin ----retired Fl---- age 86 born West Side across from the Quarrier Estate ---took the Rutledge cow to pasture on the Stonewall School Site on Park Ave 1930-31---loving memories of flying a kite there on the weekends. the Maytag engines excite me as I powered a home made go cart that I bought for $2.00 at the junk yard about age 12 and rigged a mechanical icecream maker with one also. Big hit on the farm in Elkview at the time. Get to Charleston occasionally---certainly enjoy your work---don't understand why I don't remember hearing of you thru the years-------Mel Ogrin
Thanks everyone! Mel, contact me by e-mail.
ReplyDeleteThe website should be featured in the Gazette soon.
Great Site!! Great Pics!!
ReplyDeleteIncredible collection! Thanks for making it available to all. The article in today's (7 June 09) Gazette says this site has a picture of Fernbank Elementary School, which I attended 1954-69. But I can't find it. Can someone point me in the right direction?
ReplyDeleteWonderful, the memories came flooding back. i couldn't stop till i saw it all thanks so much for your commitment.
ReplyDeleteI am not a native Charlestonian. Came here in 1969 when I married a native. First job was at The Diamond Department Store. Would love to see some pictures of the store. I can't seem to find them anywhere. I love this site.
ReplyDeleteGreat website. A quick search of newspapers shows a nice article about Airport School in the Charleston DM on Nov 25, 1952. May help you locate the original site.
ReplyDeleteBest.
i loved the site.i also would love to see a picture of the diamonds window navity scene if anyone has one.
ReplyDeleteI saw the article about your site in the Charleston paper. It really brings back memories. I grew up until 1965 on Stadium Place when my family moved to Pinch because of the Interstate, I was 12 at the time. The picture you have labled as St. Place is actually the next road toward Greenbrier St.(It went almost straight up the hill and it now connects to St. Place, I cannot remember its name.) The sawhorse is sitting at the end of Elisabeth St. I can remember playing ball at a large field at the corner of St.Place and Piedmont Rd. on the right going up the hill. They also used it for parking for ball games. Again, what a great site, Thanks, Scott Bickel
ReplyDeleteLoved the photos! I'd love to see photos of MacCorkle avenue from the early 1900s, before the South Side bridge was built, when people took the ferry and there were small businesses where the railroad tracks are now. I live in a house built around 1915, at the top of the road that led down to the ferry. The man who built the house had his store at the bottom of Ferry Road.
ReplyDeleteMountainWhispers.com and NewRiverGorge.com would like to assist by providing a sponsorship for this site. Please contact us at rossb@rocketmail.com Great Site. Thanks. Ross...
ReplyDeleteGreat website, but I grew up on the West Side during the 50's, 60's and early 70's. Would love to see photos taken of the old West Washington Street. Remember Gordon's Drugs, Custer Theater, and the old Valley Bell at the corner of Washinton and Watts??? I tell stories about these places to the "younger" kids (from the 80's and 90's) but don't have any pictures to show.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your work. My family (Mother and father plus six children)lived on Slack Street and I have special memories of our life in Charleston West Virginia. I had a wonderful family and never knew I grew up on the wrong side of town. I am 63 years old and these pictures make me feel young again. I attended Fruth School. We moved when I was 12 years old. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWow! Your site is amazing! The research that you have done is incredible. 1000 Thank You's for allowing me the chance to go back in time!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this website. My family and I moved in in the 70's, these photos have brought back a lot of memories.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the memories. I grew up in Charleston (West Side). I have called several family members that live in other states now and told them about your site. You deserve an award for saving this history. Thank you, thank you so much! Live in Summersville now and a West Virginian through and through.
ReplyDeleteNot being originally from Charleston this was very enlighting as to the history of the town. However, this brought back memories of the northern WV towns where I grew up and made me think of the drastic changes. You have done a wonderful job. Keep it up.
ReplyDeletethe school on greenbrier st is martin school
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures.
ReplyDeleteThe GIS says that Airport School was, indeed, on Twilight Drive. It also says that Parsons School was on Amity Drive (latitude 38.3784296 longitude -81.6504024).
Hi Jerry,
ReplyDeleteI was astounded to find my father in one of your photos. He's gone now and this is only the second/third photo I have seen of him at such a young age. I tried emailing you with details, but I understand you are way until 12/31/1969??? I hope you are able to retrieve it. Thanks so much for this site!
My big brother sent this to me. I LOVE it! Thank you for sharing. You have created a WONDERFUL WV memory!
ReplyDeleteI grew up in the 40's and 50's on the West Side. I lived on Park Ave. and could see Stonewall from the front porch. I love the pictures. Brought back memories. My sister still lives there and I get a couple times a year. It was a good place to grow up. I still miss it. Colleen
ReplyDeleteI just want to let you know that I really love the pictures. I grew up in Chesapeake, WV and now live in Charleston. We would come to town on the weekends to go shopping and hang out. Capital Street was the "mall". Keep'em coming.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Shelia
Great memories of growing up in Charleston in the 1950s! I've often wondered if any pictures exist of Fruth grade school, as it was called then. I saw only a corner of the old building in one picture. I went from Fruth to Thomas Jefferson Jr High in 1957, then moved to the west side in 1959. Now retired and living in Tucson, AZ.
ReplyDeleteThe school on Greenbriar Street is Martin School. My sister and I attended this two room school in the late '50's. There was a pot-bellied stove in the foyer. Mrs. Hale was the first grade teacher, and Mrs. Phelan was the second grade teacher. They were both wonderful, as are my memories of this school!
ReplyDeleteAs a kid growing up in Beckley, I have fond memories of coming to Charleston with my parents in the late 60's to shop at Sears (Dad was a big Craftsman tool fan, but I was a bigger fan of the BBQ sandwiches at their snack bar). I remember coming off the Turnpike with those cool round doors on the toll booths, passing the large stone building on the Blvd at Wertz Avenue and, of course, staring in awe at our beautiful Capitol building. I live in Charleston now, and love telling those old stories, but for some strange reason, my kids don't seem to enjoy listening to my stories as much as I enjoy recalling the memories. Needless to say, I love your site. Thank you very much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteA friend sent me the link to your site today. Once I started looking around I coudn't stop until it was finished. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to preserving Charleston's history. I didn't know the Charelston in your photos but this site makes me wish I had.
ReplyDeleteThanks again and keep up the good work!
A friend sent me the link to your website today. Once I started looking around I couldn't pry myself away until I was finished. I never knew Charleston before the "mall" but your site makes me wish I had.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work.
Jerry,
ReplyDeleteThanks for all these incredible images. They should be in a gallery somewhere for all to enjoy.
Thanks to everyone who have left these nice comments. I'm currently in Europe but will be home soon! I will return responses then if needed.
ReplyDeleteJerry W
Jerry,
ReplyDeleteI so injoyed all the photos and have learned so much about all our history here.I am trying a photo of the Dunn Hospital in So.Chas.I was born there in 1951,if anyone can help me out finding any info.or possibly a photo I would so appriecate it so much,and also i am trying to find any in. on a home for unwed mothers in Chas.1931-32.My mom passed away and recently discovered that she gave birth to a baby boy there,he later died at age 3yr.old,but Ican not find anything on this,its a fact that this place existed.
Thank you so much,
Jerry, I just want to say THANK YOU! I only recently discovered this site, and now plan to visit each & everyday! I am one of those "misplaced" West Virginians that only gets to visit on occasion. I think that West Virginians hold a certain pride that no other state can lay claim to, and I never hesitate to give someone a history lesson on our Great State! I have enjoyed your photos and will from now on...thank you!
ReplyDeleteLoved it and thank you for bringing back a lot of great memories. I grew up on the west side of Charleston in the 30s & 40s and at first thought I would send you a picture of the Mt. State Hospital's 1925 graduating class until I saw that you didn't want photos of just people. I return to Charleston from San Jose, CA every summer to visit my brother's family. You are right. After living away from there for the past 58 years and although I love living in the Silicon Valley, Charleston is still home to me.
ReplyDeleteWell gang, I feel a lot better now about losing my memory! ;)
ReplyDeleteThe most mail I received was about the old Martin School on Greenbrier Street. Some said it was called "Martins Branch", while others named it "Saint Martins". All were close! But it just goes to show ya how we can forget over time, and exactly why I wanted to put this site up in the first place.
I'll have more photos posted soon! Also: please note the new information for submitting photos at the bottom of the main page.
Jerry W.
Jerry, I love you pics, and as a kid in your Mercer pic, you have the APP Bldg as 1108 Quarrier, at Beni Kedem. 1108 Quarrier St is Mercer School`s address as we lived at 1108 Lee St, and 1108 Va St was the Kanawha Valley Hospt Nursing School my mother graduauted from. Your pic wish list is almost the same as mine, I have, if I can find them dozens of old Chas Police photos from the 50`s and 60`s. You have inspired me to make a real effort to locate these, I will let you know. Thanks, just glad it will keep growing, and I hope I can contribute. Eddie letitbe AT suddenlink DOT net
ReplyDeleteThanks Eddie... that was a typo. It should have been 108 Quarrier, not 1108. Fixed it!
ReplyDeleteLove all your pictures.I was wondering do you remember the all night diner on east washington street.Up from empty glass that corner right in there , was not on the corner but at that end.What the name of it was. It was in the late seventies or later.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful site! Was sent this from a friend. Like everyone else I grew up in Charleston left in 1986. These photos are great!Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWonderful site, Jerry. I can tell it is purely a labor of love. Thanks from all of us native West Virginians. P. S. I think you used to work with my ex-husband on the CFD?
ReplyDeleteGary? Yes.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking me through a ton of memories
ReplyDeleteunfortunately the younger generation won't have
them like those of us familiar with all of your
pic's. It is so nice for all true Mountaineers
to see the real Charleston, WV. I just wish
Capitol St was still the main shopping mecca it
once was. Everyone does not like malls.
Keep up the good work it is greatly appreciated by all.
No, Gary was/is my brother-on-law. No, Charlie.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this site!! Charleston looked very different back in time. I would love to see some old pictures of the Woodrums Building before and after it was built. I work in that building now and have been very interested in seeing old pictures of it.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great site- I remember when the woodrum's building was a furniture store and a funeral home at one time. I would also be interested in seeing pictures of woodrums back in time as well.
ReplyDeleteHello! I was born and lived in Charleston for 18 years, and still go back monthly. I've lived in Wheeling for many, many years, now. Thank you for bringing so much honor to our beautiful state with these photos. It's obvious that they were taken with a lot of love.
ReplyDeleteLinda Ruthers
I had often wondered about the origins of the Kanawha City "tiny houses" myself, so it was quite fascinating to read the history . Thanks so much and keep up the great work!
ReplyDeletegreat pics jerry thanks for your time and effort
ReplyDeleteThanks very much for the wonderful memories of WV-especially Chas.. I grew up on the West Side and see places my Dad used to talk about!! I remember Ben Franklins and Cohen's Drugstore-so many great memories. I now take my grandkids to the Fountain Hobby Center!!!
ReplyDeleteyeah i might of been born in 79 but i love the pic's of old charleston i was born and rised in charleston now live in st albans but i mess charleston more lol and also u rock jerry great job my fivrite pic u have on there are piedmount road in 69 tag chevy and the beer joint pic's also woundering do u know any of the folks names in any of the pic on the beer joint pic's i check ur site every day to see if u put anything new on well keep up the great job . tim legg
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for doing this ! I was born and raised on the Westside, went to Robins,Wilson, and Stonewall in the 50's & 60's.
ReplyDeleteEven though I am displaced and have lived in 8 other states..West Virginia is still "home" to me. Those mountains are in my blood. It is wonderful to see your photos.
Jerry-
ReplyDeleteThanks for the memories.
Excellent site!
You da' man.
Bruce Sorgman
-WV's Homegrown Magical Entertainer-
Charleston WV
I love this web site. I love Charleston and am greatly interested in the history.
ReplyDeleteI love pivtures of the Union building. I would like to find out any information about the resturant that used to be on the top floor. any photos opf that around?
I always swore that if I ever win the lottery, I will buy the Union building and re open that old resturant if I can. You will be welocme to eat there for free any time.
Jerry; Absolutely great site. You should compile the pics and the stories in a book. Was a former listener to your radio show. Why aint you back, man? You torque someone off, or just get fed up with the thing? I'm not exactly a native, but I've been in CRW since 1968 and both parents were from WV, so I claim "native by default." Flew airplanes out of Kanawha/Yeager airport for 40 years, retired last year. Saw and recognized you at lunch at the Chinese at Trace Fork several years ago. Never had seen you, but recognized your voice from the radio. Was gonna say hi, but figured you just wanted some anonymity with a friend. Again, great site. Does the State proud. As you can see from the time of this post, spent several hours in it.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much
Earl Whyde
Hi Jerry,
ReplyDeleteYou delivered the DVD about Chas. to me yesterday and I enjoyed watching it. And, to my surprise, I was in it. I love looking at the pics on your website. Thanks for the memories.
Vicki Trent
You were? You must have been in the baby parade then?
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I must have been. I was in my early 20s, dark hair amd much slimmer. I had on the "head boppers" LOL.
ReplyDeleteVicki
Hi Jerry,
ReplyDeleteLove the web site. I grew up on the hill above Laidley Field and would love to see more photo's of the east end of Charleston. The photo that shows the intersection of Piedmont Rd. and Stadium Place should be Bowen St.
While seeking out information for family history, I stumbled upon your site. Its seems my great uncle was a barber at the Kanawha Hotel in Charleston. Forgetting my original purpose, I have been reviewing your site for over an hour, loving all the pictures and giving thanks that someone thought to take photos before things change as they always do. I did not grow up on Charleston, but now feel as if I did. Great site! Debra
ReplyDeleteWondering if the spooky old house you mentioned wanting a picture of is the same house that has stuck in my memory for 40 years. I remember when I was around 10 walking past a very large and spooky house with a black iron fence. For some reason I believe it was at the east end of Quarrier Street near the end of town. I remember my mother telling me her father always said it was haunted. Any information on this? Thank you. I love, love, love your site
ReplyDeleteI have to say you are an amazing photographer. If only all of us could have experienced what you have during your lifetime.
ReplyDeleteHope to meet you someday.
PG
"MySpace" friend
Does anyone know where a town called Plus, WV was located. That is listed as the city on my parent's marriage certificate in 1940.
ReplyDeleteMany of your loyal radio fans are missing your show. Have you thought about starting a similar show online? You are guaranteed the return of many of your faithful listeners.
ReplyDeleteDo you have or know where I could find any old baseball photos from Charleston. I know there was Wehrle, Kanawha & Watt Powell. Love the history of baseball here. I LOVE your site & all of the awesome pics you have for us to enjoy. If you have any pics or info on where i could find them I would appreciate it greatly. Thanks for your time.
ReplyDeleteScott Robinson
sdrbluegrass@hotmail.com
Hey Jerry,
ReplyDeleteLove your website. Alot of wonderful photographs. I found my mother in your CHS class of 1942 picture. She is in the third row from the bottom and from the left is the second girl--Patricia Smith Nelson. Thanks for sharing!
Hello Jerry! Great website and old pictures keep up the good work. I was a big fan of your radio show, wish you were still on the air! Best Regards
ReplyDeleteHey Jerry great site.I'm glad to see you loaded pic's of the old brick yard in charleston.I lived next door to the plant from 1961 to 1979. I remembered going inside the plant talking to the workers and buying soft drinks.The pic's of the pond on the hill,used to be a lot deeper,we had a diving board and a swing. I remember in the 70's they lowerd the pond level so there went the diving board.You talk about the mine shaft was gated up.The gate has been down for years and the the road to the mine has been wash out.It seems funny that the school board spent so much money on that site to build the new Charleston High school on top of the mine site.Makes you wonder how much of the mines is still standing inside.I went Thomas Jefferson Jr high school, they closed it next year when i went to Charleston High.Kept up the great pictures, Really injoy your website, thomas Davis.
ReplyDeleteHey Jerry just a follow note. Bill Miller said hello. Thomas Davis
ReplyDeleteLove your photos. As a WV expat I love seeing the photos of Charleston and Kanawha City (where I grew up). Keep up the great work, your site is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI love the pictures and was happy to know Mel Ogrin is still alive. His family and mine were dear friends.
ReplyDeleteI remember playing in the yard next to McMillan Hospital. The picture that you posted must have been later than I lived at Maple Terrace. My grandmother worked there and I was born there. Molly McMillan, wife of Dr. McMillan, drew a picture of me when I was about six months old. It looks amazingly like my newest great grandson. The picture now hangs in his bedroom.
Thank you for this site. So many memories..
Mary Jane Vandale Wood
Jerry, just wanted to thank you for this website. But to also ask you a question. I know you stated that you usually do not accept photos with family members in them, however I have a wonderful photo of my parents before they got married and had 5 children. What's so amazing about it they were in high school at charleston high I believe the early 50's but they were standing across the street and in front of " the blossom dairy" on quarrier street in charleston. I would love for this photo to be posted and to be able to show it to them. Like everything else things have changed. But after 25 years of marriage they divorced, but I believe they both still love each other. Please consider? Thanking you in advance for your time. Youngest of five. Susan_childress@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteWould love to see pictures of Quarrier Diner, YWCA, C & P Telephone building (other side of river) Morris Harvey College. I went to school at MHC 1959-1963; worked at C&P Tel Co 1963-1966 after college, and spent many evenings in the Quarrier Diner bar drinking coffee!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these wonderful old pictures
Hey Jerry,
ReplyDeleteI remember you from when I was a little guy living around the corner from you. We were the black family that lived on the corner of Dickinson street North of Prestons Funeral Home, right across from the Sunbeam bakery. I was friends with Carl Olian. I use to hear stories about you being bad, and although back then, I was just a little guy, and only saw you and talked to you a couple of times, you were always nice to me. Take care, and thanks for your the wonderful pictures.
Sam Hart
Hi Sam E mail when you can
ReplyDeleteThanks
everbody !!
Jerry
Jerry:
ReplyDeleteHey thanks so much for all the work you put into your wonderful site. I grew up on Cabin Creek Redwarrior to be correct. Went to East Bank Grad in 67. Was in and out of Charleston all the time. I was in the Hospital one time Kanawha Valley Hosp to be exact. When i came back from the Air Force i came in on a bus to Summers St Greyhound station. Over the years i had shoes repaired at Fife St Shoe Shop. Again Thanks So Much my Memories are vivid of my youth and even more after touring Charleston and area with you thru photos. Jim McCracken Keyser WV.