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Name: Martha (Wiser) Hall CommentsI grew up in Big Stone Gap. I lived on Spring Street. Our family moved away after I completed the 8th grade at Powell Valley High School. If we had stayed I would have been in the graduating class of 1973. I hope to visit some day real soon and show my son where I grew up. I just recently purchased the book "Big Stone Gap" by Adriana Trigiani, and throughly enjoyed reading it. It brought back such fond memories of the area.
Name: Jill (Kilgore, Fannon)Williams CommentsHello Gary, Couldn't sleep so I decided to check out the updates of the website. Looks great! Hope all is well in the Gap. I enjoyed reading all the guest book entries. Recognized so many of the names, remembered so many faces and then reality hit and I tried to imagine all of them 15 years older now. It is hard to believe that time has flown by so quickly. It has been 15 years since Westmoreland layed off all those miners and changed all our lives forever. I will never forget and part of me will never forgive how carelessly the Coal Company that we all grew up trusting, threw 250+ miners away in that lay off. We were forced to sell our homes and move away to find work. I was a new mother with Juliana age 2 and Jacoby age 10 mos, had never lived more than 20 minutes away from my family in Dunbar and I was so afraid. I moved with my husband Jeff Fannon to Sanford, NC in Aug. 1985, and stayed homesick most of the next four years. Lived for the visits from my Mom and Dad and came home at least 3 times per year. In February 88, my third child, Jerrica was born. In July, 1989, my father, Harrison Kilgore died unexpectedly. I felt as if part of me died that day too. The sadness and guilt that I felt was overwhelming. I wanted to move back home, needed to stay there and take care of Mother but there still were no jobs in the BSG area for Jeff or myself. In March 1993, my marriage ended and I faced another frightening situation - rearing three children alone. March, 1994 I returned to Dunbar and took a job with Commerical Printers of SWVA. I had hoped to spend more time with my dear Mother, but it seemed I was always at work. I so desperately wanted to remain in the area but the wages were just not adequate to support a family of four. Later that year, Jeff's mother, Eula Fannon suddenly became ill and died. Everything just kept changing and yet It felt as if we had somehow been transported back in time during our year in Va. My children attended Appalachia Elementary School as I had done and they spent their summer riding bikes and fishing in the creek. Those city-kids of mine were bored to tears. Imagine that, all those years I cried to come home and my children hated living there. Our big weekly outing was to load as many kids as I legally could into my care and go to the Central Drive-In in Blackwood. The kids would take their football, frisbee, and badminton sets to play with their friends on the grassy lawn in front of the movie screen until it got dark enough for the movie to begin. When they speak of their year in VA they still recall the Drive-In with the fondest memories. We had come back to the mountains of home seeking healing from the broken hearts that come from losing loved ones and ending lifetime committments. But we found that life was not the same anymore. We had been gone for a few years and even our church friends treated us like we were outsiders. We returned to North Carolina in March of 95 and I took a position as an Administrative Assistant in the Moore County School System. I married my best friend, Tim Williams in February 1996. I had my last child, a beautiful baby boy named Cameron in Nov. 97. I transferred to Lee County School System in July of 1998 to make a career advancement and work closer to home. I went to Italy and toured Rome with Tim in Sept. of 98 while the four children stayed in NC with Tim's mother. Life was great, I thought, then unexpectedly, we separated in Dec. 98. Over the past two years, my mother, Juanita Kilgore has become ill and I have rushed to her hospital bedside several times. God has currently blessed her with renewed strength and at 83 she is back home living with my sister, Beth in Kingsport TN. Now at 41, I finally have learned to enjoy life again. I take great pleasure out of the simple things of life and enjoy every moment with my children. Seems everything changed in our lives thanks to that layoff in 85. Jeff is now in his third marriage and living in Tennessee. Our two oldest children have gone to live with him. Juli is in college now and Jacoby is a tenth grader at Sullivan Central High where he attends school with his step-brother and step-sister. I miss their voices in my home and still hear their laughter echo in the yard. I hope they will come back home to North Carolina soon. Jerrica and Cameron live here with me and are growing so quickly. Jerrica will be a teenager in February and Cameron turns 3 in November. My nephew, Jeremy Mullins lives with us also and has a great job with a pharmaceutical Company here in town. Life goes on...I can't help but wonder where it would have taken us had we not been forced to move away from Big Stone Gap. Jeff, Juli, Jacoby and I were so happy in our little home in the Southern. We attended the Pentecostal church in Appalachia and were such a blessed family. We had the love of God, family and friends in BSG. A support group of familiar faces and hugs that flowed freely like the Powell River. Guess you don't realize what a blessing that can be until you move away and never see a face you know. Bet you don't realize that nobody hugs like we Virginian's do. People don't even hug in the church settings down here. I call Sanford home now because it is the birthplace and home of my children, but no place will ever truly feel like home to me again. Thanks to Westmoreland for scattering 250+ families to the wind, breaking hearts, homes, and teaching us to never, ever trust the things we felt were the most secure. Lives have been lost, loves tested and tried beyond endurance, homes sold, friends vanished, new lives begun, new homes bought, new careers taken and new friends and loved ones found since 85 but no one can ever replace the lifestyle that was taken from all of us when we were forced to leave our homes in those beautiful mountains. No one even said they were sorry just handed out pink slips and sent those miners home for the last time. Enjoy the Gap while you have it, but please teach your children how to survive outside the protection of those hallowed hills. Life is just not the same anywhere else. Good night and God bless you all.
Name: GLEN & SHARON MAGGARD CommentsWE WERE IN YOUR BEAUTIFUL MTS. THE FIRST OF OCTOBER WORKING ON FAMILY HISTORY , WE WERE TRYING TO FIND WHERE EVANS MAGGARD ,MY GREAT UNCLE, AND HIS FAMILY ARE BURIED AT. THE COUNTRY THERE IS JUST BEAUTIFUL , WE STAYED IN A CAMPGROUND BY A MOTEL THERE IN TOWN , THE PEOPLE ARE SO FRIENDLY AND WILLING TO HELP YOU IN EVERYWAY THAT THEY COULD. IF ANYONE KNOWS OF WHERE MY UNCLE IS BURIED PLEASE CONTACT ME . WE HOPE TO BE IN YOUR AREA AGAIN SOMEDAY .MY E-MAIL IS GLEN753@CS,COM . YOU HAVE A BEAUTIFUL WEB SITE. KEEP UP THE GOOD WOROK.
Name: Zelma Horton Allen CommentsI lived in BSG all my childhood. Would like to hear from family and friends...Graduated from BSGHS in 1958.
Name: Dorothee Hatcher Commentsmy FATHER USE TO LIVE IN BIG STONE GAP. hIS NAME IS earl Raynes.If anybody has info on the Raynes family.Please send me A email.
Name: Dorothee Hatcher Commentsmy FATHER USE TO LIVE IN BIG STONE GAP. hIS NAME IS earl Raynes.If anybody has info on the Raynes family.Please send me A email.
Name: Wilma Lawson Tschudy CommentsMy Grandparents lived in Big Stone Gap and I spent my summers there growing up. I sure do enjoy this site.
Name: Wilma Lawson Tschudy. CommentsMy Grandparents and family lived in Big Stone Gap and I spent my summers there when I was young. They were the Tabors. I sure have enjoyed this site.
Name: Wilma Lawson Tschudy. CommentsMy Grandparents and family lived in Big Stone Gap and I spent my summers there when I was young. They were the Tabors. I sure have enjoyed this site.
Name: Jessica dickenson CommentsHey!! I go to Pv and I think that BSG is a great place to live, but I think we need more things to do, like a teen club or something..keep up the page!!
Name: Jessica dickenson CommentsHey!! I go to Pv and I think that BSG is a great place to live, but I think we need more things to do, like a teen club or something..keep up the page!!
Name: anita sawyers Commentsi am a childrens book author. i am from norton i have family in big stone gap and norton. i would like to find a friend i have not seen in years. her name is lisa freeman from norton. we worked at hardees in norton in the late 80s around 87,88,89. if any one knows of her whereabouts email me.
Name: anita sawyers Commentsi am a childrens book author. i am from norton i have family in big stone gap and norton. i would like to find a friend i have not seen in years. her name is lisa freeman from norton. we worked at hardees in norton in the late 80s around 87,88,89. if any one knows of her whereabouts email me.
Name: Robert J Ramey CommentsLeft BSG in 1964 at the age of 14 attended East Stone Gap elementary til the 7th grade. I would love to hear from any classmates.
Name: Kimberly Pittman CommentsWe plan on visiting in the spring and could use a little more information about tourist attractions. Thank You, Kim Pittman
Name: Kenny Robinson CommentsI will be moving to BSG soon.
Name: Hester Dougherty CommentsI was raised in BSG--graduated Powell Valley in 1972--and proud of it!!!!
Name: Leila Cowan CommentsI was born and raised in Wise County. My father was a coal miner and my mother a homemaker.I know that life can be tough if you are from a small town that is hidden from the rest of the world. I love the area and will someday come back home to live with my family Big Stone gap will always have a special place in my heart.
Name: Leila Cowan CommentsI was raised and attended the schools in BigStone Gap.Every time I have left the area I have always came back for visits and lived there for some time. My heart will always be in themountains of Virginai.My mother,Leona Gollaway-Vaughn died recently . She was a life long resident of Big Stone Gap. The little town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains will always be my home and hold many fond memories of the paaaast.
Name: russell l. hayes Commentsmy family is from imboden. va. they were all of coal mining work. a family of 12 boys and 1 girl(poor girl) the family began leaving to work in the shipyard in newport news va. in 1928 to 1931. my grandfather used to sell moonshine at the ballgames om sunday when the men from different hollers would play baseball. he made nore money selling shine than in the mines. big family to feed. i often wish i were back in that time with then again. tks for listening. russell
Name: Anne Felts Mathis CommentsStarted out on the Wildcat, parents Hugh E. and Rosalie Bundrant Felts. Grandparents Walter E. and Mary Felts, and Charles and Lena Bundrant. Grandaddy Walter was a foreman in the Roda Mines. Grandaddy Bundrant ran the Company Store at Osaka. Uncle Tudor Felts retired from the mines in Appalachia wife was Iris. Uncle Frank Neely married our aunt Marion, Uncle Frank worked at Central supply. We moved to Oak Ridge, Tn. back in 1950. My brother is Pete H. Felts and now lives in San Antonio, Tx. Precious Memories really come to mind when we can see the old home place, and remember so many family names. Thank you for allowing us to revisit. If anyone out there remembers us drop a line.
Name: Scott Whetzel CommentsI follow high school football in the state, and there aren't to many schools that have enjoyed the success that Powell Valley has. I also appreciate Thomas and Julius Jones success in football after coming from a Single A school. We are Single A as well (Stonewall Jackson). Very enjoyable website. The pictures are great. I've always wanted to visit your part of our great state. Good luck in the playoffs.
Name: Janet Kennedy CommentsI am from Gate City, Virginia. I have the book, Benge. Are there any other publications about the area? I would be interested to learn of these. Thank you.
Name: Janet Kennedy CommentsI am from Gate City, Virginia. I have the book, Benge. Are there any other publications about the area? I would be interested to learn of these. Thank you.
Name: Jay CommentsSAVE THE PARK!!!!!!
Name: Pete H. Felts CommentsWas raised in the WILDCAT, Dad(Hugh E. Felts) GrandFather(Walter E. Felts) worked at Roda,Grandfather was mine foreman, Dad worked in the motor barn. Tudor Felts(Uncle) worked at Roda as well, Grandfather Bundrant ran the company store at Osaka and Frank Neely ( uncle) was with Central Supply at Middletown.We moved to Oak Ridge TN. in 1950, went to elementry school at East stone Gap.Wonderful memories.
Name: KIMBERLY JOAN CECIL (MULLINS) Commentsi enjoyed looking at the pictures. i lived in big stone gap va. for many years.
Name: Steve & Ros Griffiths CommentsWill be visiting from the 25th Oct
Name: Jamice (Neely) Norman CommentsBorn in Stonega.Have cousins in BSG.Mullins on my mothers side,Neelys on my fathers.Does anyone remeber Arminda or Armanda Neely? She was born in 1873,died in 1967.Nickname was Minnie.Lived in Cadet,for awhile. Married H.C. Neely.She was said to be 3/4 Chickasaw Indian and 1/4 Black Dutch.Would appreciate any info.
Name: Mark C. Reymiller CommentsUsed to live there...
Name: Mike Maness CommentsGreat site! I am a descendant of the Maness and Bledsoe families from in and around Big Stone Gap. My father, Coleman Maness (d. 1999), was born near BSG in 1926. His father, H.W. Maness, was a miner. After retirement, he and his wife Opal ran a small roadside grocery just south of town on the road to Gate City. My father had four brothers; H., Jack, Delano, and Sonny. Any memories, anecdotes, etc., are welcome.
Name: LCPL Michael S. Lee CommentsI am an Appalachia native now serving in the United States Marine Corps. My parents are currently in the process of moving to Big Stone. I love coming home on leave and for the holidays to such a great moutainous area with such friendly people. Keep up the good work.
Name: Russ and Tina Davis (Barker) CommentsWe'd like to move closer to home. Miss the families and all the nice fresh air and friendly people. Would like our kids to get the best of both worlds. If you have any info as to who is hiring for clerical and technical positions don't be shy, let us know. We welcome any leads. By the way, pretty background.
Name: David L. Wells CommentsLooking for family member
Name: Alfred Wendell Stewart Reasor CommentsI remember most of the pictures in your photo archive. It was painful to see some of them especially the old Big Stone High School building where I had algebra with Mrs. Brooks, Wise County History with Iloe Read, and Biology with Jack Gibbs. I cried to see that and remember 1958 at BSGHS and the Bucaneers!
Name: Kim Burghardt CommentsI am a decendent of the Joshua Beamen family. Any relatives still there? Trula Beamen was my grandmother.
Name: Nancy Lane Clay CommentsSo happy to have found this. The miner's museum means so much to me because my dad was a coal miner in Derby. I graduated from AHS in 47, while there was in the band with Mrs. Sam,on the basketball team, attended LMU,worked in Derby Payroll and Roda Payroll.
Name: Arjen Schouten Commentsno comments
Name: mary ann day Commentsmy great great grandfather rufus bailey, was born here september 13,1863. i would like to know more information about him.
Name: Jersie Leonetti Commentsomg...this is scarey stuff...there's no place like miami, there's no place like Miami...hehe
Name: James Eckman CommentsAppears to be a nice community!
Name: David Tolliver CommentsI am interested in any info. re: the Tolliver family history and a diagram of the family tree if one exists. My father, Melvin Tolliver was born and raised in Harlen, Ky. His father's name was John Henry Tolliver. He died when my dad was seven years old which would have been in 1934.Thats about all I know about my heritage. I know there are many Afro-Americans with the same name and I am interested in finding out all I can to but together the pieces of my family heritage. Any help would be greatly appreciated. God bless!!! David Kirk Tolliver
Name: rebecca bogan (kilbourne) CommentsMy parents grew up in BSG. I have many fond memories of visits there when I was a child.
Name: MARTHA (BELCHER)DUNAGAN CommentsHello again, Just checking back. Love the new pictures, made some copys for my parents & it was fun and sad seeing their faces when they looked at them. Again if anyone has some info on my family history please email me. On dads side it would be the Belchers, On moms it would be the Burkes. East Stone And Big Stone areas. Love to all Martie
Name: Edward R.Hutchinson,Sr. CommentsThanks to those made the effort to produce this site. Great job! I await the "rest of this story".
Name: Edward R.Hutchinson,Sr. CommentsThanks to those made the effort to produce this site. Great job! I await the "rest of this story".
Name: Ko Mira CommentsI love Big Stone Gap! The area is so beautiful.
Name: Charles G elliott CommentsHello my name is Charles Elliott just found the site for the town it's great to find all the info of the town. I've lived here a long time it's a great place to live. Thank's for puting the town on the web site. Like to say hello to my friends that run the town. Thanks Charles
Name: Jeremy Mullins CommentsUpdated email address for anyone wanting to get in contact with me. Great site Uncle Gary!!! Love being able to visit home again, from home! Sanford, NC
Name: Lisa Kirk Mills CommentsI have many wonderful memories of summers spent in Osaka with my grandparents, Thelma and Elmer Kirk. I also spent time each summer with Bob and Virgie Ayers, Patty and Jim Herron, Sheila and John Herron, Mr.Dewey Herron, and Evelyn, Danny, Shane and Robyn Kirk (Kingsport). My maternal grandparents Audra and Russell Ayres would drop me off in Osaka for the summer. My parents Maggie and George Kirk would pick me up at the end of the summer. All of these memories are treasures. Such great times spent with very special people who have been great influencers in my life. Even though I'm not originally from the BSG area (everyone else in my family was born there), I will always consider it "home". Those beautiful mountains are forever in my heart.
Name: Larry K Turner CommentsI miss the the area and the people. I will be back soon for a visit.
Name: Tonya Simon CommentsA Beautiful Place
Name: Greg and Michelle Lucado (Michelle Merka) CommentsWe really enjoy the historic photo's of BSG. Good job bigstonegap.org.
Name: George Deahl CommentsWhat a great site. I check back weekly. Still looking for Wells family from BSG and surrounding areas. My mother was Dorothy Wells, born 1925. Her parents were Zachariah Fitzhugh (Dusty) Wells and Nannie Statzer. Siblings were Irene, Blanche and Thomas. Her grandparents were Alfred Preston Wells and Martha Taylor. If anyone can put me in touch with relatives or anyone who knew this Wells line, please contact me - deahl@casco.net. Thanks a million.
Name: Reverend P. Rodney Body CommentsI lived with my parents in BSG until I was nine years old when they moved to Plant City, Florida in 1960. My grandfather, J.E. Body, Sr. was a former mayor of BSG. I am an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church and serve as pastor of the South Side U.M.C. in Macon, Georgia.
Name: SHARLIE JANE LAWSON WALK CommentsI WAS RAISED IN BIG STONE GAP AND THIS SITE TAKES ME BACK HOME. I LIVE IN INDIANA NOW AND MISS MY HOME TOWN VERY MUCH.THANK YOU FOR THIS SITE
Name: Christine M. Mullins VATNP Nursing Student CommentsYour site was a big help with my community assessment for nursing class.
Name: sandy moore Commentslived in big stone for a couple of years.am originally from norton.my late husband was a kerns bread man and was a volunteer fireman with the late tolly newberry.he and his wife betty were the greatest people.hope to return to the area and maybe retire there.theres a lot to be said for small towns and its all great.
Name: John W. Mills CommentsLooking for information about my great,great, grand father, His name was James Mills and married a Napier. older family members said he was a black smith in or around Big stone gap area,and was buried in Wade cemetary just across the lee county line around 1873 to 1875. i not sure this is just a guess. any one having any information please send me an e-mail. Thanks, John Mills
Name: Jan Legg Davis CommentsI grow up in Big Stone Gap. I moved to Salisbury NC in May of 88.MY family is still liveing in Big Stone. My family are the Phillips & the Legg. My grandparents are the Phillips of the Phillips wrecker service of Big Stone Gap.
Name: charles p. warden Commentskeep up the good work enjoyed this very much. thanks to all.
Name: charles p. warden Commentskeep up the good work enjoyed this very much. thanks to all.
Name: Phil Garland CommentsHello BSG, I am the grandson of the late Ray and Nettie Herron. I was born in Big Stone Gap in 1947. My mother is Nadine Katherine Garland who is alive and well and lives about a mile away from me here in Miami.I haven't visited BSG since my grandparents passed away, but will always cherish the great memories I have of BSG and my grandparents.I remember the singing convention every year, the family reunions, the picking of dew berries, wild strawberries, blackberries all over the mountains of BSG.I know I probably still have some cousins or friends that may remember me or my mom Nadine.If so Please send E-mail.
Name: James Wallace Kilgore CommentsMy Aunt is Lillian Horton of Big Stone Gap. My father, John B. Kilgore was born in Coeburn,Va. My grandfather was John Wallace Kilgore of Coeburn,Va. Thanks for a great web site. Jim Kilgore
Name: HEATH HAWKS CommentsI WAS BORN IN BSG IN 1978 AND LEFT BEFORE I WAS OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW IT EXISTED. IT WAS INTERESTING TO LEARN A LITTLE ABOUT OT. THANK YOU!
Name: Debbie Flora CommentsWhile doing our family history research I was just checking the web site for information and found this site about where my mother and father grew up. My parents are Harold Christian and Frances Sampson. If anyone knew them or members of their family, please e-mail me. Debbie
Name: Debbie Flora CommentsWhile doing our family history research I was just checking the web site for information and found this site about where my mother and father grew up. My parents are Harold Christian and Frances Sampson. If anyone knew them or members of their family, please e-mail me. Debbie
Name: Janice Fleenor Smith CommentsI, along with several other new-found "cousins" I discovered over the internet, are researching our family tree. I descend from Johannes Jacob Flinner & Anna Minnick's son Nicholas. I would be most interested to learn more about the Fleenor family who stayed in Virginia when Abraham and some of the others of his generation moved "west." My geneworker pals and I have just this week, opened a members only site at MyFamily.Com for the purpose of uploading our separate gedcoms and photo files. This will enable us to view the work already done and avoid duplication of our research. Should you care to join us, please contact me by email and I'll be happy to send you an invitation to visit the site. Janice
Name: Janice Fleenor Smith CommentsI, along with several other new-found "cousins" I discovered over the internet, are researching our family tree. I descend from Johannes Jacob Flinner & Anna Minnick's son Nicholas. I would be most interested to learn more about the Fleenor family who stayed in Virginia when Abraham and some of the others of his generation moved "west." My geneworker pals and I have just this week, opened a members only site at MyFamily.Com for the purpose of uploading our separate gedcoms and photo files. This will enable us to view the work already done and avoid duplication of our research. Should you care to join us, please contact me by email and I'll be happy to send you an invitation to visit the site. Janice
Name: Bill Balfour Commentsinformative site
Name: Ruth Hawkins CommentsWhat a beautiful site! We will enjoy checking it from time to time to see the changes.
Name: Ruth Rose CommentsEnjoyed reliving old memories
Name: K.CARSON KIRK CommentsBig Stone Gap, One of the beauty spots of south west va. Just wish i could visit there this fall and stand in the walmart parking lot and take in all the beauty of the surrounding mountains when the leaves are at their peak as i did a few years ago. you must have a good mayor, his name is kirk. i think we are cousins, but he may not want to admit that, can't say that i blame him for that. thanks for this site, makes me home sick. but happy to see you here.god bless.
Name: John Woodward CommentsI would like to say that Iam 16 years old and I have lived here all my life.Most of the kids I know here have nothing to do so they do drugs. I you really wanted your town and mine you need to stop doing stuff for yourself and start building stuf for the kids. You could open a club just for teens and not have any drugs in it . Like a dance club. you could make alot of money and the kids would be happy.
Name: sharlene duncan Commentsi was curious about where my grand father and uncle lost thier lives. they died in the coal mines in big stone gap. they were henry and tom duncan.. it was truely a beautiful country. and if it wasnt , it would sure be easy to be bitter. the people there are wonderful and some of the friendliest people in the world. i use to visit my aunt easter lawson . she is long gone but her memory and the memory of big stone gap is ingrained in my heart forever. keep hugging each other. sharlene duncan
Name: FRANK VALENTE CommentsI have friends in Germany that are trying to locate the family of Harold Clendenon. he served in the Army circa 1949-51 unit-Est England-CBN CO A--4503633. Any info would be apprecisted.
Name: FRANK VALENTE CommentsI have friends in Germany that are trying to locate the family of Harold Clendenon. he served in the Army circa 1949-51 unit-Est England-CBN CO A--4503633. Any info would be apprecisted.
Name: RETTA (HILL) BOVA CommentsFAMILY MOVED FROM BIG STONE IN 1952. VISITED OFTEN UNTIL GRANDMOTHER PASSED AWAY IN 1983, SEVERAL VISITS SINCE TO REKINDLE MEMORIES. MISS THE MOUNTAINS. WILL ALWAYS BE A "VIRGINIA" GAL!
Name: Tom Hamm CommentsMy wife, Lenora Minton-Hamm, is a native of Duffield, Va. I became interested when I saw the 1936 movie billing in the Duffield Ramada Inn. While visiting her daughter in Van Buren, Ark., I came upon a first edition(1908) copy of "The Trail of the Lonesome Pine". After returning from Ark. I laid the book aside with plans to read it after finishing several other books. A year later, last week!, I rediscovered the book and read it in two days, unable to put it down! Please feel free to share your comments. Tom
Name: Margaret Drennen McLanahan CommentsMy grandparents and great grandmother are buried there. They only lived there a short while but loved it. I hope to get by there the end of September. Where should I stay?
Name: Judy Whited Blizzard CommentsI was born in Kingsport and my parents were from the Gate City, Bristol area. I remember my parents talking about Big Stone Gap. I just read a book by Adriana Trigiani (BIG STONE GAP). I enjoyed it very much, but got homesick for the area down there. My husband and I usually go back to visit family every year, and you can bet on our next trip, we will be visiting BSG. Your website is wonderful. Hope to see your town.
Name: JOHNNIE DINGUS LYTTON CommentsMy parents Earl&Mary Dingus were both born and raised in Big Stone.Although I was born in Norton and only lived there a few years I still come back to visit whenever possible.I still have some family that live in Big Stone and also in Norton.
Name: Shirley Poff McMahan CommentsLove this site. Read it almost daily. Saw letter from Vickie Clasby Timm in Pace, FL. If you see this, email me.
Name: VICKIE CLASBY TIMM CommentsYEARS AGO, AS A CHILD, THERE WAS A SINGING CONVENTION THAT WAS HELD YEARLY OR SO I THOUGHT. DOES IT STILL EXIST?
Name: George LAwson Jr. CommentsMy Grandmother Nellie (Dingus) Lawson and Grandfather John Henry Lawson (Son of Johnson Lawson) were born and raised there along with my dad George and his brothers, Ballard, Carl, Richard and Lawrence Lawson and his sisters Mabel, Mary Ellen, Molly Ann, Faye Elizabeth and Jane Lawson who died at the age of 2 years old. Looking for any information on the Morman Lawson and John England famlies overseas birth place, please E-Mail me with any information. Thankyou. George
Name: George LAwson Jr. CommentsMy Grandmother Nellie (Dingus) Lawson and Grandfather John Henry Lawson (Son of Johnson Lawson) were born and raised there along with my dad George and his brothers, Ballard, Carl, Richard and Lawrence Lawson and his sisters Mabel, Mary Ellen, Molly Ann, Faye Elizabeth and Jane Lawson who died at the age of 2 years old. Looking for any information on the Morman Lawson and John England famlies overseas birth place. Thankyou. George
Name: Marisha Bloomer Roberts CommentsI would like to say thanks to BSG for being a wonderful place to live. I have lived in Philadelphia and San Diego, neither compared to home. Everything about BSG is great. This is where i want to raise my children just like i was raised here. The PVHS Class of 90 is coming up Oct. 7th. I am so excited. If there is anyone that has not been contacted for it please email me. Thanks again BSG!
Name: Bridget (Baker) Barr CommentsI use to live there in 1976. My mother and grandmother lived there. I use to work at it use to be Lonesome Pine Hospital.
Name: Schröder, Gabi CommentsI read the book "Big Stone Gap" from Adriana Trigiani The german title: "Der beste Sommer unseres Lebens". It is nice to find something about BSG in the World wide web and to see the beautiful picture album.
Name: Johnny Caudill CommentsIts great to have a place you can go that will bring you back home. My heart will always be in S.W. Virginia. Thanks for the memories.
Name: Vicki Duncan D'Allen CommentsWhat a great pleasure to "visit" my home town through your wed page. The information brought back a lot of good memories.
Name: Penny Brown CommentsI am the great-granddaughter of Virginia Adams, who lives in Pennington Gap, Va. My mother was born in Wise, Va., and moved to Ohio as a teen-ager. I still have a lot of family in the southern Va. area. This is a very nice Web site!
Name: Nancy Walker CommentsLove your website however I wish you could put some old newpapers or geneology help here. As a lot of First Families came from Wise! Just a thought! nancy
Name: Sherree Swinney Cardone CommentsMy father grew up in BSG and as a small child we visited assorted family members during the summers of the 1960's and early 70's. My grandparents (both deceased) are Leonard and Polly Swinney. I would love to hear from anyone who knows anything about my family's history or from "long lost" family members.
Name: Brenda Crizer Parker CommentsI am tracing my family roots. Crizer family is from White Sulphur Springs and there are some Crizer's still living in the old home place on Crizer Ave. My grandfather's name was William (Bill) Crizer
Name: Kathy Slagle Woodring CommentsI lived in Bib Stone Gap all my life. Married and left in 1978. I still think of it has being home.
Name: Elisa Taylor CommentsI went to high school in BSG up through 11th grade. I didn't realize what a wonder town it was until I had been away for several years. My mom still lives in Big Stone, and my brother and sister-in-law live in Norton. I come to visit as often as I can...it's just so beautiful there. While Nashville is not a big city like New York, it's big enough....the pollution, crowds, traffic jams, etc. There's a lot to be said for smaller towns and cities....you guys hang on to as much of the peace and tranquility you have there as possible. I'm so glad to see a web site for Big Stone Gap.....you've done a great job! God Bless!
Name: Don Willingham, Jr. CommentsMy Dad, his brothers and sisters (Don, Johnny, Robert, Sue, Michael, David and Anita), all group up in the area. My grandparents are Wilma and John Willingham. I hear so many stories about it from the early 30's until about 1950 or so. Sorry I missed this recent reunion - I plan to come see it all next year. This is a such a friendly website - great idea. Keep it going....
Name: Carolyn LITTON Bloomer CommentsI must compliment those who worked on the Appalachia 2000 reunion. I graduated from AHS in 1963. I think this area is a great place to live and raise a family. So many good memories are made in a small community. This web site is great. I have enjoyed it.
Name: Robert M. Tichenor CommentsI was raised in Big Stone Gap, the son of Albert and Bertie Tichenor. I joined the Air Force in Jan, 1970 and was only home every couple of years until I retired from the Air Force in 1994. My wife, Patti, and I move to Johnson City, TN in 1995. We get to Big Stone Gap every few weeks to visit Mom and Dad and my sister, Peggy Lambert. I've always been proud of my heritage and home town and took a lot of ribbing about being from the sticks throughout my Air Force career. But it never botheed me because I thought I was pretty unique being from such a small and friendly home town. Regardless of where I live, Big Stone Gap will always be home.
Name: Leanza Cornett CommentsI'm glad to know this website is here so that now, whenever I get homesick, I can log on and look at all the wonderful scenes from BSG in the photo album. You've done a wonderful job with this site - congratulations!
Name: Leanza Cornett CommentsI'm glad to know this website is here so that now, whenever I get homesick, I can log on and look at all the wonderful scenes from BSG in the photo album. You've done a wonderful job with this site - congratulations!
Name: Virginia Lawson Jones CommentsI loved your picture album. I lived near Big Stone Gap from 1934 until 1939 and attended school at East Stone Gap those years. I visited relatives there in later years. Have decided to visit again this fall. Thanks for sharing these wonderful pictures.
Name: jan figueroa Commentsmy mother and father were from your area. last year i came with my father for the inman reunion.
Name: Judith Johnson Commentserror in previous comment - e-mail is Juno, not Jono If any relatives of Anne Barron Johnson see this, please respond to rjudilee @juno.com
Name: Judy Johnson Royalty CommentsI am the granddaughter of the late Robert Patton and Mollie Dempster Barron, daughter of the late Anne Barron Johnson who was their youngest child. I will be visiting Big Stone to take some of the family "things" to the Southwest Virginia Museum. Would like to find any relatives still living there.
Name: Jay Owens CommentsJust saw your outdoor drama and thought I'd check out BSG home page. You all have a wonderful town.
Name: Whitney P. Mullen CommentsMy mother was born in Clark County in 1896. She often told us stories of Big Stone Gap and the Trail of the Lonesome pine. My father was born in Pike County KY and worked at many of the coal mines in Wise and Clark County. My mother's name was Glover and my dad was a Mullen.
Name: Jack Masters CommentsGreat place!!! Hometown.
Name: Virginia Lawson Jones CommentsI lived in Big Stone Gap as a child and attended East Stone Gap school. Must have many relatives whom I have never met still living there. I am just beginning to search for my roots.
Name: Jerry Smith CommentsReally enjoyed the webpage. Found a few old classmates from the greatest class ever. CLASS OF 1979. Would like to hear for some of the old gang. Keep up the good work Vikings
Name: Jerry W. Smith CommentsI really enjoy reading about my home town. I made copes for the guys to read a work. I get the post evry week and after I read it I give it to a lady who was raised in coburn and she then give it to her mom. God Bless you and the town
Name: CAROL DENNIS (WHEELER) CommentsGLAD BSG IS ON THE WEB, IT IS MY HOME TOWN!!!!
Name: Pearl Lawson Powell CommentsGREAT!! Some of these scenes I actually remember.
Name: Pearl Lawson Powell CommentsGREAT!! Some of these scenes I actually remember.
Name: Kelley Warnick CommentsI am the daughter of Jane and Bill Stone.My grandparents are Henry and Bonnie Stone. My grandmother on my moms side is Juanita Midkiff. Carmine was my great-aunt. I was devastated to here about the resturant. I remember spending time in the summer with Aunt Carmine in the apartment upstairs.
Name: Janice "Lambert"Williams CommentsMy mother was Eva "Banks" Lambert
Name: DJ Harris CommentsI work in the prison system here in Ct. Connecticut sent approximately 500 of the worst inmates we had to your area. The preception here is that yall are a bunch of ignorant country folk. Almost every day in our newspapers there is a story regarding mistreatment and abuse of these inmates. I hope the Correction Officers dont let these stories effect them. Keep your heads up, your work is hard enough. Its real easy to pass judgement from behind a desk.
Name: Nila Phillips Bolling CommentsCould you please tell me why with 30 years and lived and died in BSG why Chief Allen Phillips has not a thing in your so call history of BSG .He was the Chief of Police there for 30 years .Yes I have pictures if you want to see them. Yes Dad I was and am proud of you.
Name: Sandra Lynn Golon CommentsMy great grandparents, by the name of Delceg or Wargo had a farm in Big Stone Gap. I don't remember much as I was a young child as the time. But I do remember that some Nuns lived in one of the houses on the farm. I have a wonderful memory of bringing them some Beagle dog pups, driving down with my grandmother. I remember the property being very beautiful. I would love some information as to the address, if the property still exists, and history of the property, pictures, whatever might be on file. Unfortunately, when my great grandparents passed away my grand uncles sold the property and wasted the money, instead of keeping it in the family. I would be forever grateful if someone could contact me, with any information. Even if there is someone still around that might remember our family and has any fond memories. My mother and I would be delighted. Truly! At the time I do remember there being a movie theatre and a milk machine, but that is about it. That was the only thing that we drove into town for. My mother (nee Hallaway) was known down there for being a model in the Sears and Roebuck catalog and many people did know her or of her. I can't think of any other information that might bring any ideas to anyone, but if someone can recall our family, it would be great to hear about. I do believe that my great grandfather's family was in Coal mining. But I don't know if that was of any help. Thank you so very much for listening to my story and any help that you can give me. Have a great day
Name: Sandra Lynn Golon CommentsMy great grandparents, by the name of Delceg or Wargo had a farm in Big Stone Gap. I don't remember much as I was a young child as the time. But I do remember that some Nuns lived in one of the houses on the farm. I have a wonderful memory of bringing them some Beagle dog pups, driving down with my grandmother. I remember the property being very beautiful. I would love some information as to the address, if the property still exists, and history of the property, pictures, whatever might be on file. Unfortunately, when my great grandparents passed away my grand uncles sold the property and wasted the money, instead of keeping it in the family. I would be forever grateful if someone could contact me, with any information. Even if there is someone still around that might remember our family and has any fond memories. My mother and I would be delighted. Truly! At the time I do remember there being a movie theatre and a milk machine, but that is about it. That was the only thing that we drove into town for. My mother (nee Hallaway) was known down there for being a model in the Sears and Roebuck catalog and many people did know her or of her. I can't think of any other information that might bring any ideas to anyone, but if someone can recall our family, it would be great to hear about. I do believe that my great grandfather's family was in Coal mining. But I don't know if that was of any help. Thank you so very much for listening to my story and any help that you can give me. Have a great day
Name: Joseph D. Lawson CommentsBorn in Pennington Gap and lived several years in BSG. Went to kindergarten at BSG elem. Was back several years ago to visit. Grandfather, Grandmother and Father buried there. I live in Calif. and would like to retire back to the mountains. If anyone remembers John Wesley Lawson who lived on Clinton Ave? I am trying to find out his father's name. Relatives from Rogersville, Tennessee.
Name: Shannon Elaine Duffy CommentsMy dad and his family are from Big Stone Gap and we have a reunion in Powell Valley every year. I always look forward to going to the beautiful town and the slower pace and friendliness of the town. Thank you all for making us feel welcome.
Name: martha belcher Commentsgot my email address stright. please email me on any info on the history of the belcher family or the burke family.please , wanting to work on family tree. would also love to find Daina McMoy lived in big stone .
Name: Terry CommentsNice site.
Name: Sherry Wolfe CommentsGreat website!!
Name: Pat Albaugh CommentsAm reading Adriana Trigiani's book, and jumped on here to see how much of it was real. What a great book--I can't wait to visit Big Stone Gap!
Name: rebecca willis CommentsGreat!
Name: Becca Wright Long CommentsI would love to hear from old friends and classmates. I graduated from PVHS in 1972 and the University of Virginia at Wise in 1976. I've lived in NJ for the past 20 years, and I love to visit BSG as often as I can. I have wonderful memories and friends there.
Name: Ed Duffy CommentsI haven't looked at the BIGSTONEGAP.ORG site in over 6 months. I was delighted to find many new pictures. Very sorry to hear of the burning of Carmines. As with many other people, it was my "home away from home" for years.
Name: Dustin CommentsIf you are old Bsg is the place to be but if you are young you don`t want to be here. There is not a thing to do. No Theater, Lazer Tag, Drive In, or Mall. But there is 2 Foodstores, 6 Gas Stations, and Wallmart. O yea and we have a State Prison OOOOOO YYEEAAA, nothing for people but a Free hotel for convicted killers, drug atics who got busted, and just flat at bad people. Well this is all i have to say right now. But mabey next time they will try to open something that Children and Young Adults can do beside cruise threw town and hang out at the "Pit".
Name: Brenda Jenkins-Woods CommentsMy grandparents were married in Wise county in 1919. Their names were Ulysess Jenkins and Erma Franklin. Great granparents were Benjamin Jenkins and Sally Mullins. Anyone with any info on them please e-mail me. Thanking you in advance. Brenda
Name: Virginia "Collier" Behrns CommentsAttended East Stone Gap and Powell Valley High School through grade 10. Family and friends still reside in the area. The last family member to attend Powell Valley High is my Great Niece Layla Robinette (10th grade in 2000).
Name: Sarah Slemp Sloan CommentsI was once married to Mickael Terrence (Terry) Slemp and grew up in Norton, graduating from John I. Burton High School in 1957. Nice to see that Big Stone has its own web page.
Name: Donald L. Runyon CommentsJust returned from BSG this afternoon, having attended "Appy2000." Found the June Tolliver House and the Miners' Museum to be a great source of information about the area.
Name: martha belcher CommentsI'M HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY EMAIL, I WILL SEND IN NEW EMAIL ADRESS SOON.
Name: Marvin Pollard CommentsLooking for the words to the poem or song.
Name: Rhonda Chadwick CommentsI believe you spoke to my mother Francis Couch on the phone not to long ago and told her to have me E-mail you and you would send information to me so I could look up more on the Fleenor Family.
Name: Robert Gaunt CommentsWhat a fine sample of your town and its lovely setting! I was attracted to the site since I'd often heard old timer baseball players talk about having played at Big Stone Gap during the days when you had a professional team. Recently I met a former player who knew Len Cross who was something of a legend around your parts back in the 40's or early 50's. I also knew the fabled Leo "Muscle" Shoals who came to your town with other teams, and who was also quite an old time ball player. Shoals, I am sorry to report, passed away at his home near Abington about a year ago. Thanks for the look around your town. I wish that I could manage a visit to that area one day in the future.
Name: Stephanie Gates CommentsI've enjoyed the site and have had a good time reading messages. I've found several friends and relatives. Thanks.
Name: belcher CommentsI MENT TO PUT PARENTS NAMES & FORGOT TOO. PRENTISS BELCHER & ERNISTINE BURK.THEY HAD 6 CHILDERN TERESA,JOHN,BILLY, MARTHA, MIKE,& PHIL. ALL STILL ALIVE. IF YOU HAVE ANY INFO. ON OUR FAMILY HISTORY, PLEASE E-MAIL ME. WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU. THERE WAS A FAMILY THAT LIVED NEAR US, UP IN THE MOUNTAINS & THEIR LAST NAME WAS GAMBELS. WOULD LIKE TO KNOWHOW THEY ARE. I WAS ONLY 9 WHEN WE MOVED AWAY. I HAVE BEEN BACK , BUT ONLY HAD TIME TO VISIT OUR FAMILY. THIS IS A GREAT SITE. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
Name: martha belcher Commentswould love to hear from old friends of the family,would love to learn about my family history martha
Name: Dr. William E. Bauer CommentsIt is unfortunate that the delegates of ECUSA voted as they did at the convention in Denver (July 2000). I hope that faithful Episcopalians can leave and become members of the Anglican Continuum. The jurisdiction of which I belong is the Episcopal Missionary Church. We would provide a home for the faithful. WEB http://www.netministries.org/see/churches/ch05703
Name: michael gibson CommentsMy mother lived in Olinger, just a few miles from BSG. My father, Roland Gibson, was from Norton. I was born in Olinger and moved from the area when I was just a baby.
Name: Kenneth K. Fogg CommentsI always tell folks that the BSG area was a wonderful place to grow up and learn to be self-reliant. As many BSG website visitors may know, my brotherRichard, his wife Mason (Collier), my wife Betsey (from Bethlehem, PA) and I have started the George T. Welsch Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University of Virginia. The Scholarship Fund is intended to benefit deserving students from Wise, Lee and Dickenson Counties. This year's (2000/2001) scholarship recipient is BSG's own James Benjamin (Ben) Bolling. We extend our heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Ben in his upcoming college career. By the way, the Scholarship Fund is not just a family affair. If anyone is interested in making a contribution to the Fund in memory of the Rev. George T. Welsch, please contact me for further information.
Name: Theresa Belcher CommentsBegan looking for any information I could find on my mother's mother, Della Burke, and thought I'd look for Big Stone. My mother is Ernestine (Burke) Belcher and my father is Prentiss Belcher. They were born and raised in East Stone and Big Stone. I was born there and our family lived down there off and on throughout my childhood. Looked at all the pictures on this site and many of them brought tears to my eyes - a flood of memories! Would welcome mail from folks still in that area. Still have cousins and a few aunts and uncles down there. I was thrilled to find this site! Thanks!
Name: Theresa Belcher CommentsBegan looking for any information I could find on my mother's mother, Della Burke, and thought I'd look for Big Stone. My mother is Ernestine (Burke) Belcher and my father is Prentiss Belcher. They were born and raised in East Stone and Big Stone. I was born there and our family lived down there off and on throughout my childhood. Looked at all the pictures on this site and many of them brought tears to my eyes - a flood of memories! Would welcome mail from folks still in that area. Still have cousins and a few aunts and uncles down there. I was thrilled to find this site! Thanks!
Name: Mrs. Jeanne S. Liesemer CommentsHi Mr. Mayor, Just peeking in to say "Hello". I see that your picture is now on the official BSG website! Congratulations again!-- All is well in Baltimore. It was really good to see you and Donna. Hope you have a nice day, Jeanne :)
Name: Joann L. Miller Comments
Name: Kimberly D. Cooper CommentsI was surfing tonight and ran across this site in hopes to get linked to your local newspaper "Post", but I had no such luck. I am looking for some relatives in big stone, and surrounding areas, and am curious if they are still living or not. there are three relatives i am looking for the first one is, James Stidham, 2nd, Wiley Stidham, and 3rd is George Stidham. If there is any way possible for you to email me back with any information, please do so promptly, thank you for your time.
Name: Kimberly D. Cooper CommentsI was surfing tonight and ran across this site in hopes to get linked to your local newspaper "Post", but I had no such luck. I am looking for some relatives in big stone, and surrounding areas, and am curious if they are still living or not. there are three relatives i am looking for the first one is, James Stidham, 2nd, Wiley Stidham, and 3rd is George Stidham. If there is any way possible for you to email me back with any information, please do so promptly, thank you for your time.
Name: Ronnie Marcum Comments1966 graduate of PVHS
Name: James Scardo, MD CommentsI grew up in Big Stone Gap. I left town in 1981 for college and visit about once per year. I'd like to hear from any of my old friends that may read these comments.
Name: Shelia Ann Smith (Clevenger) CommentsIwas born in Appalachia VA 1957, went to Big Stone Gap Elementary and Powell Valley High School. I now live in El Paso Texas. I was pleased to find a web site for my home town and would love to hear from past friends.
Name: Robert Strouth Commentscool, i hope that it keeps running, was thinking about it the other day and was wondering if it was still there and if there was a website.
Name: Ruby Weiss CommentsMy great grandmother was Alpha Belle Slemp(Slimp). I have just recently found information on the Slemp Family of Lee County, Virginia. I would really be interested in any old photos of Alpha Slemp's relatives, particularly my great, great grandparents, Hughal and Adeline Slemp. I believe that the Southwest Virginia Museum used to be the Slemp Museum. Thanks for any information you might have.
Name: charles edward lambert Commentsjust checking in.still looking for friends or relatives
Name: Kim Kreiner CommentsMy mother is Regina Dalton Kreiner. I spent summer vacations in Big Stone Gap when I was growing up in the 70's and loved it. I'm very impressed with your site. You've done a wonderful job!!
Name: RAY CARNES JR Commentsold friends and classmates, please send me an e-mail
Name: DIANE GIFFORD CommentsGREAT SITE! BORN IN BSG IN 1949. GOING TO VISIT IN FALL OF 2000.
Name: Kenda Tolliver Quillen CommentsJune Tolliver is an ancestor of mine. I have read the book and seen the movie. I have also been told the story that was passed down through time by my grandfather and father. I would like to hear from any other relatives.
Name: marge Commentsnice place. Saw Adrian Trigiani on Weekend Today and was hoping to view a excerpt from her book. Your town looks as if has got alot of nice history. Not so sure about the snakes though.
Name: Jim McGarrity CommentsReviewing previous postings
Name: John D Williams CommentsI remember " kick the can " nights; 4 team Little League going to Welch,W.Va; Carmines pin ball; water mellon trucks; band trips, 8th grade enrichment class; football with C.M. singing "Bird Dog" on kick offs; Country Boy; proms; senior trip rock & roll show. There are other memories. With the exception of losing family, all of the memories bring smiles. It was a great time & a great place. Most importantly, great people and friends.
Name: Barbara Thomas Commentslooks good,. My father if from Roda Virginia and we have visited family in the area all of my life. I just love your town!!! the out door drama is wonderful. Barbara Thomas
Name: GENEVA BERRY JERNIGAN CommentsMy dad was born in ESG in 1932 and went to the High School there. John William Berry I went to K-4 and 6th and half of 7th in BSG does anyone know how I can find Donna Blanken, Leslie Johnson, or Lori, Jill, or Mandy Bush contact me please
Name: GENEVA BERRY JERNIGAN CommentsMy dad was born in ESG in 1932 and went to the High School there. John William Berry I went to K-4 and 6th and half of 7th in BSG does anyone know how I can find Donna Blanken, Leslie Johnson, or Lori, Jill, or Mandy Bush contact me please
Name: Kellie Kocher CommentsHey--if anyone remembers me.....drop me a line sometime!!! kellie
Name: leon r flanary sr CommentsI was born in appalachia 1936,my grand parents,rogers lived on doc smith hill my grandmother Flanary lived in red bird which no longer there sorry to say.IT IS NICE TO TELL MY LITTLE HISTORY TO SOME VERY NICE PEOPLE THAT KNOW WHERE APPALACHIA,AND BIG STONE GAP IS.
Name: Tonya Barnette |
