Welch, West Virginia is the heart of coal country. Even as I was there, trucks rumbled through town about every minute, carrying the life blood of this community.
When coal was king in American energy the companies poured massive amounts of money in Welch, constructing beautiful buildings, including churches, banks, and retail. Many still stand today, and though perhaps a bit worse for the wear, they are still beautiful.
The images below are from Welch proper, the surrounding area, and from the drive up from Bristol, Tennessee. If you go to Welch, eat at the Sterling Drive-Inn. Time works differently there, but the folks are genuinely friendly and home cooking is better than your momma's.
I will be making darkroom prints of some of these images in the coming months. Let me know of you are interested.
Flatiron Building
County Courthouse
What Once Was
Ascent
Company Store Entrance
Opnions
Afternoon Light
Skylight
Untitled
Untitled
