www.scarbrowv.com

Scarbro, Carlisle, Mossy, Whipple, & Oak Hill, WV (Fayette County)
-  A selected history from the early 1900s through present day.

comments & correspondence 2003

These pages are dedicated to the courageous families and the descendants
of the Coal Miners that toiled there in the early to mid-20th Century.  These pages are for you to enjoy and reminisce. Please contribute! email me at: dennis@scarbrowv.com 

Corrections, comments and contributions are very welcome.  Please review the Submittal Rules before submitting content.  We reserve the right to refuse any submittals.

NOTE: If there is anything in your correspondence that you would not like added to these pages please advise in the content. Otherwise, We are assuming that you would like the contribution to be enjoyed by our visitors.

email addresses are now being held for privacy reasons. We would be pleased to forward your requests to the parties as time allows.

Stories and information by contributors - via emails and letters 2003

Date emails
December 3, 2003 "Hi Dennis, I received information about your site from my cousin's husband in Scarbro (Bill Bernath). Think it is a wonderful thing that you're doing. My Grandfather John Wojtowicz arrived in Scarbro in the late 1800s. My Father Joseph Wojtowicz, "Smock" as most people knew him, was born in Whipple and lived his whole life in Scarbro. My two sisters and myself were born in Scarbro and lived there until graduating from high School. Bill Bernath mentioned his uncle "Sloppy John" and his beer joint. My father also owned a beer joint and poolroom just a few feet (a hundred maybe) down from "Sloppy Johns" Of course those were the good old days when all of the coal mines were operating full force. "Boy O Boy" some of the stories I used to hear in the beer joint while working in the poolroom (racking balls). Dad later opened a grocery store on the site but in 1965 fire destroyed the store and his home. All old photo were lost in the fire, which were many. Until my Father's death in 1978 I visited Scarbro quite regularly. I now try to make it back once a year. Scarbro certainly has changed, but it is still home to myself and probably everyone else who was born there, Keep up the good work." Truly, Bill Wojtowicz  Scaramento, CA
  Top of Page
November 14, 2003 "Hi Just stumbled across your site and thought it will be quite interesting and informative when completed. I have a few pics. that I will submit now for your consideration that were taken last Jan. 2003. The first is the Scarbro New River Company Store, second is the Whipple Company Store, and the cross and grave site in the Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery at Whipple. If I remember correctly, the grave is that of the Rev. Stanislas Jewasinski buried in 1918. Also including pic. of grave of Istvan Bernath who died in the Army in 1935, my uncle and son of John Bernath who "died under mysterious circumstances" while serving in the army.
My grandfather John Bernath aka "Sloppy John" owned and operated a saloon (beer joint) across the street from the Lawton- Jasper Automobile dealership and I will try to obtain more history of him and pictures if you are interested. I also have pictures of the old Blake Store bldg. that was home to the Scarbro Moose Lodge 1664 (now Oak Hill Moose Lodge 1664) if I can find and scan it." Sincerely BJ Bernath 
Reply:
Hi BJ, thanks for the information and pictures. Please submit more when you get a chance. Dennis Chadra  dennis@scarbrowv.com
   
October 5, 2003 "I came across your web site and found it very interesting, plus I commend you for doing such a superb job and the research you are doing on your family.  In regard to your visits to Scarbro, W VA, I would like to ask you: I am assisting a friend of mine who is doing research on the Polish National Catholic Church.  He came across information that at one time there was a parish in Scarbro of that denomination.  I was wondering if ever in your research you came across the name Polish National Catholic Church, that it existed and possibly when it was active. Research is always full of surprises when you come across information accidentally and disappointing when you find nothing. I would be very appreciative if you do know anything about the Polish National Catholic Church existing in Scarbro to relay the info to me. Thank you for any assistance you may forward to me." Florence Nadolny Dublin, Ohio
  Top of Page
August 22, 2003 "Dennis, What a great job you have done. I lived in Scarbro from 1936 to 1959. Returned to visit many times. Did not know your Grandparents. I have many stories and photos which I can add to your website when I get the time. Also, need to do it before my memory runs out (not long)" Richard Fitzpatrick, Past resident of Stover Hollow (Huddleston Heights)
   
August 22, 2003  "Dennis, I was born in Oak Hill in 1954. My grandfather was John W. Dixon who was very much involved with WV miners. Please see the following web site for info about my grandfather/ http://sundaygazettemail.com/news/Valley+&+State/200205255/ I recently received (from uncle) detailed info about my grandfather and his involvement in the "Lens Creek March". I've done some research on this march and it appears that nobody knows who the leader really was. I will send you a very detailed document describing events about this march as dictated by my grandfather to my uncle about 55 years ago. I now live in NC. I went back to Oak hill for a vist about 10 years ago. take care." Rick Dixon
   
July 4, 2003 "Dennis, I was going through some sites of WV, and ran across yours. I was born and raised in Whipple. I have some photos of some of the area, when I get my scanner fixed or get a new one I'll try and send you some. Good luck on this thing." Joe Smith
   
May 11, 2003 "My father, Mike Flanigan, and his twin brother, Rod, were born in Scarbro in February 1916. His father was involved in mine related construction in the area. Shortly after the birth of twins he moved his family to Princeton while he continued mine related work in McDowell County. Dad and his brother were baptized in the Catholic Church ( Sts. Peter and Paul) at Whipple. I am doing some research related on my family in the area of your planned site and look forward to your progress. Do you know of anyone in the Scarbro- Whipple area that may be helpful to me?".. Thanks, Richard Flanigan
Reply:
Hi Richard, I visited the SS Peter & Paul Church office at the new church in Oak Hill, WV. They have the original records of baptisms, marriages and births from the Scarbro church which is no longer in use. Also, at the Fayetteville Courthouse you can look up the county records on your family and they will copy the pages for you for a small fee. I am looking forward to receiving input (Stories, photos, etc.) from you regarding your family for inclusion on the site. Dennis Chadra  dennis@scarbrowv.com
 

more correspondence:

  • Scarbro, Carlisle, Whipple & Oak Hill, WV - Emails and letters 2008
  • Scarbro, Carlisle, Whipple & Oak Hill, WV - Emails and letters 2007
  • Scarbro, Carlisle, Whipple & Oak Hill, WV - Emails and letters 2006
  • Scarbro, Carlisle, Whipple & Oak Hill, WV - Emails and letters 2005
  • Scarbro, Carlisle, Whipple & Oak Hill, WV - Emails and letters 2004

     

    Top of Page