My mom was born in Panther and lived there until she went to school. She talked about walking to the head of the holler to go to school. They moved to Knox Creek after that. She always talked about how bad it was there and Knox Creek , people murdered or going missing. This was in the 30’s and 40’s. Both of her grandparents are buried on Knox Creek. It’s always been isolated but people lived off the land. Grew big gardens and canned everything. Grew fruit trees and picked wild berries and canned them or made jams and jellies. My cousins up there even today buy very little at the grocery store. They put up enough to last the winter. Milk and flour is about it. He even keeps bees and now they don’t even need sugar. Amazing people back in those hollers!
my parents on both sides where born and raised there . panther and bull creek . Yeager. spent many summers there as a kid growing up . as country as it gets.
My Mom's whole family was from Panther. I still have a few relatives living there. I haven't been back there in 20 years. My uncle ran a little general store there after he got out of the mines until he died. My great grandfather and grandfather both died in the mines there. I remember big coal mine trucks coming around blind corners. Quite a few people died because of these trucks speeding. My step-grandfather made moonshine and I remember he used to give some to the chickens to watch them walk around drunk. We had a big garden, hogs and one big horse as well as many chickens and one mean rooster that used to chase me around the yard. I got paddled in school. I remember playing marbles with the other boys. We hunted and fished and played with crawdads in the crick. It was a great place for a kid to live. Not so much for adults. It took a lot of hard work to survive there. We had to use the outhouse and we always had to watch out for copperheads. My grandma used to make pinto beans and cornbread. Yum. My mom is buried there next to her dad. Maybe I will go back someday for a visit. Thanks for this video.
I want to move to the boonies seriously. I’m tired of being around a ton of ppl and I just want to grow a garden and have chickens again (lol) and be left alone mostly. Ahh..sounds like heaven. Rich ppl have it wrong imo.
We live in southern Appalachia, not in WV or Virginia though. We live in a small remote valley 11 miles at the end of a gravel road from a paved county road. When friends come to visit us for the first time they say we live at the end of the road in our country. All of us that live here all had successful careers as professionals mostly in the corporate world. We have hollows here in our area but nothing like WV. The local people born and raised here are just awesome and we consider them a part of our families and help them when they need helping, and they do the same for us. I'd rather have one of them for a friend other than anyone outside of here. They're a proud people and need to be respected for the fine people they are. They've had hard knocks in life and kept going without complaining, something most people have no clue about and probably couldn't survive them. Thanks for your videos. You're an inspiration for these good ole mountain folks.
The family history runs deep in these hollers. We all came from coal mining families. I remember as a kid my cousins and I would play in the old mine shafts cut out in the sides of these mountains. All my dads kin made a living this way. It's how they all heated the house in the winter on a pot belly stove in the middle of the house. I remember taking a bucket in these old shafts and filling it up for my ant Lucy and other older people in the hollers. Most of these hollers are nothing but family from the mouth to the head. But that was before the strip mining came in the holler. It's long since been reclaimed and is beautiful again, but it took years.
I will say I’m proud to be from Panther WV been here for 10 years and lived in McDowell county my whole life! The first part of the video was actually in Long Pole!! Just like every place in the world their is bad people but most people are the best people you could ever meet!! It does suck we don’t live near anything but not everyone their is obese just a litttle FYI! I work daily at a hospital I have children and honestly wouldn’t want to raise my kids anywhere else
We went there yesterday. We talked to the people at the grave yard. We were lost. Everyone was very helpful. We stayed on the road that you turned around on and followed it back to Gilbert. It had many curves and was very steep. Very fun ride. I was raised in Mc Dowell county and have traveled all over and must rate this as one of the scariest roads. My wife didn't like it. It would be great on a motorcycle. Many curves. The leaves were beautiful.
This video and the pictures from the 1930s and 1940s brought back many memories of growing up in that area where Pike County, Ky, Buchanan County, Virginia and McDowell County, West Virginia adjoin. My ancestral roots there go back to the late 1700s when that region was the frontier of Virginia. Although, I don’t live there now, those hills and hollers and the people are always with me. With the passing of a lot of time and life experiences, I consider being born and raised there the best gift of my life. Thanks for the ride!
Many of us in Western Maryland would love to break away from Maryland and become part of West Virginia. Lower taxes, more freedom and less hassle from the state government.
Do it and as soon as the economy picks back up my husband and I will join you from Southern Maryland. Have been planning on checking WV out so when he retires we can move there.
I'm from Baltimore, mom was born in Glenville, we have property there, I'm 65, retired and moving there asap... I love it...always have since I was a kid ...
I love the way you two talk. Especially the young lady with her very hard Rs. She would be a great reader for books on tape that have a country Appalachian theme.
I live in Gettysburg Pennsylvania and your videos have summoned me to the gr8 state of WVA!! I'm literally intrigued with its history and beauty!! I will plan a 2 week excursion through your state in May of 2022!!
I’m from New England but while,in the Marines had a roomate from West Virginia great person I had a lot of laughs with. Always liked this State, wonder if They would accept me if I moved in one of these areas.
We spent 2 weeks vacation in WV last summer 2021. We mainly explored the Monogohela National Forest, Pocahontas county and the lower south WV all the way to Lewisburg. Beautiful state. Expect to drive a lot of hills and windy roads for long distances just to get anywhere.
I might be able to shed some light on your question, Melody, on the wreaths/flower arrangements seen on the rear of some homes in Panther WV. I learned from my elders that over a century ago many families buried their loved ones in their back yards. Given the high cost of funerals and burials at cemeteries, and how poor McDowell County is, I believe some families bury their loved ones on their properties, and keep flower arrangements to signify a recent passing/burial.
Thanks for sharing this! My mother (who is now 83) grew up in Mohawk, WV & moved away to attend college in KY in the late 1950s. My grandmother, who just passed away this past February just 2 months shy of her 100th birthday, was the USPS postmaster in Mohawk until the age of 80. The Mohawk, WV post office, which was a small trailer in her front yard, was finally closed in 2009.
Very intersting we live in southeast Virginia now originally from NY state. Never been in west Virginia ever. Very quiet simple life indeed. I'm sure the people that live there are very happy. Thanks for the video.
I live in Panther and you were not at Panther - you were in Long Pole and it is a holler! There is a store in Panther and a fire department, a State Forest with a large public swimming pool and several churches. Many people do bury their loved ones on their property behind their home and the floral arrangements are covering graves. I'm not sure why you didnt see grave markers but that is definitely what they are. I'm sorry you didnt really see Pay -ther... but you were really close! Life is not as hard as you may think but it is definitely not convenient. Our roads are some one lane but the main road in Panther is two lane, like many communities in rural WV. Thanks for taking the time to video and share. Beverly Birchfield
That was a beautiful drive even though the road was curvy & narrow. Really loved seeing the old pictures of life in Panther. And I thought I lived in the boonies! Blessings from VA!
I grew up in Wyoming county. I have family in and around Ieager. I've been all through those hollars. Left home years ago because it really can be a hard life, and options were limited, however, the communities in that part of the country were very tight knit and the shared miserly made for a loving community.
McDowell county is a special place, My parents are from there and still live there 1/2 the year, other 1/2 in fla, and we have our family reunion at Panther Park in august ever year for about the last 45 years. Yes it seems like the end of the world, and if you was in a hurry you would swear you was for sure. The most amazing thing is the sense you get when you actually feel as if time has stood still? Been all over in my 63 years and unless you have lived in a super busy place you dont appreciate it. Going out of Panther you only have a couple ways to go, towards Ieager, or pawpaw and toward Ieager is like going to the city almost, the other way that will eventually take you to Big Rock Va is a rough way, Unless your like me? You like the rough way. Was in the Ozarks a few years ago and i come upon some road signs, 1 said dangerous roads ahead, 2nd one said road impassable at times. 3rd one said steep grades (7%) and narrow shoulders, travel at your own risk? I told my wife, This is my kinda place.Now were not adrenaline junkiees we just like being left alone. Solitude is an amazing thing, We own property on top of Bradshaw Mtn and with all the crazy things going on in the world it might be a great thing to retire there and live as if time did stand still! Thanks for the Videos and May God Bless You Both.
As a truck driver it always amazes me how they would get sizable mobile homes back in these places? I mean the roads are tight and insane curves... I can't imagine,
I love watching your videos. I'm from Baltimore and my grandparents lived in glade spring virginia. When I was in school I would come spend the whole summer down there. I have family all over down there and your videos bring back so many memories. I've been to backbone rock my granny lived in Damascus. I'm glad I came across your videos hope you keep making them.
A very special place and you help me with the yearn to find the home my beloved grampa was building to retire in. It was in Jackson County N.C, and he loved it so much, having plans to show me how wonderful mountain life was. He was a successful business owner but apon the loss of his only son, my dad, just couldn't stay up here in New England, and planned his return. He didn't get to see it finished, but it was his dream. Now, 50 years later, its my dream to. A porch with 3 chairs awaits grampa, dad, and me
Started seeing your videos a few weeks ago. While traveling from Myrtle Beach, S.C yesterday, my sister and I decided to take a trip through Virginia and W. Virginia on our way back to Indiana. Absolutely gorgeous country. We traveled on highways, but I'm anxious to drive W. Virginia on small country roads like you all do. It's now on my bucket list.😄. I really enjoy your videos. Thank you.
I have family in rural areas like this one. One would not know the road exists unless they lived on it. I remember visiting as a kid and I always loved it. People were always very friendly. It is nice and quiet. Surrounded by nature. Would hardly see a car, unless a local was driving by.
Just wanna give out a holler to all my kin in west virginia, especially logan county, do appreciate this videos, they make me lonesome for the place, i haven't been back there since 1981
Well at one time all this was farm land, just imagine that. Bonnies. Panther, Mohawk, okay that tell it's true history. P.S. little girl people that suffered server cold warmed their hearts with fake flowers. I live in Cape Coral Florida and still arrange my plastic flower to this day. Thank you for sharing. Makes me think of home, where families consisted of many children in those days. Again thank you.
I know some of these places. My grandpa was the marshal of Bramwell years ago. My mom was born in Jenkins-Jones coal camp. Tramped around those hills with my youngest son.
I grew up here I'm outside of Chicago now but still have family in the area miss down home best place to grow up in My sister lived up in those mountains way up you passed her gate about a min before you turned around think she lived there for 45 years.
I've been within 20 miles of here quite a few times (Man). I love the area - it's so scenic, quiet, simple, and for the most part, undisturbed. It may not be an easy life, but if you're looking for a place to get away from the insanity we call "modern living", this is it.
How about a trip over to Fletcher Ridge/Indian Grave Gap My Mother Ruth Ratliff Mcfarlane was born on Fletchers Ridge back in 1927......Her Father my grandfather was Game warden Henry Ratliff.....I've heard so many stories about life way back then...I love that area but last time we was there could not find the home place that had been there since 1913....Hope it was not tore down. My roots run deep in Buchanan County Va. Love your videos. He also had a store by the home place on Hurricane Creek...Had to put that in....almost forgot......Then my other Grandfather and his wife...Mel and Cara McFarlane took care of the Mission School over in Council Va. Back in the 1920's so many stories I have heard about that school........ Mel McFarlane also laid the stone on the Grundy Courthouse..... People worked so hard in those days.
Thanks for taking these trips up into the hollers. I've wanted to but never have. Take care in your travels. That was some great music you had playing in the historic photo section.
Loved this video. My hubby’s family is from Burnsville, Strange Creek, etc. We support Appalachian Ministries in Zoe, KY, and have hearts for the history, culture, and people of Appalachia. Thank you. ❤
My grandmother's house was a three room tarpaper shack up against the hillside. No indoor plumbing or electricity. Had to go out to the roadside to get a bucket of coal for the stove. Pump water from the well, and there was an old country store up the road, we used to walk to for a bottle of pop. It was a hard life, but it wasn't all bad. From Panther, to Mohawk, to Wharton, I have family throughout that region.
Hi !!! Thank you for filming another beautiful place full of amazing History. I appreciate you guys so much. I love getting to come along on these gorgeous lil trips so much. I always wish I could go visit all those precious places in W VA but I don't have a dependable vehicle n cant afford to buy one, so I've been stuck here always dreaming n wishing to go to W.VA. n the worst part is I just turned 60 n fear I won't ever get there before I die, so thank goodness for you two for "taking me w you" so I could get to see some incredibly wonderful places that I wish I could live near n experience first hand what real living is like. It's true it is "almost Heaven" to me.
sorry that you can't get out like you'd like but so thankful you watch our channel. We appreciate you being part of the family and riding along with us
Thank you so much for those still photo's of previous times. As I watched them it occured to me that when you are there and everyone else is the same as you, poor and proud, your fine, as long as: you mother is there, your father is not abusive and your stomach is full. Only when you get older do you realize that you were poor. Thanks again.
They didn’t mention a lot about the people in that area. Lot of hardworking people working coal mines what’s left. They live off the land raising gardens hunting fishing enjoying life. Lot of God fearing people and always there fir you when needed. Still love their fighting roosters today. I never lived there but got family members not far from there. Nice little state park panther creek state park. And yes they love bluegrass as well God Bless southern WV.
WV has primary roads, secondary roads, and thirdary roads. While driving on thirdary roads, the driver must toot their horn when going around a curve. The road you are on is considered a thirdary road.
Nice road compared to those back home in Virginia. Back in a hollar with road going up and down, blind curves, and people flying. Was there today and almost hit two deer. When I took my late husband for his first visit, I told him I lived in the boonies. He thought I was kidding. Agreed with me by the end of the trip. Oh, and we have bamboo growing there too. Made me smile watching.
My great uncle was a recluse and after his wife died in 08 my grandma and I took over care for him and he lived way up in the head of cub creek or is it little cub creek? Anyways it was in panther. We used to have to carry groceries and dog food up the hill to his house even in the winter. It was unbelievably hard work and I often forgot I was on planet earth. I hated that feeling and when he finally mover in with us due to a blizzard in 2011 it was the greatest relief. But I will never forget those days. I was 12 years old but that's when my working life started. I often miss those days because despite the excrutiating work, that time with my grandma were the best days of my life.
That makes sense bc there’s a lot of pride in doing hard work like that especially for family who can’t possibly repay you plus the memories, awesome comment
Hey! Thank you so much! My Grandfather Bailey was from there. It’s pretty much the same as it was when I visited as a child. BFE, yep, we drove through a little creek to get to my Grandfather’s cousin house 😅
@@realappalachia I have some photos of the mine when it was operational (handed down to me) that I’ll scan and email to you. I have no idea where it is located but the photos are very neat. If I find any other photos that I think you’d like I’ll send those as well. 😊
From NW Ohio (very flat farm area) We love visiting KY, WV, Tn, NC.. for the mountains and small towns... My family is from Ky, WV, Va. and like to see what my kin experienced... saying that I always noticed the area don't have many "For sale signs" in yards...
Used to get to WV when I was driving big trucks. Of course, I couldn't drive the little roads thru the hollers. Some of the highways were a bit narrow in a truck. Stopped at Beckley rest area and bought a CD by Carl Rutherford. Whenever I hear of McDowell County, I think of his music. In the Ouachita/Ozark region of AR, a lot of folks came from the Appalachians, so you feel at home either place. A book on Ozark speech says people pronounced panther 'painter', which is similar to the way you said 'painther'. I don't recollect ever hearing anyone back in the hills say that word, but makes me wonder if they also had the 'h' sound in it. Maybe someone who knows will read this and comment.
Great videos! Just found you & subscribed, I'm in the UK but traveled some back roads of the States but nothing like this...It's now on my bucket list...Would be great if you could find stores that are open (If not done already)!
Beautiful country, I must say. Visit the upper peninsula of Michigan. It is quite desolate, especially in the western half of the state homes will be 40 to 50 miles apart.
Classic southern WV coal country isn't it? Mountain on one side of the road. Creek on the other. Little low bridge across at each house. Looks amazing with the fall colors coming in.
Love your videos which I just recently discovered. I love seeing different parts of America that's not often shown. My dad was a cross country truck driver and I often got to go out with him for weeks at a time in the summer and I ended up getting to go to every state in America besides 2. I recall West Virginia and Kentucky. I thought the landscape was simply gorgeous, but it's certainly very remote in parts of it.
Always had old timers tell that panther spelled that way but older people say “painter”, because there are/were panthers around. Rare if ever to see them anymore just like a few other wild cats.
New subscriber and I really loved going through Panther with you! I am 61 and have not travelled much, so I enjoy these type videos! When I was a little girl, I had an aunt who owned a huge farm in upstate PA mountains, I loved it! Thanks for sharing! :)
I think you could collectively store these videos under the heading "Great Places To Go Parking in WV!" Just thinking out loud here, and yes, I was young once too! ;-) Being from Hannibal, MO originally, you two remind me of that famous Mark Twain quote, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all of one's lifetime." Nice touch with the historical photo sequence and music. Oh yeah, time to clean that windshield Bubba! God bless you both...
there is a blue church and a mining tipple on the upper side of longpole. panther park has many hiking trails and nice picnic areas. the reason for the flowers are because there is a child buried on their hill, it’s not just there for looks. it’s really not a hard life here, we adjust and we love it. nice video though.
Want to say ty also for the old pictures you showed. These ole holler boys could play some football at Iaeger high school. Tougher than nails. We very rarely beat them. The school also put out a great basketball player Alara I think was his name played four years at wvu
I love seeing videos of McDowell co I've never been there but my dad and his family lived there my dad was born in panther he always wanted me to go down with him to meet family before he passed but we didn't make it I sure do regret it I would love to meet his family down that way my dad was a Bailey would love some info
Great video especially the black & white photos of Panther. Virginia is a beautiful State and one of my favorites, especially love the trips online knowing you'd never see it any other way. Thanks for sharing this journey back., much appreciated. 👍
My son’s grandmother owned the post office in Mohawk. I always loved going up there to visit. She knew everybody. lol Before her husband passed they owned the general store which had the post office and their home in it as well.
Those high school kids have a long way to travel since they moved the school from Iaeger to Bradshaw. When they were really going good they had company stores. Panther and bull creek is extreme even for McDowell county.🎥😎
So beautiful to watch you’s driving down those country roads than the black and white photos was interesting. I was raised in the country and prefer to live on my own land of course I’m not that far from the stores. But, what a dream to live amongst family generation after generation living off the land growing most of your own food. Thanks for sharing ❤️
