Historic Explorations

Author: Dustin Blackson

Roy Castle: Faith, Labor, and Community

Roy Frank Castle’s life—stretching from the coal-camp rhythms of the late 1920s into the civic and labor struggles that defined the coalfields of southwest Virginia late twentieth century—was, at nearly every stage, a study in duty, persistence, and service. Born on November 7, 1927, in Dante, Virginia, Roy came of age in a world where […]

Big Stone Gap’s Minor Building

When the Minor Building first rose in 1908, it symbolized Big Stone Gap’s optimism during a time of rapid industrial growth. Designed with classical architectural elements and built to serve a bustling Appalachian town, the structure quickly became more than just an office space—it became a community hub. Over the years, it housed a well-known dentist office, and it provided meeting space for the local Masonic lodge, whose members carried out generations of tradition within its walls. Eventually, the building transitioned into the corporate headquarters of the Westmoreland Mining Company, a dominant force in the region’s coal economy. During that early era of excitement and expansion, workers placed a time capsule inside the building—sealed in 1908 and hidden for more than a century.

More than 117 years later, when a local couple purchased the aging structure, they never expected the building to reveal such a layered past. What began as a restoration project soon became a full-scale historical uncovering. As they walked through old rooms, examined the original architecture, and uncovered remnants left by dentists, lodge members, and mining executives alike, the couple realized they were stepping into a preserved story of community life, labor, and local memory.

Their discoveries deepened when they found a forgotten collection of photographs and documents from the 1970s through the early 1990s—visual records of daily operations at Westmoreland Mining. These photos revealed the people who worked there, the offices they occupied, and the routines that shaped decades of Appalachian industry. The images helped map the building’s evolution, capturing not only corporate life but the small, human details that connected the Minor Building to generations of residents.

Then came the building’s greatest revelation: a 1908 time capsule hidden within its walls since the day construction finished. Inside were newspapers, civic documents, symbolic items, and artifacts offering a vivid snapshot of life in early 20th-century Big Stone Gap. The capsule connected the building’s earliest purpose—before the dentist’s drill hummed or the Masonic lodge met—to the aspirations of the town’s founders. Opening it was like hearing a voice from the past, reminding the community of who they were and who they hoped to become.

This episode takes listeners inside that remarkable journey. From the building’s multifunctional past—medical care, fraternal gatherings, industrial management—to its rediscovery and rebirth, we explore how its new owners have become caretakers of Big Stone Gap’s heritage. As they work to transform the Minor Building into an antique mall, they aim to honor every layer of its history, displaying artifacts, preserving stories, and creating a place where visitors can feel the past in the present. This is the story of a building that never stopped remembering—and of a community rediscovering itself through what it left behind.

Don Parker, WWII Veteran

Rev. Donald G. Parker’s journey from college student to decorated World War II veteran is a story of courage, faith, and resilience. Drafted while attending the University of Pittsburgh, Parker was sent to Camp Gruber in Oklahoma for training before being assigned to the 42nd Infantry Division. In this moving interview, Rev. Parker recalls pivotal […]

Captain James Campbell–Grave Dedication

In 1770, Captain James Campbell and his family moved into the New River Valley, settling in the Muddy Creek area of the Greenbrier River. In 1774, hostilities between New Settlers and Native Americans, also known as Lord Dunmore’s War. Campbell caught himself in this fight and joined Captain James Roberston Company under the Fincastle County […]

Historic Buildings of Appalachia, Virginia

Tabitha Hibbitts Grieger with Appalachia Rising Ventures talks with us in the Historic Peake Building in Appalachia, VA, on their restoration journey on the town’s historic buildings.

Harry Meador Jr. Coal Museum

The Harry Meador Jr. Coal Museum in Big Stone Gap, VA comprises of mining equipment, photos, and artifacts all from local mines dating back to the early 20th century.

Dante Coal & Railroad Museum

Nestled in the mountains of southwest Virginia is a little community called Dante. In the early 20th century, Dante was a booming coal mine community like many other towns in the surrounding region. In 2003, the Dante Coal & Railroad Museum was opened by many who wanted to preserve Dante’s coal heritage. The museum holds […]