May 03 2008
A Bridge Over Troubled Water
This old bridge crosses Big Coal River in Edwight, WV. I would be afraid to even guess how old it is. At one time it supported coal and logging trucks. Up the road behind me there used to be a sawmill. I remember years ago when it was a viable place of employment. People worked at the mill or in the mines. I helped tear the sawmill down in the mid 80’s.
Right behind me is this overgrown softball field.
As a young boy I would come here to watch my dad play softball. This started out as a coal miners softball field and was actually built by the coal company. If I’m not badly mistaken, and I might be, but I believe the coal company was Armco back in those days.
After the miners quit using it and I got into my teens, we started having friendly games here between different hollows. It was just a good time and all in good fun.
I hear no one is allowed there now because the field belongs to the coal industry. I’m not 100% sure about that so don’t quote me. It just seems to me that if kids were allowed to play ball on this field - they would be.
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The title of this post came with the fact the bridge is over Big Coal River. About a mile upstream is Goals Coal, a subsidiary of Massey Energy. From this point forward the river winds it’s way through the heart of coal country. A Bridge Over Troubled Water seemed fitting.
4 Responses to “A Bridge Over Troubled Water”
Very good post Denny. It clearly outlines the changing perceptions of the community from the “old” coal companies and the “new” multinational conglomerates.
So many things have changed in the coalfields. Back a few decades ago, coal was king, now coal is a tyrant!
I agree Matthew - I think this softball field is also a prime example of taking and not giving back.
Those are beautiful pictures of the bridge.
I have to admit, it does sound like the old coal companies were committed to being part of the community. Those are the sorts of businesses you want in your town.
Thanks Kristine - I’m going to be getting pictures of an old swinging walk bridge soon. They used to cross the river in a few places.
As far as the coal industry and the community - I agree, back then the coal industry was committed to being a part of the community. Another good example is just a couple miles down the road from the softball field there is an old roadside park. It was also owned by the coal company and had swings, picnic shelters, and great river front fishing. Now it is overgrown like the ball field and it has been blocked off. This all changed when Massey moved in. They give the impression of just simply not caring about the community they operate in. I know this - if they were perceived to care even just a little - they would have to deal with a lot less friction.