The Stony Bottom Post Office's history

 

The Stony Bottom Post Office in Augusta County, Virginia, had a short-lived history marked by a name change and eventual closure.

• Early Years (before 1795 - May 6, 1886): The area was originally known as Driftwood, likely due to the Greenbrier River's curve causing logs, fence rails, and other debris to accumulate there. While there is no mention of a post office during this period, a deed from 1795 indicates that Stony Bottom was already established, suggesting the name change occurred sometime between 1795 and 1886.

• Establishment and Operation (May 6, 1886 - May 15, 1902): The post office was officially established on May 6, 1886, under the name Driftwood, with James Barnett as the first postmaster.

• Closure and Re-establishment as Stony Bottom (May 15, 1902 - December 28, 1901): The Driftwood Post Office was discontinued on May 15, 1902. However, a new post office named Stony Bottom was established on December 28, 1901, with Washington R. Moores serving as postmaster. The name Stony Bottom likely reflected the area's flat bottomland covered in stones.

• Closure (December 28, 1901): The sources do not provide an exact date for the Stony Bottom Post Office's closure, but it was likely sometime after December 28, 1901.

• Later Recognition (April 1980): In April 1980, Ernie Ford highlighted Stony Bottom on his television show and contacted the West Virginia State Department of Commerce to research its history. Hulet Smith, who was researching "Seldom Seen," concluded that the town's name could be changed to "Often Seen" due to the attention it received.

The Stony Bottom Post Office's history reflects the evolving nature of communities and the impact of changing transportation routes and communication technologies on small rural settlements.