Explore a collection of local news snippets from Pocahontas County between 1942 and 1948. This compilation offers a glimpse into the lives of residents, showcasing both tragic accidents and significant community events. Learn about the individuals who were impacted and the challenges faced during this era.
Accidents & Tragedies:
•
Workplace Accidents: The sources document several workplace accidents, particularly in the logging and milling industries, including:
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Fatalities: Hubert Samuel Galford was killed by a lumber company train [see earlier conversation]. Bob Drew, Charlie Bush, and Cecil Galford were all killed by falling trees, while Vertner Reiford was killed by log trucks. Hammond Mann lost an arm in a mill accident.
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Injuries: Virgil Gragg was almost injured by a blowing pipe at a mill, while Sam Sheets lost a foot in a logging accident.
•
Transportation Accidents:
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Train Accidents: A mail train collided with a passenger train in Dixon, Illinois. Preston Adkison, of Marlinton, was aboard but uninjured. Another train wreck near Hinton killed Engineer Elba W. Lane and injured two others.
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Automobile Accidents: Mrs. Ada Herold drove her car into the Greenbrier River when her brakes failed. Hill Pritt was injured in a car collision on Droop Mountain.
•
Other Accidents:
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Roy Lambert, Jr. died in a shotgun accident. James Crawford drowned in Seneca State Forest Lake. Mrs. Jessie Colaw died from severe burns caused by a gasoline explosion. Oren Waugh lost four teeth in an accident. Libby Johnson and Jean Moore were in a bicycle accident that collided with a bus. Mrs. David Gwin was burned in an oil can explosion.
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Airplane Accidents: Samuel Baldwin Hannah III died in an airplane crash, reportedly struck by lightning. C. H. Loltz crashed at the Ingalls Airport but was not injured.
•
Deaths in Service: Several individuals from Pocahontas County were killed in action. These include:
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George Shiffler [see earlier conversation], John Alderman (Africa), Andy F. Hefner (France), Lieutenant J. M. Moore, Basil Sharp (Germany), Private First Class Kessler, and Keith Hudson.
Community & Notable Events:
•
Local Business: Dice Grimes enlarged his store, adding a state liquor store space, and Lloyd Walker took over his shoe repair business
. The First National Bank of Marlinton reduced its interest rates due to economic conditions. The Clifton Forge Grocery Co. expanded its business in Marlinton.
•
Military: Many local men were called to serve in the armed forces. The local draft board also made public the names of those who were qualified for military service
.
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Promotions and Recognition: Several local soldiers received promotions and awards, including Paul D. Eubank
, William H. Bennett, Charles C. LaRue, Jr., Oren J. Ponge, William deKraft, and Audrey M. Dilley were promoted. William C. Bostic, Jr. and Pfc. Lo man B. Pugh received the Silver Star for gallantry in action.
•
Community Matters:
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Tire Rationing: A list of individuals who were approved to purchase tires and tubes during rationing was published
.
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Defense Tasks: Local citizens were encouraged to register for civilian defense tasks
.
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Pulpwood Shortage: The sources highlight the county's efforts to address the pulpwood shortage due to the war effort
.
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Egg Production: Pocahontas county poultrymen were asked to increase egg production
.
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Rationing: Retailers were required to file applications for ration tokens
.
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Shoe Rationing: New shoe ration stamps were introduced
.
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Waste Cans: Waste cans were placed on Main Street in Marlinton to help keep the streets cleaner
.
•
Recreation: The Alpine Theater was being remodeled
. A new park at the fairgrounds opened.
•
Local Personalities:
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Moody Kincaid was named as a licensing agent for explosive use permits
.
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Jack Richardson was hired to teach at Marlinton High School
.
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Ross White was secured as coach for all athletics at the Marlinton High School
.
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Margie McCarty was promoted to the Department of Christian Education in Nashville
.
•
Logging Industry: The sources include details about the early logging history in the area
, noting the transition from river drives to railroad logging.
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