GYPSY, WV
Gypsy mine and coal camp was originally Briar Hill Coal & Coke Co. Mine No. 5. In 1903 Gypsy became one of the mines of
the new Fairmont Coal Co., which was formed that year by consolidating a large number of Fairmont Coalfield mines. In 1910 Fairmont Coal Co. was merged into
Consolidation Coal Co., who designated Gypsy Mine No. 21. Consol operated Gypsy until 1928, when it was probably closed. Gypsy was possibly
named after Mrs. Gypsy Ward, a relative of coal baron James Watson. Gypsy not only featured a coal mine and company town, but also beehive coke ovens.
Also, whenever you are in Gypsy, don't forget to stop by Abruzzino's Bakery and grab a few fresh pepperoni rolls.
Vintage picture of the Gypsy tipple and
coke ovens, with the company houses in the background. (Image courtesy of historyinsidepictures.com)
Aerial view of Gypsy showing the company houses still standing in the 21st Century. (Image by others)
Two story coal company houses. (May 2013 image by author)
There are also these smaller coal camp homes. (May 2013 image by author)
It would be interesting to know the history of this old church. (May 2013 image by author)
This is the only vintage industrial structure I saw at Gypsy, and I'm
not even sure if it went with the mine or not. There may be a few other mine ruins, like remnants of the coke ovens or
foundations, at the old mine site. (May 2013 image by author)