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LAMAR (ALGONQUIN) WV

Algonguin coal mine and town was opened circa 1915 by the Algonquin Coal Company. There were Algonquin No. 1 and No. 2 mines in Pocahontas No. 3 coal. It might not have been the fanciest coal town, but it did have a post office, comapny store, movie theatre, bowling alley, and club house. In 1930 the Lamar Colliery Colliery took ownership of Algonquin. After that it was known as Lamar. Maps of the area reflect the name change. Lamar Colliery Company closed the mine in 1953.

March 2020 image by author

Norfolk-Southern Railroad still has it labeled as Algonquin. The Clarks's Gap tunnel is around the bend.

Library of Congress image

A vintage view of the coal camp. These weren't the greatest grade of company housing.

March 2020 image by author

Today only foundations remain. Lamar is a ghost town now. I believe that these stone piers supported one of the houses in the middle of the photo above. Even the "street" going through the middle of the photo is apparent in the woods to this very day.

March 2020 image by author

Aside from railroad infrastructure, the little shed in the distance is the only remaining structure in Lamar.

March 2020 image by author

Tub left over from somebody's "Saturday night bath."

March 2020 image by author

Another artifact.

March 2020 image by author

These could be house foundations. But it looked like there was covered drift mine the cliffs behind it. So maybe it was part of the head house.

March 2020 image by author

Tipple foundations. The rail sidings to the tipple have been removed, and the creek rerouted.

March 2020 image by author