The 1940s was a decade of great change. The Second World War, though not fought on American soil, was felt by every American who lived here. These photographs reflect this era of change, from the coal mines to the battlefield. These images capture moments in time that will never occur again, but will always remain frozen in a single unforgotten moment.
1. This photograph was taken on August 24, 1946, depicting a Saturday afternoon on the streets of Welch in McDowell County.
3. Though not photographed in West Virginia, this is a photograph of the U.S.S. West Virginia during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Shortly after this photo was taken, the ship sank. But it would rise again only 3 months later.
4. Eventually the U.S.S. West Virginia was pulled out of the water and refitted. It was back in service to fight in many notable battles to follow, and was even present for the Japanese surrender to American forces in 1945.
5. While American forces fought overseas, the coal mining business chugged right along back home. Here is a photograph of Sunday School in the small camp set up for the miners working in the Warwick Mine, owned by the Kingston Pocahontas Coal Company in Welch.
6. Coal mines often set up small towns or camps for its workers, including houses, schools and a company store. However, many did not offer the best accommodations. In this photograph, also of the Kingston Pocahontas Coal Company, a miner and his children walk home with groceries along an unpaved road without sidewalks and no apparent camp maintenance. .