Comments on: Widen Film Project - a WV masterpiece

by: dale d bostic

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:15:37 +0000

My parents were living at Widen when I was born 12-30-1955, My Grandfather worked both BC&G and ERC&L companies his name was George keen and my Grandmother, Melinda Alice Holcomb Nicholas Keen was married to a Nicholas before him and I wondered if they were a relation to Faye

by: Faye Lane Broadbent

Sat, 17 May 2008 16:55:29 +0000

Hi, My husband Roy Lane and I were married in July 1958 and moved to Roane st in Widen. He originally worked on the BG:&E railroad then transferred to the mines. He was one of the ones laid off in Jan 1958. Our rent was $11 per month for a 4 room house- a duplex. Our coal was delivered for $3 a ton. Milk from the Cresmont dairy was delivered for 25 cents a quart. We didn’t have to leave Widen for any of the necessities of life. I shopped at the Company store and still have a wash tub, round cake pans, a tube pan, rolling pin, 9×13 pan and a colundar bought there after 50 years. My daughter Karen Culbertson, who has also contacted you and ordered a film thinks this is awesome. My father-in-law Carmel Lane worked there as did my uncles, Dempsey , Roscoe, and Ernie Triplett and Richard Nicholas. Dempsey’s car was blown up, Richards farm tractor was blown up and Richard was killed by his farm hand Johnny Johnson, It was suspected the company hired the killing but couldn’t be proven. Johnny died in jail before coming to trial. I remember going to the Frame trial with my aunt Elsie Nicholas. 2 of my uncles were strikers, and 2 were “scabs”. Lots of memories of these days.
Faye Lane Broadbent

by: Helen Cottrell

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:50:43 +0000

I need to revised my statement I made on when Charles Frame got killed. It was May 7, 1957 not May 8, 1957. From: Ronald Cottrell

by: Ronald Cottrell

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:28:50 +0000

According to information I have, Charles Frame killing took place on May 8, 1953. Also the miners were layed off Jan. 1, 1959 not 1957. Elk River Coal and Lumber Company was sold in 1958 to Pittson Coal Company.

by: Ronald Cottrell

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:28:44 +0000