Evidently Glen Jean was constructed in the 1890's. Collins Colliery Company and McKell Coal and Coke Company
both operated coal mines at Glen Jean. Years later the New River Company was the operator of the mines at Glen Jean.
Image courtesy of Walter Caldwell
This photo of Glen Jean is probably more than a century old. In it
one can see how Glen Jean was probably two coal camps combined. In the background is the coal camp, tipple, and coke ovens of the Collins Colliery
Company. Visible is Collins's company store - the same design Collins constructed at another one of his company towns, Whipple, a few miles away.
In the foreground are coal camp houses and a company store that were probably owned by McKell Coal & Coke. The railroad running across the middle
of the photo must have been the boundary between the two coal company towns.
Dec. 2013 image by author
An old coal camp house with the Glen Jean railroad sign. This particular rail spur, which went
up to Whipple and Scarbro, has been removed. However, the railroad from Mount Hope to Thurmond still is routed through Glen Jean, and is still active.
Dec. 2013 image by author
This section of Glen Jean is still called Collins Hill. It was originally the Collins Colliery section
of Glen Jean, and those are small company houses constructed by Collins.
Dec. 2013 image by author
Another style of coal company homes on Collins Hill.
Dec. 2005 image by author
However, these company houses are a different style from the ones on Collins Hill, and were probably constructed
by McKell Coal and Coke.
Dec. 2013 image by author
The schoolhouse at Glen Jean sits lonely and forlorn.
Dec. 2013 image by author
This bank building, featuring great cut stone work, was restored by the National Park Service, who built
a large office complex at Glen Jean to administer the New River Gorge National River. The structure is a well known landmark, but I have never seen it open, nor have I
seen anyone coming in or out of it, even though new, modern windows have been installed. I wonder what the Park Service keeps inside.
Dec. 2013 image by author
Detail of a door at the rear of the bank building still shows Mckell's name. Perhaps this part of
the building was the office where McKell Coal and Coke administered their many mines in the Glen Jean area.
Dec. 2013 image by author
This beautiful church has been preserved at Glen Jean.
Image courtesy of Walter Caldwell
This last photo was titled, "Saloon - Glen Jean Area - early 1900s."
On the hill above Glen Jean is the Glen Jean Cemetery.
Apr. 2020 image by author
The lower part of the cemetery appears to be for Polish and Slovakian immigrants. There are many rock foot stones, and even some rock head
stones, at this graveyard. Click here for high resolution image.
Apr. 2020 image by author
A closer view of the sign and crucifix. Jesus is missing an arm.
Apr. 2020 image by author
The iron grave marker for Holovics Igyorgy. Click here for high resolution image.
Apr. 2020 image by author
Some of the iron grave markers have been whitewashed.
Apr. 2020 image by author
There are still people with the surname Modley in Southern W.Va. This tombstone has been repaired.
Apr. 2020 image by author
The grave of Stefan Pacuta.
Apr. 2020 image by author
Lusihszxf Gvula's grave. Click here for high resolution image.
Apr. 2020 image by author
This man or woman lived from 1867 to 1915.
Apr. 2020 image by author
The upper part of the cemetery is different from the lower Slavic section. I believe that this Protestant
part of the cemetery may be an African-American section.
Apr. 2020 image by author
Note the "rock lily" planted around this tomb. I have seen this in several W.Va. cemeteries, along with cedar trees.
Apr. 2020 image by author
This fellow was a Private in the Army.
