The Coal House Burns Down

this post is a week late.....better late than never... pictures soon to come

Williamson, West Virginia is the home of  the Coal House, one of two in the United States.  It is exactly what it sounds like, a house entirely made of coal.  The Coal House is the town Chamber of Commerce and the people who work there are really helpful and kind.  This is where, until now, you could purchase your very own Peace, Love and Coal shirt, complete with tie dye designs.  It's also a good place to get directions around town.

Today, on Columbus Day the Coal House was in flames.  I know you're wondering if I'm joking, but rest assured this is a true story. It began in the early morning and the fire fighters were on the roof when I got to work.  The fact that the Coal House is burning on Columbus day is made more ironic by the Chief Logan statue, that stands before the Coal House everyday, and was doing just that, while the building was burning.  Perhaps this was his ghostly Columbus Day revenge? 

I only witnessed the aftermath--window busted, doorway charred and firemen weaving around the building.   Later we were informed that our friend at the hotel, Smokey, was the one to notice the flames and made the call to the fire department. Yes his name is Smokey and he generally takes care of us when we need help.  Today he rescued the Coal House which holds a lot of significance for the town community who were saddened by the destruction caused by the fire.

Don't worry no one was hurt and the Mayor is thinking of using this as an opportunity to remodel the inside of the Coal House.  In fact it turns out this may work out for our friends at the Jobs Project.  It seems the Mayor is considering temporarily moving  the Chamber of Commerce into their office.  The Jobs Project works for economic diversification through renewable energy.  Who knows what the next Coal House transitions will lead to but I think Chief Logan is watching.


http://www.williamsondailynews.com/view/full_story/9881116/article-Fire-sparks-in-Coal-House?instance=secondary_news_left_column