By Rick Steelhammer, Charleston Gazette-Mail
FAYETTE COUNTY, W.Va. — A second public meeting on the proposed demolition of 19 historic but dilapidated structures and one modern addition to a historic building in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve will take place later in October.
The buildings are either listed on or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, including 12 of the 45 structures found within the National Register’s Thurmond Historical District. Among other buildings considered for razing is the 152-year-old Prince Brothers General Store at Prince, one of the few independent stores that operated in the New River Gorge coalfield.
All totaled, the National Park Service owns 78 historic buildings within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
An initial public meeting on the proposal drew about 200 people to a Jan. 12 meeting in Glen Jean.
Other historic structures in Thurmond being considered for demolition include:
- Charles Ashley garage and outbuilding
- May Bagoski House