February 14, 2018 - Renowned photographer, World War II veteran, pilot and beloved Bluefield, West Virginia community member Melvin L. Grubb, 93, died Wednesday morning.

Throughout his life, Grubb documented events — large and small — that characterized his community. From weddings and engagements to underground coal mining operations, his passion for photography had no boundaries.

Grubb was well-known for his aerial photographs, many of which graced the front pages of the Bluefield Daily Telegraph. Newsroom lore tells of “Mel” opening the door of his plane while in air, and hanging out the side with his camera in order to get the best shot.

Grubb is remembered by friends, family and colleagues as a icon in his profession, and a gentleman who epitomized graciousness and goodwill.

Mel Grubb

Photo by David Neil/Grubb Photo Service, Inc.

Bluefield Daily Telegraph

“I’ve worked with Mel since 1969,” the late Daily Telegraph Executive Editor Tom Colley said in a 2007 story about Grubb. “Not only do I consider him to be one of the finest photographers I’ve ever known, but he’s also one of the best friends I’ve ever had. I have always had a deep respect for his personal integrity and his kindness.”

“Mel was the ultimate newspaperman,” Daily Telegraph Editor Samantha Perry said. “He had a passion for telling a story with photographs. Anytime breaking news dictated an aerial shot, we called Mel and he was on it in minutes.

“Mel was a fixture in our newsroom — a member of the news crew who was beloved by all,” Perry continued. “His grace, his presence and his passion is a legacy we will all remember and strive to emulate.”

One of Grubb’s best-known images is an aerial photograph of fog rolling in over East River Mountain in Bluefield. It is known to hang in homes and offices across the region and nation.

Melvin L. Grubb is pictured in a file photograph at the Those Who Served War Museum in Princeton.

Grubb was born at the Bluefield Sanitarium on Jan. 4, 1925, the son of Everett and Janie (Lindsey) Grubb. His father was a railroad laborer, but also an inventor who developed a small car used in railroad maintenance projects. Everett Grubb showed his 8-year-old son, Melvin, how to develop film and process a photographic image in a makeshift darkroom he built in the bathroom of the family’s home on Princeton Avenue.

“At that young age, it was pure magic to see the photographic image develop before my own eyes,” Grubb wrote in a biographical sketch he provided the Telegraph in 1978. “It continues to be magic with the new advancements in photography, such as electronics, chemistry, equipment and techniques.

“My photographic interests continued as yearbook photographer in high school,” Grubb continued in his biographical sketch. While the yearbook work whetted Grubb’s whistle for studio and candid photography, a photograph he took for a feature story about a Beaver High School graduate who was going to serve in World War II changed his life. The young graduate was killed in action.

Grubb graduated from Beaver High School in 1943, and two weeks after graduation enlisted in the military. He served in the U.S. Army Artillery Battalion in the Southwest Pacific campaign in New Guinea and Guadalcanal.

After he completed his tour of duty in the military, Grubb entered the Southwest Photo Arts Institute in Dallas, Texas on the GI Bill. After completing his studies in Texas, he returned home and landed a job as a photographer with the Daily Telegraph. In 1949, he launched a commercial photography business — Grubb Photo Service — a business that continues to provide excellence in photography under the leadership of Grubb’s long time associate David McNeil.

“I started with Mr. Grubb 34 years ago when I was still in high school,” McNeil said in a previous Daily Telegraph report. “Basically, he taught me everything I know about my profession step-by-step.”

Throughout their long relationship, McNeil has always called Grubb, “Mr. Grubb,” in every setting. “You have respect for someone who taught you everything you know about your career,” McNeil said. 

Grubb was well-known for his aerial photographs, many of which graced the front pages of the Bluefield Daily Telegraph. Newsroom lore tells of “Mel” opening the door of his plane while in air, and hanging out the side with his camera in order to get the best shot.

CoalZoom Editors Note: Mel took lots of underground photos for us at American Longwall during 1985-96. He was a craftsman and a true gentleman and is missed. Bill Reid.

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