May 19, 2019 - Guests and residents enjoyed the final day of the Coal Mining Heritage Festival in Bramwell, West Virginia on Saturday.

George Sitler, left, and Daniel Leftwich play music during the second annual Coal Mining Festival on Saturday at the Bramwell Train Depot visitors center. 

Photo by Jessica Nuzzo

During the festival, children and adults enjoyed presentations and speeches about area history. These presentations included coal mining, railroad history, and more.

“We couldn’t have had a more perfect festival,” Bramwell Mayor, Lou Stoker, said.

During the first two festival days, area elementary students visited the speakers and sights in the Town of Millionaires. According to Stoker, students totaled around 500 during the educational days.

The historical actors allowed guests to actively engage in living history, as they played such roles as the previous train conductor of Bramwell’s train station.

Also available at the festival was live music to set the theme of the event.

Of the various historical actors at the event, Bramwell resident, Ray Devoe, had a portion of his considerable World War II memorabilia on display. In his display, World War II-era firearms, equipment, and propaganda.

Devoe, who has been collecting for forty to forty-five years, said, “This is more than a passion.”

Originally from New York, Devoe sought to leave the big city hustle and bustle once he retired. He has since, settled in the West Virginia hills of Bramwell. “I love the mountains and Southern West Virginia,” Devoe said.