Time flies when you’re having fun. Two impressive milestones are being celebrated here at Bluefield, and everyone is welcome to join in the celebrations (perhaps once again!). Both the Kraft Memorial Library and the Allen D. Coppinger Jr. Invitational Baseball Tournament are being recognized for 50 years of community service.
Like many of you, I spent many hours at both venues and really enjoyed each venue. Indeed, as a teacher, I have encouraged my entire Bluefield High School class to visit Craft, get a library card, and take full advantage of this wonderful resource located in the heart of Summit City. During my years at Tazewell High School and Graham, I encouraged my children to take advantage of the facilities at the Tazewell County Public Library. In both cases, the staff were courteous, very efficient, and encouraging to all patrons.
Even before the craft establishment opened, I remember as a child going to Gibson’s Bluefield Bookshop on Commerce Street, where the Blue Spoon Café operated adjacent to the elegantly renovated Granada Theater. I am. And in the main hall, the wonderful original organ has been reinstalled. auditorium.
During the great days of the coalfields decades ago, the vast fleets of buses that plied the mountains of Mercer, McDowell, and Tazewell counties were organized, improved, and grown by a brilliant entrepreneur named Jack Craft. I was made to do so. At a time when few families had automobiles available for such trips, countless passengers were able to take advantage of the buses that took them from Welch to the bustling towns of Bluefield and beyond. I benefited.
In fact, Mr. Craft had a large terminal here in the East End next to the railroad yard. The building is on the site of former Cain Field, where the Blue Grays, a prominent minor league baseball team, played in the old Caulfield League and then the Appalachian League. It later became a car dealership and is now home to Carl Frey Roofing. It’s quite a legacy.
Kraft worked together in a variety of ways to ensure a modern library facility was built here in Bluefield, leaving behind a legacy of great benefit to the community. That became a reality, and to this day, his bust is prominently displayed in the lobby of the main library building.
With my teaching career, my job as a reporter for the Daily Telegraph, my lifelong readership, and love of research, I’m lucky to have access to the Craft Library. Not only is the library itself a treasure, but you may know that the Eastern Region Coal Archive is also housed in the building.
Not only does the library have books, magazines, reference materials, newspapers (should have been mentioned first), audio and video sources, and microfilm available to everyone, but the Coal Archives on the second floor is invaluable to scholars. In addition to being a reference, it is one of the most interesting collections of memorabilia found anywhere in the Appalachian Mountains.
For several years I worked occasionally with the late Dr. Stuart McGee. He taught at Bluefield College and other institutions while coordinating the Coal Archive, performing music, speaking at community events, and writing many local area histories, including Bluefield. He also appeared in various documentaries, including a famous set about the history of West Virginia. he’s a really great person.
Equally impressive is the very kind and always helpful director, Eva McGuire. In addition to her rise to top positions at the library, she is well known throughout the region for her incredible work building a variety of programs that connect libraries with children of all ages. Eva has helped me many times with my own research and has unselfishly given her time over the years to help me and many others find information to share with the public. Ta.
While it is true that her professionalism has long been a hallmark of the Craft Library, it is her kindness and concern for visitors that makes this a resource with a welcoming atmosphere for all. Craft’s staff continues that tradition. From encyclopedias to vintage photographs, library staff strive to brighten your day.
So whether you choose to spend time at Bowen Field, the Craft Library, home to the famous Eastern Regional Coal Archive, or both, the two are a must-see for Four Seasons Country. Think about how lucky you are to be included in the.
Eva, thank you for all you do to make Bluefield Library a home for everyone in the community.
Mr. Kraft is definitely pleased to have you on the team.
Larry Hypes is a columnist for the Daily Telegraph. Contact him at larryhypes52@gmail.com.
