Iaeger, West Virginia

In Mcdowell County West Virginia, every coal town, every city has its own personality and reputation. Iaeger West Virginia was named after Colonel William Iaeger who had discovered the area.  

 It is very obvious that any news article about this area typically focuses on horrific poverty and drug addiction. It is visible, plain to see and honestly, if you do not see it, I would be worried about you. Photography for this area is driven to beat you about the head neck and shoulders with just how bad it is. I know that. We all know that. HOWEVER, I thought when photographing here, why not try to show what it was? How busy was it?  Yes, Where are they now? These questions challenge us. So, I try to find them.

This is a DRAFT series of images and there will be many more. Click on any image to see its full size. IF you want a copy of any print, feel free to contact me and we can discuss a fee. Feel free to leave comments.

City Hall. I like this pic. Yes, it has been a better day in Iaeger, but I see the City Hall and yes, that is civic pride.

At its zenith, Iaeger boomed with activity, had its banks, and its industry, which was and will be coal. As of now, Iaeger is empty and honestly, lonely to see

I love when any business is named after a town in its name. I remember many many places like this when I grew up. It does mean pride in where you live

Bread advertisements for the Iaeger Supermarket....I still look for the old style advertisements any time I go.

I saw the family clinic below. The main wall had fallen off and this facade showed me what I knew, people, its always about the people.