BECKLEY, W.V. (LOOTPRESS) – Sunday afternoon, the Raleigh County Historical Society dedicated a narrative sign commemorating the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine’s dinky locomotive.
The dinky, formerly of Winding Gul Coal Company No. 1, was donated to the city in 1963 after being used by the Crab Orchard Coal Company for many years. After its dedication, it was originally displayed at New River Park, where it became a popular playground attraction.
According to Tom Sopher, president of the Raleigh County Historical Society, a few years ago, the city wanted to throw the dinky away but Leslie Baker, director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Beckley, raised $10,000 through a “Dollars for Dinky” fundraiser to save the small piece of West Virginia history.
In May of 2016, the locomotive was extensively refurbished and moved to its present location at the Exhibition Coal Mine entrance.
Sopher said Sunday’s dedication felt like the final piece of the puzzle.
“It’s a completed project, and it’s for all of us to enjoy,” he said. “I hope when kids go down there, they aren’t afraid to play on it. That is what it’s all about. It’s a different kind of toy.”
Sopher explained that people always asked about the dinky, but there was never a sign explaining the train’s history and connection to the area. Since 2016, the historical society has been working to erect interpretive signs across Beckley, and Sopher said a dinky sign was obviously needed.
Funded partially by the Coal Heritage Highway Authority and designed by John Sellards, the sign now stands proudly next to the dinky.
“The community rallied together. They didn’t want to see it go away, and now it sits on a pedestal. It’s beautiful and a little piece of history,” Sopher said. “The historical society- that is what we are trying to do: educate the public the best we can about their local history.”
Visit the dinky and read more about its history at 513 Ewart Ave in Beckley.
