| Beckley in 1880. This is a picture of a photo displayed at the Beckley Public Library. The caption reads as follows: In 1880 Beckley had only a few buildings in the downtown district, and a population of 144 persons. The view shows North Kanawha St., looking south from the site of the present Social Security Building. In the right foreground is a Methodist Church, where court was held while the first courthouse was under construction. Today Prince Street runs east and west below the church. On the left, behind what appears to be a shed is the old Hull House and Store. Across from the old Hull House and on the opposite side of what is now Main St. is a building that became the Hotel Hull and eventually the Beckley Hotel. Across from Main St. from the hotel is the original Post Office and store. To the right of the Post Office and on the same side of main St. is the Granny Davis cottage. The building that appears to adjoin the back of the Post Office is a lone structure that housed Frone George's blacksmith shop. The buildings behind the Hull House have not been identified. |