Near Pursglove in Monongalia County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Scotts Run / The First Shack

Scotts Run Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Forest McDermott, June 1, 2010

1. Scotts Run Marker

The opposite side is The First Shack marker

Inscription. Scotts Run By the 1930s 10,000 residents representing 28 nationalities and tied to the coal industry crowded the hillsides, victims of severe poverty brought on by a coal recession and Great Depression. "The Shack" and Scotts Run Settlement House brought needed services and interest of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in relief programs.

The First Shack North 50 feet was first site for "The Shack", community center set up by Presbyterian mission worker Mary Behner to serve mining families of Scotts Run. Opened in a former stable of Pursglove Coal Co., 1932. Site of educational, religious and community service programs, and political, social and labor meetings. Relocated in 1938.

Erected 2008 by West Virginia Archives & History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Women. In addition, it is included in the Eleanor Roosevelt, and the West Virginia Archives and History series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1932.

Location. 39° 40.013′ N, 80° 1.063′ W. Marker is near Pursglove, West Virginia, in Monongalia County. Marker is on West Virginia Route

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

7 east of #8 Hollow Road, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pursglove WV 26546, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Scott’s Run Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Osage Spot (approx. ¾ mile away); Eleanor Roosevelt (approx. ¾ mile away); They Counted (approx. ¾ mile away); Music (approx. ¾ mile away); Christopher No. 3 Mine Tragedy (approx. ¾ mile away); Scott's Run Railway Co. (approx. ¾ mile away); Bunny Hop (approx. 0.8 miles away).

Additional keywords. Coal Industry, Great Depression, First Ladies of the United States of America, FLOTUS

The First Shack Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Forest McDermott, June 1, 2010

2. The First Shack Marker

The opposite side is the Scotts Run marker

Scotts Run/The First Shack Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Forest McDermott, June 1, 2010

3. Scotts Run/The First Shack Marker

Photo taken looking east on WV Route 7

Photographed By Forest McDermott, June 1, 2010

4. Scotts Run/The First Shack Marker

#8 Hollow Road is visible behind the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 12, 2019. It was originally submitted on December 13, 2011, by Forest McDermott of Masontown, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 802 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 13, 2011, by Forest McDermott of Masontown, Pennsylvania. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.