News & Events

A note from Joe Chapman about the Coaldigger Logo on the top of this Webpage.I asked Joe if he could give me some information about how it all began. I really appreciate Joe taking the time to let me know the background and dedication he had doing the Coaldigger. Thanks Joe for your dedication to The Gary HIgh School Coaldigger.

I have always had a interest in art and was constantly drawing on anything that did not move. I took art in each of my high school years. I will always remember Mr. Hester who was art teacher and friend. I was invited to join the Annual Staff when I was a Junior, that was in 1954. I will always remember the experience of working with a great group of people and Mr. Smith who was our leader.

My recollection of doing the Coaldigger Cover art was that I was trying to depict the strength and determination of the coal miner of the past, not the “modern miner” of the 50’s, but the miner that used picks and shovels to mine the coal. The drawing of the coal miner was to represent the ghost of the miner of the past hovering over the car of coal, that he had poured his life and soul into as it came out of the darkness of the mine. The drawing of the crossed pick and shovel represented the simple tools used to load the coal. I used the block lettering for coaldigger, once again as a statement of strength. It was the determination and strength of the coal miner and men like him that made our country great.

I'm hoping that you all got the News & Events email and you seen the article about The Coaldigger Logo on my website. Joe Chapman from no 12 "Leckie" class of 55 was the person that created the Coaldigger. I didn't know that when I picked my logo, and I've talked to several people, and they didn't know it either. That little emblem, has so much detail in it. and it took Joe and his talent to do it.. The info for the Coaldigger is now at the top of the page. as you're reading it, look at the logo and see the talent and determination in it. Thanks Joe

If you notice the GHS Memorial Page, the names are on the left side. You click on their name and it takes you to the page of their own. Dr. Joseph Patrick Nieto, has pictures on it from his family Honoring him on the bottom, Theres pictures on Charles Goads Memorial page also. You can do that also or may want to write something special, just send it to me and I'll post it to their page.

When you go to a page and 'UP" is listed , click on Up will take you to the Memorial page with all the names on it. Yearbooks will be the same way. it will take you back to the page with 1950-1959 for an example or it will be listed as the years of 1950, 1952 etc.

If anyone has any relatives that may have group pictures or Class pictures of the earlier years. I would appreciate you sending them to me for posting.

Membership: Join the Gary High School Alumni Association, the annual fee is $ 12 .00. Checks should be made payable to Gary High School Alumni Association and should be sent to Robert L. Little , P.O. Box 782 , Bluefield, WV 24701. If you are already a member and have not paid your dues please pay them, you will not receive a reminder.

Coaldigger Museum: The Alumni Association has purchased a building to house the Coaldigger Museum in Gary. If you have GHS- related items that you would like to donate , direct them to Sid Cure P.O. Box 336 Gary, WV 24836. Photos should be framed and labeled. Monetary donations to the Museum should be made payable to Gary High School and sent to Robert L. Little P.O. Box 782 Bluefield, WV. 24701. Please indicate on your check if it is for dues, scholarship or museum also indicate year of graduation. Thank you

Co - Treasurer - Carolyn S. Little `63

Happy Memories as you travel down the country roads of Mc Dowell County and Gary and surrounding Coal Camps in West Virginia.