Forged By Coal: A Family's Story

by Terry Bailey

Overview

Lowell Douglas Bailey and Vergie Ellen Terry, who tied the knot in May 1945, belong to the generation that experienced the last years of coal camp life in West Virginia. In Forged by Coal, their first child, Terry Bailey, tells their story and reveals what building a family was like for coal miners in the last decade that coal companies maintained full ownership and control of the communities. The first part of the book covers when Vergie and Doug met, their families, their wedding, and the devastating tragedy they suffered while expecting their first child. Following this is a narration of the reality and struggle of moving to the coal camps. Part III, the largest part of the story, depicts the lifestyle of the coal miners and their families, with the Baileys at the center of the story in Covel, West Virginia.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798986133225
Publisher:	Terry Bailey
Publication date:	06/27/2022
Pages:	328
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.69(d)

About the Author

Terry Douglas Bailey was born, grew-up, and was educated in the coalfields of West Virginia. Some of his childhood experiences are presented in Forged by Coal. He was fortunate to have a caring family that extended to grandparents, aunts, uncles and many cousins. He graduated from Concord College (now University), Athens, West Virginia and earned a masters and a doctorate from the University of Virginia. He retired after a 45-year distinguished career in public education as a teacher, librarian, supervisor, principal, and superintendent. He was named Virginia Media Educator of the Year 1988 and Vermont Vocational Director of the Year 2003. Terry lives with his wife Ann and their dog, PT, "Prince Terry" in Greenville, South Carolina. He enjoys his seven grandchildren, ages 6 to 16 that he entertains with magic. He can be reached at .

Editorial Reviews

I read this in two days and had a hard time putting it down. The author spun the tale in a warm and thoughtful way and gives the reader a looking glass into life and times in a coal camp. I was caught up in the story of Vergie and her family and the very measured view of what life was like in coal country. I laughed and cried right along with her. I truly enjoyed learning about this slice of Appalachia and history.

Nature Photo Greenville - Lynn Pilewski

Terry Bailey tells a heartwarming story of his family's ups and downs as they navigated their way through their humble beginnings as a mining family in rural West Virginia. Forged by Coal is a tale of resilience, courage, and iron will in the face of adversity. Bailey paints a vivid picture, depicting the life of an Appalachian family involved in coal mining. Doug and Vergie's struggles and determination for their children captivates the reader due to how compelling and relatable their story is.

Readers' Favorite Review - Pikasho Deka

... comprehensive and well-organized pages of the book gave me a good picture of the lifestyle in the 50s - including the state of technology, medicine, eduction, and other phenomena. I particularly enjoyed reading about the early stages of polio vaccination from the perceptive of the Baileys, who had to weigh up the dangers and benefits of giving their child the new treatment. Terry Bailey tells a beautifully, meticulously written story that teaches the value of resilience.

Readers' Favorite Reviews - Foluso Falaye

...Terry Bailey's prose brings the camps to life vividly. It provides a point of access for outsiders to understand the experiences of those who made a life in the coal camps, .. Forged by Coal is a well-considered - almost philosophical - reflection on an often neglected period of history.. . The warmth of the author's memories, despite the turbulence that came with it, can be felt on every page. I would highly recommend this book to readers everywhere...

Readers' Favorite Reviews - K.C. Finn