ITMANN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The iconic Pocahontas Fuel Company store in Itmann stands as a remarkable example of West Virginia’s coalfields architecture. Named after Isaac T. Mann, a prominent figure in West Virginia finance and a key player in Pocahontas Fuel, the company town of Itmann was established in 1916.
Mining operations began the following year along the Guyandotte River, extracting coal from the Pocahontas No. 3 seam in Wyoming County.
The Itmann operation, served by the Virginian Railroad, thrived, producing two million tons of high-quality “smokeless” coal annually during the 1950s. This specific operation employed 1,800 West Virginians.
At the heart of Itmann stood the imposing stone store, crafted by Bluefield architect Alexander Mahood between 1923 and 1925.
This relic housed essential services such as the post office, doctor’s office, freight station, payroll office, and management functions, alongside the store itself.
Built by skilled Italian immigrant stonemasons, the cut-stone Classical Revival building boasts distinctive architectural features, including an interior courtyard. Its design has been likened to that of an English castle or an Italian prison.
Following the closure of the mine and company store in the 1980s, the landmark building gained recognition for its historical significance and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
Although the building currently sits empty and dark, the future of the historic building is bright.
The non-profit organization Restore This Town has entered into a contract with Foxfire Realty to purchase and restore the building.
According to the organization, the building is set to be restored to house different local businesses such as Wicked Adventure Tours, Hog Wild Saloon & Grill, Cool Beans Java Joint, and Wild and Wonderful Children’s Workshop.
