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Pursglove, West Virginia facts for kids

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Pursglove, West Virginia
Pursglove in 1937.
Pursglove in 1937.
Pursglove, West Virginia is located in West Virginia
Pursglove, West Virginia
Pursglove, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Pursglove, West Virginia is located in the United States
Pursglove, West Virginia
Pursglove, West Virginia
Location in the United States
Country  United States
State  West Virginia
County Monongalia
Elevation
282 m (925 ft)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
26546
Area code(s) 304 & 681
GNIS feature ID 1555424

Pursglove is a small, quiet place in Monongalia County, West Virginia, United States. It's known as an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it's governed by the county. Pursglove is part of the Scotts Run region and is located about 4.5 miles (7.2 km) northwest of downtown Morgantown. It has its own post office with the ZIP code 26546.

A Look at Pursglove's Past

Pursglove was once a busy place, especially because of its connection to coal mining. Many communities in West Virginia grew up around coal mines. These were often called "coal towns" or "company towns."

Life in a Coal Town

In a company town like Pursglove, the mining company often owned many of the houses and even some of the stores. People who worked in the mines lived in these houses. This created a strong community where many families were connected to the coal industry.

Company Housing

The houses in Pursglove were often built close together. They were simple homes provided for the miners and their families. Living in company housing meant that your home was tied to your job at the mine.

Community Life and Activities

Even though it was a mining community, Pursglove had places for people to gather and enjoy themselves. These places helped build a sense of community.

Miner's Memorial Swimming Pool

One important spot was the Miner's Memorial Swimming Pool. This pool was a place where families could cool off and have fun, especially during the warm summer months. It was a special place for everyone in the community.

School and Learning

Education was also a big part of life in Pursglove. There was a school where children could learn and grow. Schools are always important centers in any community, helping young people get ready for the future.

Settlement House and Sunday School

Pursglove also had a settlement house. These houses often served as community centers, offering different services or activities. People also gathered for Sunday school, which was a time for religious learning and community bonding.

The 1946 Flood Event

In June 1946, Pursglove experienced a big flood. Heavy rains caused a storm sewer to overflow, covering parts of the community in water and mud. This event would have been very difficult for the families living there.

After the Flood

The flood left behind a lot of caked mud, especially in the areas where houses were located. People had to work hard to clean up their homes and community after the water went down. Events like this show how communities come together during tough times.

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