Stonega Coal
& Coke Company
By Gladys J.
Stallard
From The
Heritage of Wise County and the City of Norton - Volume I
The Stonega Coal and Coke Company
with general offices at Big Stone Gap, Virginia was not only the pioneer (1896)
in the production of coal in Southwest Virginia, but today is the largest
producer in this territory having active mines at Arno, Derby, Dunbar, Exeter,
Imboden, Osaka, Roda, and Stonega in Wise County and Keokee in Lee County.
The company has a potential capacity
in excess of 4,000,000 tons per year, and when operating on this basis, employs
approximately 4,000 persons, with an annual payroll in excess of $4,000,000.00.
At the present time, production is about one-half capacity, with employment for
2500 men.
The Stonega Coal and Coke Company
has always paid a great deal of attention to social service work among its
employees and their families. Churches are located in the different
communities. Motion picture hails, lodge meeting places, and parks are
provisions made to satisfy those who seek entertainment.
Company doctors are always
available, and centrally located at Stonega, is the company hospital, well
equipped for minor and major operations, with competent nurses in charge. First
aid work and safety first instruction have received special attention. Working
conditions are made as safe as possible, by the best engineering talent. Living
conditions in the several communities are healthful, economical, and wholesome.
Company stores, conveniently located, but in free competition with
independently-owned concerns, provide sources of supply for every daily want of
the employees and their families.
J. D. Rogers is Vice-President of
the Stonega Coal and Coke Company and has charge of all operations in this
territory.
The Stonega Coal and Coke Company
produces and sells Stonega Coal, Roda coal and Dendron coal, each coal being
produced from independent seams now in operation. Stonega coal is used
primarily for industrial purposes in the production of power; Roda coal is used
primarily for by-product purposes, and gas and domestic purposes. Low sulphur
and ash content of Roda and Dendron coals is known throughout all
coal-consuming territories. The company also produces large amounts of Stonega
and Roda beehive coke, made respectively from Stonega and Roda coal. Production
of these two kinds has been in excess of 500,000 tons per year.