Introductory notes | Photos 1 | Photos 2 | Photos 3 | Photos 4

 

This was called the big row. The houses were used by the superintendent, the president, and the general managers. The back of the row opened to the Junior Mercantile Store, with back door deliveries to the houses. There were cooks and chauffeurs.

“Untitled”
Ben Shahn, October 1935
LC-USF33-006189-M1

 

West Virginia Coal and Coke sold to Chrysler, which would bring a car down to Omar for people to see and demonstrate.

“Omar, WV”
Ben Shahn, October 1935
LC-USF33-006189-M2

 

The company used to pay fifty cents per car to wash their cars. Later they tore down the stables and put up a garage. They owned lots of vehicles, including light and heavy trucks.

The church was later moved down and across the road, where it is still used as part of a newer community church. The building in the background was the Omar Grade and Junior High School.

“Omar, WV”
Ben Shahn, October 1935
LC-USF33-006200-M2

 

The children are on the playground of the Omar Douglass School. They were well-dressed. The boy in front was standing like the road patrol stood to see the children across the street.

“Negro schoolchildren, Omar, WV”
Ben Shahn, October 1935
LC-USF33-006191-M2

 

Several viewers have commented that this looks like an ornery little boy. They also remember having socks that became loose and fell around their shoes.

“Young resident of Omar, WV”
Ben Shahn, October 1935
LC-USF33-006190-M1