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

 

The houses were in Superior Bottom. At the upper end of the road was a bridge. The company had built a retaining wall for about fifty yards on both sides. The Works Progress Administration of the New Deal was extending this to protect against flooding – the rocks can be seen in the foreground.

The houses had cold running water. There was no hot water unless you put it in. The #5 and #10 tubs were used for washing and bathing. There were flush toilets on the back, to the left of the porch. Underneath there is a sewer line running into the creek.

“Tenement houses, Omar, WV”
Ben Shahn, October 1935
LC-USF33-006201-M1

 

This development was built above the road past the main part of town.

“Untitled”
Ben Shahn, October 1935
LC-USF33-006135-M5

The railroad track is visible in the background on the left.

“Untitled”
Ben Shahn, October 1935
LC-USF33-006135-M4

 

Shahn later did a painting called “Hunger” with a child who looked like this boy. Was there hunger during this period in Omar or was this boy thin due to a growth spurt?

“Coal miner’s child, Omar, WV”
Ben Shahn, October 1935
LC-USF33-006135-M4

 

This doesn’t look like Omar did – the houses were built differently and they face the wrong way from the railroad tracks. In the photograph the outdoor toilets and coal bins were in the back by the double tracks. Suggestions for the location have included Micco and Earling. Does anyone know where this was?

“Omar, WV”
Ben Shahn, October 1935
LC-USF33-006135-M1