Paul Nutter on New Straitsville Ohio from Jeff Lovett on Vimeo.

New Straitsville

Born as Old Straitsville, high on a hill just up the road apiece.

Then came the railroad to the valley below, the roar of the whistle was too much not to be heard.

So to the valley below we came to see what all the hustle and bulstle was about

Building our homes, stores and businesses along the tracks and the hills above.

Oh my, now we have a new town. I know… we can name it New Straitsville.

There’s coal in them hills, let’s dig it out. Coal becomes King – and the rush is on to New Straitsville.

Well, coal is not enough, so lets punch some holes in them hills and valleys and see what they give up – Oh My! Oil. A well in everyone’s back yard and garden. The rush to New Straitsville is on again.

Now the mine fires are burning, using up our coal as we dig. Prohibition has come. I know – we’ll make the best moonshine in the old abandoned mines and use the smoke from the mine fires to cover it up.

Yes, our town has dwindled to a small village, and our natural resources are all but gone. But wait – the greatest asset is still here – our people.

Yes, this is New Straitsville. Just walk down the streets and stop and gaze into the hills. Our Love for New Straitsville — like the mine fires, will never be put out.

Paul Nutter, December ‘04