ROCK - Key Persons
Near the banks of the Bluestone is a huge rock cliff formation that provided the community's first name of "The Rock." It was near this rock cliff that the first post office was located. At this early stage of history, horses were used to deliver the mail to the community from Spanishburg. However, with the arrival of the N&W Railroad in 1890, it became necessary for the post office of "The Rock" to be moved down the river about a mile to accommodate the delivery of mail by rail. It was in 1892 that the name of the post office and the community was changed form "The Rock" to "Rock." The first post office to open in Rock was located in a store owned by Winton Bailey and his son, Luther. From that time forward the railroad had a great impact on the economic and social development of Rock.
The N&W Railroad was built on the north side of Bluestone River. Most of the early businesses and residences were also built on that side of the river. Later, when the Virginian Railroad was routed through Rock, the north side of the river began its development. As the population grew, the need for homes and stores increased.
Dollie Mae has a keen interest in and knowledge of the history of her home town, Rock, West Virginia, where she was born and grew up. She met her husband Ryan and raised 2 sons and 4 daughters in Rock, all of which attended Rock Elementary School except the youngest. By the time the youngest was born Rock Elementary had closed. The school taught grades 1 through 6. For further education the children who lived in Rock could choose either Matoaka or Montcalm High School. The 3 eldest children chose and graduated from Matoaka High School mainly because that is what their parents did. The 4th eldest child went one year to Montcalm and graduated from Matoaka. The two youngest graduated from Montcalm. Rock Elementary School as well as Matoaka High School now remain only as memories because "progress" has prevailed.
When her children were small she told them stories of what Rock was like in the days when she was younger. Even though her children are grown and have children of their own they still sometimes have questions about their home town and their Mom is always glad to tell them of her recollections of days gone by.
Ryan and Dollie still reside in Rock, the little town that has been so good to them and their family. Dollie and Ryan celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary this June 1st, 2008.