The Case of the Mystery Coin
Last week, while archivists at the Greenbrier Historical Society and North House Museum were sorting through one of the collection boxes, this coin was uncovered. The coin, along with seven other similar coins all with differentiating values, has the archivists at the North House Museum wanting to learn more, and they are looking for your help identifying the history of the Seneca Stores Co.
The archivists believe that this coin is a form of scrip used for purchases made at the Seneca Stores Company. They believe there possibly was a Seneca Store in Ronceverte, but there is still too little historical evidence to know for certain.
BJ Gudmundsson from the Pocahontas Historical Society reportedly found information from Morehead State University that says Seneca Stores Co. had company stores at the following locations: Bellburn W.Va. (Greenbrier Smokeless Coal Co); Crichton and Leslie W.Va. (Johnson Coal & Coke Co). This coal company scrip is in their Arthur Kilgore Collection.
If you have any information about these coins, the use of scrip in Ronceverte, WV, or the Seneca Stores Co., please share it with the North House museum or Traveling 219. We look forward to hearing your thoughts, and learning more about this unique find.
The North House museum is located in historic Lewisburg and is open to the public M-S. They can be reached by email or by phone: [email protected], (304) 645-3398.
Built in 1820, the North House Museum contains the collections of the Greenbrier Historical Society, including many of the finest examples of early Virginia furnishings. Visitors to the North House are treated to a special view of two hundred years of life in the United States. From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War to World War II, the lives of everyday Americans can be seen at the North House. Whether your interests are early decorative arts or life on the 18th century frontier, you’ll find just what you’re looking for at the North House Museum.
If you have a story to share, you can also email us at [email protected].
Category: Blog, History, Lewisburg to Rich Creek, Marlinton to Lewisburg
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