DUNDON UPDATE
ERTS Comin' Along

We spent some time in the Dundon neighborhood on Monday March 10th. Here's what we noticed while in the area.

From the main drag going into Smithville, I mean downtown Clay, here's the old Newt Bragg homestead across the river and right beside the ERTS Park. The place has been on the market for well over a year with an asking price of $99K. Based on coffeehouse conversations, a $66K offer on the place has been accepted by the State of West Virginia. That important area will be included in the ERTS operation. Also heard other news including, the State minds plan to tear down the place. Well, at least, that's what the coffee drinkers are saying.

Mr Bragg's place is not the only coal camp homes left in the area. Here's a second one. The two story structure is still in use and very much in original condition including the red siding. This one is located just up Buffalo Creek and on the opposite side of the trail. It could make an excellent bed and breakfast location or Park Superintendent residence.

This shot was taken looking down river with Newt Bragg's home to the right. See the road split? To the right is the main ERTS trail which is freshly graveled. That new gravel on the left heads up beside the remaining railroad tracks and is expected to go up to the CAEZ lodge building.

That graveled road on the left is not complete to the Lodge building but....

it is already well past the rock overhang known as Hobo Cave. This area will make a nice place to stop and take a break or for use during incliment weather. On up the tracks and near this, there will be a turn around spot for vehicles.

First of all, tourists have to get into the Dundon section. That road going up the incline is the current bumpy way to come and go. Look to the right. That weeded over road was the originial easement into the area years ago. Plans call for that older road to be rebuilt and used as a second way to come and go to the trail.

Here's the look from the top of the old road. You can see the Bragg place in the background.
We asked one of the workers if the place would be open by May 1st. He replied, that will be pretty tight.