Welcome to Poor Valley, Virginia - Population: Memories

08/25/2026

We here at Welcome to Poor Valley are mourning the news of Dolly Parton’s passing.

What a wonderful woman and beautiful lady she was to stay true to her roots and bring the country and mountain life of Appalachia to world.

She showed that even mountain people can make it in the world.
The world is a lot less shiny today.

Rest in Peace 🦋💔

08/25/2026

My friend Larry Hogston in Saltville is working to get his YouTube channel, "Saving Local History," back into the Partner Program. After losing his status due to inactivity during a difficult personal time, he is making a push to requalify before YouTube’s requirements increase in February.
He needs to reach 4,000 watch hours by January 15. If you have any spare time, watching his videos or playlists would be a huge help.

To help the channel effectively:
Watch full videos rather than just clicking through, as short views hurt his visibility.

Avoid watching the same playlist more than once every 24 hours.

Channel: https://www.youtube.com/

Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfIapegFqmXg

Some of my best and favorite videos.

08/17/2026

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our cousin, Roy Braxton "R.B." Henderson Jr. (November 26, 1955 – August 15, 2026).

R. B. was the son of our uncle Roy Braxton “Brack” Henderson Sr. and Gladys Mae Frye.

R. B. cared deeply for the history of our community and made it possible for us to save the old store building so his family's legacy could live on. As we mourn his loss, a memorial wreath has been placed on the store door in his honor.

Thank you for your generosity, your guidance, and your spirit, R.B.

Please keep his family in your prayers!

08/13/2026

08/10/2026

We are officially live! 🎉

This is the first of several liquidation auctions to come, featuring 155 unique items in this opening batch.

Opens: Tomorrow, August 10th at 12:00 PM

Closes: August 24th at 12:00 PM

When you click the link, it shows the overview of the auction campaign message. You will need to click the AUCTION button at the top beside of OVERVIEW to see the items.

We hope you find something special to cherish from a beloved store. Don't worry if you don't spot what you're looking for this time—there's plenty more on the way!

Please make sure you register on the site to bid. Once you are registered, you'll be all set for the upcoming auctions as well.

You can click the link below to view the items that are up for auction!

Good Luck and Happy Bidding!

By R. B. Henderson Plasterco Museum

08/08/2026

Appalachian Memory Keepers is coming back for a follow up video for updates and a Q&A!
If yall have any questions you’d like to submit for the Q&A, get in touch with them and yours may be answered in the video!

08/06/2026

🎥 Part 1 is almost here!

The first stage of the Surber & Son Vintage & Antique Online Auction is coming soon! With so many unique items to offer, the auction will be held in multiple stages. Auction date: TBA SOON!

After nearly 30–40 years of hanging on the walls and sitting on the shelves of Surber & Son, these pieces of history are ready for a new home as the store prepares to close at the end of the year.

🛠️ Half of all proceeds will go toward the renovation and establishment of the R. B. Henderson Plasterco Museum.

Stay tuned for the official auction date and get ready to bid on some incredible treasures! If there’s something you’ve had your eye on, this may be your chance to own a piece of Surber & Son history while helping preserve local history for future generations.

07/28/2026

Today is the day we take the next big step to save a piece of our shared history!

We have officially launched our GoFundMe campaign for our nonprofit. Every share, every dollar, and every memory shared helps us protect and renovate this building for the future R. B. Henderson Plasterco Museum.

The direct link to give and read more is in the FIRST COMMENT below.

Please read, share, and help us bring this history to life!