Revisiting History
The town of Thomas has been shaped by people from all walks of life and from all over the world. While I have previously written about the mines beneath Thomas, there is much more to the town's story than coal mining. Alongside the miners were the merchants, business owners, and community leaders who helped build and sustain the town. Among the many families who made a living in Thomas, four stand out as some of the most prominent and well-known merchant families in the town's history.
The DePollo family immigrated from Italy in 1903. Beginning with work in the coke ovens and coal industry, the family soon became known for its successful grocery and meat market businesses. Family members were active in local banking, community organizations, and charitable efforts, supporting the development of the growing town. The former DePollo General Store building is now home to the Purple Fiddle.
The Colabrese family arrived in Douglas from Pescocostanzo, Italy, in 1906. After initially working in the local mines, family members contributed to the region through education, business, and civic life. Albert Falls, also known as Barbershop Falls, received its nickname because of its proximity to Frank Colabrese's barbershop. The family included teachers, school administrators, and business owners, including the owners of what is now McClumsy's in Thomas. Their family name can still be seen on the storefront today.
The Dilettoso family settled in the coal town of Coketon, where family members worked hard to build new lives and contribute to their community. After years in the mining industry, Sam and Mary Dilettoso became well known for operating the popular Roma Restaurant, which served as a gathering place for local residents.
The Milkint family immigrated from Lithuania in the late nineteenth century. After settling in Coketon and later Thomas, family members worked in mining, retail, automotive businesses, banking, and land development. Their enterprises included stores, a garage, automobile dealerships, and the development of Silver Lake as a mountain resort.
These four families are among the cornerstones of Thomas's history. On June 20, 2026, the Blackwater Exhibit brought together descendants of these four merchant families for a special reunion and storytelling event.The idea for the gathering originated with local historian and Thomas resident Joseph Dumire. With his help, the Blackwater Exhibit was able to organize an event that welcomed descendants and family members to share memories, family stories, and reflections on the town's past.
We thank everyone who attended and helped make the event a success. We would also like to extend a special thanks to Carl Feather for capturing wonderful photographs of the gathering. More of his work can be found on his publication, Wandering Backroads, W.Va.
