Coke ovens, in this configuration and in the beehive configuration, used to be thick on the ground around this area of Wise County. We’re near Pine Branch and these are a few of the 60 remaining derelict coke ovens…there used to be over 300 here, with railroad access, from around 1920 to about 1980. They were used to burn coal in the absence of oxygen to produce coke, which burns cleanly at high temperature. Catnip, as they say, for steel makers.
Uncle Bob's Pix 
How cool ,Bob! I use to drive by these everyday, when I lived in Norton. Great memories! Thanks!
When I was a teeny little girl, living in Pennington Gap, Daddy used to take us driving on Sunday afternoons. I remember several times going to see the coke ovens. I was always so amazed by them.
I still love the smell of coal smoke.
I remember going to The Pound at Christmas and Thanksgiving. The coke ovens in Norton fascinated me …. all lit up in the night!
I’ll be 70 in a little less 5han 2 months. These are sweet, precious memories for me.
Yeah. I know it’s been more than a day or two since you penned this. But I was cruising for info on coke ovens, and you turned up in my search results.
Thank you for the remembrance!
Did you take the photo of burning coke ovens between Wise and Norton?
In the Keokee area…they’re gone now.
Do you own the photo of the Wise County coke ovens you have pictured here? Also I am looking for the owner of the photo of operating coke ovens, Norton, Va. website history section. No one seems to know.
Yes, I do.
I am writing a memoir that includes the years I lived in Wise, Va. I want to include a photo of operating coke ovens, but I have not been able to find one that shows copyright info. What is your policy about letting others use your photos?
Marietta