AUCTIONEER'S COMMENTS: AN AMAZING HISTORICAL PROPERTY!! THE MUSEUM THAT CURRENTLY OCCUPIES THE STRUCTURE IS A TESTIMONY THAT SERVES TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE LOCAL HISTORY OF COAL MINING AND THE FUNCTION AND IMPORTANCE OF THE "COMPANY STORE". THIS WONDERFUL TWO-STORY, FRAME HEXAGONAL/OCTAGONAL FLOOR PLAN BUILDING WAS COMMISSIONED CIRCA 1890 BY COAL BARON JUSTUS COLLINS. THIS PROPERTY IS ONE OF FOUR THAT WERE BUILT IN THIS FASHION, AND IT IS THE ONLY ONE STILL STANDING. THE CONSTRUCTION WAS CUTTING-EDGE FOR THE PERIOD IN WHICH IT WAS DESIGNED. THIS PROPERTY IS FULL OF CHARM AND IS INCOME-PRODUCING. WE SINCERELY HOPE TO FIND A SELLER THAT WILL CHERISH AND MAINTAIN THIS WONDERFUL PIECE OF WEST VIRGINIA AND AMERICAN HISTORY.
Sold subject to seller confirmation
Year Built-ca. 1890
Approx. Total Acreage - 2.5 +/- acres
Approximate total sq. ft. 16,000 +/-
22 total rooms-14 on first floor, 8 on second floor
Rooms on each floor have been converted to bedrooms for residential use
5 bathrooms- 3 full (1 ADA compliant) and 2 half bath (2 ADA compliant).
Commercial Kitchen
Office
Water and sewer
Heat: Natural gas
Full basement
ABOUT THE STRUCTURE.....The hexagonal rotunda shape of the first floor was meticulously planned for various reasons, including directing the path of sound throughout the building. The sound patterns created by the structure enabled the storekeeper to easily hear most conversations, both outside and inside the store. This proved to be a vital tool in the resistance to the formation of union labor within Justus Collins' coal mines, as any such overheard talk of plans to unionize was relayed to Justus Collins. The fact that this store and three others just like it were commissioned by Justus Collins, may have been one reason that no coal mine owned by Justus Collins ever experienced unionized labor, as he was able to stay informed of any union uprisings.
The core of the second story is octagonally planned, and sits off center toward the facade of the first floor. On four alternating sides of the octagon are projections that extend almost as far as the lower story roof. The extension in the rear is longer and almost equals the length of the lower story. The hipped roofs over these projections intersect with the main eight-sided pyramidal roof. The builder added a decorative finial to the apex of each roof.
The foundation is one of the most impressive features of the Whipple Store. The coursed, stone-faced foundation stands approximately eight feet high on the building's west side.The stones are carefully placed and there are raised joints between each. The company clearly hired an experienced mason to lay the foundation. The stone is exposed on each side of the building except the east side where the first floor sits at ground level.
Probably the Whipple Store’s most notable characteristic is its prominent arched opening that leads to the building’s main entrance on the façade. Behind the arch is a spacious vestibule, with the recessed, double-door entrance in the center. A transom window rises from the top of the double doors to the ceiling. Flanking the main door are large display windows and on the two outer edges of the vestibule are single doors that open into the store’s secondary spaces.
Certain aspects of the Whipple Store’s interior are as impressive as the exterior. The doors at the main entrance lead into a vast circular room centered under the second floor octagon. Display shelves line the sides of this room. Surrounding the central space are secondary rooms that meet the outside walls. Access to these rooms is either through the outside doors that flank the main entrance or through doors off the circular space. At the rear of the circle is a counter that was once used for mail service.
Common to all three levels of the building is a manually-operated freight elevator. The elevator shaft is on the west side and extends from the basement to one of the smaller rooms that open off the second floor octagon. The double doors in the foundation open directly into the elevator so that when goods were delivered they could easily be distributed to any level of the building.
The Whipple Store, like other company stores in southern West Virginia, played an extremely important role in a mining community. The coal company with which it was associated the longest, the New River Company, was one of the largest and owned some of the richest resources in West Virginia. The Whipple Store served as an important mercantile center within this region and is one of few company stores that remain in the area that once belonged to the New River Company. The building is architecturally significant not only for its impressive appearance, but also because it is the only one of four identical company stores that stood in the region.
The company store was usually the most prominent building in the town and was typically placed in a central location. Most housed not only a store, but also a post office, doctor’s office, and the company’s business office. Because of its distance from other commercial centers, the coal company store offered a wide variety of merchandise, from food to furniture.
Like other company stores, the Whipple Store was the center of social activity in the busy mining community of Whipple. Miners and their families could purchase a wide variety of merchandise in this single building. Its spacious rooms contained food and day-to-day supplies on the tall shelves that surround the first floor circular space. The floor above served as a furniture showroom. The elevator allow the store manager to efficiently transport furniture and other supplies from the basement delivery doors to the upper floors. Whipple residents could also take care of other business at the post office or company offices. It is likely that a doctor had an office in the building also. Because of its various functions, the company store was the busiest place in town, aside from the mine itself.
The Whipple Store’s significance lies not only in its important function but also in its architectural merit. According to a 1976 New River Company historical publication, there were four identical stores built in the New River area. The Whipple Company Store was probably the last of the four to be built. It is likely that the same contractor built all of the stores. The Whipple Store is the only one of these four stores that is still standing. It may also be the only early 20th century company store that remains in the area. Most of the early stores either burned or were torn down and replaced by brick buildings. The fact that the Whipple Store continued to serve in its original function after the mines closed is quite an achievement. Unlike other store buildings that changed or were razed or abandoned, the Whipple Store offered merchandise from ca. 1900 until the late 1980’s.
Although there were other buildings like it, the Whipple Store design is undeniably impressive. Its size, distinguished roofline, and prominent arch indicate that the original owner, Justus Collins, wanted an impressive building to serve his mining operation. The store stands as an outstanding and representative example of a coal company store and its importance to the mining industry.
Parcel ID Number and Legal Description
06173552 Lot 71 Section 2 Collins Whipple SD District 2 Plateau District Map 29G Parcel 99
06173543 Lot 69 Section 2 Collins Whipple District 2 Plateau District Map 29G Parcel 97
Lot Whipple District 2 Plateau District Map 29G Parcel 100
1.08 AC. Surf Whipple District 2 Plateau District Map 29G Parcel 43
0.11 AC. PT LOT 37 THURMOND
Municipality: Fayette County
Questions??
Call Martha Hilton, Broker at 304-667-7060
SEALED BIDDING INSTRUCTIONS AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS for SEALED BID REAL ESTATE AUCTION
TO REQUEST A SEALED BID AUCTION REAL ESTATE CONTRACT OF PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND PLACE A BID:
Property Information Packets, Sealed Bid Real Estate Auction Contract of Purchase, tax parcel numbers, aerial map and bidding instructions are available from Vision Quest Realty via email, fax or mail order. Contact Martha Hilton at agentwv@mountain.net or call 304-667-7060
REAL ESTATE TERMS:
1. TERMS OF SALE: This Auction is being conducted subject to the Terms and Conditions of Sale and the Sealed Bid Auction Real Estate Contract of Purchase Agreement. Five tracts in the State of West Virginia, Fayette County. The Auction Tracts are being offered for sale as a whole.
2. BIDDER’S INFORMATION PACKET: Detailed Bidder’s Information Packets containing the Sealed Bid Auction Real Estate Contract of Purchase, tax parcel numbers, aerial maps and bidding instructions are available from Auction Company via email, fax or mail order.
3. PROPERTIES OFFERED SUBJECT TO SELLER CONFIRMATION: The real property and personal property are being offered in their entirety and are offered subject to the seller’s confirmation of the highest bid.
4. BIDDING: The Auction Tracts are being offered by a sealed bid auction.
ELECTRONIC MAIL BIDS, U.S MAIL BIDS, BIDS DELIVERED BY DELIVERY SERVICE (UPS, FEDEX, ETC.): To participate and bid in the auction via mail, delivery service or electronic mail, all fully executed and signed Sealed Bid Auction Real Estate Contract of Purchase Agreements must be completed and delivered to Martha Hilton, Auctioneer and Broker, Vision Quest Realty, on or before 5:00 PM Eastern Time, Wednesday, October 17, 2018. All bids sent through U.S. Mail or by delivery service, must be sent by certifiable means, requiring a signature upon receipt. Bids may be emailed, mailed or delivered to: Martha Hilton, Broker and Auctioneer 951 Washington Street, West Lewisburg, WV 24901 agentwv@mountain.net
HAND DELIVERED BIDS/EMAILED BIDS: Fully executed and signed Sealed Bid Auction Real Estate Contract of Purchase Agreements may also be hand delivered or emailed to Martha Hilton (agentwv@mountain.net) at the Whipple Company Store, 7485 Okey L. Patteson Road, Scarbro, WV on Thursday, October 18, 2018 before 1:30 pm.
5. BID BASIS: Bidding is by a lump sum bid, not per acre.
6. BUYER’S PREMIUM: A ten percent (10%) buyer’s premium must be added to the final High Bid to determine the total Purchase Price.
Example: $300,000.00 bid + $30,000.00 buyer’s premium = $330,000.00 total purchase price
7. EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT: A Deposit of $10,000.00 must accompany the bid either by cashier’s or certified check or wire transfer. Deposit checks must be made payable to “Vision Quest Realty Trust Fund ”. Cashier’s checks will not be deposited during the bid consideration period. All Deposits on offers not accepted will be returned to the respective bidders by November 19, 2018 with time allowed for mail delivery. Deposits for accepted winning Bids are NON-REFUNDABLE and will be deposited to the Escrow account of Martha Hilton, Auctioneer and Broker, Vision Quest Realty, and held per the terms of the Sealed Bid Auction Real Estate Contract of Purchase Agreement. Call 304-520-0992 or 304-645-7700 for wiring instructions.
8. BID OPENING: Bids will be opened at the Whipple Company Store, 7485 Okey L. Patteson Road, Scarbro, WV on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at 2:00 PM, Eastern Time. Only the high bids will be announced.
9. NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTED BIDS: The successful bidder(s) will be notified if their bid(s) has/have been accepted by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on Thursday, October 18, 2018.
10. TIE BIDS: In the event of any tie bids, all tied bidders will be given another opportunity to make their best and final offer with 5 business days’ notice.
11. SETTLEMENT: Seller will prepare, and Buyer(s) will accept, a General Warranty Deed. Buyer(s) and Seller shall pay their own settlement costs as is customary in the state of West Virginia. Each party will be responsible for its own attorneys’ fees. Seller is providing a commitment for title insurance for all Auction Tracts. If Buyer elects to purchase title insurance, the title insurance premium shall be at the Buyer’s expense. All Auction Tracts shall be conveyed per the Property Description in the commitment for title insurance. The settlement date shall be on or before November 19, 2018.
12. ALL SALES ARE FINAL: All property is auctioned “AS IS, WHERE IS” with all faults in its condition at the time of sale without recourse by way of refund, reduction of the purchase price, or otherwise. Bidders should perform such independent investigation with respect to the property as they deem necessary or appropriate.
13. FINANCING: Your bidding and purchase of the property is not conditional upon financing. Be sure you have arranged financing, if needed, and are capable of paying cash at closing. Any and all buyers requiring financing MUST present a letter of qualification or pre-approval to Martha Hilton prior to the date and time of the auction.
14. BROKER PARTICIPATION: Any appropriately licensed West Virginia broker whose agent properly registers the successful high bidder will be paid a commission of 20% of the net buyer’s premium at settlement by the Seller. Broker Participation Applications must be on a Martha Hilton Auctioneer and Broker, Vision Quest Realty, Broker Participation form and contain the name, address and signature of agent and prospect as well as the Broker’s license number and Federal Tax ID number. The form must be received in the office of Martha Hilton Auctioneer and Broker, Vision Quest Realty, 24 hours prior to the receipt of or accompanying the Sealed Bid Auction Real Estate Contract of Purchase Agreement and Deposit. Agents acting as principals buying on their own account, on account of a business in which they are a principal member, on behalf of family members, other licensed real estate agents, or who represent prospects that have had prior contact with the Seller or Auction Company are not eligible. An agent may register multiple qualified bidders.
15. BOUNDARY LINES: Boundaries on aerial photos and topographic maps are approximate. Potential buyers will have ample opportunity to inspect boundary lines during scheduled property tour dates or by scheduling a private tour of the property. Buyer assumes all risk associated with entry upon the land and traversing the land.
16. ACREAGE AND SQUARE FEET: All acreages and square feet descriptions are approximate. If there is a discrepancy between the seller, Vision Quest Realty, Martha Hilton Broker and Auctioneer, its contractors, employees, affiliates, assigns and the actual acreage and/or square feet as determined by a surveyor or appraiser, the final accepted high bid and subsequent sales price including the buyer’s premium will not be adjusted. The statements, while not guaranteed, are from reliable sources. Any costs incurred in establishing boundaries shall be the responsibility of the buyer. Each sale is subject to easements, rights-of-way, reservation and/or restrictions of record.
17. RESERVE AUCTION: Once declared the high bidder and signing the required Sealed Bid Real Estate Contract of Purchase Agreement, the offer shall be irrevocable for seven (7) business days from the date of submission, and shall not be withdrawn for any reason by buyer. If not accepted by seller within that time frame by delivery of a signed copy of the Sealed Bid Real Estate Contract of Purchase Agreement, the Sealed Bid Real Estate Contract of Purchase Agreement and the buyer’s offer shall become null and void and the deposit held by the auction company shall be promptly returned to the buyer.
18. INDEMNIFICATION OF AGENT AND CLOSER: Buyer jointly and agrees to indemnify and hold closer and agent their agents, principals, associates, affiliates, assigns and employees harmless against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities and expenses not resulting from agent or closer's bad faith or gross negligence, including costs of investigation, attorney fees, and disbursements, which may be imposed upon or incurred by agent or closer hereunder relative to the performance of their duties related to the parties or the property, including without limitation any litigation arising from or in respect of this contract or the transactions contemplated hereby. Closer and agent shall not be liable for any error of judgment or for any act done or omitted by them in good faith. Closer and agent are authorized to act on any document believed by them in good faith to be executed by the proper party or parties, and will incur no liability in so acting. Closer and agent are in all respects and for all purposes third party beneficiaries of this contract to the extent that this contract would entitle them to rights or benefits if they were signatory parties hereto, and each of them is entitled to enforce such rights and benefits, as herein provided, to the same extent they would be entitled if they were such signatory parties. ANY INDEMNIFICATION, DEFENSE OR HOLD HARMLESS OBLIGATION OF BUYER FOR THE BENEFIT OF SELLER, CLOSER, OR AGENT IN THIS CONTRACT SHALL SURVIVE THE CLOSING AND/OR TERMINATION OF THIS CONTRACT.
19. GENERAL: The information contained in this brochure and otherwise provided by Seller and Auction Company is subject to verification by all parties relying on it. No liability for its accuracy, error, or omissions is assumed by the Seller or the Auction Company.
20. AGENCY: Martha Hilton, Auctioneer and Broker, Vision Quest Realty and her representatives represent the Seller.
21. QUESTIONS: Sale related questions should be directed to: Martha Hilton at 304-667-7060 or agentwv@mountain.net
Vision Quest Realty WV0004244 WV#1357
