The Lost Lens

What does a ghost town remember when the last resident is gone?

In the isolated hollow of St. Charles, Virginia, the only witness to a century of history is an ancient Sycamore Tree. When a man returns to the ghost town and sits beneath his old friend, he asks the haunting question: I bet you have seen everything.

The Sycamore answers.

The Lost Lens is the unforgettable, true story of an Appalachian coal town that exploded with prosperity only to vanish after the industry left and the destructive floods rose.

Through the Sycamore's unique voice, the town springs back to life. It witnesses the Saturday night crowds on Main Street, the heroism of town legend Sam Sharp, the resilience of the miners, and the collective sorrow of a community that saw its heart break after the devastating floods of 1963 and 1977.

This powerful history is brought to light by the astonishing box of forgotten pictures collected by James Willis. This book is a collective search for lost faces and a touching tribute to an entire generation, proving that the spirit of St. Charles will continue to touch hearts.