Peytona West Virginia Peytona Lumber Company Saw Mill Big Coal River 1909 Real Photo Postcard

The sawmill at Prytma represents a characteristic scene from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when timber extraction was a primary industry in forested, mountainous regions. The complex features industrial structures, numerous logs, and a prominent railroad trestle, indicative of a large-scale operation. The presence of a "log pit," a common feature of such mills, facilitated the soaking and storage of logs, which often aided in debarking and preservation before milling.

These remote industrial sites often led to the development of temporary or permanent communities. The inclusion of a "church" within or near the sawmill complex suggests a more established company town, providing essential services and a social center for the workforce. The railroad connection was vital, enabling the efficient transport of lumber from interior forests to distant markets, making scenes like this pivotal to the economic development of regions such as Appalachia during the peak of its logging boom.