Mr. H. B. Cottrill worked in the mines as a tipple man and quickly was promoted to mine boss in the H. G. Davis Coal Company. He left that company to enter the retail liquor business in Thomas. He was very successful in his venture; he suffered a heavy loss when the Great Fire burned Thomas. He built the Cottrill Opera House and opened it for business. The first floor housed an elegant liquor store, and the second floor contained the opera house. He served on the city council three times and was a director in the Miners and Merchants Bank. Ideas, comments, suggestions or items to share contact Tim Turner (304) 478-3389.
