He knows more than most when it comes to the history of the former West Virginia Penitentiary, but his interest absolutely has nothing to do with ghosts and goblins.
The prison, constructed in the late 1800s in the middle of Moundsville, was closed in 1995 because of overcrowding and brutal conditions. For decades, though, West Virginia’s worst criminals were incarcerated at 818 Jefferson Avenue, and riots, escapes and murders are all chapters in the facility’s history that C.J. Plogger has studied extensively.
Now, it is THAT history on which so many focus, of course, but the Para-Con and Ghost Hunt events attract a different ilk than what Plogger finds interesting. Instead, Plogger has composed six books on prison life, executions and jailbreaks, and about former employees. But make no mistake, dear readers, Plogger is interested in lost souls.
He just concentrates on his congregation at the Ash Avenue Church of God, and on the children who gather daily at the Future of Moundsville Youth Center.
So, who is this guy named C.J. Plogger? We’ll let his website answer that question.
“Husband to a beautiful woman. Father to three great kids. Pastor and Author.”
Have you ever been frightened by something while inside the former W.Va. Penitentiary in Moundsville?
No. While I led tours for five years, I was in almost every area of the penitentiary. Many of the sounds people mistake for paranormal activity simply are noises a 160-year-old building makes.
While the history does contain violent and sadistic behavior, I did not feel or experience any fear while I was there.
What was your favorite toy when you were a boy?
My favorite toy was the GI Joe action figure!
Since my father served in the military for 40 years (20 active and 20 civil service), I spent many, many years on military bases.
Plus, GI Joe was the coolest and strongest guy I knew.
What do you find to be the most interesting aspect of the Upper Ohio Valley?
I love living here! The most interesting aspect for me is the history. There is a great depth of history in this area. It is a shame we are losing some of it (like) the history of the penitentiary, the Native American presence, the Marx factory, Glendale airport, the many factories, and much, much more.
We recently had a house built here so we plan on retiring here. Of all the places I have lived in the world, we truly enjoy being Mountaineers and are choosing to settle here.
What was the very first encounter with the former prison that led to a life of curiosity and book writing?
When we first moved here, my daughter, Eden, and I took a tour with Maggie Gray, a former Correctional Officer. The history of the pen and the stories she told hooked me and I wanted to learn more.
I started writing about the pen because there were only a couple of books out there and they contained errors. I feel it is important to record accurate history as those who are primary sources are becoming fewer and fewer.
Through your work with local youth, what life skills do you feel they need most, and why?
I love the Future of Moundsville Youth Center and spending time with our kids! Sadly, there are many life skills that are crucial for our youth.
Probably the biggest one is to show proper and true respect. When I say true respect, it doesn’t mean we will agree but we can disagree civilly and with kindness. Our culture today has been reduced to shouting louder than those you disagree with or viciously attacking them.
We may adhere to different stances, but we should still value each other.
