Appalachian History

It took the individual effort of each Jarvis, mother and daughter, over two generations to forge the Mother’s Day we recognize today. And it’s a story with a twist, so buckle up! Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis, of Grafton WV, had attempted starting a series of Mothers’ Day Work Clubs in Webster, Grafton, Fetterman, Pruntytown, and [...]

Born on January 15, 1864 in Grafton, WV, Frances Benjamin Johnston transcended both regional and national notions about women’s place in the 19th century to become a pioneer in American photography and photojournalism, and a crusader with her camera for the historic preservation of the Old South. Through her active encouragement of women who wished [...]

Please welcome guest blogger C.J. Pitzer. Pitzer, who recently graduated from West Virginia University with both a Bachelor Degree in Political Science and a Masters Degree in Business Administration, has recently begun researching the life of West Virginia towns that were submerged by the Tygart Lake Dam. He’s publishing his findings in a brand new [...]

Community Christmas tree, Knoxville, TN. On Market Street between Union Avenue and Clinch Avenue. Night view. Ordered by Knoxville Community Service Council. December 21, 1921. “Two unidentified women (initials M.H.P. and A.H.) in 1908 sent this Christmas greeting to Kentuckian Mary McDowell, “The manner of our growing old is the measure of our life.” Covered [...]