Dave Tabler, Author at Appalachian History

After the Civil War, Isaac Dockery became instrumental in establishing the brick masonry tradition within the African-American culture of Sevier County, TN.

Cars kick up dust on a turn at the Pennsboro Speedway’s dirt track, date unknown

August 28, 2017 Horse racing / West Virginia

Dirt racing at Pennsboro

First horses. Then cars. The first auto race at what was then Ritchie County Raceway was Sept. 1, 1926, featuring 1 horsepower vehicles!

Henry Harrison Mayes in front of group of crosses

August 24, 2017 Evangelists / Kentucky / Museums

America’s Roadside Evangelist

Appalachia had a roadsign painter for God by the name of Henry Harrison Mayes (1898-1986). Mayes began his roadside mission in 1917.

August 23, 2017 Early settlers vs. native Americans / Kentucky

Who’s kidnapping whom? Indians and settlers mix it up

After supper they were sitting around their campfire talking, when suddenly Indians dashed into camp and captured two of the girls.

illustration of 2 purple martins; art by Mitch Waite Group

August 22, 2017 Birds / Purple Martins

Eats 2,000 mosquitoes a day?

Did you know that purple martins in Appalachia are completely dependent on humans to supply their nestboxes in order to breed today?

Author: Dave Tabler

Sevier County’s African-American architectural legacy

Dirt racing at Pennsboro

America’s Roadside Evangelist

Who’s kidnapping whom? Indians and settlers mix it up

Eats 2,000 mosquitoes a day?