Dave Tabler, Author at Appalachian History

Lots of people thought I was an idiot

Fess Whitaker (1880-1927) began his career as a politician in 1917, when he was elected county jailer in Letcher County, KY.

maple syrup collection bucket at tree base

February 9, 2018 Farmers/farming

When the Wind’s in the West, the Sap runs Best

The Cherokees threw hot rocks into hollowed-out logs filled with sap. Early colonial settlers, too, quickly learned to make the sweet stuff.

February 8, 2018 Appalachian scary tales / Halloween / Virginia / Witches & Wizards

Children were especially afraid of the two of them, and would not pass near the little shack

Several very superstitious families lived near the Moores; it wasn’t long before reports circulated that the Moores were witches.

February 6, 2018 Black Appalachia / Virginia / Writers

Ah, how poets sing and die!

Many of Anne Spencer’s poems convey a romantic concern with the human search for beauty and meaning in a disgusting world.

Mary Weatherly founded the DeKalb County Library (1930), and established Ft. Payne, AL’s first local literacy program (for which she served as teacher) in 1961.

Author: Dave Tabler

Lots of people thought I was an idiot

When the Wind’s in the West, the Sap runs Best

Children were especially afraid of the two of them, and would not pass near the little shack

Ah, how poets sing and die!

Mrs. Weatherly served as Librarian, Janitor and Handyman