Appalachian History

August 31, 2017 Childrens games / Italian heritage

Only play this game with an honest man

The game of morra may appear to be a convoluted, grownup version of rock, paper, scissor that we’ve all seen kids play.

August 30, 2017 Appalachian crime / Virginia

That was the last time Dad ever accepted an appointment as a Deputy Policeman

A drunken man goes on a wild shoot ’em up in Norton. Deputy policeman comes after him. Twice. Sadly, drunken man has friends in high places.

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.