Appalachian History

There are many Uncle Williams still in the Cumberlands; it is their presence which makes these hazy uplands unique. For they are the last outposts of a vanished world.

kitchen prep area of Vann House cyanotype

My master always treated me like I was a human being

When all the white boys and girls would be away “Miss Beckie” would gather the little negro children around the fire and talk with us.

Annual Hog Butchering in Summers County, W. Va, 1907

November 15, 2018 Butchering / Farmers/farming / West Virginia

‘Heave ho, over you go’ – hog butchering time

The scent of locust wood smoke and the sound of crackling fires permeated the early morning scene on hog butchering day.

1948 crowd waits for santa in downtown kingsport tn sized

November 14, 2018 Advertising industry in Appalachia / Christmas traditions / Railroad industry / Tennessee

Get ready for the Santa Train

On the weekend before Thanksgiving, the Santa Claus Special (“Santa Train”) departs from Kingsport, TN, arriving in Pikeville, KY.

November 13, 2018 Child rearing / Family life / North Carolina

Bastardy Bonds

The NC colony, starting in 1736, used bastardy bonds to protect the Crown from being responsible for supporting children born out of wedlock.