This year marked the 50th anniversary of the Foxfire Magazine, a collaborative effort of high school English students who wished to memorialize life in Southern Appalachia. "In 1972, an anthology of the student-written articles was gathered and published as The Foxfire Book" (pamphlet The Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center). After thirty years, 11 more books and a total of 8.5 million copies were sold, royalties from the book series were used to purchase land and fund the acquisition and construction of the 20+ log structures of the Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center. The Museum serves not only as an educational resource and tourist attraction, but as a tribute to the people and traditions of Southern Appalachia, and showcases the value some 140 students have held for their community, neighbors and families over the past half century.
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A volunteer demonstrates how lye and pork lard were used to wash clothes. |
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But first, the pig scalder was used to dehair the swine. |
There were so many unique crafts and wares. Rob was fascinated by the bark bags, made by a man who had learned from his grandfather, who had, in turn, learned from his father. The hand-made corn husk brooms were my envy for the day. These were intricately woven with elaborate handles and were made to last many, many years.
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The kids were enamored by the button and string thing-a-ma-jiggy. |
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Mason, of course, had to buy one for his collection. |
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And as if he weren't tall enough, Rob had to try out the stilts.
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Mom tried her hand at making the wooden puppet dance on a board. Too much weight on the board and he just wouldn't dance. |
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Wagon used on the Cherokee T rail of Tears |
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An old schoolhouse |
A beautiful day spent honoring the life and legacies of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
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