Charles H. Estes interviewed by Dorothy Noble Smith, transcribed by Victoria M. Edwards

Creator:

Estes, Charles H. (Charles Henry), 1905-1986, Smith, Dorothy Noble, 1915-1999, and Edwards, Victoria M.

Scope and content:

Records the reminiscences of Charles Estes, who owned a sawmill and several other businesses near Piney River, in Rappahannock County, Virgina, in the 1920s and 30s. Describes the everyday lives of the mountain people who lived around Piney River, popular community gatherings such as hog and beef butchering and apple butter boiling parties, as well as courting, wedding and funeral rituals. Includes references to the gardens and livestock raised by the mountain people, their methods of food preservation and popular holiday traditions. Discusses the various means available for earning money, such as bark peeling, barrel stave making, apple picking and moonshining. Includes anecdotes regarding Virginia governor Harry Byrd and local entrepreneur George Pollock, owner of Skyland resort. A woman identified only as Mrs. Estes provides an extensive description of many common herbal remedies employed by the mountain people, as well as additional commentary throughout.

Names:

Estes, Charles H. (Charles Henry), 1905-1986
Smith, Dorothy Noble, 1915-1999
Edwards, Victoria M.

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