Local Roots

Donnamarie Emmert speaks about growing up in Washington County, her schooling, moving away, and of course she shares stories! The Haint Mistress has been sharing the stories of the “haints” in Abingdon for over 25 years and has a masters degree in storytelling, an outrageous love for of all things Halloween-y and that go bump in the night, and a ferocious attraction to history. You’ll remember her...

Bill Hatcher speaks about growing up in Abingdon during the 1950’s and 1960’s and retells stories handed down from his parents and grandparents. In particular he discusses the “shootout” on Wall Street in 1942 between the FBI and two fugitives and his grandfather’s role in the event. He also discusses the legal methods for obtaining alcohol in Abingdon during Prohibition and much more! This talk o...

Kathy and Rees Shearer, along with Eric & Sara Reese and Bill Gable, shared stories of the early organizing days of Holston Mountain Artisans (HMA), a co-operative, featuring the handwork of around 100 craftspeople and artists from our region. The stories feature amusing and enlightening stories about country craftspeople, Barter Theatre founder Robert Porterfield, a Virginia governor, and Abi...

In conversation with Tom McMullen and the audience, Martha Keys discusses memories of growing up on Fruit/Reservoir/Orchard Hill in Abingdon (late 1940's thru mind 1960's) and reflects on observed changes since returning to her family land following retirement. Topics include (but aren't limited to): - Historical Society of Washington County (past and present) -Genealogy (including Kings Mountain)...

Joyce Ferratt of Abingdon will tell some of her memories of the 1944 tornado that hit downtown and heavily damaged her childhood home and Abingdon Academy up on the hill (an event that hit the New York Times). Her memories will come from her 6-year old perspective of that event. She will also read a letter her mother wrote to her grandmother describing the damages to the home. Recorded in the...