Echoes of Appalachia
“Stories, culture, and memories from the heart of Appalachia.”
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about
Author: Tim Carmichael
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There’s a special kind of joy that comes from the desserts we make year after year, especially during the holidays. For me, one of those treats is Buttermilk Pie—a dessert that’s more than just sweet. It’s a little slice of nostalgia. My granny used to make it every Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I can still…
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Food has a unique way of connecting us to our roots, to our families, and to the places we come from. For me, one of those deeply rooted dishes is the humble hoecake—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and always made with love. Growing up in the Appalachian Mountains, hoecakes were a frequent…
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This morning, I was in the kitchen, mixing up a batch of biscuits, and I couldn’t help but think of my little Appalachian granny. The smell of the dough baking instantly took me back to those mornings with her—me and my cousins, all gathered around the kitchen, trying our best to make biscuits just like…
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In Appalachia, a region rich in history and culture, people have long been used as pawns in political games. Despite the area’s resilience and strong work ethic, politicians often exploit Appalachian communities, using them for votes but offering little in return. This has created a troubling cycle that harms rather than helps, and it is…
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Appalachia, known for its rolling mountains, deep-rooted history, and vibrant culture, has long been a place where traditions are cherished and passed down through generations. One such tradition, quilting, holds a special place in the hearts of many families in this region. But Appalachian quilting is not just a craft—it is a unique expression of…
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Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, gratitude, and of course, tradition. One of the most cherished and whimsical traditions that many families partake in is the breaking of the turkey wishbone. While we commonly associate this fun custom with Thanksgiving, the roots of the wishbone tradition actually trace back much earlier, to an ancient Italian…
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Tobacco stringing was a staple of life in Appalachia for generations, offering a modest but steady source of income for families in rural communities. This practice, often passed down through generations, involved sewing drawstrings into cotton or muslin bags used for packaging tobacco. While the task itself was simple, it was incredibly time-consuming and labor-intensive,…
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When most people think of the Great Depression, they picture a nation reeling from mass unemployment, economic collapse, and widespread poverty. Breadlines, factory closures, and the dust bowl loom large in the collective memory of this time. However, for those living in the Appalachian Mountains, the reality of the Great Depression wasn’t much different from…
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If you haven’t, you’re not alone. While many may be unfamiliar with the tradition, foot washing is a deeply sacred practice in Appalachian Mountain churches, rooted in humility, service, and Christian love. This old-fashioned ritual, often overlooked outside of the region, carries profound spiritual significance for the communities that continue to honor it today. It…
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One of the sweetest things I remember from growing up is old-fashioned fudge, the kind my family made, especially around the holidays. Just the smell of it takes me back to winter evenings by the fire, waiting for the fudge to cool so we could sneak a piece. Fudge wasn’t something fancy in our house,…
Echoes of Appalachia 