I couldn’t quit talking about logging without telling you about my favorite logging story of all time: Dorie Woman of the Mountains written by Florence Cope Bush.
The book was first published in 1992 and has been published at least 7 times since then if not more. In the introduction Florence Cope Bush writes
“Dorie: Woman of the Mountains was not written with the idea that it would ever be published. I wrote it as a gift to my daughter, my mother, and myself. The manuscript was in my possession for fifteen years before a friend talked me into letting him publish two thousand copies in paperback for local distribution.”
The book is a biography about Bush’s mother, Dorie. The story spans the years between 1898 and 1942 and is set primarily in the Smoky Mountains.
Dorie’s husband, Fred, had employment in the logging boom that went on in the early 1900s in the Smoky Mountains. The life and culture of logging weaves its way throughout the book.
I’ve read lots of books about Appalachia and the two that ring the truest to me are Dorie Woman of the Mountains written by Florence Cope Bush and Appalachian Values written by Loyal Jones.
Drop back by this week and I’ll share a few of my favorite excerpts from Dorie Woman of the Mountains. I’ll also be giving one of the books away so be on the lookout for that as well.
Tipper
I read this book about a year ago & it is one of my favorites too. 🙂
I love reading about strong women of other time periods. It reminds me of simpler times and makes me grateful I grew up in times simpler than now, that I grew up on a farm and well know how to survive darn near anything that comes.
God bless.
RB
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From the excerpts, I think this book may be worth exploring. Thanks for all the information.
I just ordered “Dorie.” I was interested in reading it when you mentioned it before and vowed I would own it. As us older folks tend to develop slippage of the mind, I didn’t think about it again til you mentioned it today.
I already own the Loyal Jones book thanks to an act of kindness by an angel. Or, should I say, a saint? Angels do their goodness at the bidding of the master. Saints perform their works of their own free will and are judged accordingly. This benevolent deed is surely another jewel in an ever growing crown!
Tipper,
I can’t remember the name of the
song, but The Wilson Brothers sang
a nice song today just before 11:30. The lady DJ on WKRK really
likes that bunch from Brasstown
and I can understand why…Ken
I try to find books you mention at our library (I work right next door)but most times they don’t have them. I can usually find something related and interesting though. Thanks so much for sharing all this wonderful lore.
I saw a statement a while back that “An encyclopedia is lost each time an old person dies.” I think the same could be said about a Novel or Autobiography also.
Tipper,
I think Cindy is smack on when she
talked about missing out on all
those more modern conveniences.
I grew up without most of these
things, but we still had Family,
anyway if you can survive a bunch
of brothers, you ain’t got time for
much else…Ken
Tipper,
I read Dorie several years ago. I loved it…
I enjoy books about women that were born and raised in the Appalachian mountains. Sometimes when I read a book about Appalachia, but especially about my people and their lives, I can almost hear my Grandparents speaking. Somehow this brings them back in time to the present.
I would love to read Appalachian Values by Loyal Jones…I have been meaning to order it, just haven’t found my “round-to-it” yet!
Maybe I can put my name in the hat when you post the giveaway!
Thanks for all the posts lately, I am still in the process of reading all of them about felling trees and logging, etc. The grandchildren are back in school after a Fall break last week, so I am having catch up time this week…Thanks Tipper I love your stories and posts…
PS…I want to ask…Does anyone one that reads this site play the Psaltery? Yes, I am in love with another fairly simple instrument after visiting the 40th Annual Craftsman’s Fair in Gatlinburg last week…the fair goes on through Sunday October the 25th. Well, worth the visit, your girls would enjoy the music, crafts and art. Many very interesting jewelry makers, too. However, I do come away feeling a bit lazy after seeing all the beautiful work these folks accomplish.
I remember with fondness previous excerpts from “Dorie, Woman of the Mountains” by Florence Cope Bush from previous Blind Pig posts. I look forward to being inspired again by her writing!
Taking the time to write down family stories, tales, and folklore, is probably the best gift a family can give to itself!
I’m looking forward to reading Dorie’s stories.
Oh so precious! Wish I could WIN a copy!
Eva Nell
Those were strong women who lived in the mountains in those days. It was a hard life for the mountain men and women. When I think of what their lives must have been like on a daily basis, I wonder how they survived.
Think about all the things we have and use every day that didn’t even exist then. There is hot and cold running water, inside toilet, tv, internet, telephone, heat without building a fire, AC when we are hot, refrigeration, freezer, washing machine, dryer, electric stove, light bulbs in every room, books to read….Tipper, I could go on all day listing the conveniences we have that Dorie never imagined.
We are fortunate in so many ways!
I wonder what life will be like in another 100 years!
Tipper–It is indeed a delightful book, although I wouldn’t rank it quite as high as you do. My favorite passage is one you aren’t likely to quote. It describes Dorie going to the branch to get a dishpan full of water and speckled trout are so plentiful the pan is full of them when she dips water.
Jim Casada
These are the types of books I love to read. Life must have been hard, but interesting at that time.