Several years ago there came a great snowfall in western North Carolina. The Red Cross came to help people who might be stranded without food or fuel. Two workers heard of an old lady way back in the mountains living alone, and they went to see about her, in a four-wheel drive vehicle. After an arduous trip they finally skidded down into her cove, got out and knocked on the door. When she appeared, one of the men said, “Howdy, ma’am, we’re from the Red Cross,” but before he could say anything else, the old lady replied, “Well, I don’t believe I’m a-goin to be able to help you any this year. It’s been a right hard winter.”
—Loyal Jones – Appalachian Values
I love the image of the elderly lady being so self sufficient that she couldn’t imagine the Red Cross had come to help her.
Today’s Thankful November giveaway is a used copy of Appalachian Values written by Loyal Jones. Leave a comment on this post to be entered. *Giveaway ends November 12, 2022.
*There will be no post this Friday November 11, 2022. Due to internet changes I am having to switch out the furnishings here on the blog. Hopefully all will go smoothly and I’ll be back up and running by Saturday November 12.
Subscribe for FREE and get a daily dose of Appalachia in your inbox
Miss Tipper, I’m so grateful for your blog. It is sometime sad, sometimes it hilarious to me. Love all things Appalachian since connecting to you. My husband even mentions how much I’ve enjoyed all your family. By the way he’s even watching YouTube with me. Love it. Very thankful for you, Matt, the girls, Austin, Granny, Paul and your interviews with the people of Appalachia. Im learning so much. I feel familiar with some of your ways, due to my grandparents and my parents, now all deceased now. My prayers and love to you all and especially for Granny and Katie. Keep the faith. Jennifer
Bless her heart!! Shows the selflessness of mountain folks for sure. Good luck with your rearranging!!
Love this story about the little old lady. Bless her heart, she had no ideal they had come to help her and yet she was thinking about giving if she could at all that year. I wish people was more like that today. (Give) I wish to be picked to read the rest of it. God Bless!
What a great story, in this day and age most are looking for a handout or help from the government. We must take care of our self’s and have some extra to share with others. A Good Stewart of what God has provided for us.
This book sounds interesting. Would love to read it.
Love the blind pig and the acorn, would love to win this book.
As I love all things Appalachia I would love to be included in the drawing!
Love this story about the wonderful old lady not having the means to help some less fortunate that what she saw her own situation. Would love to read the boos about Appalachia, I love everything about out Applachian culture
What a sweet little old lady. Not only was she strong & self sufficient, but she was thinking about giving instead of receiving. We all should be like her & the world would be a better place. Would love to read the Appalachian Values book! Will miss you Friday!
Great post! Thanks for sharing these stories.
Our bank manager is an immigrant from Finland. When we make a run of jelly, preserves, pickles, etc. we usually give him a jar to sample. He constantly says, “You two could live off grid”. We used to be quite self sufficient but now that we are older and both have some major health issues we need to be closer to doctors and grocery stores. We can’t handle the large gardens any more.
What a great story! The world needs more people like that, people are care more to give than to take! Too many takers these days! <3
Long long ago a special lady surprised me with a copy of this same book. It along with a mounted and framed brass bloodhound pin are among my most prized possessions. Loyal Jones is an acclaimed expert on Appalachian culture but equaled, and in my opinion exceeded, by my friend and benefactress!
I love that story! Yes! The independent spirit is inbread, we can’t help it!
My Mama was a true Appalachian, generous to a fault. Chewing gum was very scarce back when I was a little girl. We could make a stick of gum last for a long, long time. Mama always told me that no matter how little I had that I was to share with others or not get it out in front of anyone. If I had a pinch of gum I was told to share with the other kids. Needless to say, sometimes I guess I was a little selfish. I’d keep the gum hidden away until I was by myself. Nothing tasted or smelled better than chewing gum back then. It was a delicacy to me.
Living in the country like I do….. stories like this encourage me to be prepared for those times it’s very difficult & foolish to go to town. This book would be a real treat. Thank you.
What a sweet story! The older generations are a tough bunch of folks. I think of my own Grandparents and although they didn’t have a lot, when you visited, you left with something in hand, and you appreciated it also. I was brought up to give back and I find so much joy in doing for others. It does my heart good. It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Oh this sounds just like my folks. They always thought of others before themselves. They tried to be prepared for what ever came along.
What a lovely story. It made me smile 🙂
That sweet, dear woman!! I have known people like this in my life, here in Southeast Tennessee. They were all so self-sufficient without even knowing it. It was their way of living. They’d even say “Well, come on in and have some beans and cornbread, and a piece of pie before you leave”!
Your story reminds me of Aunt Ferrie, born in 1899 and the third child of a passel of 16. She was as independent as the woman in your story. I learned (and memorized), “Use it up, wear it out, made do, or do without” because she repeated it so often when my brothers and I were growing up.
Wonderful, giving, people.
Hi there, Tipper! The elderly woman in the story sounds so strong and independent. I love hearing stories about strong women with unwavering values. I’ve lived out in the boonies so I understand first hand about being prepared and ready for just about anything. My husband and I used to go grocery shopping once a month because we lived so far away from a fully stocked grocery store. It took some serious planning and sometimes by the end of the month we had to get real creative with our meals! This book sounds like something I would really enjoy reading. I hope that you consider me for today’s giveaway. One love.
Love it! Self sufficient older generations! Believing in helping others with the means whereby the Good Lord blessed them.
I would love to be able to spend the day talking with that sweet little old lady in the story. I got a good chuckle reading today’s post. 🙂
My dad and mom were always sending someone off with a full stomach and several filled canning jars.
My grandpa and grandma Shuman lived until 1969 with a wood cookstove, a back porch with a well that you dropped the bailer down to draw up water as well as an outhouse and a draft horse grandpa relied on to plow and pull the logs into the woodlot for chopping. In 1969 grandma died and grandpa came to live with us cause he couldn’t keep everything up alone that first winter.
Mom said when she was young her father, my grandpa Shuman. was always helping others. Grandpa raised lots of fruits and vegetable and raised a beef and hog for butchering each fall as well as hunting wild game, selling hides and making oak split baskets to sell including one that was my bassinet and sits on top of a pie safe in my home.
Mom would tell us of when they had a big snow she could see white mounds throughout the gardens. They were pits that grandpa dug, lined with straw and then layered with cabbage, potatoes, turnips, apples, etc. each time covering them with some straw and dirt till the mound was formed. During the winter he would carefully dig into the side of the mound to retrieve the fruit or vegetables as needed. He always carefully covered the mound back up with the straw and dirt.
So mom told the story of how her step mothers family in the next hollow wore a path though the woods carrying food from grandpa’s house to theirs. Despite grandpa and grandma having 9 children they also kept grandma’s family from going hungry.
Tipper, you just keep giving and giving us readers stories of Appalachia! Keep them coming!!!
How we admire people like this lady. She makes us smile.
Oh, I love that story. That is so true of our mountain people. I grew up with some like that in my own family… so independent and self sufficient. Thanks for sharing!
I love the books about Appalachian folklore. It’s like listening to by elders…sadly I only have one Aunt left and I enjoy hearing her tell stories of the past!
I can just imagine the look on their faces when she told them that.
I can just imagine the look on their faces when she told them that.
I love reading your blog it reminds of my great grandma and how I wish I could have known to listen to her more.
Great story!
Such a sweet lady to be thinking of others before herself.
Sounds just like my grandmother. I would love to read a copy of this book!
Love that story! Brings back so many precious memories of my Parents and Grandparents stories that taught me southern strong self-sufficient values.
How wonderful it would be to be that self sufficient. I want to be like that woman. God love her.
What a sweet lady!! Thinking of others!!
What a great story. It has so many lessons for us today. She probably shook her head for days after she found out they came to help her.
Love her independent, self-sufficient spirit.
Tipper, I agree with Miss Cindy! Take care and God bless ❣️
I’ve always heard that the story originated here in the Blue Ridge Mountains in NC. I have retold it many times.
Tipper i hope you will write something honoring veterans for their day. Your Pap being a “Jarhead” (good natured ribbing for Marine) i know it means much to you. I’m a non-combat veteran; having been around so many combat veterans (mostly vietnam), i feel insignificant in their presence. They have a special place in my heart.
My heart also goes out to all veterans especially the ones from Vietnam because of the way they were treated when they got back. My cousin, Broadus Alfred Whitt was killed there in March 1968. He was one of the finest young Christian men you could meet with a young wife just as good. Woodmont High School , Piedmont, SC football stadium is named after him. The draft was stopped the year I graduated high school so I didn’t have to go. He was either the captain or co captain of their first football team.
I ADORE this story – bravo to the little old lady who lived in a good place in her mind. What peace she must have had to endure my herself and what faith!
Appalachian writer Sharyn McCrumb references this story in one of her essays as well. Great story!
Oh how I would love to visit with that little Sweet woman! I love reading all the stories about the great people of our beloved Appalachia. Thank you Tipper!
Mountain values, independence and charity when you are able (sometimes when you are not)
I like that. Much as I admire this old lady, I realize I am not so self sufficient as I once was. Thank you for your blog and videos which help me to stay grounded.
It seems like poorer people are the most giving. They know what it’s like.
The mountain woman’s statement shows how much times have changed with our current “entitlement” society. Fortunately there are still people in this country with Appalachian values.
I love the Red Cross story! If only those values were evident today.
This is the best story! I know there are plenty of people out there who still have these values, I just wish there were even more.
I love this story! That lady is such an inspiration.
I love that elderly lady She is who I hope to be in later life
We called them lovingly, uncle Chris and aunt Elsie; they were actually like grandparents to us but in reality were more distant relatives than that. They were always glad to see us even in their last year‘s of independence and productivity. We would bring our 4 little Scallywags for a visit; they would prepare a meal from their little “farm“. Just outside of Morgantown Pennsylvania, they had a small acre next to the grass strip airport. We would have chicken corn noodle soup (and the chicken definitely did not fly over that one.) There would be applesauce from their trees and strawberry jelly that she made along with an oat bread, baked in a coffee can kneeded in a hand crank metal tub “#4“ from an era long ago. I will always admire their kindness, gentleness and capabilities long into life.
Another beautiful story of the strength of the Appalachian people.
I love this post! I love starting my morning with your post and a cup of coffee!!!
Yes, I could see my Grandma telling them she was fine, but come on in, I have some left over biscuits and chocolate sopping sauce (chocolate gravy) and coffee and I can warm you up before you head back out. Gotta love them and their independent selves!! Thanks for the story and the memories Tipper.
Amazing how self sufficient she was demonstrating. Amazing how she wasn’t looking for a handout, but ready to help if she could. That’s the old way. I would love to add this to my reading venue.
Appalachian Values sounds like a wonderful book to read. We need more of those values in this country!
Granny was probably loving the quiet and beauty the snow brings.
Love the story. Good for her.
I can’t even imagine the look on the woman’s face when they explained they were there to check on her and see if she needed anything. I bet she invited them in for a warm meal and cup of coffee. People today need to learn to be more self sufficient and less entitled.
I got a huge kick out of your story this morning! I’d like to think of Appalachian people as independent. It’s just our way.
That women had seen hard times more than once and knew to be prepared. Something we all should be getting back to if we haven’t already.
Sounds like a good book!
A valuable gift only helps the giver if the recipient doesn’t need the gift. Been there on both sides.
Wonderful memory. That is the way it used to be, back in the day, as they say. I do miss people helping each other, strangers or relatives, It was a wonderful time that we will never go back to. I am gonna miss you Friday and the next chapter, but the next Friday will be awesome. I hope you were able to see the Blood Moon earlier today, it was awesome to say the least. Take care and see your post tomorrow. BTW, the Deer Hunter was too funny talking about the deer population, and how that evolves. God Bless
Glenda-I’ll still be posting the reading on YouTube, just no post here on the blog 🙂
That lady was probably far more prepared for that storm than most. I bet she had spent the previous days packing in wood and had a kettle of beans on.
I love starting my day reading your post! This one made me chuckle out loud.
We all need to be more independent and not expect someone to always take care of us. So many people today think they DESERVE EVERYTHING THEY NEED. If we all got what we DESERVE it would be very sad.
The elderly lady in the story sounds very much like my grandma. She would have invited those Red Cross folks in to warm up and eat a bite.
Beautiful story, Tipper. She had it all under control, didn’t she? I love that self-sufficiency as well.
I love it too! And hope she didn’t have to put them up till spring. Hehe!!
I am thinking of my maternal grandparents in my comment today. They were totally self sufficient. The only modern convenience they had was electricity. As long as their house was okay they would be fine no matter what. Plenty of food grandmother had preserved or put up, drew their water out of well with a rope windlass and bucket and plenty of cut ahead wood or coal for their two heaters and one heater having a flat top and being able to cook on it. The best way way I can say this is they had two back porches with one being built around the well allowing them to get to it in snow or rain. This porch also had a roof over it. I guess the worse problem would be getting to the outhouse but they had slop jars for that problem. They had no need of going anywhere in bad weather.
Times they are a changing, but reading your daily dose of sanity keeps me grounded. The “old Lady” not needing any help is the way to live. We all should be reminded that winter is coming. Time to stock up and be prepared for what comes. There is wisdom in taking care of your own that is severely lacking in our society today. You are a voice of reason in the wilderness. Thank you.
Well said, 2knives. Blind Pig has helped me remember and revive skills I learned from my grandparents and parents. My grown kids think I’m nuts, but I believe when ‘winter’ does indeed come, they will find their way here.
Blood moon this morning and last day to vote. Hmmmm.
I came across your site about a year ago. I can’t recall what I was searching for but I’m so glad I found it! I grew up in Nashville, TN but both of my parents were raised in East Tennessee. Growing up I noticed that my friends’ parents dialect was quite different than my own folks and especially my grandparents. Reading your blog has given me many insights to where many of my family traditions and recipes come from. When I recently saw that you had a recipe for Chocolate Gravy it took me back to waking up on Saturday mornings which was always the day for that yummy sweet gravy. I read your posts every morning and enjoy it so much!
Love this! Thankful for her and all the strong, wise women who did what they had to do.
That comment sounds so much like what the women I grew up with would say. They would have offered to help the Red Cross workers by inviting them in to warm up and have a cup of coffee.
Just Voted First in Barnardsville this morning.
This is something we all should be thankful for, that we have the right to select our leaders and voice our opinions. There are several countries that don’t have this freedom.
Please enter my name for this book, it sounds like this lady is very much like my 97 year old Grand Ma
I just watched Dolly Partons Christmas of Many Colors, Circle of Love. She tells of a miracle one Appalachian Christmas blizzard when she was nine yrs old. Such a good movie if you haven’t watched it, you’ll love it!
hi Tipper, boy how I look forward to reading your stories. I love watching Matt, the girls and yourself on the other channels as well. We are avid watchers and would love to visit your area in the future, in fact we would even love to live in Appalachia
Hi Tipper, Been enjoying your posts, thanks for sharing! I picture my grandmother in this story in her cotton dress, barefoot, likely to ask if they are hungry and offering up a homemade biscuit with some type of meat. Take care!
Love this story!
Good for her! She definitely knows how to take care of herself. Way back when, we lived in a small subdivision in Lansing, Michigan. A tremendous snow storm hit the area and we will all snowed in. Eventually put came shovels and snow blowers. One of our neighbors accidentally caught his hand in a snow blower. No car could drive him to the hospital, except my husband. We had a VW Bug and it could handle the snow—sort of. So, my husband took the neighbor to the hospital. His hand was saved.
We’ve never minded being snowed in for a few days.
That is just the way it was back then. Everybody seemed more into helping others than requiring help. My own mother never got used to running to the store for every little thing. They made do, and that trusty shovel kept a path to the vehicle when the snow piled high in winter. They had a system where wood or wood and coal was piled high before winter. The canning room was stocked along with stored potatoes and onions. They were ready for just about anything. I knew people much like the humble lady in Loyal Jones’ Appalachian Values. Not only were the women strong, but the men were marksmen and “Jack of all trades.” Skills were important as well as planning ahead. I think the Pressley family would be well prepared should Tipper get the snow of her dreams. 🙂
The word “marksmen” caught my eye. That skill is being diminished through attrition. We are losing rural skills, including hunting and, when necessary, subsistence hunting. I’m thinking of some friends, now deceased, who told me about hunting and trapping to feed their families during the Depression years in Hampshire County, WV. One said his father became good at snaring rabbits, which he shared with neighbors. Those resourceful mountain people lived on deer, small game, wild turkeys and fish, and from garden plots, of course. Some today could do all these things, but we are losing those skills with the passing of each generation.
I can’t imagine a day without the Blind Pig! It’s the center of my morning routine! Hope all goes well, and we’ll see you Saturday.
I love your post and your U- tube channel. Mountain people know how to take of themselves without the gov. help. Most people would do good to take a few lesson from US!!!!! Tipper, have you read a book by Mark T.Banker, called “Appalachians All”. It’s s very good book dealing with the people of Appalachian from the eastside of Knoxville to the N.C. mountains.
Pam-I’ve not read it. I will look for a copy 🙂
I’d like to think there’s more to the story. One thing I’ve learned is that mountain people are a generous people. My elderly church friend never let me leave her home without giving me something: a tomato from her garden, a slice of cake (or a Little Debbie if she hadn’t baked), a small baggie filled with Bugles, her favorite snack. Always giving even if she was lacking.
Even though I am not from the mountains, Ed said my area is considered apart of Appalachia. You would always be offered food or something when visiting with your neighbors or friends. The granddaddy I mentioned in my comment would take fresh buckets of water he had drawn from his well to the men working on the chain gang when they would be working in front of his home. He would also give them watermelons to eat depending on the time of year. The taste of water from the bottom a well on a hot summer day can not be described with words. The guards would let the men take a break at his house and let them sit under some shade trees. One of the preachers at my mother in law’s funeral said you never left her house empty handed or hungry.
The people of Appalachia are a sturdy people. I could picture my grandmother saying something like that.
We could use more people like that elderly lady!!!!
one of the things that rapidly is disappearing from our mountain community is that independent trait of our forefathers. when growing up most people in my home community didn’t expect any help when trouble (weather) occurred. Y out always anticipated the worse and if it didn’t happen so much the better.
these days if the electricity is off for a couple of hours everyone is in a picnic
I knew the old Gal would be fine. Funny but she had probably seen worse. But these people were problem solvers and they just got along with their day. I could my own grandmother doing this. Put me in for the giveaway please.
Jen