As I told you yesterday, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Foxfire Museum. I loved talking with the folks who work there and seeing the artifacts was truly fascinating. But there was one thing from the day that stood out above the rest.
Sitting on the porch talking to Joyce Green made me feel like I'd met up with an old friend. We seemed to have many things in common-and even our parents seemed to share some of the same quirks.
It was something Joyce said that stuck with me from that day. She said over the years she's been involved with the Foxfire Program more than one person has asked her "What will you do when all the old folks are gone?"
With a knowing smile she told me "I tell them there'll always be old folks. As some pass on others take their place." Joyce went on to point out-those first Foxfire books have come full circle. Someone considered an old timer today-may have learned a traditional skill from one of those first books and may have since shared it with their children-their family-their friends. In other words they're continuing the tradition.
Many old time ways have gone by the wayside-but since I started the Blind Pig I've discovered there are also many old time ways that are alive and well. One that quickly comes to mind is pickling in crocks.
After a lady at work tasted The Deer Hunter's pickled beans and corn, she asked me if she could buy a jar for her son for Christmas. She said "I've asked and asked and no one where I live remembers how to make it like that." I told her she could have a jar for her son. And then I told her something even better-she could learn to make them herself-because we could show her how.
So I guess you could say my favorite thing from my day spent at the Foxfire Museum-was hope. I know traditions and techniques from days gone by are alive and well in these Appalachian mountains where I live and I have a hope that they'll continue to be passed along to the next generation too.
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Now for the magazine subscription. The Foxfire Magazine is published twice a year-typically January and June-since those months fit well with the school year. You can click here to jump over and check out the magazine for yourself-its very affordable.
I just happen to have a yearly subscription of The Foxfire Magazine to giveaway. To be entered in the giveaway all you have to do is leave a comment on this post. The giveaway ends on Monday February 20th.
Tipper
p.s. The photos in this post were taken at The Foxfire Museum.
This is awesome! I am going to get a few back issues!! (I realize I am too late for the contest) :)
Posted by: Kim Campbell | February 25, 2012 at 03:11 PM
I love your website, so much information, memories and other great stuff.
Posted by: Liz P | February 25, 2012 at 10:16 AM
I've read a lot of those books, I got them from the Bookmobile and I love them.
Posted by: susie swanson | February 21, 2012 at 06:31 PM
I would love to have a subscription to the magazine - the books are some of my favorites and I read them often. Thanks for the giveaway!
Posted by: April Chase | February 20, 2012 at 05:05 PM
I have some of the books - Foxfire is what brought my family to these mountains 25 years ago, and I still learn new things from the books and from my community. I love to try "new to me" skills every year. I'd love to have a subscription to the magazine.
Posted by: Stefanie | February 20, 2012 at 01:52 PM
Have been aware of the Foxfire project for many, many years and would love a subscription!
Posted by: Marcia Campbell | February 20, 2012 at 08:21 AM
I would adore a subscription to Foxfire Magazine. I have a dozen or more of the Foxfire books.
I am elated to find this website!
Posted by: Terri T. | February 19, 2012 at 01:06 PM
I personally love the fact that you post how-to's here because there are some things I've never seen done before and hope to try them. And all I have to do is click back here to get the step by step directions.
And I would love a subscription to Foxfire Magazine.
Posted by: Becky | February 19, 2012 at 11:09 AM
My husband's family is from N. Ga and deeply rooted in the mtns. We love the Foxfire books and try to teach our children much of the history of Appalachia. Would love the magazine.
Lisa Q
thequeen_sa@hotmail.com
Posted by: Lisa Q | February 19, 2012 at 09:09 AM
Tip- I have the first sixs books, still like to read them
Posted by: Sandy Satterfield | February 19, 2012 at 08:57 AM
As a Sacred Harp singer, I am constantly reminded of the importance of "walking in the old paths." We, of course, become the "old folks" and are responsible for the continuation of our beloved traditions be they music, food or lifestyle.Keep up the good work, Tipper.
Posted by: Judy Mincey | February 19, 2012 at 07:03 AM
Oh, I love the Foxfire books. My Dad and Mom have a set and I have been given a few...my sister, Charline gave me one about the different religions/churches/beliefs, etc.since we are in the ministry. I wouldn't take anything for it and will get a whole set one of these days and would love to have a subscription to the magazine. Our family is from Rabun Co. Ga. area! We planted a huge garden at the church we pastored in Indiana and I learned to can and now I have made my first quilt by hand!...so perhaps I will have something to pass on...
Posted by: Sherry Whitaker | February 18, 2012 at 08:48 PM
It must have been 1990 or '91, when I was lucky enough to acquire a complete set of the Foxfire books.
I read 'em ,used 'em, loaned 'em, and then I donated the entire set to a Hope House library in South Georgia.
I hope they each found a user and a loaner who has continued to pass 'em around.
Only those who have perused those pages can imagine the wealth of knowledge found therein.
I was fortunate to pass by the Foxfire office in the 1970s, and stopped by 2 or 3 times.
Thanks for the memories, Tipper.
Posted by: Wayne Newton | February 18, 2012 at 08:14 PM
I'd love to have a subscription to the magazine.
God bless.
RB
<><
Posted by: RB | February 18, 2012 at 08:05 PM
I love the part where Joyce says, "I tell them there'll always be old folks. As some pass on others take their place."
That is indeed true. Praise God!!!
Now for us all to remember that and teach the children the way our parents and their parents, and theirs before that taught us - because one day it may make the difference between their survival and demise should a world-wide natural disaster occur.
Don't you think?
God bless.
RB
<><
Posted by: RB | February 18, 2012 at 08:05 PM
Oh, and thanks, Suzi for the verse- I've been told that my great-grandmother would do this for folks.
Posted by: Charline | February 18, 2012 at 06:23 PM
I loved your post about Foxfire and the museum, which I had the privilege to visit a few years back, during a family reunion. I started collecting the books (or rather my parents did, and I continued) in the early years and have gotten some of the newer ones, too. Warning: do NOT lend them out, unless you intend on replacing them! Right now, it looks as though vol. 3 is missing :(. It would be nice to get the magazine, too.
Posted by: Charline | February 18, 2012 at 06:17 PM
I love the Foxfire books, read them over and over. I do hope that there will always be old timers to pass on the knowledge that was shared in these books. Well I guess not just in books as we have your blog.
Posted by: nancy | February 18, 2012 at 10:47 AM
BTW, thanks for the chance to win this subscription. I'm so excited to find something fun/practical/and sentimental that I could give as gifts this year...Already have several people in mind.
Posted by: Diane Walter | February 18, 2012 at 10:31 AM
I've never heard of these but would love to own my own. I have deep roots in West Virgina and a deep love and respect for all of the applachia folks, but I live in the city so need all the help I can get. I got information on the internet to make my own sauerkraut, but not sure which info I can trust...Most of my family that would know are no longer with us.
Posted by: Diane Walter | February 18, 2012 at 10:27 AM
I'd love to have a subscription, I didn't even know they had one. I have all the books & love them. And yes, I know a lot of young people who do things the 'old' ways still too.
Posted by: Jen Y | February 18, 2012 at 10:25 AM
Tipper, reading your posts and the comments makes me long for the 'simpler' times. And you've reminded me I need to make some more pickled beans n corn. I enjoy reading the Foxfire books, I have one, bought at a yard sale. Would love to do a day trip sometime and visit the museum.
You take care.
Posted by: Patty Hall | February 18, 2012 at 07:30 AM
I treasure my Foxfire books from the 70s. Would love a subscription to the magazine!!
Posted by: Casey Devine | February 18, 2012 at 07:02 AM
I would love this subscription. I have 3 Foxfire books so far and am trying to get the whole set.
Posted by: Michele Langston | February 18, 2012 at 12:17 AM
I definitely will be buying the Foxfire books. I would love the magazine as well. Thank you for sharing all the old ways and stories.
Posted by: brenda s 'okie in colorado' | February 17, 2012 at 11:59 PM
Tipper, What a kind thought to offer the Firefox Magazine to one of your viewers! I was able to collect most of the Firefox series over the years and shared them with friends who expressed interest. People moved or lost some of the books and they were never replaced. I thought the Rayburn Gap School did a wonderful job of making history come alive by having the youth meet and interview the many folks who were so helpful in contributing to their project. The youth will never forget the opportunities they experienced. Affirmation of the folks who shared their stories and experiences certainly realized that they were people of worth! Thank You for your continued efforts to share information about our Appalachia!
Posted by: Gary Millwood | February 17, 2012 at 11:14 PM
My Granny, Tisha Hughes, absolutely loved the FoxFire books. We bought each one as soon as they came out. She would share similar stories with me. One of my daughter's teachers worked at Rabun school in the FoxFire program and she is named in at least one of the magazines that I bought at a used bookstore.
Posted by: Darlene | February 17, 2012 at 11:02 PM
Yes, please! Would love to be entered for the giveaway. I hope Teafortoo checks back-the verse for stopping bleeding is Ezekial Chapter 16 starting at verse 4. Verse 6 is supposed to be the most important one.
Posted by: Suzi Phillips | February 17, 2012 at 10:27 PM
Just talking about the Foxfire Books makes me homesick for NC mountains. I would love the magazine . Barbara
Posted by: barbara gantt | February 17, 2012 at 08:43 PM
wow tipper what a generous give away.. i would love to be in the list for the magazine.. i so enjoy reading and can imagine all the many hours of reading of the traditions and words of the old families before us ... thanks so much.. and as always.. i always enjoy your blog.. it always inspires and gives me many smiles.. tears.. etc..
sending big hugs on this sunny friday
lynn :)
Posted by: lynn legge | February 17, 2012 at 04:04 PM
Hi Tipper,
I read the foxfire books many years ago and learned so much. I had forgotten how enjoyable they were. thanks for reminding me about this great series of books.
Bob
Posted by: Bob Humphreys | February 17, 2012 at 03:50 PM
I love the Foxfire books and would really enjoy the magazine!
Posted by: Wanda Devers | February 17, 2012 at 03:25 PM
I have all the Foxfire books & just got the newest one. They are fantastic - true to life for my grand parents & great grands!I was not aware of the museum ( will catch it next trip) & magazine - would love to have a subscription!
Posted by: BJ Anthony | February 17, 2012 at 02:57 PM
I'm just tickled that my kids at 20 and 25 want to learn self sufficiency and are fascinated with the old ways of living and doing things- it makes me proud and happy-
and this is a great giveaway!
Posted by: Rechelle | February 17, 2012 at 02:49 PM
I think it's great that you shared the jar with your co-worker for her son. The best part of this is that you shared the Deer Hunter's recipe with her. That was the best way to insure that important Appalchian ways go on. Thanks again for sharing the Foxfire website with us, I am hooked and have spent quite a bit of time visiting it. It certainly is a treasure!
Posted by: Tom | February 17, 2012 at 02:46 PM