Appalachia History of Cades Cove the John McCaulley Story

[@TheBohemiansWife]

I’m crying as I watch this video. Lovely, just lovely. Makes me homesick for a place I’ve never been.

[@VirginiaAsher-lm3mu]

What an evocative way to describe your feelings.

[@dawnridpath1755]

Me too

[@terryhoagland6009]

You need to quit crying and go visit.

[@mrsc1952]

As I look around at our world my heart breaks for all we have lost. Our children won't know the beauty of these humble but rich lives. I feel our generation is starving for home, love, community and decency. Thank you for sharing this. My heart is warmed and deeply touched

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend. Thank you for sharing.

[@cynthiabrowning9118]

DITTO

[@debireginabroughton9982]

Well said... thank you...

[@dianecharles881]

It’s so sad that our generation would never know how to survive off the land , like he said They were like Millionaires, and that’s a true fact. They were off grid and had everything they needed. We would never survive!! It’s wonderful to listen to listen and learn from that generation!! Thank you for sharing this!!!

[@emilyhughes4099]

The great loss you’re describing I feel strongly is the sign of the end of the age. Jesus is coming SOON! We are at the end of the end.

[@robyndconner]

I sure bet Mr McCaulley wasnt expecting his interview to still be heard and listened too 62 years later. Thanks Mr Laws for sharing this. Ive subscribed to yours videos for several years and have watched so many of them. Im only in my 30s, but I wished we still lived this way. I love how close these families were and the heart each of them had. Thanks again.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Welcome to the channel. Thanks so much for sharing this. Thank you and God bless.

[@kathygirlygirl4109]

Boy, John McCaulley was sharp as a tack just before he died. What a treasure trove of info. he gave in this interview. Thank you for that story.

[@donnielaws7020]

Yes he was my friend. Thanks for sharing this.

[@roxannecooper588]

John was my great great grandpa ❤️ I have this recording and lots of family photos. I am proud of the people they were and we still all are. Cades cove is a special place to me and I’m lucky to live just down the rd from it.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this. God bless you.

[@helenpomerleau6455]

My Great grandfather was Jack McCulley, he was born in Donegal Ireland.

[@kevinmcsweeney6560]

Would these people be of Scotch/Irish decent.

[@kevinmcsweeney6560]

@@helenpomerleau6455 you just answered my question, thanks

[@donnielaws7020]

@@kevinmcsweeney6560 Most were my friend.

[@accousticdecay]

Donnie, this is such a priceless treasure. Many thanks to the McCulley family and to you for sharing this recording. I heard him say $20 for 100# of honey. When I was a beekeeper, my honey went for about $2.30/# in 2000 era. Now I pay a much higher price for local honey. Life was easy because they looked after one another; Oh how I wish we could be like that today!

[@donnielaws7020]

Times have changed my friend. Thanks so much for sharing this.

[@rebeccachambers419]

I wish it were that way today too.

[@vickiewest1199]

I just bought a 3 lb jar of honey today for 15.00 from a local bee keeper. It tastes so much better than store bought, even though it’s higher priced. I think there’s a lot more work to bee keeping than most people realize

[@donnielaws7020]

@@vickiewest1199 Awesome my friend. A lot of work in it. Thanks for sharing this.

[@poorscottie9343]

$22 a quart here in ND for local honey.

[@stephaniegamble3571]

This is one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard. Oh my, when he said 'no idee' i got tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. It was like standing in my Grandparents house listening to them talk. I forgot they said Idee for Idea...until I heard him. How I would love to go back to some of those moments long past just for a little while. This man is THE example of God intended us to be. If anything lost from the past that is so desperately needed today, it was how the loved and helped one another. This is beautiful. Thank you Donny, Thank you to the family for sharing your loved one and reminding us there was a precious, kind time.. Not that far past. Maybe, just maybe, this will instill these values in those listening and we can learn to live and love like Mr John and his people did. Like our people did. Thank you Donny.. This was AMAZING. Be blessed my friend.. Thank you for keeping these times alive. You honor our heritage and families well.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thank you friend for sharing this.

[@freedomspromise8519]

Well, that brought tears to my eyes. Such a matter-of-fact recount of history but told with heart. I especially liked when he told how they took care of each other. I am sure there were hard times but he did not dwell there. It sounds like a wonderful place to have grown up. I long for that kind of community today. Thank you for sharing this gem with us!

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@FRLN500]

Hard times are different for different people. Hard times mostly exist in our minds. If my grandparents had enough to eat, there were no hard times. Now, if we lose our internet connection we are experiencing hard times. The more luxury and wealth we gain, the more we "suffer" when we lose a luxury that was unknown to our predecessors. We are a spoiled society.

[@freedomspromise8519]

@@FRLN500 You are correct. My mother loses her mind when the internet goes down or the weather affects the satellite. She is nearing 80. Raised by her maternal grandparents. No indoor toilet until she was 15. She has seen some harsh times but seems to forget death is not going to happen in a couple of hours without modern conveniences.

[@debireginabroughton9982]

Me too... well said...

[@janicewilson1857]

I loved hearing that history of cades cove its a beautiful place We live in Ky an come down to the park most every year I love seeing the churches an houses. Would loved to have lived there

[@Notthatkaren4207]

I work in Aged Care and absolutely love listening to our residents life stories. It's so much better listening to the people telling THEIR stories rather than reading it in a history book. It gives you a better understanding of how things really were. Love this video

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing this my friend with. God bless you.

[@MaryjByers]

So true I miss taking care of my elderly friends/family

[@turdferguson5300]

Donnie you've had a bunch of good videos and this one ranks near the top. We could learn a lot from these folks. I don't know how we've declined so much in such a short time. This man knew everybody in the cove and we don't know 10 people in our subdivisions and can't trust some of them. It's really a shame.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend for sharing this. God bless you.

[@humboldthammer]

They had Night and Day. 8 years after this fine old guy died . . . we landed men on the moon. We got the Internet and "bright, shiny objects" that we all want. We are immature, animal-origin, evolutionary creatures -- every one of us is born knowing NOTHING -- and everything we learn, we do so mostly on our own, as adults, in just one lifetime. It has always been this way.

[@OldMan1962]

Donnie thank you for another great 👍 video. TF our decline is simple to explain. Loss of community has caused a total lack of empathy towards our fellow man.

[@turdferguson5300]

@@OldMan1962 Jim you're right and that leads to more crime. When I was a kid you didn't embarrass your parents by causing trouble in the community. We had a family name in the town and you didn't mess that up. That included school or anywhere you were. The old timers didn't need the cop to take care of their business.

[@mountaingirl1797]

Too much ME, MYSELF AND I NOWADAYS.. moral values at a LOW and …Godlessness and ingratitude …

[@nanslife]

To hear the voice of a man born 1800's and died 60 years ago was amazing, hearing what life was like , I just loved every minute of it. What a simple honest life , he was blessed. Thank you for bringing this to life. I live in Australia and will probable never get to see these places in life. You bring them so much to life. Bless you.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend. Your very welcome. God bless you.

[@J.L.P.777]

I was thinking the other day how blessed I was,when I was 16,(1995) I was helping and hanging out with a man that was turning 100 years old in that coming spring, B.B. was his name,a very quiet and humble man,he told me when he first saw a car,I believe he was around 5 years old,he was black folk and grew up in Mississippi,his dad told him never to retire, so at age of 100 he was crawling under houses that the foundation was sinking in the ground and jacking them up with hand bottle jacks,,,one don't see hardly(or if) any from the 1800s anymore

[@truthwarrior4412]

Mr. McCulley was quite a treasure and sharp as a tack! I have all of the Foxfire books that I treasure because of all of these country secrets. Thank you Donnie for sharing! The pair of socks for Winter was a great story.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome! Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing that my friend.

[@marlenelohrey729]

Where do you purchase Foxfire books? Originally, I am from East TN (Greeneville). Thanks in advance.

[@donnielaws7020]

@@marlenelohrey729 You get them on Amazon.

[@truthwarrior4412]

@@donnielaws7020 Thanks Donnie! Marlene Amazon has the complete set. 😁

[@CathyHendrix1]

What a wonderful man he was!! Such an honest, hardworking, kind and humble man! Thank you so much for sharing this with us Donnie! I truly enjoyed it! God bless!

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing that my friend.

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

Hi Cathy, this was my great grandfather, I can't wait to share Mr Donnie's video on my community page this evening. Love you friend

[@rebeccachambers419]

@@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel He sounds like a wonderful person.

[@CathyHendrix1]

@@InTheKitchenWithMommaMelThat's awesome Mel! Now I see where I get your kind heart from 💞

[@ashleighsalinas8526]

Stories about remarkable people like this makes me proud to be a "hillbilly" from the Appalachian mountains. My generation needs to preserve these traditions and stories, even our accent is dying. We've been the butt of a lot of tasteless jokes for decades but it doesn't say anything about us as much as them! At 31 I definitely feel more connected to my heritage than ever especially in these trying times. Some people still have the mindset of "love thy neighbor" especially in our culture. We came from generations of tough, savvy, resilient people. Pioneers, coal miners, many also from native people and former slaves. Nobody will ever make me feel ashamed of my culture.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Well said. God bless you.

[@joeyank2451]

Nothing To Be Ashamed About Hillbilly To The Bone

[@ashleighsalinas8526]

@@joeyank2451 Hell yeah! Proud to be Appalachian American

[@candyryan6052]

Thank you from my heart. I loved and enjoyed this all heart. I go to Cades Cove every time I go to the mountains. I found my grandfather grave in Maggie Valley. I love listening to anything I can about the people from the Cove or the mountains.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this. Your very welcome.

[@JanOsborne-Sage]

Thank you so much for sharing, Mr Donnie. This interview is such a treasure, and so are you, sir. God Bless you and your family. 😘💋😍❤️☮️✨

[@rainydaydiva6320]

Rest easy Mr. McCaulley! Your work on this earth made a difference in this world. I’m very happy that I was able to hear a bit of your life story. Why can’t people be this way now, work hard, help your neighbors & just be a good human being? Imagine the world we’d be a part of. Times may have been hard, but Mr. McCAulley and people like him lived a rich life beyond measure.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome, Thanks for sharing your thoughts and prayers my friend.

[@newlywedbeth]

My mom told me I could get married in a Cades Cove church if I wanted since we have Tiptons in our lineage. I opted for a Knoxville church. But my cousin was doubly eligible. She was a Tipton who married a Gregory! We love Cades Cove and pray it remains for my child and grandchildren to enjoy. I'm new to your channel. I love it! Thank you so much for this wonderful treat! Your picture choices were perfect! One of the Wagon reminded me of my grandmother, "Mammaw," who met Pappaw at singing school, decided to get married, wore a hat and her best dress, rode in a buckboard to the grocery store where the grocer/justice of the peace married them in 1920.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this. God bless you.

[@kelliethomas8171]

My heart jumped for joy. In the cemetery pic I saw my grandmother's family's name Sands. Thank you for sharing this!! Cades Cove is where my family is from. I've never been there, my grandmother moved to California. Some day soon I will be in Tennessee, where my sister lives. To walk where my ancestors walked. Again thank you!!!!

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing this. Your very welcome my friend. God bless you.

[@sherryweeks5956]

Kellie, which family are you related to? I'm fascinated.

[@donnielaws7020]

@@sherryweeks5956 None there my friend just dear friends.

[@kelliethomas8171]

@@sherryweeks5956 Related to Sands and Simerly's.

[@TheMiriam333]

Coke stay with me! I’ll take you to Cades Cove!

[@jeannemarshburn1833]

My grandfather was the doctor in Cades Cove around the turn of the century, Dr Thomas McGill. I so enjoyed listening to this, hearing stories from that time in history. Thank you for putting this together.

[@donnielaws7020]

That's awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this. Your very welcome. God bless you.

[@MarkWYoung-ky4uc]

Donnie thank you for sharing especially the interview with Mr. McCulley. That is a national treasure.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing that my friend.

[@mrskenscott9643]

"As good a cow as I ever laid a bucket under." This whole interview made me smile. Thanks Donnie.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you.

[@stickywicket7585]

I love it when he says "they had a big time". My momma talked that way. We're losing it day by day. Makes me sad. There's nothing better to me than listening to stories that those who came before me tell with such enthusiasm. Love the pictures! Thank you. God bless.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thank you so much. Your very welcome. God bless you.

[@rachelfrees1268]

Those oral stories are more valuable than any book, but of course we love the books written about them.

[@mollycottontail]

My Dad talked that way. We are loosing it, sad.

[@thegardeningnurse7]

This is an absolute treasure! It should be played in a museum. I'm in Knoxville and have hiked the Smokies my whole life. Love your channel!

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this.

[@KayFabe87]

It's one thing to read about history, but to actually hear people from the distant past telling their stories directly adds a dimension that is really under appreciated. On some level, it also serves as a reminder of our own mortality and that one day, we will be looked upon as one of those "people from the distant past". Enjoy every day and live it to the fullest. Time is finite. Thank you for uploading this interview and for your channel in general.

[@donnielaws7020]

So true my friend. Thanks for sharing this. Your so very welcome my friend. God bless you.

[@nancymiller7294]

I am in my late sixties and I remember my Grandparents talking about times like this in the Mountains of West Virginia. Grandpa and his sons had a Sawmill and built their own homes helping each other. I really enjoy your videos. I am glad I found your videos.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thank you. God bless you.

[@Nonniemaye]

Thank you, Donnie. My husband and I love this video. Many blessings, God bless. ❤

[@janicemclaughlin8100]

I have such respect for all our ancestors in our great USA. These people were hardworking and took care of their fellow man. Beautiful story and you are a fantastic storyteller Donnie. This interview was fascinating. What a wonderful man Mr. McCully was . I would have loved to have known him.RIP. ✌️❤️

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks so much for sharing this. God bless you

[@kimglass4851]

What a treat to hear this interview and hear his story! Thank u Donnie!

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend.

[@johnstallings4049]

Just got this in my algorithm & thanx! Wonderfully narrated & interesting! ❄️🌎❄️

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Your very welcome.

[@jimadams5574]

Hi Donnie, - This conversation with Mr. McCulley was a great find! I loved hearing him talk about the times back then and how people treated each other. So different today. His perspective on life was also very interesting - he had what he needed so life was fine. Thanks for the top-shelf video! You have outdone yourself- this video should be at the Library of Congress if it isn’t already. Thanks for all you do.

[@donnielaws7020]

Amen my friend. Thanks so much for sharing this.

[@solotraveler3]

I'm planning my first trip to Cades Cove in October (2024) and came across this wonderful history lesson. What a treat this audio exists.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks so much for sharing this.

[@debroahisaacs2452]

Thanx Mr Donnie for taking me on a trip back in time, which was the sweetest yrs I ever lived.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing that my friend.

[@Psalmonetwentyone]

Wow, Donnie. You're absolutely right about sharing a treat. That was awesome. Mr. McCulley reminds me of my late father. He was born in 1929 in Ashland, Kentucky and passed December of 2021, still in Ashland. I have heard many sermons based on what Mr. McCulley was living out. Love your neighbor, treat others as you want to be treated, take care of widows and orphans, don't let those in need go without, etc. Great video. I think it's my favorite so far, though they have all been good. Thank you so much for sharing this interview!

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing your story with us. God bless you.

[@Psalmonetwentyone]

@@donnielaws7020 And may He continue to bless you as well!

[@REX-INRI-JESUS]

Hello Donnie thanks for another great post. I don't know if you realise but your videos are very soothing in a world gone mad with corruption, depravity and of course greed $$$. God bless you and yours, Mr Donnie Laws...

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing that my friend.

[@FruitnotAnut2011]

Phenomenal! This is 2022, and I’m listening to a man who was born before the 19th century!

[@donnielaws7020]

Ant that amazing my friend. Thanks for sharing.

[@robinunderwood7695]

WOW .....What a Wonderful Life he lived and the kindness he shared in his community that was probably one of the most BEAUTIFUL Stories of History I've ever had the pleasure of hearing Thank you Mr. Donnie...time's seen to be so simple back them 🐻🐾🐾

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Your very welcome. Thank you.

[@papajeff5486]

“A funeral for $2 or $200.” I have a small home just down the road from Townsend, on the Little River, toward Maryville. My people were from just off the Hiwassee River, in Calhoun, Bradley County, TN. Mr. MacCaulley’s speaks very much like my grandparents and their friends, reminds me of my early days. Folks helped one another. Just buried my little sister, last week. It cost a bit more, now. I bought my place because I enjoy visiting Cades Cove and the Smokies. This recording is a precious blessing. Thank you for sharing.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing this. Your very welcome my friend.

[@SJ-db1lh]

I really enjoy listening to this interview. It sounds a lot like the stories my grandmother used to tell about her life in NE Alabama. They worked hard, but had a good life. Thank you for sharing Mr. Donnie!

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome! Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing that my friend.

[@marilynmainwaring9978]

Hello friend. Donny, I hope you never change a that amazing intro music! It’s absolutely perfect and reminds us of the movie, Lawless. 👍

[@donnielaws7020]

Hello my friend. Thank you so much. God bless you. Your very welcome.

[@renaecarpenter8137]

This recording is truly a treasure. Thanks for sharing.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend.

[@gregoryj.m.8985]

Such a neat interview Donnie ....everyone in that cove was like family even if they weren't related....they looked after each other cradle to grave...Thank you for the video Brother.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend.

[@SouthernArtist77]

Cades Cove is absolutely gorgeous, the scenery is breathtaking.

[@donnielaws7020]

Yes it is my friend. Thanks for sharing this.

[@joanies6778]

When I visited Cades Cove in the 80's, I recall there were still a few residents still living there. I heard the families had a 100 year lease but had no idea where they were in that lease. It looked like it must have been an interesting lifestyle and I appreciate hearing a first hand story. Everyone thrived because people just helped one another. I'd love to see that part of history make its way back around. Wouldn't that be lovely?

[@donnielaws7020]

That's true my friend. The could live there till they died. Thanks for sharing.

[@karrylundquist9002]

Thank you for sharing this life story. I cried watching this, me and my husband visited cades cove. It was so beautiful, and we wondered about the history of it. You filled in so many blanks. My dad's family comes from west Virginia. And I heard so many stories , I feel like I belonged there standing in the cove. It was like the feeling of finally being home. As crazy as that sounds, I wish we could go back to that time . We would never want or need because everyone helped each other. That's how it's suppose to be. But thank you again.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing your story. Your very welcome my friend.

[@sharonwillis993]

Loved hearing this interview. It was as if you were stepping back in time. What a wonderful attitude he had regarding the life he and his family lived. He was thankful for all that he had. I loved that all the people worked together and helped one another. We need to have that same sense of community to get us though the days I feel we have ahead of us.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing this my friend.

[@milla698]

What he thought as of a good life today's generation couldn't handle it, a story that definitely deserves to be told thanks Donnie. I also wanted to say he seamed like such a kind and generous man thanks again Donnie great story

[@donnielaws7020]

He was a hard worker and family man. God bless him.

[@Kim-qt7yn]

Such a lovely story; peacefully living in the cove. The abundance of the land feeding all those generations of family. Thank you McCaulley for sharing your beautifully rich heritage with the world.

[@dinahjackson8146]

THANK YOU ! ❤ That was so TOUCHING... I love these old stories. They make me wish I could have lived there during those years, When neighbors were neighbors, your word meant something, Sunday School and church gatherings were a love festival, sharing the GOOD and bad times of all and when really HARD WORK FELT GOOD !!! ❤😍😘

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend. Thanks for sharing this. God bless you.

[@grissomnumber1]

I love the way the narrator talks. And no it’s not just the sweet southern accent. It’s his calm soft voice and a way of saying things and stories.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend.

[@rebabutcher1433]

What a wonderful video! We enjoyed it so much, hearing the gentleman tell about his life in Cade’s Cove. Thank you for your interesting videos. We appreciate you so much.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing that my friend.

[@judyshepard1425]

this is a lovely interview and love the pics too. We been to Cades Cove many times and live in Nc near the coast. We live in Jacksonville, home to Camp Lejeune MCB People here lost their property and homes when the base was established in the 40’s.

[@donnielaws7020]

I understand my friend. Thanks for sharing this. God bless you.

[@cjsjedi73]

Thank you brother for that one. That's my area of the hills I miss so much. Those people had a value way above this world now. Hearing him say, we cared for one another, we helped one another and we worked for one another. That's living a useful life.

[@donnielaws7020]

Amen my friend. Your very welcome.

[@kelliesharpe1067]

My husbands great great grandfather was Big Will Walker. Big Will was raised in the Cove but later moved to Walker Valley…now known as Tremont. He’s in all the history books you’ll find in the visitors center and his claim to fame is having 37 kids lol. He used to stay in the valley and do handyman work while the husbands of all the ladies in the valley went to Maryville and Knoxville to work. Hence the 37 kids by a whole lot of women. My own favorite story of the Cove was when I was a little girl and me and my friend rode our bikes around the loop while our parents were back at the campground. I met Kermit Caughron that day…he still lived in the Cove and I’m pretty sure he was the last to leave. They tore his house down…it was back up behind the Lawson Place. Kermit kept bees and he let me help him that day with his bees and one other time after that. I even got to wear one of those screened hats of his. I’ve loved bees ever since. He was nice to me…a kid doesn’t forget that. He wasn’t part of any tourist attraction sort of things…it was just me, him, and my friend up by the barn working with his bees. Every time I pull through the gate I look to the left over the horse field at that big horse shoe shape on the mountain. That’s Kermit’s Horseshoe…it was his favorite part of the Cove. I’ve spent a lot of my life up there…we’re from Townsend and we were as poor as dirt when our 3 boys were kids. They never even realized it though. They had such a good time riding their bikes down to the river and sitting in the woods with bears when they were kids that they tell me today they had no idea we were poor people. I love your videos and the things they make me think of. I love them with all my heart.

[@donnielaws7020]

WOW what a great story my friend So much history. Thanks so much for sharing this. God bless you.

[@jeffreykbevins7116]

My ex-wife was a (Walker), Theresa (Walker) Bevins and she loved going to Cades Cove, she was the person that first took me to Cades Cove when we were dating, but she never did mention to me that there was someone by the (Walker) name that lived there, I don't think . I will have to ask her about it some day . I love going there it is such a beautiful, peaceful place there . My ex-wife's dad of the (Walker ) name I think was married 7 times, so my ex had several half brothers and sisters .

[@roseredd7895]

Yes Sir , we still take care of our own in the coal region of the Appalachian Trail my friend . What a pleasure to hear these stories and know it goes back to communication at Sunday School , thank you very much for posting this ! God is still good 😊

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. That's so true. Thanks for sharing this. God bless you.

[@roseredd7895]

His blessing are for everyone dear , we just need to seek and find them you are truly anointed 🥰

[@donnielaws7020]

@@roseredd7895 Thank you friend. God bless the Coal Miner.

[@suz632]

I so enjoy hearing about history from you Mr. Donnie. And thank you for the breathtaking views of the gorgeous mountains. Just beautiful!

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome! Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing that my friend.

[@ageorgiapeach9442]

Beautiful story. Most enjoyable. Thank you for sharing this.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend. Your very welcome.

[@kendramalczyk2613]

Great to hear this history! Thank you, Donnie! God bless you! 🤗♥️

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome! Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing that my friend.

[@firstsmoofy]

Hey Donnie, I enjoy every episode you make. But this one was special. That interview with Mr McCaulley was so informative. I could hear my grand parents talking again. Thanks for all you do Wes

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend.

[@rikkesteffensen179]

Thank you for a beautiful video, Donnie! There is so much proud history in your country! No wonder many of the americans take such pride in it! I live in Denmark, and our story isn't nearly as defined as yours. Thank you for these beautiful presentations!

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend and. Thanks for sharing this.

[@richardcox6935]

I'm from North GA near the Appalachian Trail. I've been to Cades Cove and the Smokies. So many stories from that area. Its rich in the culture of our Scot Irish people.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this.

[@mrwilliams6626]

Love history Donnie I remember my grandfather and my mom telling when they moved from Illinois to the Missouri ozarks it was a long trip in a wagon back then Thank you for the memories again Donnie God-bless you look forward to the next one

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this story.

[@SmokyMountainBlessed]

that was very interesting to hear his story of life in Cade's Cove from his original interview

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing that my friend.

[@perryholloway540]

I watch this about a year ago. Incredible history, enjoy the just as much the second time. Sheridan with some friends. John McCauley was a heck of a human being. Smart people to have the sense, to record this gentleman.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. That's a great story. Thanks so much for sharing this. God bless you.

[@jameslipke354]

What an amazing story!!! I was raised to know and believe CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, in our own neighborhoods, communities, towns, cities and states NOT halfway around the world first and your own countrymen LAST. John McCulley said the exact same thing, he just worded it differently. How can anyone in good conscience donate money to help people in other countries but ignore the people in need where they live? If people think, "Well, the is the US, surely someone will take care of the people here." I've got news - EACH ONE OF US IS THAT SOMEONE. If you do not help folks where you live but send donations everywhere else, why? This Nation, our home, is no different than any other country. We are only as strong as every American citizen combined. Any chain is only as strong as the weakest link in it; the very same is true of people. Abraham Lincoln once said that "A house divided can not stand". He wasn't wrong! Thanks so much for sharing this Donnie!!! ❤ I shared it on my Facebook News Feed as well! ~ APRIL LIPKE

[@donnielaws7020]

That's awesome my friend. Thanks so much for sharing your story with us. God bless you.

[@whiterabbit-wo7hw]

Well said dear lady.

[@jameslipke354]

@@whiterabbit-wo7hw Thank you! 💝 ~ APRIL LIPKE

[@darrellmortensen9805]

Obviously you've not traveled very much of the world. Yes help our family, friends n neighbors. God wants us to help all. Were very blessed in the usa. Yes a few people fall down well offer a hand to pull them upward.

[@jameslipke354]

@@darrellmortensen9805 There are currently over one million homeless children, children under the age of 18, in the United States. Over one million children, children only. That's not including Men, Women or VETERAN'S. What constitutes just a 'few' in your opinion? ~ APRIL LIPKE

[@hoosierplowboy5299]

My late wife and I visited Cades Cove usually twice a year for almost 20 years. Visiting the old cabins, churches and cemetaries took us back in time to a simpler, self sufficient way of life. Wonderful interview with Mr. McCaully... thank you...

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend for sharing this. Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you.

[@charlene5461]

Thank you for sharing. Mr. McCauley sounds JUST LIKE my Grandad💗 Stayed with my Grandparents a lot, during childhood and adulthood, I shared in the care of both when they got old. My Grandparents were great story tellers and I loved to listen!! The same morals and standards and "love thy neighbor" practice was handed down and distilled in me. I thank God for my Grandparents and their love and life lessons that has made me who I am.💗🙏💗

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing your memories. God bless you.

[@greenfairy4894]

I love these stories and how you tell them. TY☺️

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome! Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@elizabeth10392]

How wonderful to hear first hand about life in Cade's Cove. I feel a bit sad it had to end for all those people and now it's for tourists. Thank you for an educational, interesting and insightful post. ❣️

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend. Thanks for sharing.

[@bluegirl777]

Thank you, Donnie, for sharing these priceless pictures and Mr. McCaulley's story. Getting to hear the way his life was lived from his own words is a treasure! A history that should not be forgotten! How much better life would be lived if we all cared for and looked after one another now like they did back then. ❤

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend. Thanks for sharing this. God bless you.

[@sondrajoyce8810]

This is so interesting. I love pioneer history. Have done genealogy research on my families for 40 years.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@Southernson-dy5nq]

That’s Donnie, what a great story. Really enjoyed hearing about how the families looked out for each other.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend.

[@mountaingator001]

I LOVE YOUR KZbin CHANNEL! My first trip to THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK was in 1963 and I was in High School in Miami Florida then. I fell in love with those beautiful mountains and the wonderful people that lived there. I somehow knew that one day I would be living there and now we are! After living in Miami for over 60 years it was time to move to our real home Tennessee. I am now 77 years old and my only regret is that I we waited so long to move here! My wife of over 55 years and my 2 daughters are now officially resident of the great state of TENNESSEE for over 12 years now. I will be happy to be buried here and become part of the area that I love so much…IT’S GOOD TO BE HOME AT LAST!🙏❤️🙏 I

[@donnielaws7020]

Wow! Thank you! Thanks for sharing that my friend.

[@mountaingator001]

@@donnielaws7020👍 🙏

[@donaldwells2102]

Mr McCulley,sure sounds like a fellar I'd like to sit down with and share some time with. Thanks Donnie for sharing the interview with us of Mr.McCulley and his Home in Cades Cove,what a real treat. God Bless and have a Good Evening 🙂.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing that my friend.

[@joysmetaphysicalnaturechannel]

Such a lovely video. Wonderful story, it sure would be nice to back to those times when family's and neighbors stuck together for survival and fun etc. Thank you Donnie for sharing this and also to the McCulley family. Just Beautiful.

[@donnielaws7020]

I totally agree! Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing that my friend.

[@cadeevans4623]

Love cades cove love hearing the stories Donnie thanks for sharing this stuff fascinates me interesting stories man thanks for sharing buddy

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome! Your very welcome my friend.

[@cadeevans4623]

Thanks very much Donnie your a good man and good friend

[@judypierce7028]

Oh my goodness! Mr. McCaulley brought back so many memories of my ancestors. He was an hones, hard working, wonderful family man who told it like it was in his life. Families then worked together as a unit in those days unlike many families today. I would have loved to have met this gentleman. Thank you Donnie for this wonderful awesome video,. I love oral history. When I was a college professor who taught Social Studies Methods for Elementary School, one of the students' assignments was to complete an oral history project with someone over 60 years old. They had a choice of topics based on the experiences of the people chosen to interview. It was my very favorite assignment.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing your memories my friend. Your very welcome.

[@terryqueen3233]

Thank you for the history on Cades Cove Donnie that's always been one of my favorite pieces of Earth. Have a great day and stay safe and keep you tired of dry and may God bless!

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend. God bless you.

[@larrymaxwell5535]

Thanks for sharing! I wrote a poem once about the happiness I felt of just being poor, but we had plenty to eat, clothes on our back, and a roof over our head. My dad was content, we were God fearing people and he would say what else does anyone need, we have plenty! How right he was!

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend.

[@soniaclayton3563]

This was so lovely to here the stories of yester years pls keep bringing them to life again I love things like this I'm from shrewsbury UK Thank you

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@vincegiaccone4411]

A wonderful story of simpler times, where folks enjoy country life. Thanks for a reminder of when we helped our families and neighbors. A bountiful area with crops, wildlife and the natural beauty.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend.

[@Lisa-pb7jd]

This made my heart ache to the point of tears for simpler times. I’ve been to Cades Cove many times without knowing any of it’s history. I live in the Appalachian mountains. The only things we needed from the grocery store were sugar, coffee, salt and pepper. Most communities were just like this even as recent at the 1970’s. I was only a child in the 70’s but I can remember people looking after the elderly. Not much need for nursing homes. Everyone helping their neighbors. Lord help us now.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks my friend for sharing your memories. God bless you.

[@UserDom777]

Wow I am a new subscriber I came across your channel today I cannot quit watching what a gem of a video. Thank you for sharing!

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Welcome to the channel. Thank you. There is plenty to watch my friend. Thanks so subscribing.

[@petpilgrimgoose]

This was fantastic, Donnie. We loved it so much. Thank you for this and for all your videos! We always watch every one. This reminded me of the Foxfire documentaries...I think it was in the 70's...I could listen to people tell these stories all day.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Your very welcome.

[@soniatriana9091]

Wow! Great interview👍🏻🤗🙌🏻💕This gentle’s words were so profound & and treasure to listen to! He was 100% sure everyone living in that land/area was living in paradise!! And, I would have to agree with him!! Especially when you compare that lifestyle to today’s modern lifestyle!! Today families are no longer valuing the proximity of where they live in relationship to where their immediate family members, their grandparents, parents, in-laws, siblings, cousins, etc. are living! Kids todays don’t get to experience the beauty & fun of spending a lot of time with their families -- no wonder family stories & history is lost!!! They’re not around each other to have the “time” to share family stories!! Our society is headed in the wrong direction!!!

[@donnielaws7020]

WOW Thanks so much for sharing this. Glad you enjoyed it my friend. God bless you.

[@evdallas123]

I love cades cove been there many times this interview is priceless for anyone that's ever been there it gives me a new perspective on it thanks for a wonderful piece

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing.

[@gdc3084]

Thanks again Donnie that was special. what a life.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend.

[@rickyhenry4958]

Donnie, you really outdid yourself with this one! I love all your videos and always look forward to them but this one has to be my favorite. Thank you for sharing that old interview and your hard work on making these videos!

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend. Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing this.

[@larrybailey1896]

Love Cades Cove....Been going there since 1969 and i am 58 years old....When i went there when in elementary school nobody was there.Great movie Mr Law ...Thank you..

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Your very welcome.

[@denisestrickland2976]

Wow! What an interview. That how it was in the old days. It’s a shame the government came in and bought them out. I really love the way he talked about the range cattle. Can’t wait to to share this with my husband. Thanks Donnie

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend.

[@lifesajourney9575]

Watching this video makes my heart feel heavy. I can only imagine if people today still lived by the biblical principels, morals & values of life as men/women of Mr. McCaulley's generation where they truly Loved thy neighbor. What a wonderful world it would be today. "United we stand, divided we fall." Thank you for sharing this beautiful historic interview. 🙏❤️ 🇺🇲

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing this my friend. God bless you. Your very welcome.

[@tammyevans7333]

Love Cades Cove, great story, thanks, Donnie

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend.

[@georginaott6473]

This family is amazing. Mr. John McCaulley was a hard worker his whole life like his daddy. He learned so much from his father. Love this interview. A good neighbor, and did a variety of tasks helping others. Like making coffins for free. A very godly man.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing this my friend. God bless you.

[@r.c.miller6161]

We have a dear friend in Maryville who’s a McCulley descendant. Her granddad was Dr. McCulley who provided care for the early families in the Maryville area & surrounding communities.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this.

[@reecia3197]

Just can’t get enough of these stories. Love the history of your beautiful mountains.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend. Thanks for sharing this.

[@drtom5936]

Wonderful story Brother Donnie. I always loved sitting at the feet of the older generation and listen to their stories. It was history to me that one day would be lost. You posting these brings this history for future generations and I so much appreciate it.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome! Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@mikejames1882]

I just moved out here to East TN recently. Visiting Cades cove was a great experience. I like learning about the history from your videos, thanks for making them. Mr. McChauley reminds me of one of my neighbors, he's an older man, salt of the earth, kind as can be and always wanting to help. It's a great culture out here.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing this my friend.

[@wendymcgregor2136]

I love to sit with some elderly people and listen to all their stories I just can’t get enough

[@EinsteinSurfer]

Awesome video. Loved listening to Mr McCulley. Reminded me of listening to my grandmother and great grandmother when I was little. Great granny died in 1978 the day after my birthday, she was 107. The stories she used to tell... Thanks Donnie, I love your videos.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Your very welcome.

[@Mukundanghri]

A fascinating story my friend. Mr. McCulley was a very generous and kind soul. Thank you for providing us with a window into the life of Cades Cove.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend.

[@newtsfarm]

I got married in 1999 and we went to Cades Cove on our honeymoon, ten years later God called my wife home. We both loved it down there and I'd sure like to go there again but I'm 78 years old and have some health problems so it probably isn't gonna happen. Thanks so much for sharing this.

[@donnielaws7020]

So sorry to hear that my friend. Thank you. God bless you my friend.