Women of These Hills - 3 Cultures of Appalachia - 2000

Three Appalachian women in their 80's share their stories of growing up in the rural regions of the Appalachian mountains. Take a glimpse into their lives as they share their memories of growing up not only as mountain women, but also as Cherokee, Scots-Irish and African-American women.
Produced in 2000
Producer, DP and Editor: James Suttles
Director: Tammy Hopkins

[@dwright6764]

As a 27 year old who grew up in privileged suburbia, stories like these make me feel nostalgic of a time and place I’ve never experienced. These women grew up without a lot, but their lives were so very rich.

[@ZachFrags]

Some pple in Appalachia still live like this even in 2023. I’m in the foothills of Appalachia near Whitley County Kentucky

[@tucky2297]

I can relate !😢

[@nanettie]

Your life can be just as rich if you focus on deep interpersonal connections as if your life depends on it. I remember this lifestyle from my childhood. Our powerful technologies and appliances have shaped our days. But what’s missing is “visiting people,” like the one lady said - which means, maintaining deep human connections.

[@animaanimus8011]

Our lives were hard. I’m 39 and I grew up without electricity, running water, or central heat. I’ve been sick my whole life as a consequence. My people are melungeon (look it up). You are nostalgic for something most of your generation mocks.

[@wrightdella1831]

this type of documentary is why I love youtube.

[@bunnybugs280]

Me, too!!

[@denisebarakahlawrence6412]

AGREE!

[@muzikmind77]

Biggest fax ever

[@DrDIY1]

@@muzikmind77If u like this- y'all should watch "American Hollow Documentary" here on YT. It follows 1 family living in a KY appalachia Hollow (Holler) for 1 year. It was an HBO special. It's great!!! I will try to find a link. But, it's really ez to find here on the KZbins lol🤣😂🤣

[@muzikmind77]

@@DrDIY1 that was one of the first ones I watched after whites of west Virginia and it pretty much broke my youtube into nothing but related mountain folk videos they are all pretty good

[@Marimilitarybrat]

What a marvelous documentary of mountain heritage. Isn't it remarkable how these women talked about what they had in common? Not one of them said they were victims of poverty or oppression. They saw their lives as gifts & were grateful and generous.

[@primesspct2]

When my son was about 18 he said " you know what Mom, I am glad we never had much growing up, its given me character, and I don't take things for granted, like so many of the kids I go to school with. They are spoiled and entitled" The wisdom of his statement astounded me at the time. We always had a roof over our head, clothes on our backs and food enough. So to me that's not poor. If I watch documentaries from other countries, I see true poverty, and I feel rich indeed.

[@sarahpayne2361]

God provides you with what you need and the knowledge to grow, gather and build from the earth God created this earth with natural resources to provide us with everything we need

[@joannmitchell174]

@@primesspct2😊

[@lilyvampwolf]

Now I get older and I appreciate and realize how much history this nation has and how little they teach us in school.

[@brianpruett114]

lilyvampwolf you can think the public schools not teaching you anything on the Libtard Democrypts!!!!

[@fmlAllthetime]

^^^^^ Acts like only one party is guilty.

[@user-neo71665]

You can thank the butthurt everything has to be PC for that. Even when I was 5 or 6 I was fascinated by the stories the old timers would talk about. I would sit and listen to them for hours. I still love it when you can find somebody older that will talk about their upbringing.

[@carolgage4569]

dj beard: I remember asking my grandmother to tell me stories about her life. She spoke about 1908 when she was an eight year old. There was no elastic, so their underwear buttoned. There was no rubberband, so they tied their hair with a ribbon. There were bare light bulbs that hung from the center of the room, and turned off and on by pulling a chain just like we've seen in antique movies. Always fascinated by those who came before us.

[@barbarawashington844]

lilyvampwolf You can't even imagine the half of it!

[@thisbeem2714]

Back when people didn't know they wanted "stuff". They had plenty to eat, and clothes to wear. I could learn a lot from these ladies.

[@copgirl11]

TAMBSin M they are still like this in the mountains

[@thisbeem2714]

@@copgirl11 indeed.

[@theresakriz1938]

A simple life

[@williamkirk7781]

Alot of people could. We are missing out on the one thing we do need which is love. Woman dont need man, man dont need woman,its bullshit because we do. For a happier more fulfilling life till death is having someone to love you and live back is the most rewarding thing to mankind.

[@thisbeem2714]

@katy bourassa no, being poor is not fun. I grew up poor. I wouldn't call these ladies poor though.

[@YourAnjl]

If you have parents, grandparents or other elders still living, get them to talk about their upbringing and what it was like for them, how they felt, what challenges they faced. History of your family matters.

[@Iva.the.Southern.Appalachian]

Such good advice. We almost all have cell phones with video and audio recorders on them now. We should do something like this video and also have videos just for remembering them should they pass before us,

[@jasonreimer4742]

There are some wonderful quotes here.....by everybody ...this is just ...idk..... Surreal? Lol

[@robertrousseau6920]

At 77, my wife 76, today’s kids, don’t give a damned

[@emmaknotts7654]

Once the old folks are gone, so is your history. Nothing was free in the old days except honesty, hard work and your faith in the Lord.

[@richardblackmersr4227]

@@jasonreimer4742 l]l,koojhhhbvuip.pki!p.ppko,ooo0

[@bjlafrance2977]

3 women who lived life to the fullest and took on the responsibility God gave them to do. Well done, ladies!!🙏🏼❤️🇺🇸

[@providentialhealth]

My attention was caught immediately when I saw the thumbnail of this video . I saw the picture of the precious old Indian lady and my first thought was That's my grandmother! She looks just like her! So I just had to keep watching. Funny thing, my dad's name is Sequoyah. I really enjoyed this video! Precious people, those old ones. Makes me long for that life.

[@sabrinacle]

Sherry Taylor I’m Cherokee and German. My sons name is Sequoia. I spelled it like the tree

[@reyunawilliams7932]

I'm a black seventy year old woman, she is describing my childhood 😘👍🏼also.

[@masonslie1146]

We all are more similar then we are different from eachother

[@toniomalley5661]

We are the leaves of one tree and the flowers of one garden regards from Ireland

[@MissLayla231]

Born and raised Appalachia, my family were not rich and we worked hard on the farm. My fathers side is Melungeon.

[@bobbywall172]

We had a lot of kudzu here in northwest N.C. We played in it and swam in the creeks and rivers. We always swung on the grapevines, slept on a pallet on the front porch, I’m 72 now.😊 I lived just to go to the store and get a Pepsi, RC cola, moon pies and honey buns. Primed tobacco to make eating money, we made sleds and wagons for the hills also. We used old car hoods to slide on the snow, cherry and Sarvis trees had great eating berrys too.

[@mlpenn54]

Ima white woman almost 70 and she is explaining my childhood to.

[@brendajoycewhite5747]

My mom was 92 ,she died a few mos, ago of covid. My grandma was in her 80's I was in my 30's when she died. I was 16, when my great grandma died , she was 99. I loved their stories. They made their own lye soap, soap made from flowers. Canned, foraged for black berries, healing herbs. Both had wood stove cooked on, and heat. Had fruit trees, grapes. Smoke house for meats, made buttermilk, cottage cheese, they had a cold house that was built over a spring branch. Rocked inside with shelfs. And big rocks in the water to set stuff on. Am happy to have been with them in those days.

[@tobasquo]

These women are such beautiful humans. What they went through. What we take for granted today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your lives with us!

[@darlingusa2pettee57]

I have more admiration for these three women and those like them than any one I've known. One of their most important decisions was to stay put where they were born and happy. Leaving country life was something I wish my mother had never done. But it was her decision. I just feel us children would've fared better near family and nature.

[@robinaanstey3734]

My Mama is now 89 yrs old and I love when she tells us stories of the old days...they had it hard compared to us and to our children too, but I think they were happy and contented. We kids were happy growing up in a small rural community. We had structure, good, strong hardworking parents and wise grandparents. We were blessed. TY you for sharing this lovely video....those stories are priceless!!! Cheers from sunny FL :-)

[@bettyjoreneau8113]

😅❤❤

[@rebeccadavis794]

My mother was born in 1919. They lived way up in the mountains. Her father was killed in an accident. There were bears, panthers and wolves. The boys hunted and fished. They collected coal that fell off of the trains and had to escape from RR men. She told stories of rattlers, copperheads and cottonmouth snakes. When I went there I was terrified the whole time. I didn't want to hear once upon a time stories when I was small but I wanted to hear about stories when she was small.

[@InnannasRainbow]

I love listening to elders tell how life was for them. When I was a teenage, my grandma tried to tell me about her youth, but like many teens, I brushed her off. I wish I had listened. There was much I could have learned.

[@audreyguilbeaucalhoun5713]

My brother and I were the same, we often brushed my great aunt off too; we DID get to hear SOME stories. Today we regret but are thankful for some of the things we learned!❤️

[@viviansmith1976]

I am a middle-aged woman of African-American, Native American, French and Irish descent. I grew up in the country and watching this not only made me very nostalgic I cried happy and sad tears. Thank you so much for this documentary!

[@primesspct2]

So somewhere way ,way back ,maybe we are related, as I am also of French and Irish descent? The joke in high school among my black friends, was that one of our relatives , was African American because of my moms curly, curly hair, and beautiful full lips. She has often been asked if she was, and so have I. We also have dark skin. These women were so beautiful, finding kinship with each other, having lived very similar lives. Its a shame people can't all share this sentiment, and see what we have in common, rather than what divides us. I do my best to live the 2 great commandments that Jesus taught, Love the lord with all your heart, soul ,mind and strength, and the other is like unto it, to love your neighbor as thyself. Doing our best to live like this brings me a lot of peace,

[@user-ji6sz7gu5z]

​@@primesspct2just food forethought the indigenous French who were known to before they were considered French they were also a lot of word Indians Indian descent and it was of a mixed race of Indians some of them came very dark with very curly hair and then they had the other Indians that were more closer to the aesthetics of a Asian or some kind of a Spanish because let's be clear throughout my study of history I found that Indian the word Indian is just a way to classify a group of people just as they do Caucasians and negroids okay Indians come in many colors shapes there are sanitize Indians that are negroid Indians and then you have like Chippewa Indians which are more closer to a Asian phenotype but with all of this being said back to my first narrative a lot of French people indigenous people are colored they have a very swarthy complexion just as the Italians and that is without saying there's a history with Francis and other countries where French but what I will say for the most part is Louisiana is one of those places where the cage on which speak are french-speaking mixed race just likeCreole people Creole people are another group of people that are French except for Creole people speak French with an African

[@laurastern1492]

God-fearing, salt-of the earth, self-sustaining, wise, and beautiful women that I could listen to for hours! They each remind me of my grandma from the mountains of Tucker County, WV, whom I miss very much! Thank you, and God Bless you for posting this!

[@matthewmerritt6844]

Laura Stern I was born and raised in Tyler County and Lord knows what I'd give to be back living on that old gravel road. I miss the peace, quiet, and simple living. Living the town life sure ain't for me!

[@marykershner8726]

Laura Stern My mans people are from Tucker county. Coal mining country

[@TehDuckStalker]

Death to israel

[@dannykirton6445]

@@TehDuckStalker Idiot wtf has Israel got to do with either this documentary or this comment ???

[@shirleyfunte3063]

hers and 2

[@joanpearl1454]

The smile after Mary Jane says "1914" is priceless and beautiful! Three amazing, strong and proud women. Definition of salt of the earth.

[@freedomspromise8519]

These ladies make me miss my great-grandma even more. I was blessed enough to have her until I was over 30 years old. If it had not been for her guidance and love.....But for the Grace of God. She lives in me.

[@no_handle_required]

People like this are the backbone of this country and they will create a irreplaceable gap when they are gone.

[@diannh2894]

And they really are 😭

[@pompom7x728]

I couldn't agree more. 🇨🇭😊🌺🇫🇷

[@sabrinacle]

N English it’s already happened. In 2020 not one school teaches history

[@ivand9610]

Pakistanis will replace them just fine

[@Gweynn5]

Native Americans were not greedy. We should have built the wall then!

[@wthjrtx1]

My Grandmother was born in 1913. My mother in 1945. They had a pride. A humility and their souls were intact. Grateful to be a son of good men and their fine women. We are for sure a lost people right now. I trust God does have a plan. These ladies are beauty defined. Many Thanks.

[@truthseeker9688]

Amen.

[@tm13tube]

These women look so relaxed, at peace and you know they've worked hard. This is a gem of KZbin videos. I know I'll watch it again and again. Thanks for posting. I love the format.

[@shirleyfunte3063]

I wished I would ve known Mary Jane Queen what a great singer. I play 5 different instruments and have a guitar from my daughter Crystal. I love good old country hillbilly music! I almost married my high school sailor boyfriend. After Vietnam War he returned found me then at that time my teacher convinced me that David John Baker would come home from war in a box ,so I found another. I regret to this day What happened. He and I had plans to get married a nd go to live in the Norfolk,Virginia Mts. It wasn t to be. If David reads this of TJHS of Cedar Rapids, Iowa please Bligh me back. Amen.

[@shirleyfunte3063]

My son Derrick Clayton Smith and his family live in the Smokey mountains and love it. He s accomplished Mechanical Engineer there and met the hillbilly people that are in my book Christy and they met some if the people who live around French Lake.

[@P3ANUTBABY]

What a lovely observation

[@montanaliving4769]

They are southern! The most relaxed hospitable people in our country

[@d.holland3025]

Love this! Reminds me of my grandma. We are a mix of Irish and Cherokee on maternal side but my grandfather’s father came from Lebanon! Both grandparents were extremely hard working and very frugal with financing. 2 of many wise words were passed down to us kids 1) Waste not- want not!! 2) And idol hands are the devil’s workshop. But we also learned pride from anything other than hard work was sin. Technology has replaced tradition. That’s so sad!! Simplicity/ honesty/ humility/ kindness/loyalty/ modesty/ and most threatening is the decaying of FAMILY!!!! These are divine seeds that are all so sadly lost to hi tech and corporate cities / lost on greed and vanity. Seeds of respecting and learning from our elders is mocked and we can not recover from losing heritage!! The seeds today are planted upon shallow trampled on ground. No one is cultivating simple culture. 😞

[@dodadeb8954]

So beautifully said and so tue.

[@user-sn6tg4nh1y]

Hello __dear🌹🌹...how are you doing today...🌻 How's everything going 🌹🌹

[@primesspct2]

So much of that is true, But there are those of us that do our best to live simple lives and to teach our children to as well. My mom lives with me and my family is very close. My sons are happily married to their very first girlfriends from highschool and take good care of their grand mothers and of me., And I think many young people are trying to live their lives the old fashioned ways, more and more these days. They are the minority, but they are out there, So take heart that there are some. God is still working, and He finds his own,

[@user-ji6sz7gu5z]

​@@dodadeb8954it is very rare to see Cherokee blooded people who by the way just to give you a food for thought Cherokee Indians are actually indigenous afro Indian that came about from p Africa most of the time people say Cherokee Indian but Cherokee Indians are just an Indian group of people that came out of Africa

[@appalachain_possum]

I love this! I just ran across it tonight. Born and raised in Sylva, NC. I remember Mary Jane and the Queen family from mountain heritage day growing up. She passed in 2007. Amanda Swimmer is still alive, I believe I saw where she was teaching something about pottery in the one feather not long ago. My Dad is a local artist, he did a painting of her. Makes me miss my grandma who passed a year ago. I left back in 2003, but wanted to come back the whole time. Now I'm back I don't think I ever want to leave again, it's like a different world and it's in my blood.

[@oradixiegalloway955]

Cheyenne Brown Is the black lady Elizabeth Allen still living?

[@truthseeker9688]

appalachian. possum, I grew up in Jackson county. My family gets together there annually and I just hate to leave!

[@vanessadorahill292]

What about the black women ,is she alive?

[@ritawaffle2685]

M

[@fedupwithfedforever4151]

You're a very lucky person....I would have LOVED to grow up in that area....I've been near your area...its a special place for sure...God bless

[@michaelhull1813]

We say, Appa-latcha. We also say "Chur-key", not Cher-o-kee. My family has been in the Blue Ridge of NC since 1750. My mother had 7 brothers and 7 sisters, one of which was her twin. These stories are the backbone of my childhood.

[@denisebarakahlawrence6412]

...or tsalagi?

[@montanaliving4769]

You are blessed to know you're history!

[@DOLsenior]

It's such a spectacularly beautiful area. I drove through from massachusetts to pick up my puppy. I will never forget how in awe I was around every bend..just when I thought I'd seen the most beautiful sight I'd ever seen there would be something even more glorious.

[@Glamorista]

Lucky you

[@seawallbird5724]

The first lady has such a beautiful countenance. So modest yet strong and principled. The other ladies aren't far behind her. A real pleasure to hear their stories. We will never see their likes again - more's the pity.

[@lauracampbell3887]

I'm from Wilkes County, NC.. and this is so how my grandparents were raised. It's pronounced App-a-latch-a where I'm from. I've always been proud of where I'm from and these mountains have produced strong men and women. It's a shame that the communities are not as cohesive as they used to be any more. I miss my mountains very much!

[@bluegrasshack3810]

Yes! Natives and genuine Appa latch uns know that! City slickers and pretenders say Appa lay chuns. Easy to spot the difference!

[@leslieanne447]

Iv got ancestors from wilkes. Iv spent so much time researching. That's why I'm here.

[@1995jug]

I could sit and listen to them gals for hours, God bless them.

[@vanessadorahill8057]

I enjoyed the black women the most,because I know she went through a lit more hardship than these two women ,I admire all the other two women to.

[@vanessadorahill8057]

They are not gals,they are women.

[@lisatoney2867]

I don't know why.... this video made me so emotional. These three woman are so precious. I'm so glad I came across this documentary.

[@1LovelyMommyOf3]

Lisa Toney I feel the same. I honestly want to move to another place back to simplicity.

[@Noahsoak]

Lisa Toney me too. I think it's because we can relate as to how things used to be. It's a time lovingly remembered, in whatever degree, now gone. It's worthy of getting emotional over. :(

[@sabrinacle]

Lisa Toney I’m crying too. I have 9 grand children but I feel like I have nothing to give them. What did I ever do? Whine about Vietnam and smoke pot

[@mascara1777]

@@sabrinacle you are very blessed to have 9 grandchildren. I had 3 unborn children, they all died. I can only visit in the baby section of the cemetery.

[@juanitaduval9856]

They are so strong and happy

[@mickeybragg572]

I love these 3 ladies. I could listen to them talk all day

[@harrisongrass]

These women speak plainly and honestly about their childhoods. If you listen closely to these ladies, you will see many things they have in common. It occurs to me that although we have progressed with our technology in this century, the overall sense of family and the children playing outside together seems to have almost vanished. The children playing outside and doing chores around the house appears to have kept them in better physical condition that most of today's children. These kids didn't need to go to a gym to stay in shape. I suspect that these ladies' children would look you in the eye when they talked to you instead of being preoccupied with punching buttons on a "smart" phone. I would have been happy to have had any of these three women as my grandmother.

[@kimb.norman9860]

BEAUTIFUL ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. I HAVE SO MUCH PRIDE COMING FROM A WOMAN LIKE THESE🙏

[@juanitaduval9856]

Listening to these ladies talk remind me of my gram.

[@DollyzDaggerz]

Like the nice lady said "No fussin'" be respectful and honor our ancestors. Thank God for my Ancestors that lived in all three places.

[@ChromeChildren12]

Nothing but Respect to Grandma Swimmer!!

[@brian92105]

Edzon AllAboard Barboza

[@willowvons]

My granddaddy was Welsh; he went to ivy league schools. He fell in love with a Cherokee woman, but we were not allowed to talk about where she came from. I found her on the native American rolls. Feels good to know what genetics led me to be more like her than those I was raised with.

[@gnostic268]

It was because there was a fear if they knew she and her children were Cherokee they would be considered full Native. The one drop rule also affected Native people not just black people although that's the narrative now. It was more dangerous to be Native than any other group because the government would have forced your ancestor to send her children to residential schools like Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania at the time. That was the law.

[@timeforchange3786]

Doing my genealogy of my father who adopted me i saw his uncle married a Native woman and lived on a reservation in Oklahoma. Eventually, they moved to Louisiana where his brother married a Creole woman. We didn't know she was Creole or what that was until we got older.

[@tucky2297]

My GrandDaddy came from Wales to Carolinas and nice to Appalachian mountains of Ky. Hi cuz!!! Lol

[@tucky2297]

One thing I know is my GrandDaddy was Seventh Day Adventist?

[@nextabe1]

How touching, the first lady remembering that she was the little one. The power of a memory

[@choannradick3201]

I just love and respect these women!

[@Nupamaka]

Choann Radick They were strong and I am grateful for this they taught me to be independant. A tue survivalist for sure

[@hilly777ak]

That first lady puts me in the mind of mom. She died a little over a year and I miss her. Thank you for putting this up.

[@bonzaia.1599]

We'd call them poor, but it is we who are poor. They were rich with life, songs and laughter - all the things that really mattered. Gone are those days.

[@flysubcompact]

Three delightful ladies. My granny on my dad's side was just like them. She was Scotch/Irish mountain folks from Alabama. The main quality is their contentment. Seems that folks who complain the most are the ones who've had the easiest lives. Ladies like these seldom complain.

[@Nupamaka]

flysubcompact My people were from here and also Ky and Tenn I grew up with this music and knowledge will soon be living back on the Cherokee land.

[@majikjuggalo]

SCOTISH. scotch is a drink. Other than that, great comment

[@carolepatton1491]

What's wrong with you? I was going to ignore your but I could not, What"s wrong with you? a fine beautiful film why can"t you live and let live? you must be a young ignorant self-absorbed pecker head, grow up vulgar one.

[@lindacollins6939]

+Carole Patton amen

[@melodymacken9788]

Carole Patton well said.

[@darinjames3313]

What special Women. Its true about our elderly here...we dont seem to care that much...In 2020, its not only the elderly......Im headin that way.....give me the mountains!!......I could hang out, drink coffee n talk to beautiful elders like this everyday....KISS.....thank you for this awsome video

[@table004]

What an absolute gem to find on YT. Wonderful documentary!

[@chloscorner]

Could listen to older people talk all day about past times. RIP lovely ladies.

[@texas1949]

C R Same!

[@cannabis4ms118]

This video reminded me of my childhood & my granny & great aunties. I was born in East Tennessee & spent majority of my childhood in Virginia. My granny and other relatives always had huge gardens and basements full of jars of veggies, fruits, jams, apple butter, pickles and so many goodies. I never left visiting any if my relatives without handfuls of jars. I miss that and this video sent me back to those wonderful years

[@billmontgomery2203]

and hugs many many hugs

[@cannabis4ms118]

most definitely!!!

[@donniegray553]

If you can, keep that wonderful tradition alive by gardening and canning for giving to the next generation.

[@emilyjennings1961]

South east ky here. Middlesboro

[@bettydockery5960]

I'm from East TN . And Amanda the first lady reminds me of my little Granny.

[@phyllishamilton165]

These marvelous women are a precious legacy -- their lives and their memories are so valuable, as one can see the positive interweaving of the Cherokee culture with the Scottish-Irish. Thank you so much for these wonderful videos!

[@ingenueblue8914]

And black people as well. I come from these people in these areas.

[@gnostic268]

@@ingenueblue8914 Well write your own examples of how your people interacted with the Scots-Irish and Cherokee people. Maybe she doesn't have enough familiarity with black culture to talk about it. If she did talk about it you'd be critical of her speaking as a non-black person.

[@marilyn6556]

@@ingenueblue8914 I would love to hear about your family!

[@ChadDestruction]

All of my family are from these areas. These women remind me so much of my grand mothers and great aunts, Thanks so much for posting, brought tears to my eyes.

[@hml3672]

I really enjoy history. My parents were older than these people and I'm a little younger. I saw many of the things growing up on a farm that they talk about. What I didn't see, my parents talked about. People weren't taking drugs and killing people. We just had a good time. We would have a peanut boiling and play games. There was always lots to do, fishing, hunting, etc. And we worked hard, too. It's sad that people can't enjoy a simple life today.

[@donniegray553]

HML376: I too love history. And, like these ladies, this is REAL HISTORY; living, breathing, walking and talking history. My dad would often sit at the supper table and tell stories ( many of which I remember to this day) of how he grew up and what that was like. His grandfather, a Cherokee, lived to 106 years of age!

[@wms72]

It's the media brainwashing the young, dividing the nation.

[@amberbranks4209]

HML367 Amen

[@dbkyhere9229]

HML367 it shows us how far die we’ve gone as a society. Morality was most important.

[@Noahsoak]

HML367 yes agree. I remember the syrup making, and the mule that was attached to something that turned the sugar cane grinding wheel. We sometimes bought the cane juice before it was cooked for syrup. Boiled peanuts, yum. The agriculture of the time was awesome.

[@Bushdid119]

Watching this makes me wish I could just call my gramma and talk to her one more time! I’m so appreciative of the times that she did talk to me about her childhood and life, but I would kill for just one more story 💔

[@terihandrick2333]

Thank you for the stories. These are ladies are women I could spend the whole day with. Freedom is worth it all

[@jackiejackson3970]

Thank you so much for this wonderful documentary. I enjoyed it so so much. I live in the Appalachian mtn of East Tn. My great grandparents were Scotts-Irish and also Cherokee Indian - like these women, I am also proud of my heritage. I really enjoyed learning how they each grew up with a strong work ethic and faith in God. These women are perfect role models to look to...they were hard working and led vibrant lives. I'm so glad they shared their stories with the rest of the world. All of us could learn from each of them.

[@user-sn6tg4nh1y]

Hello __dear🌹🌹...how are you doing today...🌻 How's everything going 🌹🌹

[@user-ji6sz7gu5z]

It is really unusual to see such European mixtures with Cherokee and not find any afro

[@SusanThomas-po5zh]

I just wanna hug em they so sweet...

[@oh2887]

Lovely, knowledgable ladies, great that their lives have been documented.❤

[@allincamo]

To have lived back then,yes you worked for yourself,but you lived a way healthier life than today. The history of America that was never taught in school....The thing we will all miss one day. So unplug get outside,off the paved trail and see the real world. And to many LEARN from the elderly while you can. These lessons are not in a book !

[@jwalt8019]

The first lady reminds me of my grandmother so much. I miss her. It's amazing how simple their lives are/were and how happy they were.

[@dawnklug6986]

I was so lucky to meet Amanda Swimmer in June 2015 at the Voices of the Cherokee Festival. Bought one of her pottery vases and she signed it for me. Wonderful Cherokee Elder woman!

[@namafarm]

beautiful soul folk.

[@user-neo71665]

Mine too, she was born somewhere in the Appalachians and was half Cherokee and half Shawnee.

[@fancysfolly554]

She reminds me of my dear grandmother too....the strongest and most stoic human being I’ve ever known...she was mostly of Irish descent but she had a grandmother who was, as far as I can discern, the daughter of a Native American man...I’ve had trouble tracing much beyond that...she was a wonderful person...I continue to be in awe of her many years after her death...I inherited her cheekbones and I hope some small measure of her strength..RIP Big Mama...small in stature but very big in spirit.

[@nancybaldwin1811]

She reminds me of mine as well.

[@politico3474]

These women are fascinating.

[@sabrinacle]

Anyone here during the covid19?

[@texas1949]

sabrinacle ev Yep! 4 months in. Social distancing is not fun. But I’m glad we have Amazon and iPhones these days!

[@jenell56]

Even though these three beautiful Ladies are from a specific area in the USA. they could sit alongside my Grandmothers in Australia and compare the exact same stories of growing up self sufficient and strong and healthy. Yes it was hard but they all had glorious childhoods from the memories they related. How sad that from the past we have devolved and separated and almost seem completely different in this 'modern era". Thankyou for posting such a beautiful vid!!!

[@suzyschwarz7023]

I know what you are talking about , also from New South Wales. I miss strong Peoples of my youth. All love and grit. Thanks to their marvelous spirits

[@louisacapell]

im Appalachian. it's really pronounced appa-latch-ya. if anyone e was wondering. lol. we say " it's Appalachia, and if ya dont say it right I'll throw an apple atch-ya."

[@motak58]

+Louisa Capell ....lol

[@danoqamyasharahla6544]

+Louisa Capell in your part, remember this mountain Range doesn't only exist in the south, It goes from Canada to Alabama, people from Ohio, Pen, Newyork say it differently from the South and it depends also from where you are down south.

[@cgolden3621]

Where in Appalachia, because my family is from southern KY and say Appa-la-chia (she-a)

[@myheroezrapound2229]

Louisa Capell thank you for enlightening me, I'm fascinated with these folks. I'd like to learn all about their history any tips?

[@user-wc3kn7he2l]

im from southwest va blue ridge and we pronounce app a latchya

[@scideas9737]

Brava! Cheers for giving a platform for these women to share their experiences. We need more films like this in the world - thank you!

[@colleenhusko7954]

I keep this in my saved videos and watch it over and over. I grew up about an hour away from the mountains in Pennsylvania. My dad's family had these same values and experiences. I grew up in the 70's, and it was good, but wish I could have grown up when these women did. Thank you for a wonderful documentary.

[@user-sn6tg4nh1y]

Hello __ Colleen 🌹🌹.. How are you doing today how's everything going 🌹🌹

[@victoriadavis4339]

I do as well

[@jackieelmore7490]

"Just have to walk"☺ Carry homemade lamps to walk to church even ,...natural plants for medicine....what an amazing life! And a healthy happy life, life well lived!❤

[@jessiejames7492]

i remember in the 60s television always portrayed these people in a bad light. uneducated, backward, drinking , poor, etc...But one thing they always had..family ties which i envy them..and the wonderful country

[@myheroezrapound2229]

jessie james I know what you mean, the media portrayed us Mexicans as dirty and dumb, guess they love dividing us. My oldest has a masters, my boy, a finance major at University of Merced, my one girls a soldier, one runs a solar business baby is 12, cheerleader, volunteers at the local Salvation Army so we're not lazy or dirty the way our media has portrayed us, it hurts though but all we can do is shut off the tv and love one another all races, the human race🇺🇸🇲🇽✌🏻️🌹🌶🙈

[@blktruck8791]

jessie james

[@jessiejames7492]

My Hero Ezra Pound good for you ! I feel so proud when I hear stories like this...I am a minority race here in my country. my daughter is mixed parentage. when she went to school she was bullied by some classmates and her teacher she said picked on her. I went to see the principal and the teacher. It got so bad my daughter didnt want to go to school. She was a brillaint student. I got it settled and I told my girl, what ever it is , study hard and show them all! She did ..She was a top student in the graduating secondary school of her cohort and in university she was on the deans list. I am so proud of her..I am a single mother and she did it mostly on her own...study that is..

[@kerthgersen3163]

I think people's experience with Mexicans over the last 20-30 years has given most of us a much better perspective. As for the lazy, siesta-taking stereotype? That has little to do with Mexicans and a LOT to do with living where it gets to 120 degrees mid-day.

[@indiarichardson4214]

jessie james that is wonderful I am proud of her.

[@sandykelsey6734]

I could sit and listen to these ladies lives stories nonstop. Beautiful ladies.

[@doberman1ism]

I have always been very proud of my Cherokee, Scott Irish bloodline and the Italian blood line as well. My mother always said that I was Heinz 57. A little bit of this and a little bit of that! Must be an the old expression from her youth. Hello to all the mountain people.

[@AnnieRegister]

I live in Murphy, NC & I knew quite a few wonderful gems as these ladies are too

[@brianpruett114]

Aidah Di Leoni You sound like a true American, the Democrypt Libtards want us to hate each other but Americans will never let that happen!!!!

[@dixirose111]

Heinz 57 was a sauce that was a mix of ketchup and steak sauce and more. like had a little of everything. so we used that term to describe what you'd call a mix or mongrel...

[@lisabaltzer3163]

David M Arab(Syrian), Asian (Kazakh), Jewish and Irish mix right here. I married a German/British man. Our son married a woman from Mexico and their son is black, Mexican and Hungarian ( my son adopted him). Now they are expecting a daughter. So my granddaughter will be : Mexican, German, British, Arab, Jewish ,Asian and Irish. There are no pure race people in this country, but that's okay. God bless us all! P.S. We are guessing that the baby will be visually Italian looking. We shall soon see.

[@theoriginaljoeschmoe5987]

Aidah Di Leoni Scots/Irish, Pennsylvania Dutch, Algonquin, Cantonese Chinaman born and raised in the Allegheny Mountains. Heinz 57 was my mother's favorite term for us super-mutts as well. 😅

[@renebrown995]

I wish I had the opportunity to hear the stories of early years of my Grandmother's life or even the chance to have met my Grandfather and listen to him tell me his stories. I miss those opportunities and am glad to hear these Ladies.

[@Ceco556]

Our government does not want us to know or understand our great heritages. We have always been a proud and prosperous nation of hard working god fearing men and women.

[@jeankeipprl3131]

Your right

[@apersonwhoknows]

You don't need a god to be hard working.

[@Lunnalee100]

@@apersonwhoknows you don't, but we have always honored God in this country. Read a constitution. We have always believed we receive our rights from God

[@germaineaguilar6762]

Violets divine spiritual shop LLC Divine There is only one "God" supreme being , we all bow to him...., he is of no nation or people, ALL debts will be paid.

[@AztlanViva]

@Violets divine spiritual shop LLC Divine A European god? Do you mean as in the ancient oaks worshipped by the Celts, or the Norse gods worshipped by early Scandinavian & Germanic peoples, or maybe even the ancient Roman or Greek gods? I'd bet my eye teeth the statement that mentioned "god fearing" was in reference to was to the god worshipped by adherents of the Judeo-Christian religion. It's been the predominant religion in these parts (southeastern US) for 250+ years. It didn't originate in the dark, damp, dank forests of Europe, but instead it sprang from the sunny desert country of the middle east. Just as native American religions were supplanted by the predominate religion of western Europe, the various religions of early Europe had in turn been supplanted by a religion from the middle east. The god of Abraham works in mysterious ways.

[@dhh488]

The life these ladies speak of, I'd take that over the hustle and bustle I current live. If I had a few million, these folks would still have lived far richer lives.

[@kelliesharpe1067]

Born and raised in East Tennessee...lived most of my adult life in Townsend and Walland. It's so amazing to hear these women say things I was taught when I was young. My husband's Daddy always said you don't blow on potatoes or corn... but I think he also said okra and pole beans too. He was born in a little cabin on the River between Townsend and Walland. His grandfather was Big Will Walker. He's in every book you'll find on the people of this side of the mountains. You'd think I'd get tired or bored of hearing other people say the same things I've heard living here but, the older I get...the more it means to me. I loved this documentary.

[@bluegrasshack3810]

I love Townsend, TN

[@user-sn6tg4nh1y]

Hello __ Kellie 🌹🌹.. How are you doing today how's everything going 🌹🌹

[@noradennis4361]

My mother and father were from the south, this video brought back sweet memories of them and my grandmother who all lived much as these women did. I remember mom canned pretty much everything from corn to peaches. And she made the best pies and cakes west of the Mississippi. She made all our clothes and I remember we all had our chores to do. We played only after homework was done and on Saturdays only stayed inside until cartoons were over and then it was outside for the rest of the day. We had rules we were supposed to abide by and knew the consequences if we didn't. Mom recycled before recycling was the norm. I think much will be lost when these women are no longer with us and even more when my generation is gone. Children today have a "I don't have to do what you say" attitude whether it is with their parents or anyone in authority. They have no respect for their elders or for anyone in authority. When I was growing up as it was for my mother and her mother, you listened to what anyone older than you said. You didn't mouth off to them and if one curse word passed your lips, there was a handy bar of soap on hand to clean the foulness out of it with. I know times change, but sometimes not always for the better.

[@cynthiaschlosser9713]

Thank you for sharing that Nora!! It brought me back to memories of my own very southern Grandmother. May your life continue to be richly blessed!!

[@AlphaMom55]

Thank you for your beautiful commentary.

[@myheroezrapound2229]

Nora Dennis thank you for sharing that was beautiful listening to you

[@disturbedpatient425]

Nora Dennis I grew up the same way, always respected my elders, always yes sir, no sir, yes mam, no mam, kids today have no respect for anyone or anything

[@goestplus]

Otis Cobblepot and I'm sure that some old coot said that about you when you were a young person too.

[@DougSmileyVirgo]

Never a dull moment while growing up Scots- Irish. Grab a plow, wagon or broom and get to work.

[@theresadriskill6884]

Wise, beautiful women! I love to hear a beautiful Seniors story❤️

[@Mysoulshine1]

We have so much to gain from learning the ways of our grandmothers. Thank you for this video.

[@shawnaschneider7659]

MAY OUR CREATOR HEAVENLY FATHER GOD BLESS THESE AMAZINGLY STRONG BEAUTIFUL KIND HEARTED WOMEN IN JESUS CHRIST POWERFUL HOLY NAME, AMEN

[@roseamberzine5846]

I see my ancestors reflected in all of their faces. Their stories are amazing and beautiful. They are three strong women that could teach us a thing or two!

[@RareGem369]

"Precious memories how they linger, how they ever soothe my soul" - george jones

[@raytheprinter]

Beautiful video of beautiful people! Thank you for posting this.

[@RockStar_Love]

I wish my grandmother could be on here. I have heard stories from her and I never realized she lived that way. I couldn't believe the things she knows

[@nonayobizness]

Wow. These women had a lot of kids. They are all darling and make me appreciate the simpler life.

[@zelenplav1701]

No birth control and religion tells you to be fruitful and multiply. I am.from Southern Europe and breast feeding for at least 3 years was normal, so children were spaced about 4 years apart. A natural method. As long as you breast feeding regularly you do not ovulate.

[@karenp1687]

@@zelenplav1701 They considered lots of children a blessing. You needed boys and girls to do the chores with you. And the work trained them to be able to support their own families.

[@vanessadoravhill9321]

@@zelenplav1701 When you're married, you supposed to multiply.

[@vanessadoravhill9321]

@@zelenplav1701 I love to see the black and brown population grow!

[@jd4632]

A beautiful documentary of American Women and the American way. We handle it ourselves, and build strength of character through the struggle. Lots of love to the pioneers of past and present.

[@mukwah1111]

Oh how I wish I could visit with these wonderful ladies and while away an afternoon. I hate for the vid to end .....that's the sign of a good story. And I sure enjoyed this one. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@heidisilvis4416]

mukwah111

[@katiekat4457]

mukwah1111 i knew i enjoyed it because it felt like it was over in 10 minute not 42. Although i have to admit the music couldn’t stop soon enough.

[@rockymountainprincess9078]

Can I go with you to visit these amazing, remarkable, women?!

[@gloriamaryhaywood2217]

Katie Kat Totally agree with your whole post. Loved listening to these ladies.(But yep, that music had to Go!.....And the sooner the better!😁)

[@robinc8903]

I love these stories and how they speak about their families with so much love and respect for one another. They were such hard workers and even though they didn't have much schooling but they were pretty smart people.

[@gimase78]

Love this simple life and how hard working and resourceful they were.

[@77sandy49]

and they say huh. I'm a Maliseet Native from Canada. We respected our parents and elders back the 60's. very beautiful baskets 👍

[@sophiesprite2107]

All these regional cultures have almost vanished with globalisation, technology and consumerism. A look into the past ! Great documentary.

[@freemanrolle7864]

why it take so long for them two let people know who they are dont never be shame where you come from oh who you are,yes nice documentary i love it

[@TheSoulOfGenius]

I know! It's even very different where I live in the foothills.

[@pollyrogers5851]

Freeman Rolle Thank you. It's really a heartbreaking thing for me to see people reacting so negatively so thank you sir for saying somthing nice.

[@25oxendine]

Yes, my family is triracial, but identify as African American since the government mandated it. 20 years ago Afro-descended Appalachianers didn't identify with the culture of the larger Black community. They were just as country as the Whites and hunted, fished, and farmed. Now you can find many of these communities infested with sagging pants, blunts, and horrific music. That came about with the internet and cable tv which caused our culture to disintegrate into the ruins similar to that of the inner cities that produced the garbage. I so wish that they would head on down the mountain with their destructive culture. We don't want any Mike Brown's in our communities. Folks in the inner city don't even accept us as most Blacks from the Blue Ridge either don't even look the par, or just plain don't fit in. Hell I had a dna test and it said that I was 32% White and 25.2% Native American, and I'm not even a standout in the community. We don't need dna though because we know our family histories. Its all we used to hear sitting around in the cold months while everybody was gathered round the Warm Morning stove with the pot of soup made from the canning jars. My gramma pictured in my profile still lives up high on the ridge and is 101 years old, still gardening.

[@25oxendine]

Long Lance prntscr.com/5c3yiz prntscr.com/5c3zh1 prntscr.com/5c40ru = today

[@spaceanon5930]

Truly BEAUTIFUL women , each and every one of them. My family lived down there a long time ago and I did about 40 years ago. They were the Scot Irish. All in all I think those mountain's brought us some of the finest, hard working people who ever lived and I deeply respect them. Thank you all for your wonderful stories.

[@desireebradbury3377]

I loved this documentary....I have been called an old soul and listening to them made me long for a time I was not even part of. I have always felt I was born 100 years too late! How wonderful to have these sorts of programs so history won't be lost.

[@victoriapelcher6356]

Desiree Bradbury that's a past life, I feel the same way!!!

[@johnfenske7593]

We should learn from documentary's like this one. What makes the United States great is us no mater what our mix, we are Americans. In fact that should be one of the choices when we are ask to identify our "Nationality, color, or linage." My ancestors were Scott, Irish, English, French, German, Canadian Indian, and African." My dad immigrated when he was 18 years old, my mother's family arrived after the Mayflower. I am American, and all three of those women could of been my relation. Thank God for them, and thank God for you.

[@Tina-fi2wy]

John Fenske I agree 100%. Also, I see my family in their faces & customs. My ppl are Appalachian - I’m of British/Irish, African, French/German, Iberian, Native American, Scandinavian, Jewish, and SE Asian heritage.

[@IAMAGOD1982]

😩

[@Kobra7049]

And now we have the USA. The great example of freedom to the rest of the world. Without the formation of this great country, the Communist would have taken over the world, Hitler would have won, and technology would be at least 150 years behind. Not to mention that the natives would probably still be living in tribes. They never built a city in the US. while Europeans had already built massive cities. It's just like when the Romans came into Europe and brought their tech and conquered the land, the Europeans did the same to the Americas. It's a human thing. Even the natives were conquering each other.

[@Kobra7049]

@Robert Gardea I live in the Smoky mountains area in Tennessee. We respect the Cherokee people here (my wife is Cherokee). The truth is that the Cherokee hasn't always lived here. They settled the southeast around 1,000AD. They came in and fought a war with the people here before them. When the Cherokee conquered them and took their land, they went on to commit genocide and completely eradicated the people that was here. These people are thought to have blue eyes and dark skin, making them a genetic anomaly. So they killed of an entire race of people. This is a human condition. You can't just point the finger at Europeans when all races of people has done it. African and middle eastern people are in the process of doing it now.

[@ReneeDougan-yu5bm]

My brothers are fields two of them we are researching now our lineages

[@maryharris9823]

Other than the confinement of space in the cities, women of their age all share an era. Hard work brought great satisfaction. Simple pleasures brought contentment and creativity was a past time. Family was the center of life. The Cherokee woman did mention that although all was good she just didn't have the sense of happiness any longer. Perhaps that is a by-product of age but they lived in a time that, although it was physically demanding, had a warmth and community that you just can't find today. Probably never will again. I wonder what our grandchildren and great grandchildren will hold dear when they reach the winter of their lives.

[@darlingusa2pettee57]

Probably our grandchildren will hold us, their own grandparents dear. So we must teach them our history of their ancestors and the vital importance of ..........Freedom and individual God-given rights. Amen?

[@johned1956]

Amazing stories of Americana.

[@6Mr6mr6mr]

I loved this documentary, my family hails from Macon county in the Cartoogechaye community, and I grew up with women like this feeding and caring for me. Thank you so much!

[@DrCarr-nb1tf]

This is just a marvelous documentary, well done these are three gems.

[@freedomrings5270]

This is my heritage; born and raised in Southern Virginia. My grandfather was full blooded Scot and grandmother was full blooded Cherokee out of North Carolina. My father was full blooded Irish and Mom was more Cherokee since the bloodline was passed down from her mom. My mom practiced the Cherokee customs and put full attention to the family. My father was told to go when I was 3.

[@user-sn6tg4nh1y]

Hello __dear🌹🌹...how are you doing today...🌻 How's everything going 🌹🌹

[@patriciapalma8785]

Beautiful story about loving honest people..enjoyed every moment and proud to be American as they are..

[@tmc1373]

Lovely documentary full of wonderful, wise women! The African-American and Cherokee Indian woman look very similar. I LOVE ALL OF THESE WOMEN! MAY THE LORD BLESS THEM AND KEEP THEM ALWAYS!

[@ancientmum]

What a rare and precious jewel each of these elder ladies are! My roots there in the mountains, the Cherokee and Irish, it's true, can't never get it out of the blood and bones, those majestic mountains. Things have changed, but the mountains stay the same.

[@christysittig1200]

Thank you so much for this video. I am from North Carolina and loved going to the beautiful mountains up around Cherokee. I no longer live in that area but relate to these women and what they say and how they say it even though I am younger... Beautiful people.

[@Waffles84]

Thank you and all these lovely women for sharing their stories and their lives as they grew up. This is our historic legacy in parts where everyone has a story to tell and so many lessons to learn from them. We need to pay attention and learn from our elders as much wisdom is there 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@ericadamcollins]

Great documentary! Thank you so much for letting us get a sense of these Appalachian mountain women and their way of life. It is so special to hear their stories. It's been a privilege.

[@dove7271]

Amen Grandma's! Lived in the smokies N.C for a bit. it was beautiful and yes it is ashame many spots have become tourist places. Love the mountains/foothills/country.

[@jimmyshaffer4708]

I really love to hear stories like this. My grandparents and great grandparents would tell them to me growing up and I still love to hear them. I'm from south western Virginia and my wife from southern west Virginia. Around home we just call it the Appalachian mountains not Appalachia but its all the same.

[@clb7438]

So lovely to get to see a glimpse of a simpler life through these wonderful women. Kids these days should all be shown documentaries like this so they can see that there can be more to life than gadgetry and social media.

[@kellyjoyner490]

I love this! It is my history!!! My Grandmother was from Beaver Creek, Scottish-Irish and my Grandfather, Cherokee. My Grandmother passed at 100 years old and was my "story". I was blessed to hear a lot of the history. Amazing strength in these mountains. What a treasure, to be passed on.♥️♥️♥️

[@deonsellers9749]

Same here but my great-grandmother who passed before I was born.Her mother was generational Appalachian Cherokee/Black,her father was from the hills & he was red.She never said what he was but he had an accident that turned him red like clay so everybody just said "red".lol They passed down pride in being Black as well as the rest of our history.G.G.migrated to Ozark country in Arkansas around 1896 & spent the rest of her life missing Appalachia.We also visited our people & not all of them were Black.I had one relative who looked just like the man from the commerical back in the day of the n.a. crying about pollution.He was mean but he kept peppermint bark so we tolerated him🤭 I had one relative that was Irish & she had the most beautiful smile.They started out biracial but a lot of them coupled with whatever their most prominent side was which is how you'd end up with a family of full this or that but we all favored each other 😍

[@nightwolfhunter]

this vid made me realize how much culture weve lost. im cherokee-scotch/irish.

[@brianpruett114]

nightwolfhunter I know, Democrypt Libtards want us to hate each other!!!!

[@jupitermoon7137]

It's so terrible the way the indigenous native Indians have been treated. A lot of us love you.

[@carolgage4569]

Jupiter Moon: Big giant face-palm. ( in agreement )

[@gingereurope5091]

I actually purchased the whole set while on a camping trip in Virginia. I love them.

[@phillong8591]

Democrats fear and hate us.