Stories of Appalachia

There was once a coal company in Appalachia that was owned not by wealthy investors but by its employees, in a cooperative enterprise.  And the houses in the company’s coal camp were owned by the miners as well, most of whom were Hungarian immigrants on the Kentucky side of Tug Fork.  

Join Steve and Rod as they tell the fascinating history of Himlerville, a unique coal mining town in Appalachia founded by a visionary Hungarian immigrant coal miner named Martin Himler. Discover how Himlerville's miners were not only workers but also shareholders, creating a revolutionary model for coal mining communities in the early 1920s.  

And after the end of the cooperative caused by an economic downturn, Himler himself went on to lead a most interesting life as an American espionage agent during World War II, leading to his being awarded one of the country’s most prestigious honors.  

Don't miss this episode of the Stories podcast!  

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Ginseng is a plant with a rich history and high demand in Asia, which brought buyers to Appalachia, home to an American version of this much desired root.   

This week, Rod and Steve tell the story of a man who made his fortune gathering, processing and selling ginseng in the mountains of North Carolina 150 years ago. 

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In this episode, we tell the fascinating tale of John Henry, the legendary steel-driving man of Appalachia. Join Steve and Rod as they explore the story of this American folk hero, a man of strength and determination who is said to have stood against the power of machines during the industrial revolution.

From the Big Bend Tunnel in West Virginia to the comic book adaptations in the 21st century, John Henry's story is woven into the fabric of American culture. Don't miss this episode of Stories of Appalachia.

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Harry "Pop" Kramer, was a vaudeville trick cyclist whose story is filled with circus flair, daring feats, and personal tragedy. Born in 1875 in Alexandria, Virginia, Harry's journey from a disciplined farm life to the dazzling world of vaudeville is nothing short of remarkable.  

Today we tell the story of Pop Kramer, the Appalachian daredevil on two wheels, another one of the Stories of Appalachia.  

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In this episode, we revisit the catastrophic summer of 1916, when two hurricanes unleashed unprecedented destruction on the mountains of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, an event with eerie similarities to the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.

Rod and Steve also tell you of the connection between this event and the tale of Mary the elephant, hanged in Erwin for killing her handler in Kingsport that same year.   

This story highlights the determination of the Appalachian people in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Don't miss this compelling episode of Stories of Appalachia. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, available on your favorite podcast app.

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This week we explore the fascinating connection between moonshining and NASCAR racing, a tale that combines the rugged spirit of Appalachia with the high-speed world of motorsports. Discover how the need to outrun the law transformed moonshiners into legendary drivers, setting the stage for a sport that captivates millions across the country today, another one of the Stories of Appalachia. 
 
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Today we tell the story of Fiddlin' John Carson, a man who was not only an early pioneer of country music but also a master storyteller with a controversial past.    

Discover how Carson, born in the Appalachian foothills of Georgia, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the first national country music stars, a few years before the famous Bristol Sessions of 1927. With his fiddle in hand and a knack for spinning a yarn, Carson captivated audiences both on the radio and through his recordings.    

However, his story is not without its shadows, as you’ll find out.    

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Today we tell the story of one of the boldest raids of the Civil War—the Great Locomotive Chase, also known as Andrews' Raid.

We tell of the daring plan to steal a Confederate train, the high-speed chases, and the desperate acts of sabotage that unfolded in this incredible story of espionage and bravery. Join us as we delve into the details of James J. Andrews' audacious mission, the relentless pursuit by the conductor of the train they hijacked, and the final outcome of this bit of Civil War history. 

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Join us as we tell the story of one of the most shocking crimes in Tennessee's history: the brutal murders of the O'Neal family in Overton County in 1846. Patsy Troxdale, the sole survivor, became the prime suspect in a case filled with intrigue, betrayal, and a chilling deathbed confession. Discover the dark secrets that Patsy revealed and the fate of her accomplices, William Upton and Nicholas Stephens, one of the Stories of Appalachia.  

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Join us as we tell the adventurous and daring story of the kidnapping of Jemima Boone, daughter of the legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone, by a Native American war party and her dramatic rescue. Discover how Jemima's quick thinking and bravery, along with the relentless efforts of her father and Colonel Richard Calloway, led to her safe return.    

Listen to the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app. Don’t forget to subscribe for more Stories of Appalachia.  
 
You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here:
https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support

 Thank you for listening and for sharing our stories with your friends!