Roan Mountain Magazine
Roan Mountain Magazine
Volume 1, Issue 9
June 2025
STAFF
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Amy Thurman
amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Diana Tolley
AD SALES, DISTRIBUTION, EDITORIAL
Susie Phillips
STAFF WRITER
Ericka Hughes
GUN TALK WITH JON
Captain Jon Strydom
NEWS FROM THE ROAN CeCe Studer
PEACE OF MIND WITH CHRIS
Christopher Adams
THE LAST WORD & THE GRACE PLACE
Noah Blair
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Faith Lynn
CONTRIBUTORS
Jessica Ledford
Floyd Odom
Jeannie Perkins
Debbie Townson
Copyright © 2025
All content herein is copyright protected and may not be reproduced in whole or part without express written permission.
Roan Mountain Magazine is published monthly and can be found at multiple locations throughout the Roan Mountain area, free to readers.
We are not currently offering print subscriptions, but please contact us if you are unable to find a copy. (423) 440-9012
Read the Digital Version at: www.RoanMountainMagazine.com
Letters to the Editor: We would love to hear from you! Questions, comments, ideas, or whatever you’d like to share, please send to Amy: amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
ARTICLES & FEATURES
17 Best of the Roan Contest
Vote on multiple categories. Results to be shared in September.
19 Business Spotlight
This month Ericka met with Tracy Jones of Forever Youthful Rejuvenation Spa.
20 A Tribute to Dads
Messages to dad to celebrate Father's Day in style.
25 A Hiker's Story
One hiker's take on his first visit to Roan Mountain.
26 Music Spotlight
Ericka interviewed NC Music Hall of Fame inductee David Childers.
29 Built by Their Hands
An original poem by Ericka Hughes.
30 Hydrangeas
This lovely flower thrives in our acidic soil.
31 Summer Concert Series
Band schedule for both the state park and Eric Anderson park concerts.
32 Who Mountain Folks Are
A short story by Diana Tolley about the kindness of mountain folks.
34 Rhododendron Festival Promo
Information about this year's festival.
37 Magazine Update
What we're up to, help needed, subscriptions, and advertiser list.
Gun Talk with Jon Taste of the Roan The Grace Place News from the Roan Lessons in Life/Landscaping Fun Page The Last Word
Peace of Mind with Chris and What's Going On will return next month.
ABOUT THE COVER:
Hydrangeas may sometimes seem overshadowed by the ever popular rhododendrons, but they're perfectly suited to our mountain environment. Learn more on page 30.
Photo by Faith Lynn
The Dash Between Two Dates
When I was growing up, my mother was estranged from her family and my father wasn’t part of my life, so for a very long time, I had no sense of family history, no concept of where I fit into this world. As an adult, I started digging and traced my family history back quite a long way. I was stunned (and proud) to find that several lines of my family first came to the Colonies several generations before the American Revolution. My father’s paternal line were Quakers who settled in Pennsylvania and my mother’s paternal line settled in North Carolina. My fifth great grandfather, Roger Thompson Clements, was granted 1500 acres in Kentucky (known as Clements Bottom) for his service in “fighting the Tories” in the War of Independence.
But one family member, my third great grandmother on my father’s side, captured my attention. Rachel was born in 1835. In 1865 she was married and had a son, but by the end of that year she was a widow. The 1870 census shows she’d married my third great grandfather, William Henry Clark. Her son was then five years old and she’d had one-year-old triplets (George Washington Clark, Andrew Jackson Clark, and Ellen Jane Clark, so apparently I come from a long line of patriots!). My direct ancestor, her fifth child, Henry Persun Clark, didn’t come along until 1872.
In 1870 she was 35 years old. Her husband, William, was 25, and his occupation was listed as farmer.
What must her life have been like? Married to a younger man, with a five-year-old son and three infants in diapers, then another baby two years later. She likely had to keep a garden and preserve food, tend chickens and other livestock, make clothes for the family of seven (and wash them by hand), and countless other daily tasks that go into raising a family and living in an age before electricity, before refrigeration or other modern conveniences that make life a little easier.
Most of the women in my family back then lived into their 80s or longer, but Rachel died at the age of 65. When I learned this, my first thought was, “She was just too tired to go on!” But I don’t really know how or why she died. In fact, I can’t find much information about her life beyond what I’ve been able to learn from official documents. This saddens me.
Another great grand, on my mother’s maternal side, was Theodore Friedrich Christian Kohn (that line was big on having four names), born in Germany in 1860. A few years ago, a cousin sent me a memoir written by Theodore. It described his early childhood in Germany where he tended sheep, then went on to tell about his family emigrating to America to keep his older brother out of the Franco-Prussian war. He described the ocean voyage, being processed at Castle Garden (the immigration facility before Ellis Island opened), then taking a train west to Chicago where they were to meet family members who would take them the rest of the way, a day’s wagon ride to the northwest. But on arrival in Chicago, they found the town smoldering and in ruins: it was days after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
He went on to write of learning English, attending school, and later entering the seminary and becoming a minister before eventually marrying and the birth of my great great grandmother, Dorothea.
Ironically he started the memoir with, “As to your request that I should write about my parents and other relatives, about my childhood, I should first declare to you that I see no real purpose in it. However, you, as my children, have the right of such a request.”
He saw no purpose in it and wrote the memoir begrudgingly, but he had no way of knowing that over 100 years later, his third great granddaughter would find so much value in it!
Which brings me (in a meandering sort of way) to my point. Tell your stories. Now, while you still can. Write them down, record them, have someone else write them down for you, but find a way to leave a record of the dash between two dates that will one day grace your headstone. A descendant may want to know who you were and what you life was like.
See you 'round the Roan!
Amy Campbell Clark Editor amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
GUN TALK WITH JON
M-Frame Repair
By Captain Jon Strydom (aka African Jon)
Of all the revolvers produced today, Smith & Wesson has produced the widest range of frames, with eight basic frame sizes: I, K, M, N, J, L, X and Z. Of these, the smallest was the M frame. Produced for 20 years from 1902 to 1922 it was ideal for small hands, quickly becoming a favorite of the ladies and was marketed as the "Ladysmith."
The seven-shot cylinder was chambered for .22 S&W, and therein lies the problem. That cartridge was loaded with 4 grains of black powder compared to the same size modern .22LR loaded with smokeless nitrocellulose. The modern round can fit into the cylinder of the old revolver but at 24,000 psi it tends to blow out the forcing cone, rendering the antique revolver very dangerous to fire and greatly reducing its value. An excellent condition M-frame sold at auction for close to $5,000 a few years ago, but an M in otherwise good condition but with a blown-out forcing cone typically sells for around $80 to $150 at gun shows.
I wound up having three of these in my shop, which drove me to try repairing the blown-out cones. I came up with a solution: drill out the barrel to 8mm and sleeve it with a steel .22 barrel liner. Sounds easy if you say it quickly!
This took a custom-made long drill bit and lathe. Once it was drilled out, it left a very thin original barrel tube but did not disturb any of the lettering or front sight. The sleeve was exactly the correct outside diameter to cut the thread (incidentally metric, in 1902 America?). Anyway. Then I cut the correct cone angle and the factory gap between cylinder face and cone. The finished repair would pass muster from even the most a-retentive inspector. The client was very happy.
As always - stay safe out there.
S&W M-frame, the smallest revolver they produced.
A damaged forcing cone, removed from the frame.
The repaired and reinstalled forcing cone. Photos by Jon Strydom
INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp. oil (vegetable or olive)
1 onion diced
3 carrots sliced
8 beef short ribs, bone in salt & pepper to taste 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 cup dry red wine (any red as long as it's not sweet)
2 1/2 cups beef broth **
2 tbsp. tomato paste
1 tsp. dried thyme (if you really like thyme, you can add more)
TASTE ROAN of the
Braised Short Ribs
Submitted by Susie Phillips
With Father's Day this month, beef is in order. Susie has shared a family favorite for special occasions. For healthier meat and to support local farmers, try purchasing your short ribs from a nearby farm stand. Enjoy!
** I never buy premade broth in a carton or can. I just add water in place of broth and mix in a powder or paste bouillon.
DIRECTIONS
• Preheat oven to 350.
• Season ribs with salt & pepper and coat all sides with the flour.
• In a large dutch oven or oven safe pot with lid, heat oil to med-high heat. Add ribs and get a good browning on all sides, then remove to a plate.
• Add wine to deglaze the pot. Scrape the bottom to release browned bits of flavor.
• Bring to a boil and cook about two minutes. (This allows the alcohol to burn off.)
• Add beef broth, salt and pepper, then stir in tomato paste. Taste as you go for additional seasoning.
• Add ribs back to pot with the carrots, onions and thyme.
• Cover with lid and place in oven. Cook for approximately two hours, a little longer is ok. You want the ribs very tender and nearly falling off the bone.
• You may want to skim off any fat that has risen to the top before serving. Best served over your favorite mashed potatoes.
Have a recipe to share? We might be able to include it in an upcoming issue. Ideally with seasonally available ingredients, and if you have a photo of the prepared dish, send that along too! amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
GRACE PLACE THE
By Noah Blair
Life has seemed to continue on an upward trajectory with regard to how fast-paced and busy our lives are. Most foods down our grocery aisles are labeled instant or quick, and our technology better be quick or we become irritated. This “instant” lifestyle has caused many people to lose appreciation for the value of products and services that are not instant. We value the convenience and time-saving aspects of these products because we simply do not allow ourselves time for anything else.
This is dangerous for us as Christians. When we apply these same labels to the Almighty, we set ourselves up for trouble. Can God move instantly? Of course. The problem is, this doesn’t happen consistently. The hand of God is a slow painter’s stroke in our lives and if we allow ourselves to stop and watch the Master work we realize that speed is not the most important piece of our life’s puzzle.
Think back over scripture we have read in our lives. Many times we expect God to move and work in the timeframe we lay out for Him, rather than God’s, then become frustrated when our own self-imposed itinerary doesn’t flawlessly fall into place. King Saul had a reputation for doing things in his timing and not God’s, while Sarah didn’t exactly worship in waiting for a child. The psalmist wrote: “I waited patiently for the LORD; And he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.” (Psalm 40:1) We trust that God will hear us and move, however, we cannot force this into our timing.
Our Father is perfect, which means His timing is perfect. This is a simple truth that we must master. Once we accept the simple truth of allowing God to work in our lives, we are faced with another question: What do we do while we wait? This is an easy one. We continue our walk with Jesus and grow while we wait.
In Psalms 27, the Word tells us “Wait on the LORD: Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” Waiting is not something our society does easily, but it should be expected. If we want to view this simply, when we know we have to wait, there is no one better to wait with than Jesus!
“I waited patiently for the Lord ...”
Psalm 40:1
This month, we will be focusing on accessibility here at Roan Mountain State Park. We are aware that many individuals may face barriers that might prevent them from fully enjoying all our park has to offer. From the breathtaking scenery, the majestic Doe River, our curated gift shops, abundant overnight accommodations, to wonderful outdoor experiences such as picnicking and use of our trails, we will be discussing the many ways our park helps make this happen.
Roan Mountain State Park endeavors to ensure all our guests have a memorable experience. We have created spaces and systems allowing everyone to participate, regardless of their abilities. Described below are just some of the ways we are creating more inclusive and accessible spaces.
New All-Terrain Wheelchair Available
We are pleased to announce that we now have a new all-terrain wheelchair available to park visitors as part of Tennessee State Parks’ focus on accessibility. The wheelchair, which can navigate a wide range of terrains, allows individuals with mobility impairments the opportunity to enjoy outdoor recreation that might otherwise be inaccessible. From rolling trails to rhododendron blooms, these specialized chairs allow visitors with mobility impairments to explore some of our park’s beautiful outdoor recreation areas, opening more of our scenic beauty to all visitors. You can reserve this chair at no cost for your next trip.
Colorblind Viewfinder
Guests can now utilize our Colorblind Viewfinder, which uses color vision deficiency technology, so that more travelers and residents alike can experience the beauty of Tennessee and the park's vast land. The Colorblind Viewer is located near the Chestnut Ridge Trail. The Chestnut Ridge Overlook offers a stunning view of the Highlands of Roan. If it’s not reserved, the overlook is free to visit, with a gravel parking lot available just off the boardwalk.
Accessible Picnic Shelters
We have three pavilions that can be reserved. How about reserving one and hosting a scenic picnic at one of our accessible shelters? Each shelter is wheelchairfriendly with a wheelchair-accessible table, grills, and parking.
ADA-Accessible Cabins and Campsites
We also have a limited number of ADA-accessible lodge rooms, cabins, and campsites available. If you require ADA-accessible accommodations, please just make that request when booking a reservation. We do recommend that you try to make reservations as far in advance as possible.
Visitor Center & Facilities
Our Visitor Center and Interpretive Museum are also accessible. Wheelchair-friendly parking is available, along with sidewalk access to the building.
NEWS FROM THE ROAN
Accessibility Spotlight
By CeCe Studer Roan Mountain State Park
In addition, our Conference Center and adjoining restrooms are wheelchair friendly and available to the public.
Upcoming Restroom Renovations
We eagerly await the completion of the renovations taking place at our Shelter 1 restrooms. As a part of those renovations, adult changing stations are currently being installed. We anticipate them being opened in June 2025.
We hope you are as excited as we are about what we have to offer. We also hope all guests will take advantage of these exciting new additions and changes!
To learn more about what Roan Mountain State Park and other Tennessee State Parks have to offer, please visit tnstateparks.com.
Above: All-terrain wheelchair now available.
Below: Colorblind Viewfinder near Chestnut Ridge Trail. Photos provided by RMSP
Best of the Roan Contest
We're thrilled to launch what we hope will be our first annual Best of the Roan Contest! The purpose of this is to have fun while recognizing some key folks in the community. We'll tally the results and print them in the September issue in honor of the magazine's one year anniversay, and we'll host an awards ceremony in September as well. More information to follow in the July issue and on Facebook. There are multiple ways to enter:
▪ Write in your answers here, scan it and email it to amy@roanmountainmagazine.com.
▪ Write in your answers, take a picture of it and text it to Amy (phone number on page 5).
▪ Complete the survey online at: freeonlinesurveys.com/s/2ngQyBLR Please keep it friendly and fun!
Most talkative resident:
Quietest resident:
Best joke teller:
Longest Sunday sermon:
Shortest Sunday sermon:
Resident with the best beard:
Coldest beer in town:
Resident who drinks the most coffee:
Nicest business frontage:
Best resident storyteller:
General Questions
Longest marriage (enter names and date of marriage, both partners must still be living):
Oldest living resident (enter name of date of birth; date of birth will not be made public):
Prettiest front yard (list name and general area, such as "The Smiths, Shell Creek):
Best customer service (any local business):
Best hunter/trapper:
Best fisherman:
Best homemade pie:
Most grandkids (list living grandparent's name and number of grands and great grands):
What do you love most about living in Roan Mountain?
If we sell raffle tickets at our September awards ceremoney, what local charity or cause would you like the proceeds to go to?
Please provide your name and email address or phone number in case we need info to contact the winners or clarification. We won't share your information or your votes.
Forever Youthful Rejuvenation Spa
Tracy L. Jones, RN
Rejuvenation Services
Botox • Fillers • Chemical Peels
Microneedling • Exfoliating Facials
Teeth Whitening • IV Nutrient Infusion Therapy
Now offering:
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Benefits: Improved sleep, better moods, vitality/energy, heart protection, muscle building, better cognition, decreased anxiety
8916 Hwy 19E, Roan Mountain (423) 957-6254
Rx Appetite Suppressants Lipo injections or Lipo + L-carnitine
Semaglutide for Weight Loss
• Once weekly injections
• Decreased appetite & cravings
• Stimulates insulin secretion
• Promotes weight loss
Business Spotlight: Forever Youthful
By Ericka Hughes
Nestled in the heart of Roan Mountain, Forever Youthful Rejuvenation Spa is more than just a place for beauty treatments, it’s a haven for healing, growth, and community connection. Founded by Tracy Jones, a nurse with over 14 years’ experience, the spa’s journey is as rooted in family as it is in cutting-edge wellness practices.
“I’ve always been interested in aesthetics,” Tracy shares. “With the encouragement of my husband and mother, I set out to get the certifications I needed to bring something new to our area—my hometown.”
Over the past six years, the spa’s services have grown steadily, shaped by the needs of the people it serves. And now, it’s grown even further, expanding into wellness offerings designed to help men and women age with vitality and confidence.
At the core of Forever Youthful is a simple but powerful mission, to help people feel their best—body, mind, and spirit. “It’s not just about treating what a client comes in for,” Tracy explains. “It’s about building a relationship with each person. I want them to leave knowing I was there to listen to what they needed emotionally and even spiritually.” That warmth and care shine through in every appointment. “We laugh. We cry. We hug. We pray,” Tracy said.
The community has embraced these services with open arms. “People are happy to have this closer to home,” she says. “Everyone has been supportive and helped spread the word to others.” In a rural Appalachian town, wellness and rejuvenation options are scarce; before Forever Youthful, residents often had to drive an hour or more for treatments like Botox, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or IV therapy.
The decision to expand into HRT was personal and powerful. “I’ve been a patient myself for over two years, and I know how life-changing it can be,” Tracy says. “So many men and women hit that phase in lives when they just don’t feel well anymore, and it’s written off as ‘normal for your age.’ But it doesn’t have to be that way.”
At Forever Youthful Rejuvenation Spa, the approach to HRT is about restoring optimal hormone levels so clients can feel like themselves again: energized, focused, and vibrant.
There are still misconceptions, of course. Some people worry these treatments aren’t natural or safe. “Botox has been used for over 30 years,” Tracy explains. “Its benefits keep expanding. And HRT isn’t just about energy and mood—it’s been shown to lower risks for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and Type 2
diabetes. We use bio-identical hormones, which are as close to what your body makes naturally.”
Stepping into the spa is a personal experience from the moment you arrive. “We welcome clients into our newly renovated office, and the first goal is to build a relationship before we even talk about treatments,” Tracy says. “There’s no rush. I want my clients to feel safe and truly understand what they’re getting.” From advanced microneedling and fillers to the latest in hormone therapies, every service offered is backed by rigorous training and a commitment to staying current with the latest trends. “I research daily. New techniques, new treatments—anything that can help us feel our best.”
The path to opening and expanding this spa wasn’t always smooth, but Tracy says faith guided every step. “The Lord has helped us jump every hurdle,” she says with a smile. “I had to learn so much about business— not just healthcare—to make this dream possible.”
Of all the services offered, HRT has become Tracy’s favorite. “Seeing how quickly clients feel better—after years of just ‘getting by’ is incredibly rewarding,” she says. “They realize they don’t have to accept feeling bad as the new normal.”
Looking ahead, the vision for the spa continues to grow. “We have a large office with space to fill, and I’d love to add even more services that help people be as healthy and vibrant as possible—like nutrition counseling, gym memberships, and red light therapy,” she says. “But we’ll leave it up to God to show us where to go.”
Left to right: Kimberly Holtsclaw, family nurse practitioner, Tracy Jones, registered nurse, and Holly Byrd, registered nurse.
DADSATribute to
Compiled by Diana Stockton
Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad. George Strait summed it up nicely: "And he said, 'Let me tell you a secret about a father's love, A secret that my daddy said was just between us.' He said, 'Daddies don't just love their children every now and then It's a love without end, amen.'"
Earnest Daniel Boone - from Dakota Stanley Kerry Buchanan - from Sydnie Forbes
"We
love you so much Papaw Boone!"
“I feel his influence in every decision - how I pray, my humor, my wit, my zest for life, my fire. I hear him in my thoughts telling me I'm CAPABLE. He made me believe I could, and therefore, I can. The measure of a good father is unquantifiable, and I have the best."
“Miss
you, Pap!”
“Thanks for being the best dad ever!”
Love, Gunnar
R.A. Burleson - from Joe Burleson James Clawson, from Gunnar Clawson
Jeff Gouge
- from Cierra & the Gouge Kids James
“Dad thank you for always working so hard for all of us! We are so thankful that you are such a strong, generous & Godly Dad. We love you very much!!”
Robert Carroll "Tub" Gray - from Robin Folse
“My favorite place to be, in his lap. Forever daddy's girl.” Love, Robin
Jeff Hughes - from Hailey Hughes
“Thank you, Dad, for everything you do. I love you to the moon and back!”
Jack Johnson - from Nick Johnson
“Thanks, Dad, for all you’ve taught me and everything you’ve done for me and my family. I really appreciate you! Happy Father’s Day!”
Gray - from Karen Howell
“Happy Father's Day, Dad!"
Love, Karen
Randy Howell - from Ethan Howell
“Happy Father's Day, Dad!"
Love, Ethan
David Johnson - from your family
“Happy Father's Day to the best! We love you!” All our love, your family
Johnny Ledford - from Your Family
“A hardworking grandfather and father, teaching us the true meaning of dedication, strong values. Happy Father's Day!”
Love, Kathy, Melinda, Jessica, Kaylen, and Karah
Sam McKinney - from Marsha Johnson-Higgins
“A father to four children. I have always been able to count on him to be there when needed throughout my life! At 85 he still has a lot of wisdom to share with me daily! Love you, Daddy!”
Frank Presnell - from Terri Street
“Happy Father's Day my precious little Daddy. You will always be my hero."
Love, Terri
Wayne Shell - from Aleshia and Beth
“God blessed us so good with such a loving father and pappy. We love you so much and are thankful God chose you to be ours. Happy Father's Day, from your girls!”
Greg Oakes - from Jerrica & Peyton
Gene
Putnam
"Dad, We’re so grateful for all the little things you do and for always being there when we need you. You’re the best!"
Love, Jerrica and Peyton.
- from Jessica, Jerrica & Peyton
“Thank you for being the best Dad and Papaw ever! We love you!"
Love, Jessica, Jerrica and Peyton
Joe Sluder - from Nick Sluder
“Great man, even better father. Loved and missed by many.”
Jacob Smith - from Shelby Smith
“Thank you for always making memories with me, Daddy.”
Love, Shelby
Steve Stanley - from Dakota Stanley
“Happy Father's Day! Thanks for all you do! We love you!”
Leroy Stockton - from Diana Tolley
“Happy Father's Day in Heaven, Daddy. I miss you every single day. I had the very best there ever was!”
Forever and always, Diana
Geren Street - from Carly Street
"Thank you for being the best daddy to our sweet kids! We love you bunches!"
Ralph W. Watson - from Pam Braswell
“Happy Father's Day, Pop. We miss you!"
Love, Pam, Justyn, Arya, and Ezra
Richard Winters - from Ericka Hughes
Robert Stout - from Your Family
“Dad, thank you for being our anchor, even when the storms are rough! You are forever our hero and we love you so much! Happy Father’s Day" Love, Jolene, Samantha, Aaron, Axl, Anna, and Samson.
Robert Turbyfill - from Catina Turbyfill-Hayes
“Happy Father's Day from your favorite child. I'm so grateful for all you've given me."
Thank you and Love, Catina
Rex Allen Whitehead - from Georgia Mae
“The best Dad and Paw a girl could ask for. You're missed by so many.”
Love, Georgia Mae Whitehead-Clawson
“To a man who works hard, with kindness in his heart and wisdom in his brain. I’m proud to call you Papaw. Happy Father’s Day!"
Love, Ericka
Happy Father's Day to ALL Dads!
Born to Walk Alone One Hiker's Journey Through Roan Mountain
By Ericka Hughes
Long before trail names, trekking poles and smartwatches, there were just mountains and people drawn to them.
The Appalachian Trail, officially completed in 1937, spans over 2,190 miles from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Katahdin, Maine. It is the longest hikingonly footpath in the world, crossing 14 states and countless personal thresholds. But to those who walk it, it’s more than a trail. It’s a journey of transformation. Along that winding path, the Appalachian Trail passes through Roan Mountain, Tennessee. With a high-elevation stretch, hikers pause to catch their breath, feel the kind of welcome that sticks with you, and make the kind of memories that tend to last.
Roan Mountain has always held a quiet kind of significance on the trail. From the balds of Carvers Gap to the cool shadows of spruce forests, this stretch is known as one of the most scenic and soul-stirring parts of the Southern AT. But it’s not just the land that leaves a mark—it’s the people. The town. The stop that becomes a story.
For the hiker known as Whitesnake, Roan Mountain wasn’t on the itinerary so much as it was a discovery.
His trail name, inspired by the band, suits him: “Like a drifter, I was born to walk alone,” he said, quoting the lyric that led him on his journey. The reason for his thru hike? Simple and honest: “I wanted to challenge myself.”
When Whitesnake reached Roan Mountain, he didn’t wander into town. Instead, he stopped at The Appalachian Station at 19E—a hostel, resupply, and hiker’s sanctuary built into the bones of the old building that still breathes with stories. What he found there, he says, was something special.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect when I arrived, but by the end of my two nights, I was so glad I stayed. It was so much fun—a good mix of thru hikers, section hikers, and trail angels. Everyone was relaxed, happy
to be part of the AT community.”
At The Appalachian Station, he found more than a bed and a resupply shelf. He found a moment to belong. With a solid breakfastlunch-dinner menu, a welcoming space for rest and conversation, and a crew that knows how to run a space for hikers, by hikers, The Station stood out as one of the most memorable stops on his journey so far.
“The owners seemed genuinely glad to have us there,” he said. “It wasn’t just a transaction. Everyone—from shuttle drivers to staff, was laid-back and welcoming.”
That welcome mattered. After weeks on the trail, the vibe at The Appalachian Station gave him what he needed: connection, comfort, and a little joy in the middle of a long walk.
“Singing karaoke with 20 to 25 other hikers on my second night—that’s something I’ll always remember,” he said. “The place was packed. We laughed, sang our hearts out, and shared a great night with a bunch of familiar trail faces.”
But Whitesnake’s story isn’t just about a good stop. It's about the bigger picture. About what towns like Roan Mountain mean to hikers, and what hikers bring to towns like Roan Mountain. From the outside, they may look like wanderers with worn packs and dirt on their boots. But they bring stories. Gratitude. Momentum. And a kind of human presence that only a long trail can carve out.
Today, Whitesnake has hiked over 926 miles and as he continues to share his journey he was sitting through a cold rainstorm at Big Meadows Lodge in Shenandoah National Park. “There are no easy days,” he wrote. “It’s weather or terrain that makes it hard. But no day is the same. And the best memories come from the unexpected moments.”
Roan Mountain, for him, was one of those moments.
Whitesnake stops for a photo on Roan Bald.
Music Spotlight: NC Music Hall of Fame
Inductee
David Childers
By Ericka Hughes
Some conversations stay with you. My phone call with David Childers wasn’t just an interview—it felt like pulling up a chair on a front porch, talking with someone who’s lived a thousand lives and still carries every one of them with grace.
From the start, Childers spoke with a warmth that settled in easily—like we’d known each other for years. Kind, reflective, and quietly funny, he’s the kind of man who listens as much as he speaks. He told me, in his calm, unhurried tone, that he’d just put a ribeye in the oven. “No rush,” he said. And there wasn’t. We talked for the full stretch of time it took that steak to finish.
That’s David Childers. Unrushed, steady in spirit, always moving forward, not just enduring, but creating. Contributing. Still showing up with something true to give.
Born in Lenoir, North Carolina and raised in Mount Holly, Childers is more than a musician. He’s a painter, poet, historian, and retired lawyer. He grew up surrounded by thinkers and hard workers—people who worked with their hands and their minds. He started writing poetry while digging ditches and mowing lawns for the city of Mount Holly, long before he stood on any stage. His home was full of books and records. He remembers listening intently, drawn in by the melodies and stories spinning on the record player. Those moments left a lasting mark, shaping not just his love for music, but the way he listens to the world.
At 14, his father gave him a banjo for Christmas. “I was thrilled with it,” he remembered. “Took it out of the box, started turning the keys, and busted a string right off.” That busted string didn’t stop him, it sparked him. Soon, he was learning to play and writing songs. The banjo opened the door, but the guitar and harmonica would carry him through the decades. He studied law and creative writing at UNC Chapel Hill and shaped his early voice through poetry. He then went on to start writing lyrics, with the hopeful intent of others singing them. “I’d write songs with the idea of people singing them, famous people even. Finally I realized I was just gonna have to sing them myself,”
Childers said. And he did.
David Childers is drawn to the structures and soul of Bob Dylan. “He’s the king,” Childers told me without hesitation. “There’s just nobody like Dylan.” He draws inspiration from legends like Woody Guthrie and Joan Baez, whose voices shaped not only a generation, but the conscience of a country.
When I asked him how he defines his music, he didn’t pause: “Rock-’n’-roll.” It makes perfect sense. His sound is rooted and unmistakably his.
Take “Belmont Ford,” for instance. Inspired by poet Mary Struble Deery, the song tells of a devastating train wreck during the Great Flood of 1916. With its hauntingly beautiful sound, built on just two chords, it delivers weight far beyond its structure.
The story that inspired “Belmont Ford” isn’t far from his roots. “That bridge—it’s about a mile from where I grew up,” he said. “Still underwater. You can take a boat out and see it. I never have though".
David Childers has written, recorded, and released over a dozen albums throughout his career, each one a window into an ever-curious soul. Notable works include Run Skeleton Run, Melancholy Angel, Serpents of Reformation, and Interstate Lullaby, all of which showcase his range as a writer and performer. Whether blending gospel with rockabilly or threading folk narratives through plain spoken truth, his songs echo with the voices of the south both past and present.
He’s shared stages and tours with notable musicians over the years, including The Avett Brothers, who’ve
Cover of the latest album, Melancholy Angel, painted by David.
Photos provided by David Childers and Ramseur Records
praised his songwriting publicly. And artists like Scott Avett and Tyler Ramsey. He’s played MerleFest’s main stage and brought his storytelling to audiences across the U.S. and Europe.
In 2025, Childers was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Mooresville Performing Arts Center in Mooresville, NC. It’s a wellearned recognition of a life spent in honest creation— and a moment he’s genuinely looking forward to.
“It’s going to be a fun night,” he said. “I’m honored to be part of it.”
The news came while he was undergoing chemotherapy—a quiet moment of light in the middle of a storm. Diagnosed with cancer in early 2025, he took a step back from performing—but not from creating. He plans to return to the stage this June. “I said I wasn’t going to let it beat me. I was going to fight it," he said in a strong and positive tone.
He and his wife Linda once ran a law office, Childers & Childers—and still work the land around their home. That land is his haven, his workshop. It’s where he paints, writes, and gathers the pieces of memory that turn into melody.
His band, The Serpents, is family in more than one way. His son, Robert Childers, plays drums. Robert “Cory” Dudley adds guitar. Ron Abey “the best bass player there is,” Childers said, holds down the rhythm, with Geoff White on fiddle and Alan Kaufman on keys and accordion. It’s not a band that performs so much as one that shares something essential.
When I asked what his inspiration is—why he still writes, paints, and sings—his answer was powerful, “My mission with music is to spread happiness to others. To bring good, because there’s just so much bad in the world these days.”
That’s what he’s always done. He sings to remind us what’s worth remembering. He paints the moments we forget to honor. And he keeps showing us that the work still matters—and the fight is still beautiful.
Adoptions
Dr. Heather Larson Behrmann, Esq. (757) 903-4410 www.behrmannlaw.com
Roan Mountain (above the pharmacy)
June 20, 7 p.m.
HELPING HANDS CONCERT SERIES
Benefiting Hurricane Helene Survivors in the Greater Banner Elk Area Presented by Elk River Helping Hands with support from Lees-McRae College
Hayes Auditorium at Lees-McRae College, Banner Elk Ask about: VIP Seating • VIP Reception • Artist Meet & Greet
August 8, 7 p.m.
Presley Barker
Gary Morris
Jim Lauderdale
John Oates
Built By Their Hands
A Poem by Ericka Huges
Before we had blueprints, we had them.
Men who shaped the land with patience and grit, who didn’t just build fences and barns. They built standards. They built trust.
They don’t ask for credit. They’ve never needed applause. Their respect is earned the same way a good harvest is: through sweat,timing, and showing up every day no matter the weather.
And while the world spins faster now, while tools change and time feels tighter, we’d be foolish not to look back and learn from the ones who still do things right.
They carry more than knowledge. They carry values.
The kind that don’t wear out when the work gets hard. The kind we ought to be listening to while we still can.
Because what they’ve built isn’t just useful. It’s sacred. And someday, we’ll be the ones holding the line. We’ll be the ones someone looks to for guidance, for steadiness, for care.
Let’s be ready. Let’s be worthy. Let’s carry it on not just for them, but because we are better for having known them.
Photos contributed by Jeannie Perkins, Jessica Ledford, Debbie Townson, and Floyd Odom.
Hydrangeas Hydrangeas
Roan Mountain's Hidden Gems
By Ericka Hughes
Every summer, Roan Mountain famously draws thousands of visitors who trek its trails for glimpses of breathtaking rhododendron blooms, splashing vibrant pink and purple across the highlands. But quietly tucked into this colorful display lies another Appalachian treasure–hydrangeas, the understated stars of summer.
Beginning around late May and often stretching into July, hydrangeas gracefully burst into bloom along Roan Mountain's winding roads, gardens, and shaded paths. The Blue Ridge’s characteristically acidic soils play a crucial role in shaping the hydrangea’s palette, creating blossoms that range from cobalt blues to lavender and occasional rosy pinks. Locals can even gauge the soil beneath their feet by simply observing a hydrangea’s hue: bluer blooms signal acidic soil, while pink blossoms indicate a more alkaline environment.
But perhaps most interestingly, hydrangeas thrive as companions to Roan Mountain’s beloved rhododendron and mountain laurel, collectively creating the lush and diverse understory that defines this region. All three species share a preference for partial shade, moisture-rich conditions, and acidic, well-drained soil. Rhododendrons often grow taller, sheltering the shorter, rounder hydrangea shrubs beneath their spreading branches, while mountain laurel compliments this canopy with distinctive clusters of bell-shaped flowers. Together, these plants create a harmonious ecosystem, providing essential shelter and food for pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Beyond their beauty, hydrangeas have historical significance for our mountain communities. Appalachian healers have long valued dried hydrangea root as a trusted herbal remedy for supporting kidney and urinary health, which shows as living proof to the resourcefulness and practicality woven into our region’s heritage.
For those who call Roan Mountain home, hydrangeas symbolize more than just seasonal blooms. They resemble resilience, strength, and unity. After the celebrated rhododendron blooms have faded and crowds disperse, hydrangeas linger on, faithfully enriching the mountain landscape and reminding us of nature’s wisdom.
So this summer, as you explore Roan Mountain, pause a moment to appreciate hydrangeas nestled beneath rhododendron canopies and alongside mountain laurels. You’ll discover they’re more than ornamental—they’re essential players in Roan Mountain’s vibrant ecological tapestry and enduring Appalachian story.
Photo by Faith Lynn
That's Who Mountain Folks Are
A Short Story by Diana Tolley
The hot sun beat down on Kizzy Thompson’s hat-covered head, causing beads of sweat to form and run down out of her hair. A passing notion ran through the older woman’s mind as she felt it trickle slowly along her temple, ‘I sure hope that Clairol sticks to my hair and not my skin,’ she mused with a grin. She didn’t really care one way or another, but a body did like to look their best for Sunday go-to-meetin’ time. It wasn’t vanity, she reminded herself. It was just tryin’ to be pleasin’ to the Lord, and surely that was alright in the Good Book. Pausing to wipe the sweat away with the tail of her apron, she looked back at the hills of freshly covered beans and smiled bigger. She’d always loved planting time in the mountains of Upper East Tennessee. Everything was so fresh and alive as summer began, and you could see all manner of folks putting out gardens and working in their flower beds. It always gave a body something to look forward to after the long, cold winter. Kizzy had already planted her onion sets and two rows of potatoes that morning. Her ‘mater plants stood tall and proud from where they’d been planted a couple weeks before, with little blooms here and there. She made a mental note to sucker ‘em later so they’d produce bigger tomatoes, then went back to dropping beans in the dirt.
When she finished with the beans, she grabbed the hoe that Grandpa Thompson had made years ago, and started gently covering them up. The clopping of horse’s hooves sounded on the road nearby as one of the neighbors headed back up the mountain.
“Howdy, Miz Kizzy!” a man hollered. He threw up a hand as he slowed the big Belgian down, finally bringing him to a halt. Kizzy shaded her eyes with a work roughened hand to see who was waving.
“Why, George Hughes, I didn’t recognize you there for a minute. You been ploughing down at the Brewer place today?” She asked as she leaned on the handle of the hoe. “Yes’m,” he said loudly, dismounting stiffly. “It’s shore been a hot one today.”
Kizzy smiled as she got the hint. Waving him on over, she made her way to the porch and took off her straw hat. “Come set a spell and I’ll get us something cold to drink,” she said as she watched him tie his horse to the fence rail. She’d made some sun tea that morning, thinking that someone might just take a
notion to drop by. She washed her hands, took the pitcher from the fridge, then filled two, pint sized mason jars full of the cold, golden liquid. She cut thick slices of homemade bread, slathered them with cowbutter and put them on one of her Mama’s china plates. Adding pieces of crispy fried fat-back, she loaded up a tray and carried it outside on the porch. George jumped up from one of the rocking chairs and took the tray from her. “Yes sir, this sure has been a hot day. This here tray looks mighty good, Miz Kizzy. Especially since I missed dinner at noon today.”
“Now, George, you set right down now, and help yourself. I was gardenin’ so I haven’t cooked since breakfast, but you’re more than welcome to what’s before you,” she instructed.
The two neighbors sat for a while, talking of trivial things such as the weather, the ailments of getting older, and the new baby the Jones family across the ridge just had.
“I reckon they called for you when that baby was wantin’ to make herself known, didn’t they, Miz Kizzy?” George asked her politely. It was a well-known fact across the mountain that she was the one to call for healing and such. Kizzy swallowed her tea and set the jar back on the little wooden table.
“Well, now,” she began. “As I recall, they sent for me the minute that young mama went to laborin’. As you may know, most first young’uns don’t come real quick, so I took my time gatherin’ up what I needed. But, I swanny George, that baby was in such a hurry to get here that I barely got to the house before she came out a-hollerin’ for her mammy.” They both laughed and shook their heads at the news.
“It shore is a good thing they called you when they did.” George said after a minute. “Sounds like her daddy almost brought her into the world.”
“Nope. I don’t think that could’ve happened,” Kizzy replied, staring off into the yard as she recalled the event. “That would have been a right good miracle though, seein’ as how Toby Jones fainted flat out in the floor when he heard that baby’s first cry. When his wife looked over the side of the bed, she gave him a good what-for, even though he couldn’t hear a word of it. He was out cold as a kraut rock!”
They both laughed again. George slapped his knee
while Kizzy wiped tears from her eyes with her apron tail. “I had just about finished gettin’ them cleaned up and settled by the time young Toby come to. Mrs. Jones had started frettin’ that maybe he might be dead cause he hadn’t moved a muscle the whole time. I told her his color was coming back and he was breathin’ good enough. When he come to, he sat up, looked around and asked where the biscuits were.” She laughed hard at the memory, tears streaming again. “Biscuits?!” Mrs. Jones yelled at him. “Toby Montgomery Jones, we just had ourselves a baby and you’re wantin’ BISCUITS?!”
By this time, George was having trouble catching his breath from the hilarity.
“She held onto that baby with one arm and throwed a pillow at his head with the other. Toby just stared straight at the bed as it hit him smack-dab in the face, then looked over at the little handmade blanket his wife was holding. His mouth was wide open, his hair standing straight up on his head, and paler than a ghost. I helped him up off the floor and told him that he’d better shut his mouth or he’d be catchin’ flies, and to get on over there and see his little girl.” Kizzy rocked back in her chair and shook her head, chuckling. “I declare, George, that boy walked over to his wife, took one look at that baby and started wobbling like he was gonna pass out again. I helped him sit down on the side of the bed and he didn’t have nary a word to say. But when she passed him that little blessed bundle of joy, he started bellerin’ like old Maude Shell’s cow, Imogene.”
As their laughter rang out across the yard, the neighbors finished their tea and George finally stood to leave. “Miz Kizzy, I’ve sure enjoyed our visit. Thank you kindly for the good eats and the entertainment. I’ll have to go by and see Toby and his missus, maybe take something to that little girl. May even give Toby a poke or two at bein’ an old faintin’ goat!”
Laughing, Kizzy walked her friend off the porch, then waved as he mounted his horse and headed on up the road. After carrying the dishes back into the house and grabbing her hat, she headed back to the garden. She thought about the good folks that lived in the mountains around her; about how they could all count on each other when they were in need of help, a cold drink, or just a good story. Neighbors leaned on each other for a lot of things; that’s the way it was supposed to be and that was what mountain folks did. Kindness and charity were always needed and didn’t cost anybody a thing.
When she’d covered over the last bean hill Kizzy rested a minute, leaning on the handle of the old garden tool. Thinking on the new baby and all the younger generations being raised in the Tennessee Mountains, she sent up a little prayer that they would all be taught the right ways of living; to pass along the honesty, integrity, pride and generosity that was so much a part of their heritage. “Yessir,” Kizzy said, straightening up and looking out over the holler she’d been born and raised in. “That’s who mountain folks are. May they never, ever forget it.”
June doesn’t ease you in. It shows up fast and loud, like a mower bogging down in wet grass.
The calls come earlier, the days stretch longer, and every yard looks like it’s been growing in fast-forward. Mulch slides off with the first rain, weeds push through like they’ve been waiting all year, and clients start reaching out with a fresh set of expectations. They want their places looking right again, and they expect you to be ready to make it happen.
Even when you’re on schedule, it can feel like the work is getting ahead of you. And summer hasn’t even broken a sweat yet.
That’s what we’re heading into now. The thick of it. The stretch where the sun stays high, the heat settles in, and the real test starts, not just of your tools or timing, but of your mindset. Your discipline. How steady you stay when the season starts to shake the ground beneath you.
Because when the pressure builds, it stops being about drive. It stops being about how much you can load into one week or how fast you can finish a job. It becomes about whether you can keep your standards when the clock is tight, your energy's drained, and you’ve still got three more yards ahead.
I got a taste of that earlier than expected this year. I overbooked. Took on too many small favors, too many “it’ll only take a minute” jobs. I thought I was being helpful. I thought I could manage the load. But then I found myself in a yard I should’ve been proud of and I wasn’t. Not because it was a mess, but because I knew it wasn’t my best. The work was fine. But it didn’t feel finished. It didn’t feel like me.
That’s when it hit me: I’d been stretching myself too thin, and the quality was starting to slip. Quietly. Gradually.
Every yes carries weight. And if you hand them out without thinking, you start paying for it in missed details, late evenings, and work that doesn’t sit right when you drive away.
I’ve seen it happen to a lot of people, including myself. You start cutting corners you’d never cut if you had the time to slow down. You start skipping lunch, skipping water, and telling yourself it’s just for today. But it never is. That’s a habit that’ll take more from you than any client ever could.
The folks who hold up for the long haul in this work? They’re not running wide open. They’re not chasing every job. They’re steady. They pace themselves. They know how to give their all—without giving away too much. They protect their name, their energy, and the quality of what they leave behind. And this applies to life in general.
That’s what I want this season; Solid work. Done right, with enough left in the tank to do it again tomorrow. Because your reputation isn’t built by being booked out. It's built by what kind of job you leave
LESSONS IN LIFE & LANDSCAPING
Grass Isn't the Only Thing Growing
By Ericka Hughes
behind. Especially on the hot days. Especially when you're tired. Especially when no one’s watching.
June is here, and I’m walking into it with my eyes open. I know what kind of season it can be. I’ve seen what it can take from you if you’re not careful, and what it can build in you if you are.
The grass isn’t the only thing growing this time of year. We all are.
Lessons Learned:
• Shortcuts have a way of showing up later—and costing you more.
• Your name is on every job, especially the one you were too tired to care about.
• June demands precision, not speed and it punishes shortcuts.
• Hydrate like it’s part of the job. Because it is.
• Stay sharp on both your blades and brain. Dull blades tear grass. A tired mind tears up your judgment.
• Take pride in your finish work. If it doesn’t look right when you leave, it’s not done yet.
• Be the last to lower your standards. Not the fastest to finish. Anyone can knock it out. Not everyone can leave a yard (or any project) behind that makes people ask who did it.
Fun & Games
(For kids of ALL ages!)
Help
June Word Search
Appalachian Trail
Barefoot
Black Bear
D Day
Dad
Farming
Father's Day
Festival
Flag
Gemini
Helen Keller
Hiking
History
Honeysuckle
Hydrangea
June
Normandy
Pollinators
Rhododendron Strawberry
Magazine Update
We wanted to give an update on what's going on with the magazine.
As you may have noticed, we have several new ads in this issue! Many thanks to Susie Phillips for all her efforts in ad sales and working with advertisers to gather their artwork. Each ad helps us to not only stay in business, but to grow, and we're grateful for every single advertiser! Please, please be sure to thank them for their support - and the best way to do that is to shop with them.
The new ads also mean we were able to add pages, going from 32 to 40 with the last issue. Which means more articles and stories.
Community News Coming Soon
We hope to add a "Community News" section very soon. This will consist of news briefs that can be summed up in a couple paragraphs rather than requiring a whole page. It could be a business expansion or a new business opening, a charitable event being organized, work being done that will impact the community, new teachers hired at the schools, when the campgrounds and nursery reopen, the firefighter's boot drive, and more. But, in order for this to work, we need local businesses and organizations let us know when things are happening. Consider the magazine a resource for sharing news with the community. Send your news to susie@roanmountainmagazine.com.
Social Media Help Wanted
We really need help with social media, but will warn you up front, the pay stinks. The role would include keeping the magazine's Facebook page updated, "liking" and sharing things posted by our advertisers, promoting our advertisers, sharing articles from the print issue, and keeping an eye out for newsworthy items. This would take maybe 15-30 minutes a day, but it would help tremendously. If interested in helping, please reach out to amy@roanmountainmagazine.com.
Subscriptions Anyone?
We're finally prepared to offer mailed subscriptions. The cost will be $35 for a one-year subscription. Yes, this is high, especially in comparison to national magazines, but we have to use envelopes and labels, and we won't qualify for bulk postage until we have at least 300 to mail − but even then the rates don't go down substantially until we get into the thousands. Someone also has to stuff the envelopes, apply labels and take them to the post office. But, if you're interested in having the magazine delivered to your home (or sending a subscription to a friend or family member out of the area) please email Amy for details. amy@roanmountainmagazine.com.
We Love to Hear from You!
If you liked a particular article, please let us know. It takes a lot of courage to put your words out there for the whole community to read and our writers love to hear about it when you enjoyed something they wrote. Send an email or message to Amy and she'll pass it on, or mention them on the Let's Talk Roan Mountain Facebook page.
If you have ideas for articles, we want to hear those too! We occasionally get photos from people in the community and as much as we enjoy this, there isn't always space to share them in the magazine. We do hope to start a "Reader Photo" section in the future but we're not quite there yet.
Thank you for reading and all you each do to support Roan Mountain Magazine!
Many Thanks to Our Advertisers (In alphabetical order)
2nd Amendment Gunsmith (Page 14)
A New Image (Page 18)
Behrmann Law (Page 28)
Braswell Realty (Page 2)
Doe River Resort (Page 24)
Five Star Services (Page 40)
Forever Youthful Rejuvenation Spa (Page 18)
Highlander BBQ (Page 24)
Highlander Plumbing (Page 10)
Houghton Excavation (Page 14)
Johnsons Lawn Care (Page 6)
Lacy Plumbing (Page 8)
Mountain Harbor (Page 16)
Napa (Page 14)
Northeast Community Credit Union (Page 3)
Roan Mountain Animal Hospital (Page 18)
Roan Mountain B & B (Page 18)
Roan Mountain Medical Center (Page 4)
Roan Mountain Pharmacy (Page 12)
Roan Mountain Soap & Candle (Page 12)
Roan Mountain Tire Express (Page 10)
Roan Village Roost AirBnB (Page 24)
Southern Appalachian Motor Sports (Page 14)
Stonewalls Restaurant (Page 39)
The Appalachian Station at 19-E (Page 28)
The Barn at Triple J Farm (Page 24)
Whiteway Grill (Page 12)
THE LAST WORD
Baseball
By Noah Blair
America is the land of the free and home of the brave, we are the land of opportunity and enjoy many blessings as citizens of our great country. We continue to innovate, develop, and expand our knowledge, technology, and capabilities with every passing moment. As fast as we blaze ahead with innovation and change, there are a few things that are able to stick around and remain relevant in today’s ever changing landscape.
One of those things that has stuck around and remains true to its roots is the American ballpark. In these colosseums made of steel and brick, men, women, and children gather to watch modern-day gladiators, clad in their team colors, and trying to make contact with a white ball hurdling through the air at speeds touching 100 mph.
Yes, I’m talking about the game of baseball. Baseball has lost some traction from its heyday, once referred to as America’s sport, it’s now being referenced as ”America’s favorite pastime.” Baseball has a rich and storied history in our country and has deep roots running back to the 1800s in Hoboken, NJ. The game caught fire during the Civil War when soldiers played it to pass the time in between battles.
American entertainment is full of examples of the game and its impact on society such as the classic movie from 1993, “The Sandlot” or the beloved “Field of Dreams”. The game of baseball also has been the thing that has seen our
country through some of its darkest hours. Mike Piazza’s homerun, just 10 days after the attacks on September 11th, 2001, is the stuff of legend, and if you don’t remember the moment, I would highly recommend going back and finding the footage on YouTube.
In my opinion, there are few things more enjoyable on a warm summer night than to be sitting with your family in a ballpark watching the game that has led the charge for the past 150 years, snacking on peanuts and crackerjacks during the 7th inning stretch. These moments give you a sense of time travel as you feel the history of the sport and our country collectively joining together at every sound of the bat cracking!
See you out there, and remember God Loves you!
Photos provided by Noah Blair
