This was my old neighborhood in 1967 while in VISTA. So many memories. The cabin was not there of course. I'm not sure where it was originally located. I do remember a cabin(s) on a road, behind my house at the base of the ridge, which went to Dry Branch?. i realized the Sears house was the residence of the Presbyterian missionary Miss Avery. Beautiful kind women. 3 VISTAs (( Cindy Stark and Jacquie Buster)were assigned to Vardy that year. We worked at the school and various civic projects. I remember well the kind people there than . the Parks Mullins, Gibsons, Collins Johnsons and Williams families. It was disconcerting watching you travel the road at speed; in my day a dirt road with frequent major pot holes, slow going. Great video. thanks
Beautiful video y'all! Driving by the cattle brought a 50 year old memory to mind. My Dad took my Pawpaw from McDowell county where we lived to visit Pawpaw's brother in Bristol. Two lane road all the way back then, so a good little trip. We passed a herd of cattle and Pawpaw said "119 cows right there." I said "Pawpaw! How did you count them as fast as we were going?" He said " Awe, I didn't count them. I just counted their legs and divided by four!" Thanks for reminding me of a simpler life and a couple of wonderful men!
I’ve asked even our precious seniors - wow nobody talks about Melungeons any more but I know there’s some in our bloodline. Anxious to watch this later after the farm has settled in for the night. Thank you and God abundantly Bless you & yours. N2
Over the last 50 years, much time and effort was spent unraveling the mystery of the Melungeons. N. Brent Kennedy III , of Wise, Va .spent most of his life researching the Melungeons of the Cumberland Gap area ( East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia and Eastern Kentucky). The Melungeon DNA Project and other organizations also did extensive research. Dr. Kennedy wrote books and articles on his research and contributed much to finding the origins of the groups. Kennedy is a Melungeon name. Interestingly, the history of the Melungeons tells the history of how early settlers, slaves, free people of color and native Americans came together in their efforts to grow and survive in the beginnings of this country. The Melungeon DNA project was able to tap the innovations of DNA science to identify the genetic uniqueness of those who were considered “Melungeon “. Those of us who are descendants of settlers who arrived in East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia or Eastern Kentucky in the late 1700s or early 1800s probably share Melungeon genes. Melungeons have tri racial DNA…caucasian, African, and Native American. There are other groups in various regions of the US who also identify as Melungeon. Dr. Kennedy’s books are available on Amazon. He died in 2020.
I’ll order that. Thank you So much. Cumberland Gap here and Mahala (paternal side) and her boys have quite the reputation for … outsmarting 2 state laws. The house bordered two states and well she had some Big Boys that could quickly push the still on the other side of the room : aka outsmarting the PINKERTONS & Law. I grew up at the knees of my elders but Momma Mahala umm … had the best “Medsun” for Counties. Truth is stranger than fiction and I just Love her ingenuity & gifts. Thank you for this. A Howard from Harlan. And a Stanley from Heck let’s just say VA. Strong Woman so I heard.
Thank you so very much for sharing this, I remember of reading about the Melungeon in school. I so much want to visit this place, I had two friends in school that where blood line to the Melungeon. How we all knew where by the big bump like on the back of the head and they to where Mullins! Thanks again for a great history tour! God Bless, (Glen).
Lawd...Shane and I think alike, I had covid and that was the first thing I did, reached for the shine....it may not have did any good but it made me feel like it was doing some good....lol. That cabin is beautiful, I wouldn't have a problem living it that today...
Good video…I am a Mullins from Eastern Ky! My grandparents and great grandparents both moonshined just to make a living along w gardening just to eat. My Dad had to quit school at 11 yrs old to help tend the garden. Anything from 1940 on back to the 1800s people had it rough before industrialization came about. Love the videos!
Hello Melody and Shane. That was a beautiful ride along the way. I've told you in the past, that my relatives, on my mothers side were from Dickerson County, and it so happens her maiden name was Mullins. Melody, I might live in that cabin for a week or two, but that's about it. I need my computer! Take care and later.👍
It must have been quite a job to move that house from where it was located..... and what a life ! 20 kids, burying 6 of them and her husband, the cabin must have been pretty isolated as well back then and her ending up a prisoner in her house, wow ! It was a long life too, 74 must have been really old at the time. I salute her courage. Thanks for that story :-)
Pretty nice cabin for Big Haley Mahala. I would have bought some distilled spirits from her. I have heard about the Melungeons and their diversity. When you that deep in the woods, you may not have choices about hooking up.
The log house was cool. Paul Johnson was correct in stating that the Vardy Community Historical Society has done a wonderful job of maintaining the sites. I also loved the church. WVirginians are very hospitable. Thank you for such a wonderful video.
Sure enjoyed the video, I wonder what kind of car in the barn at 2:33 it favored a dodge maybe but couldn’t tell, nice old cabin , very nice drive!!! Poor ole woman probably had to bootleg in order to be able to eat!!! Thanks again
I tried to make it out on the video too but couldnt quite tell - somehow I didnt see it while i was driving. I'm sure you're right about the bootlegging, feeding herself (and her kids) must have taken a lot.
The cabin and that lady were very interesting. I most enjoy the scenery and the churches in your videos. If I were living down there I'd be taking pictures of every church I saw, which is what I have done up here. Thanks.
Shame y'all couldn't go inside the cabin. That was so neat looking. The drive there was peaceful and beautiful as well. I've always said I don't need a mansion in Heaven, just give me a log cabin by the crystal clear waters & I'll be happy for all eternity! I used to work at a major psychiatric hospital & I remember seeing a patient with elephantitis in the little store inside the main hospital. My heart just broke for her. Her poor legs were so big, the skin at her ankles fell down over her shoes (flats) & rubbed on the floor as she walked causing sores & blisters. She was big all over as well & could walk, but barely. I've been disabled since 1997 & worked at the hospital from 1984 to 1995...11-1/2 yrs. I miss it so bad & would go back in a heartbeat if it was still like it was then. It's now just a section of the regular hospital. And I do have cousins from my mama's side that can make the best 'shine around just out the road! It was handed down from dads & uncles! Will cure whatever ails ya! Thank y'all. This was very interesting. Y'all be safe now, ya hear? God bless y'all! 🥃🤗🙏💗
A great story, lots of history I'm our area. Hillbillies, beans & taters, cornbread & maters, kraut, pickled corn on the cobb, pickled beans, strawberry rhubarb pie, grits, eggs, sliced picnic shoulder, & more.
Mahala " Collins" Mullins was my Great, great, great, great Grandmother and she was a wonderful but vey wild women. So much history about her and our family history goes way back. Ishould come back there and live in her cabin, I would love to do that. ❤
When my father went into the USMC, in 1950, he was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC. He said they'd purchase some moonshine from the locals, but to drink it, you'd have to have one foot on the floor, and the other foot in your bed (cot), because you'd be plastered pretty soon. 😊
Thank you guys. I had no idea her cabin was still standing or they moved it down the ridge. I wonder if her grave is marked up there? She is supposed to be buried in the original yard.
No it's not marked and very hard to locate because it's so overgrown. The last time I was there was sometime in the 90's, before the cabin was moved. There are 3 unmarked stones for her husband and 2 son's, her grave has sunk down and has a tree growing out of it. I probably couldn't find it today since the cabins gone.
Don't want to overtalk, but in NW, DC there are a group of houses bought from Sears prefab kits and they are full two story with attic/rooms and basement. Up by Blair Road and Piney Branch Road.
I'm guessing you're referring to Take Me Home, Country Roads but the first thing I thought of was Sunshine on My Shoulders Makes Me Happy...I think I need to go to bed lol
we plan on doing videos of our hometowns in the future then cover our backgrounds in it. It is a little tricky because we want to do our hometowns justice.
PS: Mammaw Another name I’m so YOUNG I grew up with Mullins-Howard-Sutton Brand. Whew !!! Wheelie. Grammaw cleared me up fro Strep Throat in 4 hrs. I take after her Mtn Midwife (um … Dr cuz Dr off elsewhere) Ways. LOLOL I’m a Southern Holistic Person of Aid …. and then there’s the Cherokee half of me. Yes sir & ma’am Double Dipped. Scottish man marries Cherokee (Dads parents) and Mom’s Cherokee Daddy married a FIREY FIESTY yet Honey Butter). I’m Dale Dipped. 😳😁
The cabin is big but it wasn't big enough for twenty two people. There was room for expansion. I like log cabins but they are only suitable for places that don't get hurricanes .
I grew up near blountville Tenn. Had pickled beans, pickled corn on the cobb, sliced picnic shoulder, grits, eggs, bean & taters, cornbread, buttermilk, scalded lettuce with hot bacon grease. Grape Kool aid. And in winter we rode on a car hood downhill. Country cooking you can't beat it. Oh and home made kraut. And a country store nearby we would get an RC cola and pour peanuts in it and drink it right up. I was just thinking about fried bologna. With maters & mayonnaise. Fried bologna on toast. Whole wheat toast.
This Strong Woman that made a profit of ‘medicinal’ toddies. Today she would have a Cannabis Plot her younger ones took care of. Also Extremely Medicinal. Oh yes she would. 😊
Hoooome. ET phone Home. You’re heading in my neck of the backwoods. Gibson’s and Stanley’s, Ford, Bell’s & Webb’s *everywhere. Sorry y’all if I missed your epic surname. God bless you. Lol your Cousin.
This was my old neighborhood in 1967 while in VISTA. So many memories. The cabin was not there of course. I'm not sure where it was originally located. I do remember a cabin(s) on a road, behind my house at the base of the ridge, which went to Dry Branch?. i realized the Sears house was the residence of the Presbyterian missionary Miss Avery. Beautiful kind women. 3 VISTAs (( Cindy Stark and Jacquie Buster)were assigned to Vardy that year. We worked at the school and various civic projects. I remember well the kind people there than . the Parks Mullins, Gibsons, Collins Johnsons and Williams families. It was disconcerting watching you travel the road at speed; in my day a dirt road with frequent major pot holes, slow going. Great video. thanks
Absolutely a beautiful area of America! Thanks for sharing. My momma’s blood is from Williamson WV and I just love the Appalachian Mountains.
I love the dovetail joints on that cabin.
Beautiful video y'all! Driving by the cattle brought a 50 year old memory to mind. My Dad took my Pawpaw from McDowell county where we lived to visit Pawpaw's brother in Bristol. Two lane road all the way back then, so a good little trip. We passed a herd of cattle and Pawpaw said "119 cows right there." I said "Pawpaw! How did you count them as fast as we were going?" He said " Awe, I didn't count them. I just counted their legs and divided by four!" Thanks for reminding me of a simpler life and a couple of wonderful men!
He must have been a real math wizard lol, great story
Moon Shine helped me when i was bored on a Saturday night! Think i saw white lightning !
That was really cool to see, thank you Melody and Shane. I'm with you Melody, it would be my dream cabin.
glad you enjoyed it!
I’ve asked even our precious seniors - wow nobody talks about Melungeons any more but I know there’s some in our bloodline. Anxious to watch this later after the farm has settled in for the night. Thank you and God abundantly Bless you & yours. N2
God bless you too 😊
Over the last 50 years, much time and effort was spent unraveling the mystery of the Melungeons. N. Brent Kennedy III , of Wise, Va .spent most of his life researching the Melungeons of the Cumberland Gap area ( East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia and Eastern Kentucky). The Melungeon DNA Project and other organizations also did extensive research. Dr. Kennedy wrote books and articles on his research and contributed much to finding the origins of the groups. Kennedy is a Melungeon name.
Interestingly, the history of the Melungeons tells the history of how early settlers, slaves, free people of color and native Americans came together in their efforts to grow and survive in the beginnings of this country. The Melungeon DNA project was able to tap the innovations of DNA science to identify the genetic uniqueness of those who were considered “Melungeon “. Those of us who are descendants of settlers who arrived in East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia or Eastern Kentucky in the late 1700s or early 1800s probably share Melungeon genes. Melungeons have tri racial DNA…caucasian, African, and Native American. There are other groups in various regions of the US who also identify as Melungeon. Dr. Kennedy’s books are available on Amazon. He died in 2020.
I’ll order that. Thank you So much. Cumberland Gap here and Mahala (paternal side) and her boys have quite the reputation for … outsmarting 2 state laws. The house bordered two states and well she had some Big Boys that could quickly push the still on the other side of the room : aka outsmarting the PINKERTONS & Law. I grew up at the knees of my elders but Momma Mahala umm … had the best “Medsun” for Counties. Truth is stranger than fiction and I just Love her ingenuity & gifts. Thank you for this.
A Howard from Harlan. And a Stanley from Heck let’s just say VA. Strong Woman so I heard.
Enjoyed this ....very beautiful cabin and church ......a very scenic valley.....thanks and God bless 🙏❤
God bless you too, Ben
That is a beautiful place and very peaceful. Could ya imagine back in the day. Thanks again for another great video.
it is great to get a taste of what life used to be like
"A friend of a friend, of a friend": That's how I used to buy "whacky tabacky" back in the mid seventies. 😄
that's the deal lol
Momma used to say she made her own smokes from rabbit tobacco ----tabakey
👍
What a beautiful day. Made for a great ride. Thank you for taking me along. Keep up the great videos. Have fun, stay safe and stay healthy! 😎
thanks for riding along with us :)
My great grandmas name was Nancy Mahala Norwood Arnett!!! 🥰❤️😍
Thank you so very much for sharing this, I remember of reading about the Melungeon in school. I so much want to visit this place, I had two friends in school that where blood line to the Melungeon. How we all knew where by the big bump like on the back of the head and they to where Mullins! Thanks again for a great history tour! God Bless, (Glen).
God bless you too, Glen, glad you enjoyed it
Lawd...Shane and I think alike, I had covid and that was the first thing I did, reached for the shine....it may not have did any good but it made me feel like it was doing some good....lol. That cabin is beautiful, I wouldn't have a problem living it that today...
That's a nice peaceful looking area and all the homes look in good shape
they sure are
Good video…I am a Mullins from Eastern Ky! My grandparents and great grandparents both moonshined just to make a living along w gardening just to eat. My Dad had to quit school at 11 yrs old to help tend the garden. Anything from 1940 on back to the 1800s people had it rough before industrialization came about. Love the videos!
Thanks so much, Mullins is a popular name in this part of the country
I bet apple moonshine tastes good.
Have just a little at home, you & your wife do some flat-foot dancing
Hello Melody and Shane. That was a beautiful ride along the way. I've told you in the past, that my relatives, on my mothers side were from Dickerson County, and it so happens her maiden name was Mullins. Melody, I might live in that cabin for a week or two, but that's about it. I need my computer! Take care and later.👍
yeah, sometimes the thought of it sounds better than the reality of it feels
It must have been quite a job to move that house from where it was located..... and what a life ! 20 kids, burying 6 of them and her husband, the cabin must have been pretty isolated as well back then and her ending up a prisoner in her house, wow ! It was a long life too, 74 must have been really old at the time. I salute her courage. Thanks for that story :-)
Pretty nice cabin for Big Haley Mahala. I would have bought some distilled spirits from her. I have heard about the Melungeons and their diversity. When you that deep in the woods, you may not have choices about hooking up.
Love the cabin. I too, love the breezeway. Incredible piece of history.
we were thrilled to know it still exists
A Dog-trot house
The log house was cool. Paul Johnson was correct in stating that the Vardy Community Historical Society has done a wonderful job of maintaining the sites. I also loved the church. WVirginians are very hospitable. Thank you for such a wonderful video.
Sure enjoyed the video, I wonder what kind of car in the barn at 2:33 it favored a dodge maybe but couldn’t tell, nice old cabin , very nice drive!!! Poor ole woman probably had to bootleg in order to be able to eat!!! Thanks again
I tried to make it out on the video too but couldnt quite tell - somehow I didnt see it while i was driving. I'm sure you're right about the bootlegging, feeding herself (and her kids) must have taken a lot.
Neat story and video. Such a relaxing and pretty drive. I use moonshine to make toddies too. Sometimes it makes me very jovial haha.
I feel you on that one lol
The cabin and that lady were very interesting. I most enjoy the scenery and the churches in your videos. If I were living down there I'd be taking pictures of every church I saw, which is what I have done up here. Thanks.
I really enjoy seeing the old churches too
Just subscribed to your channel awesome video very interesting, i have to say i could listen to your southern accent for hours i love it ❤
Thank you!!
Shame y'all couldn't go inside the cabin. That was so neat looking. The drive there was peaceful and beautiful as well. I've always said I don't need a mansion in Heaven, just give me a log cabin by the crystal clear waters & I'll be happy for all eternity! I used to work at a major psychiatric hospital & I remember seeing a patient with elephantitis in the little store inside the main hospital. My heart just broke for her. Her poor legs were so big, the skin at her ankles fell down over her shoes (flats) & rubbed on the floor as she walked causing sores & blisters. She was big all over as well & could walk, but barely. I've been disabled since 1997 & worked at the hospital from 1984 to 1995...11-1/2 yrs. I miss it so bad & would go back in a heartbeat if it was still like it was then. It's now just a section of the regular hospital. And I do have cousins from my mama's side that can make the best 'shine around just out the road! It was handed down from dads & uncles! Will cure whatever ails ya! Thank y'all. This was very interesting. Y'all be safe now, ya hear? God bless y'all! 🥃🤗🙏💗
that disease must be something awful, God bless you too, Debbie
A great story, lots of history I'm our area. Hillbillies, beans & taters, cornbread & maters, kraut, pickled corn on the cobb, pickled beans, strawberry rhubarb pie, grits, eggs, sliced picnic shoulder, & more.
Great video!! Thank you Melody and Shane.
Glad you enjoyed it!
What beautiful countryside! I enjoyed your narration. 😊
Thank y’all for sharing this. Beautiful cabin I could definitely live in it ❤️
Glad you liked it, it did feel like itd make for a good home
Mahala " Collins" Mullins was my Great, great, great, great Grandmother and she was a wonderful but vey wild women. So much history about her and our family history goes way back. Ishould come back there and live in her cabin, I would love to do that. ❤
I could live there!
Hey ya'll when ya'll were driving that curvy road and went quiet , I fell asleep, it was peaceful , thank ya'll for a pretty drive. Mike
it was a peaceful, pretty drive - very relaxing
Nice job guys
thank ya!
When my father went into the USMC, in 1950, he was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC. He said they'd purchase some moonshine from the locals, but to drink it, you'd have to have one foot on the floor, and the other foot in your bed (cot), because you'd be plastered pretty soon. 😊
the real stuff is called white lightning for a reason lol
Thank you guys. I had no idea her cabin was still standing or they moved it down the ridge. I wonder if her grave is marked up there? She is supposed to be buried in the original yard.
No it's not marked and very hard to locate because it's so overgrown. The last time I was there was sometime in the 90's, before the cabin was moved. There are 3 unmarked stones for her husband and 2 son's, her grave has sunk down and has a tree growing out of it. I probably couldn't find it today since the cabins gone.
Thank you for this..I loved it..
Glad you enjoyed it :)
A city mile is quick
A country mile is long
A mountain mile can make a grown man weep.
Hey Melody and Shane!! Hope you both are well tonight. I'm sure I'll enjoy the video.
we sure hope you enjoy it, Buz
@@realappalachia Absolutely! It was very nice and what beautiful weather!!
That was very interesting.
Sears homes were very well built and had a lot of character. We have a pretty good number in our area. I would love to own one.
Don't want to overtalk, but in NW, DC there are a group of houses bought from Sears prefab kits and they are full two story with attic/rooms and basement. Up by Blair Road and Piney Branch Road.
I absolutely love seeing those homes and wish we could see those in person
Disco07 These homes not going anywhere. I would take pics but here in town there could be issues. Google them!
Awesome video, Thank you
Glad you liked it!
My mom was a Melugin that originally our fam came from melugins grove Tennessee.
What exactly is a melungin?
hard this story A few times first time seeing the video of the cabin
It’s weird yet cool, hearing “family legends” from other people. I guess some of my grandmother and great-grandfather’s stories were actually true.
I feel like John Denver should be playing in the background
I'm guessing you're referring to Take Me Home, Country Roads but the first thing I thought of was Sunshine on My Shoulders Makes Me Happy...I think I need to go to bed lol
@@realappalachia As long as it's not banjo music. Lol.
Love this, thank you!
Thank you for watching, glad you enjoyed it
Thanks would love to see it
Loved it ❤️
That is one amazing structure. When did you say it was first built ? Does anyone know?
Thanks
very interesting
Shane, you should tell Fauci to can the "jabs", and have people drink moonshine instead. 😂🤣😊😁😆😜😅
I think moonshiners might tell fauci to take his jab and go to prison
Do you all ever talk about yourselves? I would like to learn more about you!
we plan on doing videos of our hometowns in the future then cover our backgrounds in it. It is a little tricky because we want to do our hometowns justice.
Would be cool if you could talk to melungeon people living in Appalachia today and get their poison view
If she couldn’t get out of the house how did she get the makings for her shine?
i'm guessing some of her many children helped her with it
@@realappalachia yep. And some of the locals helped her. My whole family is from around Newman's Ridge.
Did the moonshine clear some symptoms or made you not care about the symptoms.
a little of both i guess lol but i didn't have any more congestion in my chest after the first hot toddy was downed, it just disappeared for good
Wow, 20 kids lived?
6 died
Are you the woman from the video about the NC flood that said, come hell or high water? I know I have saw you somewhere before. ( : Great video, guys!
can you show some more old cabins..i make miniatures of them.
Melissa McCarthy Should play her in the movie
Not a bad choice lol
👍👍
Enjoy your different post. Thank you.
Thanks, Elaine!
All the revenuers cared about was only tax----revenue.
People here in these parts pronounces her name as /Muh-hell-yuh/ or just called her “Big Haley”.
I also meant to say that Kentuckians are also friendly. Be careful with the thirdary roads.
PS: Mammaw Another name
I’m so YOUNG I grew up with Mullins-Howard-Sutton Brand.
Whew !!! Wheelie. Grammaw cleared me up fro Strep Throat in 4 hrs. I take after her Mtn Midwife (um … Dr cuz Dr off elsewhere) Ways. LOLOL I’m a Southern Holistic Person of Aid …. and then there’s the Cherokee half of me. Yes sir & ma’am Double Dipped. Scottish man marries Cherokee (Dads parents) and Mom’s Cherokee Daddy married a FIREY FIESTY yet Honey Butter). I’m Dale Dipped. 😳😁
Well yeah, it has changed. It’s been cleared.
None for me please. Lol
Ps. Having trouble hearing Shane 😩
A song I wrote dedicated to Mahala Mullins the Moonshine Queen ua-cam.com/video/XItt_cFqDxU/v-deo.htmlsi=PK2Mq3AFIB8ytQVO
My cousin was so sure we had melungon his was destroyed we weren't
The cabin is big but it wasn't big enough for twenty two people. There was room for expansion. I like log cabins but they are only suitable for places that don't get hurricanes .
Was the still inside the cabin?
Sadly, no lol
What was Mahala's husband?
👍
I grew up near blountville Tenn. Had pickled beans, pickled corn on the cobb, sliced picnic shoulder, grits, eggs, bean & taters, cornbread, buttermilk, scalded lettuce with hot bacon grease. Grape Kool aid.
And in winter we rode on a car hood downhill. Country cooking you can't beat it. Oh and home made kraut. And a country store nearby we would get an RC cola and pour peanuts in it and drink it right up.
I was just thinking about fried bologna.
With maters & mayonnaise. Fried bologna on toast. Whole wheat toast.
This Strong Woman that made a profit of ‘medicinal’ toddies.
Today she would have a Cannabis Plot her younger ones took care of. Also Extremely Medicinal. Oh yes she would. 😊
I can hear you but he is very hard to hear like he's not talking in the mic
SOMEBODY DRIVES TO FAST!!!
Why are you driving so fast
The camera makes it look that way. He's probably doin 40-50
Hoooome. ET phone Home. You’re heading in my neck of the backwoods. Gibson’s and Stanley’s, Ford, Bell’s & Webb’s *everywhere.
Sorry y’all if I missed your epic surname. God bless you. Lol your Cousin.