Kathy and Rees Shearer, along with Eric & Sara Reese and Bill Gable, shared stories of the early organizing days of Holston Mountain Artisans (HMA), a co-operative, featuring the handwork of around 100 craftspeople and artists from our region. The stories feature amusing and enlightening stories about country craftspeople, Barter Theatre founder Robert Porterfield, a Virginia governor, and Abingdon's Cave House. HMA recently moved into the former Wolf Hills Antique shop in Abingdon at 280 West Main Street.

In conversation with Tom McMullen and the audience, Martha Keys discusses memories of growing up on Fruit/Reservoir/Orchard Hill in Abingdon (late 1940's thru mind 1960's) and reflects on observed changes since returning to her family land following retirement.

Topics include (but aren't limited to):

-Historical Society of Washington County (past and present)

-Genealogy (including Kings Mountain)

-Places in Time by Nanci C. King

-William King land

-Central School

-Tobacco Festivals/auctions

-Passenger Trains

This was recorded by WEHC 90.7 FM on May 11, 2025 in the Tap Room of Tumbling Creek Cider Company, Abingdon Commons.

Joyce Ferratt of Abingdon will tell some of her memories of the 1944 tornado that hit downtown and heavily damaged her childhood home and Abingdon Academy up on the hill (an event that hit the New York Times). Her memories will come from her 6-year old perspective of that event. She will also read a letter her mother wrote to her grandmother describing the damages to the home.

Recorded in the Tumbling Creek Cider Company's Taproom on April 13, 2025.

Audio was recorded and produced by Leigh Anne Hunter, WEHC 90.7 FM Emory.