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Local Roots

Local Roots

By: WEHC
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 Stories are the Roots that Ground Us LIVE RECORDING at The Taproom - Local Roots: an Abingdon Oral History Program Picture this: A warm, inviting taproom filled with the crisp aroma of hard cider. The hum of conversation. The clink of glasses. And at the center of it all, a voice sharing a story that’s been passed down for generations—a memory of Abingdon’s past that feels as alive as the first sip of a fresh-pressed draft. Welcome to Local Roots, a new oral history series at Tumbling Creek Cider Company’s Taproom that’s part history lesson, part community gathering, and 100% Appalachian soul. Local Roots is a 90-minute oral history program designed to weave together the vibrant tapestry of Abingdon, VA, and the surrounding Appalachian region. Led by Tom McMullan—co-founder of Tumbling Creek Cider and orchard manager—this event will be recorded live and be archived at Emory & Henry University’s own WEHC radio.Copyright 2025 WEHC Art Cooking Food & Wine Social Sciences World
Episodes
  • Donnamarie Emmert-Abingdon's Haint Mistress

    Donnamarie Emmert-Abingdon's Haint Mistress
    Aug 10 2025

    Donnamarie Emmert speaks about growing up in Washington County, her schooling, moving away, and of course she shares stories!

    The Haint Mistress has been sharing the stories of the “haints” in Abingdon for over 25 years and has a masters degree in storytelling, an outrageous love for of all things Halloween-y and that go bump in the night, and a ferocious attraction to history. You’ll remember her stories for years to come.

    This oral history was presented in front of a live audience in the Taproom of Tumbling Creek Cider Company on August 10, 2025. The audio was captured by Leigh Anne Hunter at WEHC 90.7 FM. The Historical Society of Washington County, VA archives the video.
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Bill Hatcher: 1942 'shootout' on Wall Street and growing up in 50's-60's

    Bill Hatcher: 1942 'shootout' on Wall Street and growing up in 50's-60's
    Jul 13 2025

    Bill Hatcher speaks about growing up in Abingdon during the 1950’s and 1960’s and retells stories handed down from his parents and grandparents. In particular he discusses the “shootout” on Wall Street in 1942 between the FBI and two fugitives and his grandfather’s role in the event.

    He also discusses the legal methods for obtaining alcohol in Abingdon during Prohibition and much more!

    This talk occurred in front of a live audience in the Taproom of Tumbling Creek Cider Company on July 13, 2025.

    This audio was recorded be Leigh Anne Hunter with WEHC 90.7 FM Emory.

    Fore video archives, check with the Historical Society of Washington County, VA.
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Holston Mountain Artisans-early days and history with Rees Shearer, Kathy Shearer and Friends

    Holston Mountain Artisans-early days and history with Rees Shearer, Kathy Shearer and Friends
    Jun 8 2025

    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.
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    1 hr and 16 mins
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