LABOR DAY TRIBUTE: Appalachian Work Ethic is on Display at Grassroots Appalachia

The hands of James Henson demonstrating his Fly Tying skills

LENOIR, N.C. – As I noted in the last essay I wrote, our community has responded with kind enthusiasm in support of the mission of Grassroots Appalachia.

The other characteristic that has been on display is the good, old-fashioned Appalachian work ethic. In fact, I refer specifically to Lenoir’s work ethic. While those choosing to be part of what we’re doing are not exclusively from Lenoir, which is a very positive development, all involved have responded with a passion consistent with our purpose for existing – helping to create conditions favorable for community life.

As I wrote recently, kindness and enthusiam from our neighbors near and far doesn’t surprise me; neither does the work ethic guiding those who have joined with us – and who will be passing on that ethic through the examples they set here.

That work ethic fueled the furniture industry for a century here until the industry abandoned the town in the early 1990s due to NAFTA. What didn’t leave, however, was the work ethic.

As I’ve noted, from the beginning we’ve had multiple people contribute. I’m going to tell you about them, because without community, we have chaos. I’m almost certainly going to omit someone, but if so, extend a bit of grace and I’ll make it up. (NOTE: As I predicted, I did omit at least one person in the initial post. Lucy Wilkes of the Foothills Writers and author of Trev Tracker and Cackle, Packle and Friends took care of some important hospitality needs that I had overlooked and was quite generous in doing so).

We have 9 authors and 23 book titles. Yes, there are checkers to go with the board

Geba Davenport of Shadow Line Vineyard has allowed me to bounce all sorts of crazy notions off of her over the last few years; she helps narrow it down to the sane ones. She and her husband Marvin have also provided beverages for two of our events. Karin Davidson and her husband John were consummate hosts at The Highland Thistle Bed & Breakfast they own in Lenoir. They hosted one of our quests for the week. He awoke rested and to a breakfast that he talked about throughout the day; he enjoyed the Davidson’s hospitality. He enjoyed the porch in the evening. Their hospitality left him quite relaxed, which I needed. He will be back. Karin, incidentally, has a book, shawls, shawl pins, goat milk soap, pin cushions and a loom stationed in our gallery/shop as she and our visitors weave a tapestry – “The Colors of Appalachia.”

Before we even unlocked the doors on our scheduled Opening – Aug. 18 – we were contacted by a friend elsewhere in North Carolina and asked if we’d be willing to host the cast and crew of a film documentary – “Don’t Rock the Boat.” It included daytime closed sets for interviews and an evening show that tested our logistical readiness. But we got it done because of the great people that were part of the documentary crew, but also because a lot of people here spent a good bit of effort getting people out to witness this unusual event for Lenoir. It was truly a team effort that filled us to capacity.

Standing, left to right: Bill Everhardt, Alen D. Baker, Gretchen Griffith and David Anders; Sitting is James Henson

The planned Opening began with an art exhibit on Aug. 18. The next day, we had more fun than should be allowed as Karin demonstrated weaving and fly-tying legends Bill Everhardt, James Henson, David Anders and Alen D. Baker joined us along with Gretchen Griffith, the local author that has helped capture so much of Caldwell County’s fly-tying history. She has several books on sale here. That evening, Amber Shoemake held a glass-painting class. Our three-year-old granddaughter said mine was the prettiest. So, a raspberry your way! Did I take photos. No! Despite being a journalist it didn’t occur to me to capture the moment; I was too busy enjoying it!

Thursday was something completely different, but just as much fun. We heard from local authors about their books. The Foothills Writing Group met, and included visitors in sharing prompts and conversations. Gretchen spoke about the importance of women in Caldwell County’s development, focusing on three books she’s written. Tony Deal closed out the evening with a discussion about his book, “But that’s not true!” Joining him in a multi-media presentation was Tonja Smith, the illustrator of his book. Indeed, Smith, an artist and author, has graced us with two lovely paintings and well as two children’s books (signed – photos here) and a small sticker of Linville Gorge. David Anders has provided an incredible selection of flies from his Fly-Tying work, a tradition as strong in Caldwell County as string music or furniture-making.

Barbara Volk’s tinctures and ointment are part of the eclectic mix of this display. It also includes jewelry by Amber Shoemake, hats with flies by David Anders and the table itself, rare Katalox wood table by Allyn Barrick

From Barbara Volk, herbalist and former head of the West Virginia Herb Association, we have tinctures and ointment. I use many of them myself and attest to their efficacy. They work! We also have signed copies of “That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore” by Lou Perez, the director and one of the stand-up comedians in the aforementioned “Rock the Boat” show.

In total, we have 9 authors and 23 titles, as well as the Mountain edition and September 2026 edition of Our State magazine. And, reading space. All the authors and the folks at Our State have been wonderful to work with and have demonstrated that Labor Day work ethic to which I allude. No deadlines have been missed.

Meanwhile, planning continues for the next events. We’re pleased to be working with musicians Terry Edwards and Bob Kogut (who just made his 320^th fiddle!). These and other musicians will be holding song nights and workshops. The space is just the right size for listening.

Skyline Bank has proven to be a great bank for us. The bank even sent an employee to our business location. Together, we spent over four hours learning our point-of-sale system. It does seem they are truly invested in our success.

The space is suitable for children. Adults can relax or take a turn on the loom while their children play. You can play checkers. Most importantly, you can support people that you can be certain have worked hard and joyfully to create the arts and crafts you enjoy here. And, they’re your neighbors.

Grassroots Appalachia has been an idea we’ve been tossing around for years. It would still be an idea if not for all of the people mentioned above and many more to follow them. It’s passion that stirs them. However, it’s good old-fashioned elbow grease, introductions to new people and showing up when needed that defines them.

We have learned that nothing good happens without hard work. All of these folks deserve our praise for representing the best of what Labor Day is about – honoring the dignity of work.

About Grassroots Appalachia

We believe Appalachia’s greatest resource is her people. Helping to create conditions favorable for community life is why Grassroots Appalachia exists. We work to connect and cultivate Appalachian people and traditions in Lenoir and beyond. We are located at 458-B Harper Avenue in Lenoir, N.C. Find us on the web. Our normal business hours are Wednesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and other times for events.