Why We Turn Our Thoughts to Martin Luther King Jr.
A Lesson Plan that considers the reasons By Michael M. Barrick “Let us turn our thoughts today to Martin Luther King / and recognize that there are ties between us, […]
Category Archives: history
Preserving the Beauty and Heritage of Western North Carolina
A handful of souls gathering in homes 25 years ago led to the Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina that has protected nearly 60,000 acres in Western North Carolina By Michael […]
Wheeler’s Book a Colorful Appalachian Narrative
Many stories, but one theme – relationships are everything LENOIR, N.C. – Recently, as I wrote, I had the opportunity to hear Billy Edd Wheeler of Swannanoa, N.C. tell one […]
Sweet Serendipity
Up close and personal with Appalachian legends Note: This is the seventh installment from “The Hillbilly Highway, Volume 2: Seeds, Songs and Streams.” Learn more here. By Michael M. Barrick BLACK MOUNTAIN, […]
Music along the Hillbilly Highway is ‘Handmade & Heartfelt’
Kay and Patrick Crouch have taught and inspired thousands of students and others in the region; they are also premier promoters of the music of Caldwell County and Southern Appalachia […]
Towering Mountains and Church Steeples along the Hillbilly Highway
The Grandfather of mountains affords mile-high stunning views Note: This is the second installment from “The Hillbilly Highway, Volume 2: Seeds, Songs and Streams.” Learn more here. By Michael M. Barrick FOSCOE, […]
Memorial Day Not about Celebrating War, but Ending it
We honor those who gave ‘the last full measure of devotion’ by working for peace By Michael M. Barrick It was May 1950, about five years since Morgantown, W.Va. native […]
Horseford Bridge Connects the Piedmont to the Mountains
The rapid growth of Hickory in the second half of the 19th century along the Catawba River contributed greatly to Caldwell’s and region’s early growth Note: This is Part […]
Crossing the River: The Catawba Valley and the Appalachians (1747 – 1849)
First European settlers in Catawba Valley traveled the Great Wagon Road Note: This account is the first of 2 parts regarding the various transportation and economic developments that led to the opening […]
The Cost of Reaching the Moon Must Not Be Forgotten
Honoring the memories of astronauts Virgil “Gus” Grissom, Ed White and Roger Chaffee By Michael M. Barrick Fifty years ago, the USA was shooting for the moon. In fact, exactly […]
