If you’ve followed me here for any amount of time you know that I love a good treasure hunt – from antique stores to barn sales on the side of a back road, I can certainly relate to the “American Pickers” way of life.
I posted previously about tips for how to shop an antiques market and one my biggest recommendations is having an on-going list of things you’re looking for so there is always something you can be keeping your eye out for.
My list is a funny thing, I’m sure, if you see it without explanation and in its entirety. One thing that is always on my list, that I inherited from my Dad’s very same list, is National Geographic, June, 1958.
Pretty specific, I know. This issue holds a special place in my heart and in my life. There is a particular story with the issue of June 1958 that features one of the tiniest towns that holds one of the biggest pieces of my heart. The story is set in the heart of Burnsville, in Yancey County, North Carolina and the author of the story My Neighbors Hold to Mountain Ways once lived in the cabin that my Aunt + Uncle live in today, the very cabin we grew up visiting all throughout our childhood.
I was just up visiting this past weekend, a getaway we make on the same weekend each year to take part in the Olde Timey Days tractor parade + Fall festival. The cabin was just listed for sale and when I visited I found out it has just been sold. My heart is heavy but I know our tradition will continue now that my dad lives up there, having a place where my own children will visit and growing that fondness in their own little hearts for the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains.
A map of Yancey County is featured, with a little sketch of the original, rustic cabin just as I remember it from my youth. A long back porch overlooking the 180 degree mountain view, where I’d sit on a picnic table with my sister every chilly morning sipping our cups of hot cocoa with one single large marshmallow melting inside. The inspiration behind the naming of our “cozy cupped cocoa” children’s apron, in fact.
The article goes on to highlight local landmarks, talk about the craft and culture of the area, including the gemstone + mica mining that occurs still today in surrounding towns. It shows the Parkway Playhouse, revived and in operation today, and a bronze statue that stands tall in the very center of the small town square. The author shares his fondness for this area, the way of life and the throwback and forgotten mountain ways but remarkable to me is that not much has changed since June of 1958. From my childhood in the 1980’s to today when I still visit in the summers with my own young family, the experiences we have are the same as they have been for generations, untouched by the technology and civilization of today.
There is much I will be sharing in future stories about this special place and our travels to the area. As part of our #HEIRLOOMEDTRAVEL series, you will certainly be hearing more from me on my love of the mountains and the traditions we are keeping alive today. If nothing else, keep your eyes peeled for this issue of National Geo just for me as my collection continues to grow.
heirloomed is a lifestyle brand with a mission of “keeping heirlooms around for another generation.” Our blog features stories about family recipes, creating traditions with your family, interior design and entertaining by mixing new and vintage pieces, classic style, and small town + historic travel. Our shop features a collection of “goods inspired by the past, for generations to enjoy” with an array of products and meaningful gifts including linen aprons, tabletop linens, art, ceramics and beyond. Learn more at www.heirloomedcollection.com.
