<![CDATA[Local Roots]]>2b8ba330-648d-5c3f-8e07-05daaa235f32Fri, 23 Jan 2026 20:14:20 +0000Captivate.fmWEHChttps://artwork.captivate.fm/7e00d58a-4f9f-4217-b2bb-d313e04109bd/76-WWFJY6E1bgoBp5-GXUq24.jpgLocal RootsWEHCWEHCStories 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.https://local-roots.captivate.fmfalseepisodicnopodcastDonnamarie Emmert-Abingdon's Haint MistressDonnamarie Emmert-Abingdon's Haint MistressDonnamarie 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia. Stay tuned, connected, informed and entertained. This is listener supported radio. www.wehcfm.com

]]>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.

Mentioned in this episode:

WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia. Stay tuned, connected, informed and entertained. This is listener supported radio. www.wehcfm.com

]]>cf84a79d-6b11-4f2e-a13d-6136fa4416f8Sun, 10 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -050001:07:44falsefullBill Hatcher: 1942 'shootout' on Wall Street and growing up in 50's-60'sBill Hatcher: 1942 'shootout' on Wall Street and growing up in 50's-60'sBill 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia. Stay tuned, connected, informed and entertained. This is listener supported radio. www.wehcfm.com

]]>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.

Mentioned in this episode:

WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia. Stay tuned, connected, informed and entertained. This is listener supported radio. www.wehcfm.com

]]>c93a1cda-b5cb-4246-ad7b-9c7ad3bbdf61Sun, 13 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -050001:16:26falsefullHolston Mountain Artisans-early days and history with Rees Shearer, Kathy Shearer and FriendsHolston Mountain Artisans-early days and history with Rees Shearer, Kathy Shearer and FriendsKathy 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia. Stay tuned, connected, informed and entertained. This is listener supported radio. www.wehcfm.com

]]>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.

Mentioned in this episode:

WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia. Stay tuned, connected, informed and entertained. This is listener supported radio. www.wehcfm.com

]]>7c661969-8ad3-4173-86c9-c58803190b99Sun, 08 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -050001:16:39falsefullMartha Keys-Youth and Retirement on Fruit HillMartha Keys-Youth and Retirement on Fruit HillIn 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia. Stay tuned, connected, informed and entertained. This is listener supported radio. www.wehcfm.com

]]>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.

Mentioned in this episode:

WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia. Stay tuned, connected, informed and entertained. This is listener supported radio. www.wehcfm.com

]]>bb29b35c-61ff-4839-b792-1fff0b45461dSun, 11 May 2025 09:00:00 -050048:42falsefullJoyce Ferratt-The March 4, 1944 TornadoJoyce Ferratt-The March 4, 1944 TornadoJoyce 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia. Stay tuned, connected, informed and entertained. This is listener supported radio. www.wehcfm.com

]]>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.

Mentioned in this episode:

WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia. Stay tuned, connected, informed and entertained. This is listener supported radio. www.wehcfm.com

]]>ec242e6a-9378-4ed2-ab37-807e04dbcb35Sun, 13 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -050049:28falsefull