This unsigned photograph depicting a cluster of beehives was taken by Doris Ulmann in the early 1930s at an unidentified Appalachian location. The 4 logs and 2 boxes were used as beehives. Note the holes cut into the bottom of the containers. Rocks…
Ben Hall demonstrating woodcarving to Eddie Tipton, c. 1955. A. Ben Hall was one of many Brasstown Carvers from the extended Hall family, who moved from Buncombe County, NC, to the area around Brasstown in the 1920s.
Murrial Martin wrote this page in remembrance of Ben Hall, one of the original Brasstown Carvers. Martin taught woodcarving at the John C. Campbell Folk School from 1935 to 1973 and oversaw the woodcarving cooperative which became known as the…
This letter was written by woodcarver Ben Hall to Murrial Martin, known as Murray Martin, who was the carving instructor of the John C. Campbell Folk School from 1935 to 1973. Martin also managed the school's woodcarving cooperative which became…
This 1930 photograph depicts the staff of Berea College's Opportunity School. This group most likely held a meeting at the John C. Campbell Folk School where the photograph was taken by an unknown photographer. Individuals are identified on the…
Weavers in the Appalachian area worked on their own and often made the tools that they needed from regional materials. During the Craft Revival years, teachers like Clementine Douglas put them in touch with companies and outside resources to…
Betty DuPree (1929-2012) was born and raised in Cherokee, North Carolina, she lived much of her adult years away from the area, having accompanied her husband to the Southwest where he worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. She returned to…
Although Betty DuPree (1929-2012) was born and raised in Cherokee, North Carolina, she lived much of her adult years away from the area, having accompanied her husband to the Southwest where he worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. She returned…
Brasstown Carver Betty Johnson (1933-2017) did not begin carving until later in her life, but she grew up watching the work of Nolan Beaver and other Brasstown Carvers. Her pastor, Rev. Hoyt Brown (also a Brasstown Carver), gave Betty her first block…
Betty Johnson and Max Johnson with small woodcarvings, 1993. Brasstown Carver Betty Johnson (1933-2017) did not begin carving until later in her life, but she grew up watching the work of Nolan Beaver and other Brasstown Carvers. Her pastor, Rev.…