Appalachian Studies Commons^™

Broken Stone: Finding Dust And Dragons In Appalachia, Jonathan Lounsberry

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

Submitted to the faculty of Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Bachelor of Fine Arts in the Department of English at Morehead State University by Jonathan Lounsberry in May of 2010.

Et Cetera, Marshall University

Et Cetera

Founded in 1953, Et Cetera is an annual literary magazine that publishes the creative writing and artwork of Marshall University students and affiliates. Et Cetera is free to the Marshall University community.

Et Cetera welcomes submissions in literary and film criticism, poetry, short stories, drama, all types of creative non-fiction, photography, and art.

Heavier Than It Looks And Other Stories, Matthew Tobias Ray

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Heavier Than It Looks and Other Stories is a collection of fiction containing one novella-length story, in six parts, centering on the life of a young man coming to terms with a close friend’s suicide. The remaining stories depict different characters amidst situations unique to each character’s stage in life: childhood in 1930s Appalachia in "The Other Kid In a Candy Store," mourning and violent crime in "Picking A Lock," transcendence in "Pathétique," mid-life changes in "Lester’s Last Melancholy," managing addiction in "Staying Clean," youthful folly in "Just For Fun," and storytelling in "The Taste of a Story." Works that …

Now & Then (Volume 26, Issue 01, 2010), Center Of Excellence For Appalachian Studies And Services, East Tennessee State University

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 26, Issue 01, published in 2010. The theme of this issue is Appalachian High. This issue explores the many meanings of "high" in Appalachian life, ranging from the devastating effects of prescription drug abuse to the exhilaration of mountain landscapes, music, food, and personal achievement. Articles examine public health challenges, economic disparities, and environmental consequences alongside stories of flight, elevation, celebration, and cultural pride, including reflections on notable regional figures and traditions. Through essays, fiction, poetry, and reviews, the issue presents "high" as both a warning and a wonder, capturing the extremes …

0777: Kenneth Hechler Papers, 1958-1976, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

Personal family papers, photographs and correspondence. Includes research material for Hechler's book, "The Bridge at Remagen". Also includes campaign material for Congressional races, West Virginia Secretary of State and a bid for the governorship of West Virginia.

Now & Then (Volume 25, Issue 01, 2009), Center Of Excellence For Appalachian Studies And Services, East Tennessee State University

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 25, Issue 01, published in 2009. The theme of this issue is Foodways. This issue explores the rich diversity of Appalachian food culture, tracing how Native American, European, and immigrant traditions have blended to shape the region's kitchens, farms, and tables. Articles examine local agriculture, foraging, home cooking, preservation methods, community meals, and restaurant traditions, alongside iconic foods such as cornbread, beans, pork, pepperoni rolls, and candy making. Through stories that connect food to memory, labor, faith, and identity, the issue portrays Appalachian cuisine as dynamic and multicultural, rooted in both historical …

Now & Then (Volume 25, Issue 02, 2009), Center Of Excellence For Appalachian Studies And Services, East Tennessee State University

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 25, Issue 02, published in 2009. The theme of this issue is Spirits of Appalachia. This issue explores the many meanings of "spirits" in Appalachian culture, from ghost lore and supernatural traditions to religious faith, memory, and distilled beverages. Articles recount haunted places, prophetic experiences, protective folk practices, and enduring legends, while also reflecting on ancestral presence, community figures who inspire others, and personal encounters with loss and resilience. Features on moonshine, wine, and regional drink traditions complement essays, poetry, and reviews that portray spirits as both otherworldly and deeply human, revealing …

Gretchen's Family, Barbara A. Soard

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the Caudill College of Humanities at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts by Barbara A. Soard in December of 2008.

Et Cetera, Marshall University

Et Cetera

Founded in 1953, Et Cetera is an annual literary magazine that publishes the creative writing and artwork of Marshall University students and affiliates. Et Cetera is free to the Marshall University community.

Et Cetera welcomes submissions in literary and film criticism, poetry, short stories, drama, all types of creative non-fiction, photography, and art.

Now & Then (Volume 24, Issue 01, 2008), Center Of Excellence For Appalachian Studies And Services, East Tennessee State University

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 24, Issue 01, published in 2008. The theme of this issue is Urbane. This issue examines the urban and cosmopolitan dimensions of Appalachian life, challenging the notion that the region is defined solely by rural traditions. Articles explore city culture, historic resorts, independent bookstores, intentional communities, and public arts initiatives, while also reflecting on places such as Pittsburgh, Asheville, Chattanooga, and Birmingham as centers of cultural exchange and innovation. Through essays, poetry, and features on music, food, and literature, the issue presents Appalachia as a region where urban life, cultural sophistication, and …

Now & Then (Volume 24, Issue 02, 2008), Center Of Excellence For Appalachian Studies And Services, East Tennessee State University

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 24, Issue 02, published in 2008. The theme of this issue is Fabric of Appalachia. This issue explores the literal and symbolic fabric that shapes Appalachian culture, from textiles and clothing to the traditions, labor, and identities woven into everyday life. Articles examine quilting, chenille bedspreads, work wear, and protest T-shirts, alongside stories of artisans, farmers, and families whose crafts and livelihoods reflect the region's material culture. Through essays, poetry, and reflections on memory and place, the issue portrays fabric as both a physical thread in Appalachian history and a metaphor for …

Et Cetera, Marshall University

Et Cetera

Founded in 1953, Et Cetera is an annual literary magazine that publishes the creative writing and artwork of Marshall University students and affiliates. Et Cetera is free to the Marshall University community.

Et Cetera welcomes submissions in literary and film criticism, poetry, short stories, drama, all types of creative non-fiction, photography, and art.

Now & Then (Volume 23, Issue 01, 2007), Center Of Excellence For Appalachian Studies And Services, East Tennessee State University

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 23, Issue 01, published in 2007. The theme of this issue is Digging Appalachia (Archaeology). This issue explores the many meanings of "digging" in Appalachia, from archaeological discovery and paleontology to mining, farming, and the search for cultural roots. Articles highlight the remarkable Gray Fossil Site in Northeast Tennessee, alongside reflections on coal mining, family cemeteries, ginseng fathering, and the everyday labor of working the land. Through stories of scientists, farmers, treasure hunters, and community members who "dig" in the region in both literal and figurative ways, the issue examines how uncovering …

Now & Then (Volume 23, Issue 02, 2007), Center Of Excellence For Appalachian Studies And Services, East Tennessee State University

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 23, Issue 02, published in 2007. The theme of this issue is Wildness. This issue considers the idea of wildness in Appalachian life, nature, and imagination. Through stories of animals, landscapes, and unconventional personalities, contributors reflect on the unpredictable forces that shape both the natural world and human experience, from encounters with wolves, crows, bears, and elusive mountain creatures to memories of rebellious musicians, herbal traditions, and youthful mischief. Essays, fiction, and poetry together explore wildness as both a literal presence in the region's environment and a symbolic expression of independence, mystery, …

Et Cetera, Marshall University

Et Cetera

Founded in 1953, Et Cetera is an annual literary magazine that publishes the creative writing and artwork of Marshall University students and affiliates. Et Cetera is free to the Marshall University community.

Et Cetera welcomes submissions in literary and film criticism, poetry, short stories, drama, all types of creative non-fiction, photography, and art.

Now & Then (Volume 22, Issue 02, 2006), Center Of Excellence For Appalachian Studies And Services, East Tennessee State University

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 22, Issue 02, published in 2006. The theme of this issue is Celebrating Appalachian Institutions. This issue features the organizations, traditions, and individuals that have shaped Appalachian civic and cultural life. Articles examine a wide range of institutions, front he Crossnore School, the Southern Appalachian Labor School, and the Tennessee Valley Authority to the Appalachian League of minor league baseball, the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, and the Barter Theatre, alongside reflections on figures such as author Wilma Dykeman and Senator Robert Byrd. Through Essays, poetry, and features on music, food, and community …

Now & Then (Volume 22, Issue 01, 2006), Center Of Excellence For Appalachian Studies And Services, East Tennessee State University

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 22, Issue 01, published in 2006. The theme of this issue is Family Matters. This issue reflects on the many meanings of family in Appalachian life, from kinship and heritage to community ties that extend beyond blood. Through stories of multigenerational families, remembered neighbors, musicians, miners, and newcomers finding their place in mountain communities, contributors reflect on how identity and belonging are shaped by relationships, memory, and shared history. Essays and features, from tributes to figures like Janette Carter to reflections on land, tradition, and the Sago mining tragedy, highlight the enduring …

Canary In The Dark, Andrea Fekete

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

I began researching Appalachian culture in 1998. I wanted to tell a story about conflict and beauty while revealing my vision of who my people were/are. I strived to create a fiction not unlike poetry with realistic and minimalist features to give Appalachia the most accurate face possible as perceived by me through my own lens.

I wanted to explore the idea of beauty: Virginia’s (the main character) ideas about her beauty, her culture and other cultures. What is beauty? Who defines it? Can it be found everywhere? How? What does it look like when it is somewhere you wouldn’t …

Now & Then (Volume 21, Issue 01, 2005), Center Of Excellence For Appalachian Studies And Services, East Tennessee State University

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 21, Issue 01, published in 2005. The theme of this issue is the Media and Appalachia. This issue examines how Appalachia has been portrayed by the media and how people within the region respond to and shape those portrayals. Articles explore the tension between stereotypes and reality in literature, journalism, and television, including critiques of "hillbilly" depictions in national media and reflections on the lasting legacy of the War on Poverty. Other pieces highlight journalists, photographers, and commentators who document Appalachian communities from within, offering more authentic perspectives on regional life. Through …

Now & Then (Volume 21, Issue 02, 2005), Center Of Excellence For Appalachian Studies And Services, East Tennessee State University

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 21, Issue 02, published in 2005. The theme of this issue is Car Racing in Appalachia. This issue explores the deep cultural, historical, and economic roots of car racing in Appalachia, tracing its evolution from moonshine runners' backroad competitions to the global phenomenon of NASCAR. Articles examine the sport's regional origins, the passionate loyalty of its fan base, and the significant economic impact of speedways on surrounding communities. Features also consider racing's connections to education, business, and even religious expression at the track, alongside personal reflections from drivers and fans whose lives …

Hit The Ground Running: A Novella And Other Stories, Lisa Robinson

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This creative thesis contains a collection of short stories divided into two parts. The first half, a novella entitled Clothes on a Line, consists of a series of linked vignettes that depict the life of a young, unnamed Appalachian girl and her relationship with her promiscuous mother. Throughout the work, the narrator struggles to create and come to terms with her identity as she experiences the adversities of sexual abuse, death, alcoholism, and the looming “secret” of her unknown father. The second half, Consumed and Other Stories, features several short pieces that, while not inter-related like those in …

Et Cetera, Marshall University

Et Cetera

Founded in 1953, Et Cetera is an annual literary magazine that publishes the creative writing and artwork of Marshall University students and affiliates. Et Cetera is free to the Marshall University community.

Et Cetera welcomes submissions in literary and film criticism, poetry, short stories, drama, all types of creative non-fiction, photography, and art.

Now & Then (Volume 20, Issues 02-03, 2003), Center Of Excellence For Appalachian Studies And Services, East Tennessee State University

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 20, Issues 02-03, published in 2003. This issue, titled "Tribute to 20 Years," celebrates 20 years of the Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services. This special double issue commemorates the twentieth anniversary of the Center for Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services (CASS) and reflects on the role of Now & Then in presenting a fuller portrait of Appalachian life beyond stereotypes. Through retrospectives on CASS programs, including the Archives of Appalachia, the Reece Museum, the Encyclopedia of Appalachia, and ETSU's Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies program, the …

Now & Then (Volume 20, Issue 01, 2003), Center Of Excellence For Appalachian Studies And Services, East Tennessee State University

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 20, Issue 01, published in 2003. The theme of this issue is Youth of Appalachia. This issue focuses on the experiences, opportunities, and identities of young people in Appalachia. Articles highlight programs that expand educational and creative pathways for Appalachian youth, including college-access initiatives and documentary filmmaking through Appalshop, while also exploring the curiosity, resilience, and imagination that shape life in the mountains. Essays reflect on childhood, mentorship, cultural identity, and the enduring connection many young Appalachians feel to their land and heritage. Together with fiction, poetry, and reviews, the issue portrays …

Et Cetera, Marshall University

Et Cetera

Founded in 1953, Et Cetera is an annual literary magazine that publishes the creative writing and artwork of Marshall University students and affiliates. Et Cetera is free to the Marshall University community.

Et Cetera welcomes submissions in literary and film criticism, poetry, short stories, drama, all types of creative non-fiction, photography, and art.

Now & Then (Volume 19, Issue 01, 2002), Center Of Excellence For Appalachian Studies And Services, East Tennessee State University

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 19, Issue 01, published in 2002. The theme of this issue is Beyond Our Borders. This issue explores how Appalachia connects with the wider world through global events, migration, and cultural exchange. Articles examine the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in Shanksville, the transatlantic roots of Appalachian families, the emergence of international digital networks linking mountain communities, and cultural contrasts in how poverty is understood in Appalachia and abroad. Essays and creative works further reflect on identity, prejudice, and cultural perception, from immigrant experiences in East Tennessee to debates over Appalachian …

Now & Then (Volume 19, Issue 03, 2002), Center Of Excellence For Appalachian Studies And Services, East Tennessee State University

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 19, Issue 03, published in 2002. The theme of this issue is Paying Tribute. This issue focuses on remembrance and honoring those whose lives and work have shaped Appalachian culture, history, and community. Through tributes to influential writers, scholars, athletes, and everyday individuals, the articles and essays explore how memory preserves legacies and keeps the past alive. Contributors reflect on figures ranging from celebrated literary voices to family members and local leaders whose stories embody perseverance, creativity, and cultural stewardship. Accompanied by fiction, poetry, and reviews, the issue emphasizes storytelling as a …

Now & Then (Volume 19, Issue 02, 2002), Center Of Excellence For Appalachian Studies And Services, East Tennessee State University

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 19, Issue 02, published in 2002. The theme of this issue is First Person Appalachia. This issue centers on personal narrative and memory as essential ways of preserving Appalachian experience. Through essays recounting encounters with patients, storytellers, family traditions, childhood moments, and creative callings, contributors reflect on how individual lives, whether those of physicians, writers, students, or community members, capture broader truths about identity, hardship, and belonging in the region. Complemented by fiction, poetry, and the 2002 Now & Then Appalachian Poetry Competition, the issue highlights storytelling as a vital means of …

Et Cetera, Marshall University

Et Cetera

Founded in 1953, Et Cetera is an annual literary magazine that publishes the creative writing and artwork of Marshall University students and affiliates. Et Cetera is free to the Marshall University community.

Et Cetera welcomes submissions in literary and film criticism, poetry, short stories, drama, all types of creative non-fiction, photography, and art.

Now & Then (Volume 18, Issue 01, 2001), Center Of Excellence For Appalachian Studies And Services, East Tennessee State University

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine

Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 18, Issue 01, published in 2001. The theme of this issue is Appalachian Rivers, Lakes, & Streams. This issue examines the central role of waterways in Appalachian environmental, economic, and cultural life, addressing both their vulnerability and vitality. Through articles on regional water shortages, aquaculture-based science education, and industrial heritage initiatives such as Southwest Pennsylvania's Rivers of Steel, it highlights tensions between development, resource management, and sustainability. Essays, fiction, poetry, and reviews further reflect on memory, labor, recreation, and loss connected to rivers and streams, presenting water as both a life-sustaining resource …