Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Sericulture, Silk And South Union Shakers, Donna C. Parker, Jonathan J. Jeffrey

SCL Faculty and Staff Publications

Kentucky Shakers were particularly adept at the process of producing silk. Kentucky's temperate climate was conducive to mulberry tree cultivation and sericulture, the raising of silkworms. South Union Sisters hatched and grew silkworms to harvest the delicate silk fibers they used in the manufacture of kerchiefs, neckwear, hat bands, bonnets, and sewing silk. Occasionally entire garments such as dresses were made from the luxurious silk.

"Parting Friends": Southeastern Kentucky Funeral Customs. 1880-1915, Sue Lynn Mcdaniel (Mcguire)

SCL Faculty and Staff Publications

At the turn of the twentieth century, southeastern Kentucky remained a sparsely settled region where traditional values abounded. Throughout society, funeral rites and changes in them evince values of family, community, and religion. Visitors to the area, whether settlement-school teachers, preachers, or researchers, vividly described deathbeds, burials, and funeral occasions which illuminate local values.

Reflecting the writers' urban prejudices, these Journals and publications along with contemporary newspaper accounts provide insight into southeastern Kentucky mourning customs during the years 1880 to 1915. Although the turn of the twentieth century brought change in the way urban dwellers dealt with mourning, their mountain …