The Red Flannel Rag

Dr. Smith became fascinated with the people living in the isolated mountain

communities west of Harrisonburg, Virginia, after he discovered an article in the

National Geographic. The article emphasized the extensive isolation of these mountain

hollows that had resulted in the maintenance of a very traditional way of life. The article

reported that a long time ago, Pennsylvania Dutch culture and Scots-Irish culture had

met in these mountains. Long-term isolation had resulted in some people still speaking

Pennsylvania Dutch in their homes.

Dr. Smith showed me the article and pictures and, to my surprise, I recognized

my daddy’s sister, Aunt Vernie! The re was a full-page picture of her standing in her

kitchen stirring an iron skillet of fried potatoes on her wood-burning stove. She was

dressed in her homemade bonnet, apron, and dress. The drinking-water bucket sat on a

bench in the background with the dipper handle sticking up. Two cats stood behind

Aunt Vernie enjoying the warmth of the wood stove.

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