#horacekephart

[woodsman1776]

Knife designed by Horace Kephart. Presently, two are known to exist.

[firsteditionbookblog]

“Our Southern Highlanders” is often cited as showing an intimate portrait into life in the Great Smoky Mountains prior to the local’s removal for the creation of the national park. While Horace Kephart may have been a ne’er do well in his personal life, his photography and stories have helped preserve some of the traditional life prior to the arrival of electricity throughout much of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. It is a fascinating read even if he does romanticize the hardships of those around him. I hiked up Hazel Creek a couple weeks back and thought of him and his cabin. Some local spots still bear his name. Very Good, true 1913 first edition. #horacekephart #oursouthernhighlanders #kephart #gsmnp #greatsmokymountains #hazelcreek #rarebooks #firstedition #bookcollection #bookcollecting #bookcollection #bibliophile #bookporn #bookhunting #bookstagram #modernfirsts #modernfirsteditions #finebooks #signedbooks #shelfie #southernliterature #southernlit #tennessee #appalachianlit #appalachianliterature #kentucky #northcarolina #virginia #westvirginia #appalachianpoetry (at Great Smoky Mountains National Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPitEDPszB9/?utm_medium=tumblr

[roaddude]

“It is one of the blessings of wilderness life that it shows us how few things we need to be perfectly happy.” . ~ Horace Kephart . “A full sunny day would be nice, though...” . ~ Roaddude . The long stretch of lousy weather (second image) has finally moved through; the clouds have not only parted but have disappeared; and the sky is a deep, bright, blue. . The sun and warmth feels wonderful. . Rolling through Alabama today with a Civil-War related stop or two down in Gadsden, maybe laundry and a shower, though if it stays nice out I may just keep driving and exploring and save chores and such ‘til dark. . Such is life on the road. . Should I go left or right when I pull out of here? . p.s. If you’re not familiar with the work of Horace Kephart, check him out. He was born in the early years of the US Civil War, died during the Great Depression and is perhaps most well known for his comprehensive guide Camping and Woodcraft. . He lived and worked in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, about which he wrote Our Southern Highlanders, another classic. . . #horacekephart #campingandwoodcraft #oursouthernhighlanders #leftorright #ontheroad #weatherpatterns #smokymountains #classicbooks #woodcraft #camping #nomadlife #wilderness #writing #authors #traveling #roadwarriors360 #myoutdoors #homeiswhereyouparkit #vanlife #trailerlife #goxventure #xventuring #trailerlife #offroad #offgrid #liveauthentically #getoutandexplore #exploringamerica #quotes #realvanlife #borntoroam (at Spruce Flats Falls) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq5EAsUh0a3/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1tx3sr8pts41z

[firsteditionbookblog]

If someone tried to make a list of essential books for an Appalachia collection, it would be difficult to get very far down the names without coming across 'Our Southern Highlanders.' Kephart's book is known for providing a glance into the lives of the hill people and, like Agee and Evens would do again in 25 years, opened the eyes of the outside world to the struggle of survival in the mountains. Not terribly long, it contains a number of fascinating pictures of local families from the period. First published by Outing in 1913, this is a first printing in Very Good condition. Finally! . . . . . . #horacekephart #kephart #oursouthernhighlanders #appalachia #americanliterature #appalachianmountains #firstedition #book #bookcollecting #bookporn #bookcollection #bookcollector #rarebooks #antiquarianbooks #bibliophile #northcarolina #tennessee #virginia #westvirginia #kentucky

[timothyholstad]

Finally finished: Our Southern Highlanders Horace Kephart

One time immediately following a 75+ mile hike through Great Smoky Mountains National Park a couple buddies and myself stopped in Bryson City, North Carolina to eat a huge victory meal, kill off a couple beers, and do a late night search for Kephart’s final resting place.

It’s one of my favorite memories.

Kephart’s writing on Appalachian culture & life in the Smokies is good too: "The pig is the only large mammal I know of, besides man, whose eyes will not shine by reflected light - they are too bold and crafty, I wit. The razorback has a mind of his own; not instinct, but mind - whatever psychologists may say. He thinks. Anybody can see that when he is not rooting or sleeping he is studying devilment. He shows remarkable understanding of human speech, especially profane speech, and even an uncanny gift of reading men's thoughts, whenever those thoughts are directed against the peace and dignity of pigship. He bears grudges, broods over indignities, and plans redresses for the morrow or the week after. If he cannot get even with you, he will lay for your unsuspecting friend. And at the last, when arrested of his crimes and lodged in the pen, he is liable to attacks of mania from sheer helpless rage. If you camp out in the mountains, nothing will molest you but razorback hogs. Bears will flee and wildcats sneak to their dens, but the moment incense of cooking arises from your camp every pig within two miles will scent it and hasten to call. You may throw your arm out of joint: they will laugh in your face. You may curse in five languages: it is music to their titillating ears."

[pensive-musing]

when I went south into the mountains i was seeking a back of beyond. ...with an inborn taste for the wild and romantic, i yearned for a strange land and a people that had the charm of originality. ...i wanted to enjoy a free life in the open air, the thrill of exploring new ground, the joys of the chase, and the...game of matching my woodcraft against the forces of nature, with no help from servants or hired guides

horace kephart

[ugotour-blog]

This week’s video comes to you from Bryson City and the Hillside Cemetery where Horace Kephart was laid to rest. This videos is the start of a six video series in which Charlie learns the importance of home and family. Check out the “Road to Nowhere” and the “Decoration Day” series with the Laneys.

When the film team was at the Hillside Cementary searching for the Horace Kephart grave, we ran into two Bryson City natives digging a grave. Neither of these men and any idea they had a well-known author and adventurer buried in their cemetery.  There are many gems in Western North Carolina just waiting to be discovered, even by the locals.