The Mine Wars For Young Adults, Faith After A Flood And Remembering Billy Edd Wheeler

Podcast - Inside Appalachia Story Archives - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Textbooks have long left out an important piece of labor history that happened here in the mountains. Now, a new young adult book fills in some of what might have been missed about the Mine Wars.

Also, when flooding devastates a community, people can find solace through faith and through song.

And we remember songwriter Billy Edd Wheeler, who passed away last month. Dozens of musicians have covered his songs including Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash and June Carter and Elvis Presley.

In This Episode

• Recalling The Mine Wars For A New Generation
• A Family Guitar Brings Peace After A Flood
• A Bicentennial Celebration in Fleming County, Kentucky
• Remembering Billy Edd Wheeler

Recalling The Mine Wars For A New Generation

Author Steve Watkins wants labor history to be remembered.
Courtesy photo

For generations, that history of the Mine Wars in the early part of the 20th century was scarcely mentioned in schools.

The author of a new book hopes to bring the story to today’s young readers. Mason Adams spoke with Steve Watkins, author of “The Mine Wars: The Bloody Fight for Workers' Rights in the West Virginia Coalfields.”

A Family Guitar Brings Peace After A Flood

Derenia Dunbar (left) stands with parents Ruby (middle) and James Boggs (right) in front of their family home in Millstone, Kentucky. James holds the guitar that was mostly untouched by the floodwaters that filled their house on July 28, 2022.
Photo Nicole Musgrave

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we’re reminded that when disaster strikes, people in Appalachia step up to help their neighbors. In the summer of 2022, floods devastated parts of eastern Kentucky. At the time, Folkways editor Nicole Musgrave brought us a story about the Boggs family, who told her about the joy that comes from the soothing music of an old family guitar.

A Bicentennial Celebration in Fleming County, Kentucky

A church in Fleming County, Kentucky celebrated its 200th anniversary recently.
Photo Samantha Morrill

In Fleming County, Kentucky, there’s an old, covered bridge that’s been a popular tourist destination for decades. The Goddard covered bridge was built in the late 1800s, then moved in 1933. It extends over Sand Lick Creek, where the road leads to an old country church. That church celebrated its bicentennial in September.

Samantha Morrill at WMKY, Morehead State Public Radio, visited the church.

Remembering Billy Edd Wheeler

Songwriter Billy Edd Wheeler wrote memorable tunes and was a character.
Courtesy photo

Singer/songwriter Billy Edd Wheeler died in September at the age of 91. The West Virginia native and long-time North Carolina resident was best known for writing songs like “Jackson,” which won a Grammy for Johnny Cash and June Carter. He also wrote “Coward of the County,” which was a hit for Kenny Rogers, and “It’s Midnight,” which Elvis Presley recorded. Mountain Stage’s Larry Groce was a friend and fan of Wheeler’s. Producer Bill Lynch spoke with Groce about Wheeler’s legacy.

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Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by James Boggs, Amethyst Kiah, Caleb Caudle, John Blissard, Paul Loomis, Chris Knight, Johnny Cash and June Carter, and Billy Edd Wheeler.

Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. We had help this week from folkways editor Jennifer Goren. You can find us on Instagram @InAppalachia.

You can send us an email: [e-mail].

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Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.