photo #7872536

Life in the Great Smoky Mountains, Blount County, Tennessee, 1915 A mountain woman preparing a chicken for supper. Nestled between North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains have always been a place of awe, mystery, and rugged beauty. Life in Blount County, Tennessee, in 1915 was filled with simplicity and hard work. The mountain communities here were isolated from the bustling cities and industries of the time, with families leading self-sufficient lives, deeply connected to the land and each other. Life in the Smokies In 1915, the families in the Smoky Mountains relied heavily on natural resources. The rich soil and abundant rivers provided families with fertile land to grow crops and livestock, while the surrounding forests supplied timber and game. Farming was essential, as it put food on the table, and every family member had a role to play in the survival of the household. Most families raised chickens, cows, and pigs. Chickens were particularly important for both eggs and meat, providing a reliable source of protein year-round. A mountain woman preparing a chicken for supper, as shown in this photograph, was a common scene. She would skillfully pluck and clean the bird, turning it into a hearty meal. Food was simple but satisfying, often cooked over an open fire or wood stove, bringing warmth and flavor to family gatherings. Mountain Women: The Heart of the Home Women in the Smokies were pillars of resilience, balancing chores like cooking, cleaning, and tending to animals with other important duties like weaving, sewing, and preserving food for winter months. These skills were usually passed down from mother to daughter, ensuring each generation could carry on the traditions. Preparing a chicken for supper, a task that might seem rustic to us today, was second nature for these women. They worked with incredible resourcefulness. With little access to goods from the outside world, families in Blount County made do with what they could grow, hunt, or trade. Clothing, quilts, and household items were often homemade, and the mountains provided medicinal plants for healing. Community and Tradition While life was tough, the people of Blount County cherished their community and traditions. Neighbors often helped each other, especially during harvest time or when building new homes. Families would gather for church services, barn dances, and other gatherings, sharing food, music, and stories passed down through generations. Children attended one-room schoolhouses, where they learned the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic, as well as the local history and lore of the Smokies. Preserving the Spirit of the Smokies Today, the legacy of the Great Smoky Mountains lives on, preserved in part by stories, photos, and artifacts like this one. The McClung Historical Collection holds glimpses into this past, reminding us of the strength and resourcefulness of the mountain communities in Blount County, Tennessee. The way of life in the Smokies may have changed, but the mountains themselves remain a testament to those who called them home over a century ago.