Interview with Grace Litteral, June 14, 1988

Interview Summary

Grace Litteral was born on Little Paine Creek in Floyd County, Kentucky in 1898. She recounts some of her memories of growing up on a farm and going to school, which she attended only through the eighth grade. When she was approximately 45 years old, she moved to Auxier, Kentucky where her husband worked in the coal mines. They lived in company housing. She describes the company store, and remembers that the church in Auxier was one place to socialize. The church was originally non-denominational and was built for all the people of Auxier. She remembers worrying about the safety of her children who had to cross the railroad tracks to get to school. She recalls the town doctor. She comments on women's place in the church and talks about church activities over the years. She discusses consumerism and states that "people are not willing to live like they used to."

Interview Keyword

Appalachian people Appalachian social issues Auxier (Ky.) Coal mining Consumerism Family farming Floyd County (Ky.) gender roles Modernization Northeast Coal Company Women coal miners Women's role in coal camps Women's role in the church

Interview LC Subject

Appalachian Region Litteral, Grace, 1898- Litteral, Grace, 1898- --Interviews

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Interview Usage

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