Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Three Weeks with the Poor of Appalachia is Urged

In researching the history of the Appalachian culture, I came across an interesting article published by the New York times in 1969 urging affluent city folk to spend time with the poor in Appalachia to better understand the problems the region was facing.  The article advertises trips for the affluent to spend three weeks with an Appalachian family for $378, meals and lodging are included.  The article states that 35 individuals responded to this advertisement.  The advertisement touts that it is "ideal for the intellect who wishes to learn."   

In August of that same year, the New York Times published a follow-up article that discussed the reactions of the visitors that went on the three week tour of Appalachia in West Virginia.  The visitors indicated that while the families they stayed with were very friendly and hospitable, they felt the welfare they received was a waste of the taxpayer dollar.  One individual interviewed pointed out that the house contained a color tv, but no running water.  Another source for the story hinted at their frustration over locals not being on time for appointments and tours, noting specifically a decendent of the Hatfields that took 2 days to show up to be interviewed about his famous family feud.

I find irony in the fact that the modern visitors thought the Appalachians to be lazy and using the government dime when all recorded reports of life prior to 1969 establishes that culture to be a very strong and hardworking ethic of survival.  I'm unsure what caused this transition, or if the visitors accounts are accurate.  But it is definitely an interesting item to research. 

read the full article here and use sign in 22769104582147:
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