Family and Community Life

Family and Community Life. . Rockingham County Mountain Homes Averaged 4.4 Rooms, the Largest Homes had Eight Rooms, Mountain family homes reflected the economic diversity that existed in the Blue Ridge Mountains during the 1920s and 30s. The average family size was 5 persons per family comparable to the U.S. census average of 4.3 persons. Some homesteads consisted of only a few acres, while others spanned hundreds of acres. Rockingham County mountain homes averaged 4.4 rooms per house. The Shenandoah National Park data base of Rockingham's pre-park homes indicated 43 percent were of frame construction, 35 percent were log and 22 percent were a combination of both log and frame. The standard of living was similar to valley residents and much of the rural South during the Depression era. Despite a family's house size or acreage, mountain residents maintained close-knit communities centered around strong family values and shared sense of neighborliness. , Mountain folks relied on traditional methods and resources for their self-sufficient lifestyle. Homemade lye soap was used for baths, washing dishes and washing clothing. Families repaired their own footwear with simple iron lasts in sizes for adult and children's shoes. Homemade clothes were usually made from store-bought fabric. Desiring a Singer sewing machine, Laura Shifflett of Simmons Gap, shelled walnuts, picked huckleberries, and rode side-saddle to Elkton to sell them to earn the money. Her large spinning wheel continued to be used to spin the sheep's wool yarn essential for knitting warm winter garments., Children entertained themselves by swinging on wild grape vines or playing with homemade toys. They made slingshots to test their prowess at hitting targets, walked on stilts, and made pop guns out of elderberry bush branches. Girls found spaces to play house. Store-bought marbles, tea sets and dolls were treasured items., The displaced families that once lived within the current park boundaries left behind many reminders of their life on the mountain. Rusted parts of automobiles and trucks can be found at some former home sites. Abandoned steam engine parts, pieces of iron cook stoves, wash tubs, coffee pots, china plates, and other remnants of the past remain scattered throughout the park. , Mountain families had a strong sense of community through their schools, churches, stores, and businesses. They also traveled to nearby localities to visit relatives and friends and to conduct business in surrounding towns. Zeda Haney of Swift Run recalled attending lawn partis and buying ice cream cones in Elkton. In addition to church and school events, families gathered for socials, such as, "front porch" music and dancing. Some mountain folks owned hand cranked "Victrola" record players and had battery radios in their homes., Other community activities included apple peeling, apple butter making, corn husking, butchering and "old time" Sunday family gatherings. Children looked forward to Sunday afternoon marble tournaments or softball games in the road., Neighbors often helped neighbors during times of sickness, construction of homes and farm buildings, and provided food to others during times of need. Doctors were summoned to the mountain tops by store or church phones during the 1920s and 30s. Mid-wives (some licensed by the State) also provided medical care. Mid-wives were often praised for caring for newborns for several days to assist mothers, a service doctors were unable to provide. A survey of residents still living in the park in 1934 indicated that 80% were in good health.