It is hard to believe Echoes From Catawba turns two this month. It seems like yesterday Tina and I were crafting this idea of writing stories about the people, places and times of Catawba Valley, Virginia. Today, Echoes From Catawba is now a registered trademark.
The publishing of the first-ever nonfiction book about Catawba, Virginia, “Echoes From Catawba Volume 1, Growing up in Catawba Valley, Appalachia” was released in 2018 and “Echoes From Catawba Volume 2, Granny Taylor of Possum Holler” was released in 2019. It has been a rousing success resulting in hundreds of books sold. Both Catawbains, as well as folks that have never heard about Catawba Valley, have enjoyed reading about the history and culture of this unique place.
In review of the past two years:
- echoesfromcatawba.com has served as the platform for broadcasting over 60 articles about Catawba, displaying photo albums of people and places of Catawba, as well as hosting an online store for book purchases.
- The website has been visited by almost 15,000 visitors and has had over 25,000 views.
- The Echoes From Catawba Facebook Page has over 530 Followers.
- Support from local entities has played a big part in distributing Echoes From Catawba Volumes 1 and 2. Books can be found at The Emporium in New Castle, The Salem Museum, and The Homeplace Restaurant in Catawba. Not only can books be ordered from our website, but paperback and Kindle edition books are available on Amazon.
So what’s in store for 2020?
- In the near future, look for more articles to be posted to echoesfromcatawba.com.
- Plans are in the works for some exciting promotions for our website subscribers and Facebook fans.
- I have several speaking engagements coming up this Spring and early Summer.
- Echoes From Catawba Volume 3 will be released, which will include an in-depth story written about the Catawba Sanatorium starting with its beginning as a resort location and the Catawba Sanatorium Farm with three generations of Carrolls being highlighted. Also, a beautiful story about growing up at the Sanatorium by guest writer Carolyn Pillow. Stories about Craig County and Paint Bank will be featured with the help of guest writer Betty Munsey. There will be additional appearances made by some Catawba families including Frankie and Louise Garman.
Thank you all for being a part of this exciting journey as we share with the world this wonderful place called Catawba Valley. –Ted
Thanks for all the work to keep the Catawba Valley way of life alive and ongoing. I have a few pages of memories from a old notebook by my mother Phyllis Coralie (Damewood) Gant who knew this lifestyle very well. Probably from the last time she visited the old home place before her passing in 2012. I’ll scan the pages in and send it soon for you.
Mike Gant (Nathan is from my maternal grandfather from Catawba, Nathan Z. Damewood)