2017 CROSS-COUNTRY ROAD TRIP - MONDAY, APRIL 10TH, 2017 - PART 2

I didn't have time to finish our day on April 10th, so here is another part.  We did so much on the 10th that there will be a Part 3 also.  Once again thank you for all the comments you have left.  When we get to a hotel at night it is fun to settle in and start reading them, and try to answer as many as I can if I don't fall asleep. I also like to look through the photos and download them to my laptop.   

April 10th, 2017

9.20 a.m. It hasn't been too long since we left Mabry Mill and we have just seen our first deer.  There were at least half a dozen of them crossing the road ahead of us.  I managed to gather my wits long enough, thanks to Gregg's encouragement to get the camera and was in time to take at least one photo of a deer, who stood at the side studying us as much as we were studying it.  Then it decided to join the family and disappeared into the woods. We are on the Blue Ridge Parkway heading south.

9.39 a.m. we stopped to look at a lovely old cabin, and the historical sign told an amazing story.  

"Born in 1837 "Aunt" Orelena Hawks Puckett lived here during the latter of her 102 years.  She was often heard to say, "The forest was green when I was a-born and I'm green yet."  A bride at 16, Mrs. Puckett and her husband first farmed below nearby Groundhog Mountain.

Mrs. Puckett was past age 50 when she began a long career of midwifery.  She assisted at the births of more than 1000 babies, delivering the last in 1939, the year she died.  It has been said she never lost a child or mother through her own fault. Ironically none of Mrs. Puckett's own 24 children lived beyond infancy.

Regardless of weather, "Aunt" Orelena went wherever and whenever called.  Sometimes on horesback, often walking, the midwife brought assurance and kindness to all she visited.  When she began her practice around 1890 her fee was one dollar, and "when times was good" six dollars.  Often receiving food and other goods in lieu of money, she generously shared all she had with her neighbors or those in need.  Today, Orelena Puckett is remembered in this area for her witty, cheerful personality, as well as for her unselfish and skillful practice as a midwife."

That night when we got to the hotel I set out to find more about this lady, and learned that these very sad losses of her own babies were possibly as a result of Rh hemolytic disease.

When Orelena was in her 50s a neighbor went into labor and no doctor could be found.  This began her career as a midwife, and for the next nearly fifty years, she traveled the Virginia countryside and became known for her compassion and skill.  She delivered her last baby at the age of 94, and passed away in 1939.  That last baby's name was Maxwell Hawks on August 30th, 1938.

The Orelena Hawks Puckett Institute in Asheville, North Carolina continues her legacy to care for mother and child.  They promote and try to strengthen the development of child, parents and family.

Her story has been dramatized in Phyllis Smith's play, "They Call Me Aunt Orlean", which is performed at the cabin several times a year, and in Karen Cecil Smith's book, "Orlean Puckett: The Life of a Mountain Midwife."  You can see that her name is spelled differently.  Not really sure why.  I would like to find a copy of this lady's book.

When we left we were very glad to have come across this place and learn about this amazing lady.  Bittersweet to have lost so many of her own babies, and yet to have delivered over a 1000 others.  I can't imagine anyone having 24 babies and losing them all.  Why so many after so many heartbreaks?  Different times for sure.  I'd be interested in what you think out there.

At 10.34 a.m. we entered North Carolina.  We have been following a motorcycle for miles and we were able to pass him at 12.47 p.m.  Safe travels whoever you are.

That same afternoon we had a marvelous time at Biltmore Estate but I am going to have to put that in another post as it's time to get ready and get on the road.