CONTENTS F E AT U R E S 22 Pack Horse Librarians: The Depression- Era Bookwomen of Eastern Kentucky In the 1930s and '40s, nearly 1,000 women delivered reading materials to many who otherwise would have had none. BY JOAN VANNORSDALL 29 The Christmas Hawk How one man's dream came true, and came to an end. BY JULIA NUNNALLY DUNCAN 32 The Biltmore's First Christmas In 1895, George Washington Vanderbilt III welcomed friends and family to his new home in Asheville, North Carolina. BY MARSHA WASSEL 34 The Subtle Beauty of Late Fall: A Photo Essay DEPARTMENTS 5 6 8 10 12 14 16 19 62 64 66 Letters/Worth a Click /Contributors From the Editor Mill Creek Stories Creature Feature The Good Walk Our Blue Ridge Towns Festivals & Events Country Roads Flavors Singing in the Garden Guest Column Our contributing photographers celebrate the brisk season. 38 Made in the Mountains: 7 Great Crafters Plus reader picks for hand-crafted food and drink; and recommendations on additional notable craft creators. BY ANGELA MINOR 56 Curtis Buchanan: Gentleman of Chairs The East Tennessee resident is among the South's foremost Windsor chairmakers. BY NANCY HENDERSON 58 Treasure Tree Wire Wrapped Jewelry: 'We Just Talk to People' Virginia's Robert and Mary McIntire's work has built its own customer base. BY BILL ROZDAY PHOTO ON THIS PAGE: An onlooker stands at the summit of Sharptop Mountain, off the Virginia section of the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Peaks of Otter (MP 86), during a fiery sunset. PHOTO BY ROBERT STEPHENS ON THE COVER The hands of Warren May move upon a dulcimer in the making. Photo by Angela Minor. See page 38 for her story on May and six other master artisans. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 3