Aflex KY, Community of

07/02/2025

Jim McCoy

06/28/2025

In 1939 West Virginia, many coal miner families lived in modest homes heated by simple wood or coal stoves like the one pictured. These stoves were the heart of the household, providing essential warmth during harsh winters and serving as the main source for cooking. Life in coal mining communities was often tough, with families relying on the miner’s wages and enduring the uncertainties of strikes and economic hardship.

The photograph captures a coal miner during a May 1939 strike in Kempton, reflecting the struggles workers faced as they fought for better conditions and fair pay. Homes heated by these stoves were centers of family life, where resilience and resourcefulness were crucial. Despite the challenges, these households maintained a strong sense of community and endurance.

This image offers a glimpse into the daily reality of coal mining families during the Great Depression era. The stove stands as a symbol of both the hardships endured and the warmth that sustained families through difficult times.

06/28/2025

Does anyone recognize, know of, or heard of this man? His name is Solomon Miller and the back of photo has Aflex written on it.

06/16/2025

🕊️ In Memory of Little Joe
This tiny handcrafted coffin, dated 1875, holds the remains of a coal miner’s canary named "Little Joe."
The inscription reads: “In Memory of Little Joe, Died November 3rd, 1875.”

In the 19th century, coal miners relied on birds like Little Joe to warn them of danger deep underground. Canaries were more sensitive to toxic gases like carbon monoxide—if the bird showed distress or died, it was a silent alarm that the air could kill.

Little Joe likely gave his life protecting others.

What looks like a small funeral… was actually a memorial for a hero.

05/06/2025

Sassafras tea is a traditional drink with deep roots in Appalachian culture and beyond, prized for its distinctive flavor and connection to the natural world. Made from the roots or bark of the sassafras tree, this tea was once a staple in mountain households, offering both a comforting beverage and a touch of folk medicine.

The sassafras tree, with its uniquely mitten-shaped leaves and aromatic roots, is a common sight in many parts of the eastern United States. To make the tea, people would harvest the roots—usually in early spring or late fall when the sap is concentrated—and then wash, peel, and boil them to extract their flavor. The resulting tea is known for its reddish-brown color, spicy-sweet aroma, and earthy, slightly citrusy taste.

Historically, sassafras tea was believed to have various medicinal properties. Folks used it as a blood purifier, a remedy for colds, or a tonic to "thin the blood" in springtime after a heavy winter diet. While these uses were rooted in tradition rather than modern science, they highlight the close relationship early settlers had with the land and its resources.

However, sassafras tea’s story took a turn in the mid-20th century when scientists discovered that safrole, a compound found in sassafras oil, could be carcinogenic in large amounts. This led to a ban on safrole as a food additive in the United States. Today, some people still enjoy sassafras tea, often by using commercially processed sassafras products that are safrole-free or by consuming it in moderation.

Sassafras tea remains an enduring symbol of Appalachian ingenuity and the resourcefulness of mountain life. For those who grew up with it, the tea is a nostalgic reminder of simpler times, evoking memories of family gatherings, long hikes in the woods, and the soothing ritual of brewing a fresh pot.

If you’ve never tried sassafras tea, it’s worth exploring—just be mindful of its history and modern considerations. For a taste of the past, you can find sassafras root at specialty stores or forage for it yourself (if you’re confident in plant identification). Sipping on a warm cup of sassafras tea connects you to generations of mountain folk who found both comfort and healing in the plants that surrounded them.

05/05/2025

05/04/2025

Do you recognize Mary or know her last name?

04/25/2025

04/25/2025

Bill Brown