Life Among the Mountains
By S. B.
Annotations by josh benjamin
We have already been told that much of the Alleghanies is still in woods, but in the part of which we now speak (southern Pennsylvania) there are a number of small, log houses scattered through the woods, with little openings around them where the mountaineers dwell in true pioneer fashion.
Some of these people are hard-working, honest men and women, who have come here because a home could be procured for less money than elsewhere, and they find, perhaps, more of the comforts than the luxuries of life, though neither are enjoyed to the full extent; in summer, however, they have pasture for their cattle in abundance, also the most refreshing springs of water, all free of expense, and with a flourishing garden around their humble dwelling, it has something of the look of home; but in winter the snow falls deep, and continues long, and having no stores, mills, or anything of the kind, they are obliged to go down to the valleys for nearly all their comforts; this is hard work for them, but notwithstanding their laborious life they are generally a strong, healthy people.
The scenery in some parts of the mountains is exceedingly grand; one stream of water called Clear Shade, is particularly beautiful; it flows through a dense forest, while on either side, the Rhododendron maximum (great laurel) grows in luxuriance, bending over the stream, almost forming a canopy, while the waters, clear and cold throughout the year, flowing over the moss-covered rocks through the dark shade, is surely one of “Nature’s master-pieces.”
Scientists would find much of interest here, both in botany and geology, and we hope that Professor Leslie, our State geologist, will give us something on these subjects, that the boys and girls who are growing up all over the State, and who ought to acquire a knowledge of the rocks, plants and animals around them, can read and understand and apply.
But though we find much in the scenery of the mountains that is instructive and interesting to visitors, yet if the boys and girls could see the privations that the children here have to undergo, their little hearts would, perhaps, often swell with thankfulness for the many comforts with which their own homes are surrounded.
S. B. “for the children: life among the mountains.” Friends’ intelligencer 31, No. 31 (September 1874): 493.
Contexts
This story appeared during the Reconstruction era following the U.S. Civil War, and also the same year in which Pennsylvania adopted a new state constitution. For the first time, public education was codified into Pennsylvania state law. Historic LaMott provides a brief overview of that constitution, as well as additional historical context for the state during Reconstruction.
Professor Leslie is J. Peter Lesley, a professor and geologist who became the Pennsylvania state geologist in 1874. According to his biographical memoir presented at the National Academy of Sciences, he “undoubtedly knew more about the geology of Pennsylvania and was more widely known as representing the geological formations and resources of that State than any other man, but his knowledge ran far beyond the State boundaries.” He published writings on coal and iron production, two industries that helped shape Pennsylvania’s development in the 19th century.
Resources for Further Study
- Pennsylvania provided a large portion of the steel used in America in the 19th century, and this story coincides with the growth of industry throughout the state. The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission gives an overview of the growing economy after the Civil War.
- The Appalachian Trail, the world’s longest hiking-only trail, runs from Maine to Georgia, crossing into Pennsylvania near the New Jersey border and exiting in the southern central part of the state, continuing into Maryland.
- Clear Shade Creek is now a popular fly-fishing destination in Southwest Pennsylvania.
Contemporary Connections
The long-term effects of Reconstruction are still present in the U.S., as Henry Louis Gates, Jr., points out in his Time article, “How Reconstruction Still Shapes American Racism.”
