In this project, David Krauch thought back on his childhood and how he knew people who told stories about home remedies for various ailments. With that in mind he contacted Anna Maria Hanson, who is both an herbalist and a witch. During the interview, Ms. Hanson performed a Wiccan ritual, and spoke of herbs, which was expected. What was a surprise though is that also during this process, Mr. Krauch had a mild heart attack and was assisted by Ms. Hanson.
This interview is among projects created by students enrolled in English 446 (initially English 452), “Appalachian Folklore,” 1981-2019, and in graduate level counterparts English 548 and 648 “Appalachian Folk Culture(s)” offered 17 fall semesters between 1987 and 2009. Minimally contain collector’s introduction and analysis, transcribed informant interviews, and excerpted and labeled examples of oral, customary, and/or material folklore/folklife collected primarily within the Appalachian region. Most include also tables of contents, informant information, indexes (outlines) of interviews, photographs, miscellaneous paper items, and indexes of informants, genres, and geographic locations. Accompanying audio recordings (several minutes to 2+ hours). Transferred to McConnell Library Archives & Special Collections from Appalachian Regional and Rural Studies Center, Fall 2013.