Patchwork Dreams

"This collection of oral histories, poems, artwork and songs is a priceless treasure. Knowing who we were is necessary if we are to understand who we are and who we may become."

–From the foreword by Lenore McComas Coberly, author of Sarah's Girls: A Chronicle of Life on Big Ugly Creek

Patchwork Dreams: Stories, Songs and History from Big Ugly Creek and Harts Creek, West Virginia is a unique anthology set primarily in Lincoln County, West Virginia, that features stories, songs, quilts and over 150 historic photos. It is the result of a community effort between teachers, teenagers, grandparents, young children, volunteers and artists to capture a small glimpse into the history of a small place with some very big dreams.

Dozens of people were interviewed and through their words, history comes alive. Stories of family and growing up, making ends meet, logging, moonshine battles, and wading through frozen creeks to get to a one room schoolhouse intermingle with photos, songs and quilt pieces created in these communities.

The book features?music by area children as well as nationally known artists Heidi Muller and Elaine Purkey as well as numerous local contributors, there are two teaching CDs included to help readers learn the songs.? Essays by Appalachian scholars and authors add insight into life in the southern coalfields of West Virginia. According to author Lenore McComas Coberly, a nationally known author originially from Lincoln County, "This collection of oral histories, poems, artwork and songs is a priceless treasure. Knowing who we were is necessary if we are to understand who we are and who we may become."

This project is presented with financial assistance from the West Virginia Humanities Council, The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, 21st Century Community Learning Centers, WV Division of Culture and History, and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the WV Commission on the Arts.

To learn more about the Patchwork Dreams project and other projects of Step by Step, or to purchase a copy of the Patchwork Dreams book and accompanying teaching CDs, call Dana Kuhnline?at (304) 855-5402 or email dkuhnline@wvdreamers.org