Do You Remember a Flybush?

By Hazel P. Hedrick © 1983

Issue: May, 1983

The ‘flybush” made of crumpled strips of Sears catalog?

The “broomstraw broom,” homemade “lye soap,” cleaning and filling the “kerosene lamps.”

“Crackling bread” baking in an iron skillet on the hearth.

Racing to the cupboard after school for a cold, baked sweet tater or pickled pigs feet.

These recollections were sent in by Mrs. Hazel Hedrick who also adds, “I was born and raised in a place called “The John Hayes Holler” in the mountains of North Carolina, 63 years ago. This sample copy of The Mountain Laurel has brought back many memories of a happy, healthy childhood. Keep up the good work and find the check enclosed for myself one year and my brother, one year subscription.

Congratulations to the Editor and the writers. The stories and descriptions are so real and true to life. We went right there with them. You can’t believe how welcome and refreshing this Mountain Laurel is to a world filled with fear and sadness. God bless you all!”

Dear Mrs. Hedrick,

Thank you for writing. Your letter “made my day” when I read it. I share some of your favorite memories too (particularly the sweet potatoes) and I’m sure other readers will too. I have never heard of the “flybush,” though. I wish you would send us a more detailed description of it and what it was used for. It sounds interesting.

Susan Thigpen, Editor

The Mountain Laurel offers an open invitation to our readers to send us their memories and favorite old time stories. We appreciate your sharing the treasure of your knowledge with us.

[Update 2012 - What do you remember? This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..]