An Introduction To New Readers

By Bob Heafner © 1987

Issue: October, 1987

The Mountain Laurel is a monthly collection of memories and stories about the Blue Ridge of yesteryear. The articles are written primarily by people over the age of 60 and many of our writers are in their 80's and 90's. In essence it is a written form of shared story telling once common around mountain stores and social gatherings.

In 1987 The Mountain Laurel became the first publication to receive the Blue Ridge Heritage Award. The award was presented by the Blue Ridge Institute of Ferrum College which has been designated the State Center For Blue Ridge Folklore by the Governor of Virginia. The award was presented to The Mountain Laurel for its, “role in providing an outlet for Blue Ridge residents to share memories of earlier life in their region. In using folklore, particularly oral histories and reminiscences, The Mountain Laurel stands apart from other publications in the Virginia Blue Ridge. Its use of historical photographs, documenting Blue Ridge life and culture, serves an educational purpose and fosters an appreciation for vintage documents and artifacts.”

The Mountain Laurel accepts no political advertisements and reserves the right to refuse any advertisements not in keeping with the character of the publication.