Short Picture Stories from Noble Coast Photography: Blue Ridge Life

When planning the Blue Ridge Parkway in the 1930's, the idea was to maintain a rustic pioneer look. Today, as you travel along the Blue Ridge Parkway you find beautifully preserved cabins and farms that let you understand life as it once was in the mountains of Virginia and North Carolina.

With the sun shining and the autumn leaves filled with color, it was a great day to photograph these historic sites.

The Mabry Mill was constructed in 1903 and is one of the most popular attractions on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Mabry Mill

Old shed and wagon at Mabry Mill site

Puckett's Cabin was home to the famous mid wife, Orlene Puckett (1844-1939) and her husband John. Travelling through the Virginia country side, "Aunt Orlene" lived to 102 and helped deliver over 1000 babies. Most amazing, Orlene was unable to have a child of her own. Orlene gave birth to 24 infants and none survived. Yet the + 1000 births she assisted, all survived!

Puckett's Cabin

Built around 1880, Brinegar Cabin was home to Martin and Carolyn Brinegar. Inside the cabin is Carolyn's original loom that she used to make clothes for her family.

Brinegar Cabin

The Jesse Brown Cabin was built around 1840 and was home to several families for close to 90 years. In 1905 the cabin was relocated to this small valley near Tomkin's Knob.