* From Ed in Roanoke, about The Spine of the Virginias

I enjoyed reading your book The Spine of The Virginias. It brought back many memories of days gone bye.

Born in 1939 on a small farm owned by my grandparents in Marion County West Virginia, I spent many summers experiencing the lives of those who lived off the land and survived through hard labor. They had no motor vehicles or machinery, no indoor plumbing and I was probably thirteen before they had electricity.

Although I am a transplant and have lived in Roanoke since 1960, I am a Mountaineer at heart. My school days at Pineville High, WVU, and WVIT were most enjoyable. I moved to Roanoke for employment at General Electric as an electrical engineer getting my engineering degree at Virginia Tech. So I am a Hokie and a Mountaineer.

Your book reminded me of the many enjoyable aspects of mountain life and the people who were part of my early life, but also of the cold winters, outside johns, no running water and hitch-hiking.

Thanks for a great reflection on a wonderful land and great people.