Appalachia's Alternative to Mainstream America: A Personal Education

In the 1960s and 1970s, the rural-relocation movement was a way of life and a path forward for many people inclined to buck the mainstream. Paul Salstrom's experiences in rural Lincoln County, West Virginia, led him to the self-sufficient, neighborly networking lifestyle known in many Appalachian communities since the early nineteenth century. His book, Appalachia's Alternative to Mainstream America, outlines his Appalachian experiences and argues that Americans will be drawn back to landed customs, taking care of the earth and one another to thrive as individuals and communities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: University of Tennessee Press

In the 1960s and 1970s, a significant movement emerged in many communities across North America, known as the rural-relocation movement. This movement offered a way of life and a forward-thinking approach for those who sought to break away from the mainstream. One such individual was Paul Salstrom, who embraced this movement wholeheartedly. His experiences in rural Lincoln County, West Virginia, played a pivotal role in shaping his perspective and leading him to adopt the self-sufficient, neighborly networking lifestyle that is deeply rooted in many Appalachian communities since the early nineteenth century.

In his memoir, Appalachia's Alternative to Mainstream America, Salstrom delves into his Appalachian experiences, revisiting the back-to-the-land tradition that guided his cultural journey during this transformative period. While he explored various experimental alternatives to a mainstream way of life in the late 1960s, it was only when he landed in Lincoln County a few years later that he truly found himself engaging in an alternative way of living that felt authentically fulfilling. This distinctive way of life was characterized by a deep connection to the earth, informed by homesteading, subsistence farming, and gardening. It was also marked by a community-wide tradition of trading favors in a spirit of mutual aid, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and support.

Over time, Salstrom's dedication to this neighborly occupation has nurtured a profound belief in the resurgence of landed customs in American society. He believes that as individuals and communities take care of the earth and care for one another, they will thrive as individuals and as a society. Salstrom sees emerging crises such as pandemics, climate change, and deepening political divisions as opportunities for society to reevaluate its priorities and embrace a more democratic and sustainable way of life. He also notes the positive developments, such as the growing embrace of organic food and the farm-to-table movement, as indicators of a shift towards a more holistic and sustainable approach to living.

In conclusion, Paul Salstrom's experiences in rural Lincoln County, West Virginia, and his embrace of the rural-relocation movement serve as a testament to the enduring power of alternative ways of living. His memoir offers a valuable insight into the cultural and societal dynamics of Appalachia and sheds light on the potential for a more democratic and sustainable future. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of our time, it is important to consider the lessons learned from movements like the rural-relocation movement and to work towards a society that values interconnectedness, sustainability, and the well-being of all its members.

Weight: 363g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781621907152