The Invisible Appalachia Photo Gallery by Karen Stuebing at pbase.com

The Invisible Appalachia

In the middle of the breathtaking scenic views, rivers, waterfalls, green hills, and quaint historic towns, lies a part of Appalachia overlooked and unseen. The hidden places where people live in conditions that rival any urban slum with little or no income and no government programs to bail them out

Miss Melinda lives here. Her husband died many years back. They lived in the original house but she has since moved into the camper. There is no indoor plumbing; water comes from a spring. One electric line powers a TV and hot plate. The bus was also a living quarters for some since departed family.

Out of respect for her, understanding that her pride would rebel against any form of pity or dismay, I did not photograph her. She is perfectly content with her lot in life. She has her TV for entertainment, lots of work to keep her busy and many dogs, cats and a rooster to keep her company. When you visit, she'll show you her photo albums with pictures of her husband and her in younger years when she was pretty and slim. She laughs more than most people I know and hugs you often. She's tough, resiliant and completely at peace with what life has given and taught her. I have found these qualities in many people who have little but are willing to share what they do.

There is a lesson here that possessions, careers and carefully landscaped properties do not bring happiness. It is something that comes from within.

Going up the Lane	The Original House	The New Home	From the Rear
Nobody has to be Homeless..	One of the Dogs	Wash Day	Clothes on the Line

comment

Ed W.		21-Aug-2015 22:29
Looking at the other comments I can only say that what you call poverty is actually a choice in the way people choose to live. Granted they may not have money or jobs but why should they trade it to live under the oppression of the government we have today. These people wish to live FREE the way they wish without government intervention. As far as be uneducated, try living off the land before you say they are ignorant. You have to know a lot to live the way they do. I say "God Bless them, everyone".

Guest		07-Jan-2015 23:33
fheuifjkhf it is really sad

Helen		15-Jan-2014 11:56
There seems to be a real mixture of lifestyles in the area and it would be a mistake to generalise from one example. Choosing a simple life which is satisfying is different to not having enough food, shelter and warmth and living in despair. This made me think about my own life and helping my own family and community and to be grateful for all I have though others may find it little. :)

Anthony Young		19-Nov-2013 20:46
The sad part is she is better off than many others. While, so many are just one paycheck away from ruin, there are those who are homeless and hungry. How secure is one's job really, do you own your own business to provide your own living, or work for someone else? Could you be laid off at any time without any warning. Think about it, how deep in debt are you? How is your health? Perhaps, more people should prepare to live a simpler lifestyle. At least this person has an opportunity to raise a good portion of their food and to live more self sufficiently. Granted her living conditions aren't the greatest, however, they could always be worse.

Guest		02-Jul-2013 12:56
money on the welfare system is never a lost, Some people with full pockets will never learn. Education and help to young people is the solution. Invest more in REAL education, and less in prison and repression. The USA has the highest carceral population in the world... something is really wrong. I'm sure the united states could improve it's situation, if the rich would let the society improve itself.

Appalachianregionmissiions.org		06-Feb-2013 20:45
As one who is active in providing assistance to the less fortunate in Appalachia, the problem is very complex. Not all of Appalachia is as shown in the pictures on this site. It does represent one of the worst when compared with the other situations which include un-wed young mothers, drugs, alcohol, lack of education, dependent on welware for one reason or another. A recent survey of school children brought the answer to "what do you want to do when you grow up", with "draw a check". The welfare system is broken due to graft and the hopeleness it brings to many. The elderly have no way to improve their living, many of the young are too lazy to seek education and improve their life. I was involved in the ABC program on Proverty in Appalachia. It only scratched the surface. The money wasted in the welfare system could build factories and bring home jobs from foreign countries as a way to start allowing folks to improve their lot.. John Payne, Founder/President Appalachian Region Missiions.

Tracey Lance		08-Nov-2012 18:14
Maybe some people choose a more simple life style. I live in an old house in the southern Appalachian Mountains. I love it. It is paid for. It probably wouldn't be good enough for some of you. It keeps me warm and dry. Most people think they have a better life by what they have. My life here on earth is just a vapor, and I choose to store my riches up in heaven, where I will have wealth with God for eternity.

Nadia		30-Oct-2012 00:53
That is worst than allot of people from third world countries.I came to Canada from Haiti now I own a house these people why are they so poor they live in America.

patti.codd@yahoo.com		17-Jul-2012 22:44
I suppose folks dont want anybody buttin in because this IS life for them. it's generational and they DO NOT want anything else. who are we to tell them they are wrong? this government always thinks they can make everything alright...everywhere. and even when nobody is asking. they're certainly not bothering me. if i heard a cry for help...i would answer it. thank you. but very nice photography.

Guest		27-Jun-2012 18:16
Of course we go out and find the worse case. We were better off before the government took away tobacco, and sent factory jobs overseas. The government replaced it with welfare and drugs. Go look at parts of Chicago and see how terrible it is. Oh and by the way, that is where our president is from. Please don't feel sorry for us, just leave us the hell alone.

Rae		10-Apr-2012 20:36
My family is learning how to live on less and be more self sufficient. We have learned that $$ does not make us happy. I'll bet we could learn more than a thing or 2 from the lady who lives here!!

Linus		23-Mar-2012 22:36
Perhaps some one can help me. I saw a photo some time ago of an elderly brother and sister living off the land in Appalachia and had done so all their lives. I meat to keep the photo but now I can't find it and I don't know what magazine or what issue I saw it in. Does anyone remember seeing it?

Guest		20-Mar-2012 21:49
Appalachian born. There are many sides to Appalachia. There are different sides to Appalachia. While this is only one side, there are much bettr ones that never get published. After 20 years of operating outreach programs there, (see Appalachianregionmissions.org) I have learned the problem to be more complex than anyone has an answer to todate. I am now assisting third generations. Education and jobs is the only way out. The situation compares to the American Indian Reservations, supported by a welfare state that has no way of improving. We have lost generations of young people to despair and lack of self respect. More are being educated but insufficient to bring change soon. I see no end to the problem as it is now.

Nat		14-Sep-2011 23:26
I wish I had s Melinda's wisdom to live happily as she is doing. After all, the most contended is not the person who has the most, but the person who is happy with what they have. Nat

John King		11-Aug-2011 17:01
This is excellent photographic work Karen. Your written introduction really puts this in a context that we need to be open-minded and respectful.

james		07-Aug-2011 14:46
these people need to move i would not sit on the poarch and watch my children live like this . there are jobs you just have to get off your duff and go look. maybe the goverment should investigate these people for child neglect.

Charles		30-Jul-2011 16:56
To this Lady above who wrote: Suzi 04-Jul-2011 06:09 There must be organizations to help these people in some way, links, addresses, addies, please. The thing you do not take into consideration is there are people such as these mountain people, who do not want the government, organizations or individuals to "help" them! They are perfectly happy to give up some comforts and ease of life to live FREE!! Look what has happened to Native Peoples the world over once people found them and begun to "Help" them!! Shortly after the "help" began most of their lives as they knew them were over for good!!!

Roland		15-Jul-2011 20:21
I was not aware of the degree of poverty in this area. I can only say that I wish her well.

Suzi		04-Jul-2011 06:09
There must be organizations to help these people in some way, links, addresses, addies, please.

Robin S.		24-Apr-2011 18:21
Karen, as a photo/video journalist doing documentaries, I stumbled here after googling documentaries on poverty. You did an absolutely great job here. Are you planning to add to this? It is so important that more people know about the immense poverty others live in.

Pastor Blaine Wear		05-Feb-2011 03:10
As a rastor, I know the Lord has called me to the Appalachians to help the elderly, the widows, and the orphans. But I know that while helping them, we are to teach the young generation the work ethic with love. These pictures are wonderful, and a blessing to revive my prayers to the people of the Appalachians.

Susie		02-Sep-2010 04:08
I like what Melanie says - I have read interviews with people in the heart of Appalachia whom we would consider living in poverty, and they are happy. They live close to the earth, to their families, traditions, and their faith. There is something to be said about simplicity. On the other hand, I worked in Appalachia one summer with the poorest - and while there is a beauty and simplicity, and a rich culture, there is also disease, lack of medical facilities and care, bad sanitation practices, lack of the kind of education that keeps you free from disease. That is true poverty. There is a sense, after generations of poverty, that people have forgotten how to prioritize - so there will be a satellite dish and a shack, or a Jeep and a starving family. Check out the 2 dogs and cat in the photos - all appear healthy. I'm a vet tech, and the one dog is groomed - that's $70! I think the issue of poverty and Appalachia is a complicated one. As Melanie says, they don't want or need our pity, and they don't need our "assistance". Building them a house teaches them nothing. Giving them a hammer and a lesson in building goes a long way - but only if they want it. There is poverty, and then there is poverty of the spirit. I would guess that their lives offer the opportunity for richness of spirit, while our more technology-based lives rob our spirit. "Poverty" comes in many forms.

Barb		27-Jun-2010 16:25
Sandra , Your lack compassion is completely in humane and I am hoping for your sake we never see you on the street. It has become a lifestyle for these people because "WE" as American perpetuated the situation by not giving them resources and help to find their way out. They haven't exposed to the Upper Middle class whom can afford these resource. Sorry you feel that way and that you are in America where we have " Freedom of speech" and I have the freedom to read you the riot act. Appalachia comes in many colors and ethincities and your could be one them.

Sandra McIntosh		16-Jun-2010 09:42
This is as much a perfect photojournal of life in the Appalachians as "Deliverance" and "The Beverly Hillbillies" are photodocumentaries. I live in these mountains, and can testify that there are as many people here who live in primitive conditions as there are people here who live in penthouses. Take a page from DW Washburn, and "go save somebody else."

C Frankie Clark		05-Feb-2010 21:36
This is horrible. This remind me of Katrina. People were all in shock because poverty was revealed. We know people are poor, most of us don't wanna see it. We go down there and gamble and stay at the hotels and poor people are changing our beds literally. We don't see the poor, they're invisible. This is what happen when the cameras are rolling, imagine what happens when the world is not watching. There's a war on the poor and America got it all wrong. We need to end poverty. Don't blame the poor for their conditions, we need to figure out what made them poor and fix the problem. Don't fling a quarter to the homeless that's not justice. if there's justice we wouldn't need philanthropy. Philanthropy is made possible by injustice. How can we adjudicate competing claims about poverty without tearing the essential fabric of American democracy that is embodies in the slogan, E Pluri bus unum - out of many, one! We have to right these wrong!

kelly		09-Nov-2009 02:22
I was born in southwestern Pennsylvania,the whole area of appalachia when I am there feels like home.No money ,little food,and my ratty old car ,what ya gonna do but go jump in the creek for a swim and be thankful your not some stuffed shirt who is in fact miserable with their job and their life.Thank god for the people and places of the region, who know how to take care of themselves without much from the outside.

Tommy Wimer		23-Aug-2009 07:37
This is a great lesson!!! Thanks for sharing this. I live in WV, but I do not have it like this lady does. I have lived in other areas, such as Burlington, NC & Harrisonburg, VA, worked 2 jobs & rented a room out to just be able to make it. Now I do not have to work like that, and I am much happier, have very little stress & can enjoy life more.

Jean Law-Bottorf		27-Sep-2008 19:11
When Wall street fell we were too poor to care.

Guest		10-Nov-2006 01:36
This is an excellent gallery raising some interesting questions. Life here look very hard and yet you say she's happy. It would be nice if she could have a few more comforts. I've come across people in the mountains of BC who also live seemingly contented lives on very little.

Mike		30-Oct-2006 03:36
I used to live in Princeton and then later Keystone. I moved away from WV in the late 60's and haven't been back much since. These pictures and this place bring back lots of memories. Great photos.

Guest		04-Sep-2006 23:49
Hi Karen I was born an' raised in the SW tip of Virginia in the Clinch Mountain area and love your photos. However, I think a few of your guests are missing the point - although we are a proud people, we sure have been used an' abused. The big corporations and mining concerns raped these parts then left. There's a gresat song sung by a Marion band name of Fescue - its called Appalachian Man and anyone who wants a copy can e-mail me. (address on my profile page) Take Care Mike

Pam Prell		30-Mar-2006 21:13
Hi, my name is Pam. I was born in West Virginia and I have family that live on little or no income and I have family that lives fairly well. I love your photos. I have lots of my own. My grandparents lived on a creek bank in Buchannon WV, the house has been torn down. I loved it there. The poverty just makes us love each other more and be greatful for the things we do have. Keep up the good work. Many people don't really know about how wonderful and wild WV truly is. WV Pammy! I live in FL, but will go back to WV to retire and grow old.

Jose Paulo Andrade		27-Feb-2006 15:47
Good documentary seriie of photos!!

Guest		04-Jan-2006 19:07
There are so many Christian ministries who devote their time and energy to people overseas when, in fact, looking at these pictures and hearing of their conditions, we need to be looking at our American neighbor.

Ashley Hockenberry		24-Nov-2005 18:33
Superb

Jola Dziubinska		05-Oct-2005 11:40
Very sad, but true. I gues in every country we could find such hidden places. Thanks for remembering this truth to us.

Focus		23-Sep-2005 13:13
WOW! Powerful and moving........you have much talent with both camera and words - don't EVER give up.

Guest		10-Sep-2005 09:58
I have just visit your gallery and i'm glad i did, wonderful pictures, good compositions too thanks for sharing ;)

n		09-Aug-2005 19:07
This is a very interetsing gallery. Many people only wamt to see the white-water rivers and the panoramic views from the mountain tops. Here is a human factor that many people don't think about that you have documented here nicely. Thanks

Stu		01-Mar-2005 11:39
While one can only applaud her grit and determination, it remains hard to believe, and downright disgraceful, that people are left to live in conditions such as these in the richest country in the world. If anything, this gallery tells a story of wrong priorities being followed by successive federal and state governments.

Carmen		21-Oct-2004 15:32
A moving truth about priorities. Certainly a tribute to the secret of life; it sounds like she has found something that many never do.

Guest		24-Sep-2004 01:06
You were here and you give us 8 photos? I am sorry that I sound like an ingrate but this was a premium photo op, as your shots show!

Melanie		30-Jun-2004 13:19
This is very well Documented. I lived in the Heartland of Kentucky for near 28 years of my adult life. Though not in the Appilations (spelling?) there were still a lot of homes that were on this scale, and for the most part they are quite happy. As are their children. It would always amaze me, and no, they wanted no pity! Thanks for sharing this with all, maybe some that have much & still complain will see this and want just a little less!

Guest		27-Jun-2004 15:26
Wonderful photo essay. I recently saw a photo documentary on tv by an award winning photographer (eek, can't remember his name). He also grew up in this area and went back later in life to photograph the people... very haunting, very sad, to a westernized mindset, yet these people all seemed happy and content.... it makes you stop to think...

Guest		25-May-2004 15:26
Nice Photo Essay. Hard to believe this is America...Looks like what you might find in 3rd world country. Keep up the good work.

northstar37		13-Mar-2004 14:47
very interesting!

Jill		20-Feb-2004 18:03
Found you as a result of PaD and started viewing your galleries when I saw the West Virginia..spent some time in Harpers Ferry yet yearned to see the "real" WV..as you have so well documented. This is one of my favorites sitting here feeling such a restlessness and desire to meet her. Nice to also see a place yet not destroyed by corporate America. The true grit of American life. Thank you

Guest		25-Oct-2003 12:18
Karen, This gallery indeed tells an interesting story reminding us that abundance does not guarantee hapiness. Thank you for sharing the story, and the photos . . . and the lesson. I have always thought that "we all teach every day." I'll return to find another lesson. Best regards, John Connor

Donna Race		29-Sep-2003 14:18
Karen...you absolutely nailed it! This is a perfect photojournal of life in Appalachia. Thank you for sharing...hopefully you will enlighten many people to the 'reality' of life.

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