Yesterday's Boys: A Memoir of Growing Up in the Backwoods of Virginia

by John Echols

Overview

Yesterday's Boys is an eye-opening account of one hillbilly boy growing up in the coal mining community of Patterson, Virginia in the 1950s and the 1960s. Patterson is located deep in the Appalachian Mountains, 16 miles from the nearest town.

This is John Echols' true story of the good times and bad times. Coal was king at that time, and like the song "16 Tons" by Tennessee Ernie Ford says, all the miners in Patterson owed their soul to the Company Store.

Soup beans (pinto beans), fried potatoes, and cornbread were what they ate five, six, or seven times a week. This was the main meal at the Trent house and for most families.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940186553960
Publisher:	Jan-Carol Publishing, INC
Publication date:	02/10/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

When John Echols was about 18, he left the holler and ventured out into the real world, now residing just off U.S. 1 near mile 4 in Key West, Florida. He has been blessed for 80 plus years. You may contact the author at:
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Editorial Reviews

"The 'good old days' of growing up in Patterson, Virginia is captured by author Echols in his detailed personal stories of poverty, hardship, good living, and adventurous ways to have clean fun. Rural living in the heart of Appala-chia can only be told by one who has experienced all it has to offer. The author provides a raw and rich insight of living in one of the most recognized diverse regions in the US...Buchanan County, Virginia."

Back Cover - James E. Arrington Jr.

"There's an old country saying, 'If you grow up poor, you grow up strong.' John Echols certainly validates that saying on every page of Yesterday's Boys. The reader can sense sadness sometimes as Echols relates his stories, but there is a passion and gratitude for a life that made him appreciate the 'little things.' Be ready to laugh, cry, and just shake your head in wonder as you become a part of Echols' country memories."

Back Cover - Brenda Crissman Musick