Honaker, Virginia: Melody’s Hometown History and Beyond

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Honaker, Virginia: Melody’s Hometown History and Beyond

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Honaker, Virginia: Melody’s Hometown History and Beyond
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Пікірлер: 271

@skipperson4077 2 жыл бұрын

I can't believe I just spent an hour in Honaker but I really enjoyed the heartfelt history and video. The mountain at 6:55 which you said "looks like a pyramid", followed by "was once an Indian trail" made me think of the Monacan Indian Nation which at one time controlled quite a bit of Virginia's Blue Ridge and western Piedmont area and were known as mound-builders, sometimes modifying preexisting hills to suit their purposes (which seem to have included religious ceremonies and burials). The modern day Monacan Nation is headquartered in Madison Heights, VA. I really liked this format of local folks explaining their home towns, especially those familiar with the history and people. Again, Thank You!!!

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!! - Melody

@angiemc2169 2 жыл бұрын

Melody, I really love this video. My cousin from Ohio came to Honaker this weekend and we made much of the same tour, so I'm sending this on to her. Loved seeing Jewel with you too.

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Aw that’s awesome! She was reluctant but I’m so glad she did it! Haha Thank you so much! - Melody

@robinhaupt9119 2 жыл бұрын

What a lovely tour of your hometown Melody. Thank you Shane, Melody and Melodys beautiful Mom!

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Robin!! - Melody

@chuckie5671 2 жыл бұрын

There is no question that you Melody are the daughter. You and your mom look so much alike! Great video! Thanks for sharing!

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!! - Melody

@sandy89107 2 жыл бұрын

I can see where Melody gets that pretty clear skin! She looks like her mom 🥰. Shane is too funny picking at Melody's "divaness" 😁

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Aw thank you so much, Sandy! He always picks at my diva-ness for sure but I always tell him he’s as big of a diva as I am 😂 - Melody

@IReminisceNYC 2 жыл бұрын

The specialness of this place to be felt as Melody and her mom share the stories of their hometown, Honaker. I enjoyed the old photographs and the museum as well. This has been a wonderful trip down memory lane. Blessings to you.

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! It is so special to me so I’m so glad you enjoyed! - Melody

@maryannafedoroff5295 2 жыл бұрын

What a beautiful and heartwarming walk down memory lane! I live in Missouri now, but grew up in the Honaker area and graduated from Honaker High School in 1969. Like you, Melody, I was a cheerleader for HHS, but so many years earlier. Seeing the football field again and all of the places I hung out at as a teenager has been absolutely wonderful! Also, as a child I visited the house you grew up in, when Rev. Kyle Hubbard lived there. My daddy was a Free Will Baptist minister, too, and Brother Kyle was one of his dearest friends, so we saw them often. How exciting it was to see it again and to realize you grew up in that house. I found your channel several months ago, and I’m so glad I did. Thank you so so much Melody and Shane for all that you’re doing and for giving me the trip back home that I haven’t had in far too many years! I’m a history lover, too, and this is a really special calling that the two of you are engaged in. Thank you again and again!!! Mary Anna

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Aww I’m so glad you found our channel and even more glad to read this comment! Honaker is so so special to me and especially my old home. I never met Kyle Hubbard but just the stories I heard left a special place in my heart for him. His daughter, Mary Alice, is so so special to me and my family too. It makes my day to read your comment and know our paths have crossed! Thank you and God bless! - Melody

@jewelblackwell1965 2 жыл бұрын

You must have went to school with our family, the Blackwells. We moved across from Kyle Hubbard around Christmas of 1965. I was 2 weeks old, but had older brothers and a sister who cheered.

@maryannafedoroff5295 2 жыл бұрын

@@realappalachia Thanks so much for your comment, Melody! I understand your feelings about Honaker. I’ve lived in other states for a long time, but in my heart I’ll always be a country girl from Southwestern Virginia. God bless you too!

@maryannafedoroff5295 2 жыл бұрын

@@jewelblackwell1965 Yes, I remember having classes with Virginia Blackwell. 😊

@maryannafedoroff5295 2 жыл бұрын

@@realappalachia I remember Brother Kyle as a very kind person.

@mikebass9943 2 жыл бұрын

Thank ya,ll for sharing Miss Melody's home town and her mama is pretty just like Miss Melody. I hope that was ok to say that. love ya'll

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Mike! We appreciate that and you!! - Melody

@jjdillon2007 2 жыл бұрын

It's really enjoyable to hear Melody's mother's comments, as you're riding along, in the video.

@thomastommy1192 2 жыл бұрын

A really great video thanks for sharing. Melody and her mom have a lot of pride in their hometown. Melody got tears in her eyes when talking about her home place. That is sweet. Sadly most people can never go home again. But you can. Treasure that always. You guys should include your family member in your videos more often. Melody's mom is a very nice-looking lady. also. Thumbs up to your videos. Stay well & safe guys.

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Thomas! We are very proud of our hometown and love our memories there. We appreciate you and your support! - Melody

@jimpeck6437 2 жыл бұрын

That hill when you come into town is Ebby’s knob (climbed it a few times)

@johnmarkley698 2 жыл бұрын

Always loved the small va towns in my travels through them all,be proud of where your from it’s an Appalachian thing

@deborahmccartney5694 2 жыл бұрын

What a lovely video. One of my favorites. It s treat to get a glimpse of Melody's hometown and her upbringing. Your Mom is a Sweetheart. Thank you Shane and Melody!!!!

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Aw thank you so much!! It’s such a special one for me too. I’m so glad you enjoyed! - Melody

@ralfgroh2719 Жыл бұрын

Never get tired of your interesting presentations. Thanks!

@realappalachia Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, Ralf

@debbieepperly3821 2 жыл бұрын

OMG! Loved this! I teared up so many times as Melody & her sweet mom shared memories! Loved the old photos y'all inserted. I always have loved looking at old pictures. This was an awesome video & it was especially nice getting to meet Melody's mom. Family & home is everything! Hugs & blessings from VA! 🏡

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Aw thank you so much, Debbie! I love the old pictures too. It was such a joy to me to get to find those. Hugs and blessings to you, too, our sweet friend!! - Melody

@swedeheart214 Жыл бұрын

New to your channel and just finished the tour of your home town! I am born, raised, and still living in Chicago, but love learning about new (to me) little communities and it's history! I got all teary when you were at your family home. Recently sold my family home of 58 years. Bittersweet memories, for sure! ♥️

@realappalachia Жыл бұрын

Oh wow, 58 years - that had to be difficult

@mikeanderson7165 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely love this video nice seeing your mom thank y’all for sharing.

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Mike! She is camera shy so I was glad she agreed to it! Haha - Melody

@brettwilkinson8904 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. Neat little town. Thanks for taking us along.

@AnnC.... 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for showing us your home town, looks like a nice town to grow up in, it was nice to meet your Mother

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Ann! I have a lot of great childhood memories there. - Melody

@glennacordill8028 2 жыл бұрын

Loved seeing you both again and taking a wander with you! Most of my people lived in the New Garden area in ithe 1700-1800s so I was particularly happy to see the mountains and the lay of the land once again. I've got a lot of ancestors laid to rest there in those little family cemeteries up on the mountain. I haven't been home since 2019 so I was feeling kind of lonely until I watched this! Thanks, guys!

@Binzany 2 жыл бұрын

HHS is now teaching Appalachian history as an elective I think it is great add. This was a great video

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

That’s really great!! I had no idea but I’m so glad to hear it! - Melody

@greatmusicfan57 Жыл бұрын

@@realappalachia Another Glorious video. Love from a North Central Florida Gal.💕🙏🇺🇲

@judypierce7028 2 жыл бұрын

I am so glad to watch another one of your wonderful videos Melody and Shane. A few weeks ago somehow a hacker got into my computer and it took 11 days to have the damage repaired. I felt naked without my computer. You can certainly be very proud of your hometown Melody. Beautiful school campus. It is very easy to tell that the beautiful lady is Melody's mother. Absolutely a sweet reunion Melody. Thank you for such a sweet, sweet video.

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, Judy! I hate that about your computer but we’re so glad to have you back!! - Melody

@sillystring4345 10 ай бұрын

My parents grew up in Honaker. My maternal grandparents lived in the big white Victorian house right next to that big old abandoned building on Fairmount. After my mom graduated highschool (1946), she worked a few years in that building that was then a dry cleaners. As a kid, when we would visit, I was always both intrigued and scared of that building. I would venture in, determined to go upstairs... but I always chickened out because I was sure there would be a witch or a ghost upstairs... Haha. My grandparents also owned a big tobacco farm on Big A mountain. My paternal grandmother lived on Thompson Creek. My parents moved to Virginia Beach area when they got married. I haven't been back there since I was 18.. I was too much of a city girl. Enjoyed your "tour". Thanks for posting.

@george.h5530 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely a magnificent video!!! I also grew up I a wonderful small town in Huntington valley, Pennsylvania before moving to the big city of Philadelphia PA . I still love going back to Huntington valley as my Daughter lives close bye. My Parents have passed but many many amazing memories still linger. Thank you for all your amazing videos.

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

There’s no place like home! Thank you so much, George! - Melody

@johnstevenson9429 2 жыл бұрын

You guys just show that awesome people grow up from awesome children with awesome parents in awesome places. Thanks for a great video.

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Aw thank you so much! - Melody

@MikeOxbrown 2 жыл бұрын

This is just awesome! I lived just on the other side of the mountain behind the goal post. Used to sneak into so many games and the pool at 3 in the morning with the Woodward’s, Stanley and Bailey’s. The holler was home.

@jennifershortt9342 2 жыл бұрын

The building on Fairmont was the original HONAKER high school. A new building was built where the high school gymnasium is. It housed both high school and elementary . In 1952 the existing high school was built and it remained an elementary until the new one was built in 1964. It remained there for a few years more being used just for the gym. It was later torn down and the new gym built.

@Wayne-wg9nu 2 жыл бұрын

Lol got tickled when you was talking about the mountains nickname. I've heard the same thing about pilot knob in pilot mountain nc. Love watching all the videos.

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Haha thank you, Wayne! - Melody

@KlynerKaiOffical 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve been watching you guys for ages and I’ve had no clue you were from my hometown! I love to watch your videos around Appalachia, no wonder they reminded me so much of home so much 😂😂 Keep up the amazing work!

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

How very cool! Thanks for watching!!! - Melody

@annettefabiano3578 Жыл бұрын

I just love yours videos! You guys were so lucky to grow up in such a natural homespun area. Thank you sharing such an important part of your lives and the history of Virginia.

@realappalachia Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much!

@AnneStar-kj3uj 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for memory lane. I went to 7th grade before my family moved. I don't know if your mom remembers the Dye kids!!! My maidan name was Shirley Dye.

@johnnymayo8534 2 жыл бұрын

Tk u for sharing ur hometown & childhood memories w/ us! Ur hometown is beautiful!

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!! - Melody

@mountainfolks24333 2 жыл бұрын

Past by the 460 turn off to Honaker yesterday going from Prestonsburg, Ky. to my home in Galax, va

@aarons1584 Жыл бұрын

46:00 Minute Mark, the former flower shop used to be Gary's Pizza owned by Helen and BF Wilson before they had the "Mama Mia" building built. Gary's Pizza, One God, One Country, One Good Place To Eat! haha

@jeannetaylor2217 Жыл бұрын

HOLY COW!! Do you look exactly like your Momma!! How wonderful for you. You are both beautiful and Truly Blessed 💕🙏🙏

@CaliChaos99 Жыл бұрын

Lovely tour of your town Melody …💯🙏 I think I’d still run through the screen door..lol I’m terrified of snakes. 😅 Thank you for telling the stories & memories,I really appreciate and enjoyed it.

@benandcis Жыл бұрын

When talking about her home made me cry about my home I grew up in that I never wanted to leave.

@realappalachia Жыл бұрын

It always makes me cry to think about my childhood home 🥲 that’s a sign of good memories and that’s something to be grateful for. - Melody

@joshuahess8802 2 жыл бұрын

My hometown as well and the honaker elementary school is actually in swords creek, VA where I live. And I may be biased but our field is the most beautiful field in all of southwest VA

@kimdunham2680 Жыл бұрын

I am Karla Herndon’s sister and thank you so much for the kind words and thoughts. Growing up in Honaker was the best time of my life. My family has many ties there and my Daddy at 83 still lives down Lewis Creek. My brother lives on Romans Ridge and I moved to Saltville after I got married but I’m there every Sunday to have dinner with my entire family where 59:07 my children still live there with my 3 grandchildren. My brother Rusty and his family and grandson are there as well…A FULL HOUSE! A wonderful life as we continue to get together as my Mom is there with us in spirit and memories when she passed away from cancer in 2020. Thanks for the great walk down memory lane ❤ Plus I’m ordering a couple shirts haha!

@realappalachia Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Kim! My Mom went to school with Rusty and I went to school with Tori! (She’s a little younger but still knew of her). I know Marcus and Vanessa, too! Vanessa was my math teacher and tennis coach. That’s one thing I love about our small town - the connections between everyone! I’m so glad you enjoyed the video and that it brought back memories! - Melody

@carolynbobyk3514 2 жыл бұрын

Loved you home town and your mom and your old home :) Lovely scenery too, love the rolling hills

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Carolyn!! I always say there’s just something special about the hills of Honaker. - Melody

@mikebass9943 2 жыл бұрын

Liked the stamped metal ceiling in the ice cream parlor, historic restoration is my profession , love the old buildings with the included history.

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

I really love that detail too. That’s such a cool and unique place with so much history. That sounds like a super fun profession! - Melody

@carolwoodward6141 2 жыл бұрын

Charming stories.

@StephanieHester-cb9yx 7 ай бұрын

I grew up in honaker.. my dad and his best friend owns honaker tire shop it has been there for years...

@EBthere Жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed this. Honaker is such a nice town.

@standinkler5356 2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful, wonderful video. Thank you for sharing your hometown, and growing up in the mountains; small town USA.

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Stan! - Melody

@ut1trey Жыл бұрын

Great vid….my Dad grew up in Honaker and actually. He lived at the bottom of the Mountain you were talking about leaving the elementary school across from the funeral home. I climbed it many time visiting my grandfather before he sold the property back in th 80’s. That mountain was called Ebby’s Knob. My Grandfather raised Cattle and hogs and i believe grew some tobacco. He also owned Honaker Insurance Company. He’s buried at the cemetery across from his property.

@briantheminer 2 жыл бұрын

What a nice town Loved it 😊

@jeffraines414 2 жыл бұрын

I always got Honaker, Haysi, and Hurley confused back in the day going to school at SVCC 😃.... Thanks for the videos

@Roadtripmik 8 ай бұрын

I visited russell county va on US-19 and VA-71 it’s beautiful landscape

@cynthiaslabosz7560 Жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed this video of Honaker! Thank you.

@realappalachia Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@erinikeuchi6447 2 жыл бұрын

I just love your channel. I enjoy seeing and learning about all these awesome towns and the culture . So many beautiful places. Great job guys .

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!!

@samanthab1923 2 жыл бұрын

Why am I not surprised. You were a cheerleader! You have such a lovely upbeat manner. Thank you for inviting us in to see your hometown. Btw, you haven’t aged a year. Must be the water 😂

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!! You are too sweet! I wasn’t the best cheerleader but I was always smiling! Haha I appreciate your kind comment! ❤️ - Melody

@kittylynnlpn Жыл бұрын

I love this video! I sent it to my dad who is also a honaker high School alumni. I would think about 1964 1965. My maiden name is actually Lockhart and I still have family who live in honaker. It was awesome to learn the history of it. My grandpa's sister Mary married an Ivan honaker. And my mother grew up in richlands and graduated in 1968. We moved to richlands last year when my husband retired from the military because this area was always home to me. My father was in the Air Force for 29 years and he lives on the other side of the state now in Yorktown. So I grew up in many different places and I even lived in Germany during Middle School. But tazewell and Russell county have always been home. Thank you so much for your videos. I love learning the history of where my family is from and where my heart has always been

@richardthompson9836 Жыл бұрын

Hi Melody, I'm way down here in Orlando, FL but wanted to tell you just how much I enjoyed watching this. I have a long connection to Honaker indirectly through my grandfather. I was born in Richlands in 1948 but my grandfather was born in Honaker in 1895. His name was Carl E. Thompson, the second from the youngest child of Ransey Thompson. He was the youngest son of Jacob Thompson and all from Honaker. Carl got a job with N&W RR in the early 1920's and moved to Richlands where he met my grandmother and where my father was born in 1923. When Carl retired in 1954 we all moved to florida. On a 1983 trip to visite cousins in Richlands, we took a side trip to Honaker and found the old Thompson cemetary back along a creek and on top of a hill by an old farm house. Your video brought back memories of that trip and the feeling of home that I had while there. I do hope to return again some day. God bless you and your family.

@JoshHonaker Жыл бұрын

As I googled Honaker history I came across your video. I appreciated the tour of the town for many reasons. My name is Joshua Honaker and ironically my brother Shawn and I plan to visit the town next Spring to get a better sense of our roots. We are part of the descendants who came to south central Ky in the late 1700s. Isaac Honaker was our grandfather who settled in Butler County where our lineage has been for 200 plus years. I enjoyed hearing the history, seeing the old photos, and seeing the video tour of the present town. Thank you for the dedication to archive these stories and memories.

@spacemandudley6237 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for showing

@KimmyGibson 2 жыл бұрын

Hi! I've been subscribed to your page for just a short while. I am 65 and I did so because I hoped to reminisce and learn about where my mother's family is from. Lo and behold you've posted a name I recognize!! While I am a Gibson of Scot-Irish descent and quite possibly Melungeon....my mother grew up in a 'coal camp' and my grandfather, Starling Ledford Gibson (Maudie Rhea) worked in the coal mines.... my research shows that Martin Honaker and his wife, Lydia (Musick) Honaker were my 4th great grandparents, and his father from Zurich, Hans Jacob Honaker (*Honeeker *Honegger)..and his second wife, Maria Goetz were my 5th great grandparents!! *small world* :) Thank you so much for sharing your hometown and giving the historical information! If you aren't aware, something to add to your history....when Hans came to America, his first wife and son died shipboard and when he arrived, in order to pay his 'passage', he HAD to work as an indentured servant until the debt was paid and then he worked as a gunsmith. I'm sure you can find additional information about his famous signed long rifle being used during the American Revolution. The last I saw, only a handful remain. Also, one of the links below tell where and how to find the gravesite in the area if you're interested. I wonder if there are any home sites still attributed to the Honaker family? Again, thank you so much....I'll continue watching!! www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/jas-honaker-signed-flintlock-kentucky-long-rifle--329-c-3024385986 www.findagrave.com/memorial/20118637/hans-jacob-honaker

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

That is so cool! It is a small world!! I had looked up Hans grave and thought how cool it would be to go visit there so we just may do that! There are a couple of homes associated with the Honaker family still there! One we got on the video, at the last few minutes before we get to the primitive church there’s a large 2 story White House built by the Honaker family. And there is another still standing we didn’t get but if you want to send us a message on Facebook or Instagram I can send you a picture! - Melody

@bigjimslade6250 2 жыл бұрын

I’m a descendant of Hans Jacob too & have visited his gravesite. It’s in a beautiful spot.

@sylviabise6403 Жыл бұрын

I was born and raised in honaker...my parents also was born in honaker ..there used be a dairy queen thats where I met my husband fir the first time

@GWade1971 Ай бұрын

I grew up on Lewis Creek Honaker was my Home My Grandparents owned Gary"s Pizza . What now is Mama Mia I miss it so very much you all went by the old pizza place also where all started I worked at both of them Thanks for a great video !!

@realappalachia Ай бұрын

@@GWade1971 so glad you enjoyed it. Oddly enough, the first time Melody and I ever met was at the pizza place 10 years ago or so

@robertm731 Жыл бұрын

Made me cry hon. It's ok, just an old man that kind of misses the old days too.

@debbieroyal1728 2 жыл бұрын

Another place to visit is West Jefferson,NC they have a neat downtown and Ashe Co. cheese where across the road they process it. The largest growers of Frazier Christmas trees.

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

We’ve been talking about West Jefferson lately and hope to pull it off soon. Thanks for the info, had no idea about the Christmas trees, so cool

@disco07 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Melody! Shane you done good.

@michadawn234 Жыл бұрын

I am proud to be from Honaker!!! I have not lived there in years. I took swimming lessons at Ball’s Pool and taught swimming lessons at the Honaker Pool, the first year it was open. Went to Honaker Elementary School Then to HHS and was in the band. I spent many hours on that football field too. My brother worked at “The Pig” I spent lots of time at “The Tiger Tilt” I loved David’s and The Shamrock & cruised through town all the time. Mama Mia’s is so delicious! My dad was special friends with Mr & Mrs Allbert he would drive them to their home in Florida for the winter then he would fly back into Bristol. I loved my time in Honaker schools. Coach Harding was one of the greatest. I credit him for saving my husband from going down the wrong path. My dad passed away super unexpectedly when I was only 16. My teachers & coaches were incredible to me. My maiden name is Honaker. My dad is from Thompson’s Creek and I am a descendant of Martin Honaker. I won the first essay contest of the first Redbud Festival My essay contained much the same information as in your history. We 100% pronounce it the same as you. I got married in the Finney Baptist Church by Steven Music. My bother got married at the First Baptist Church. We ate at Gary’s Pizza. What a beautiful video. The love you show is so special, good video!

@kevinbarrett5001 2 жыл бұрын

Another great video Melody. Especially showing us around ya hometown for sure. Thanks again from Virginia also 👍

@talldude5841 2 жыл бұрын

Its no wonder your so sweet and honest Melody growing up in this beautiful and historic town. Your mother is so special as well. Loved the old buildings and the stories about them. Me, being a big Cleveland Browns fan, I so remember Heath Miller killing the Brownies at tight end. Hey, speaking of football Melody, answer this please. Hokies, or the Cavaliers?

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Aw, thank you so much! Heath Miller was amazing! I miss him playing but he had an awesome career. I don’t watch much college football but if I had to choose……Vols! Lol maybe that’s why I don’t watch much, not much to watch there haha! But I spent more time as a kid in East TN than I did farther into VA so I have that deep love and connection to Rocky Top. - Melody

@disco0752 Жыл бұрын

Second time watching this. Better than the first. Thanks Miss Melody and Shane.

@realappalachia Жыл бұрын

That’s fantastic, thank you

@jonhammes6209 2 жыл бұрын

There is nothing in this world like being under the lights on Friday night in a small town!

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

So so true! - Melody

@jimpeck6437 2 жыл бұрын

11:25 that BP garage used to be a Tastee freeze

@wizzardofpaws2420 2 жыл бұрын

Gosh, I thought it was CLEMSON you were cheering for with that orange tiger paw!! ( worked there nearly 20 yrs.) What a great show you guys did!! I get very melancholy when I drive around with you two. It's a good feeling. A feeling like I'm missing home or something!

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! What a nice compliment! We appreciate you! - Melody

@ronc7743 Жыл бұрын

Great video guys. My father's family is from Fries. Your videos make me want to come back to the area. Living in France now so Im a long way from home.

@realappalachia Жыл бұрын

Oh wow, you really did get far away. Hope you get the chance to make it back someday, we loved our visit to Fries

@chriscoleman7534 Жыл бұрын

Great video guys. I’m a lifelong UVA fan and never knew that one of our finest, Heath Miller, was from Honaker. Good stuff!

@realappalachia Жыл бұрын

Oh yes, he’s a Wahoo. Thank you!

@christophersteele8755 Жыл бұрын

Heard my daddy tell lots of stories about pulling Finney hill when he worked on the N&W. Used to go pick up my buddy Badeye compton up on the tunnel... miss the hills

@stevefuller71 Жыл бұрын

I am sitting here in San Clemente California this morning watching this amazing video about home. I could not wait to get out of Honaker when I was young. Now I look for any excuse to come home. Funny how life changes your perspective . My first show with a live band was a Fourth of July celebration at modern Chevrolet back in 1985 or 1986 with my band Kross. Then years later while playing a Redbud festival I met the love of my life Angel there by chance and years later she and I would bring our group Caiged Angel back to town together. My work took me out of that little small town but I will always love the town and people who make it up. I must admit that I had a flood of memories near the end of the video. Loved seeing Diane and the museum. I lived above in an apartment when I was younger. That’s when I met Diane and Jerry. They changed my life. Also I was in class with Carla and remember the day she passed. Very sad day. She was always so cheerful and sweet. Thanks for mentioning the park. Thanks so, so much for doing this video.

@realappalachia Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for your wonderful comment, Steve, these old mountain towns get a grip on us all I think

@duncanmacleod7210 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, this was an enjoyable walk down memory lane. Love the old black and white photos. Very well done.

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@tracycc123 2 жыл бұрын

What a great video! Thank you for sharing your memories with us! God Bless!

@harrywest2780 2 жыл бұрын

Love it you guys are the best 👌

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Harry! So are you! - Melody

@harrywest2780 2 жыл бұрын

I just tried to order some merchandise but it would not go through...when it came time to place the order it would not highlight the pay button

@Philtration 11 ай бұрын

Hans Jacob Honaker was my 5th Great Grandfather. We have always pronounced it Hon-ah-ker. Hon like in "Honda". A like "ahead" Ker like "Kernal" Thanks for posting this!

@litoreggie Жыл бұрын

It’s so beautiful there, wow😍

@jjdillon2007 2 жыл бұрын

"Pop": The one thing I learned back in 2009, was that folks from southern VA, and southern WV call soda, "pop", and a shopping cart is a "buggy".

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Yep and yep! Lol it’s hard for me to think of it as anything else. - Melody

@Upsideofoutside 2 жыл бұрын

You all did a great job representing Honaker!

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Jared! - Melody

@johnperdue2327 2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful video as always. Truly enjoy the road trips with you guys but this one felt extra special being so dear to melody

@glenbo2464 2 жыл бұрын

Looks like a great place to grow up to me ! I grew up in small town also that has swelled to a big city now near Seattle. I miss the calmness and comfort i had as a kid and we knew so many people and merchants by name. I remained friends with several of my elementary schools staff as an adult. I was fortunate enough to be able to go inside my childhood home years ago. I stopped by one day with old pictures of when we lived there and told our story , she let me right in saying ignore the mess and have a look around. It was different in some places but i still it still felt like i was home again. We lived right by the train tracks so the house shook when they passed but its still a comforting sound. I now live 1 mile from it ! Thanks so much for sharing and stirring up some fond memories for me. Ask the owners if you can see your childhood home. I bet they would say yes :)

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Aww thank you so much for this comment! He probably would but I think it would make me even more sad. My mom only sold it a couple of years ago so that feeling is still pretty fresh! I love your story of the train though. I’ve always lived close to trains and I treasure it. Thanks so much!! - Melody

@jeffsavage4486 2 жыл бұрын

Thank ya kindly for y’all to just give us glimpse in to your life. vary nice.

@samcook1545 2 жыл бұрын

Seriously… This makes me want to move there!

@shaunarriaga4798 Жыл бұрын

I would visit my grandmother house every summer from Chicago I would walk to tiger shop as a kid earlier 90s love the video

@realappalachia Жыл бұрын

Thank ya, Shaun

@SerendipitySoulFluidArt Жыл бұрын

Awww I love that Jewel was in this video with Melody! I adore that sweet woman, she sure raised a wonderful daughter. I know this was, indeed, a sentimental video for Melody. Tiger pride runs deep. And I am so glad y’all addressed the pronunciation of HO-Nay-ker. I actually know someone that was born and raised there who also shares the town’s name as his surname. We worked for the same agency and he refused to answer to the name HO-Nay-ker- he said it was “an old German named pronounced Hahn-uh-ker” and he literally forced everyone to pronounce his name that way😂. I guess he thought once he moved away he could rewrite his family history - who knows - but maybe he was really a descendent of Hans John) Jacob Honegger. But no one else in his family pronounces their name that way. And it was SPELLED Honaker not Honegger. (*Shane - the John Jacob Jingelheimer Schmidt song cracked me up!.) The Slaughter Building had a lot of history that I didn’t know as well. The Tiger Stop (where Lester’s was) was the “cruising turn” as Jewel and Melody said according to all the stories I have heard…and David’s Grocery was always the best place to eat fried chicken livers LOL. Jewel and I graduated from HS the same year but I am not from Honaker. I was a Dept of Defense brat and moved all over the world. This was a really sweet video you guys! I loved that you mentioned Coach Harding - he was as much a legend here in Castlewood as he was in Honaker. His grandsons are good friends of my own boys. 🧡🖤🐅 Thanks for another wonderful view of our beautiful Russell Co communities! Lots of legends and lore here in VA, too!!

@realappalachia Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Jan! You know my momma does not like being on camera but I am so glad she did this with us too! I knew she would add so much to it. I always heard David’s had the best chicken livers but never would eat them! Lol I miss their chicken and taters and their turkey clubs and biscuits…oh the list goes on and on! Lol I have so much pride and sentimentality for Honaker and all of Russell Co. There is a lot of legends and lore in Southwest Virginia for sure! Maybe they’ll be a book about that soon 😉😉 - Melody

@heatherfulmore3412 Жыл бұрын

I wouldn't live in the white two story building if I found out that it was haunted.

@jwon5614 Жыл бұрын

Melody!!!! What a beautiful town😂!!!! I would have loved to have grown up there-so much to explore!!!

@andreanagy4801 Жыл бұрын

Hi. I was watching from Sweden. I have a good friend living here. I really enjoyed your video. Thx 👍🙋‍♀️🌿

@andreanagy4801 Жыл бұрын

@@BrendaSmith0227 Hello dear Brenda. What a beautiful place you live at. So glad to have seen all this lovely greenery and landscape. See you!💞🌹🙋‍♀️

@debbieroyal1728 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you both for the memories!

@benlaw4647 2 жыл бұрын

Enjoyed this ! Very beautiful area ! That's an awesome high school! The football field and stadium is very nice ! I remember Heath Miller , a great football player . Thanks for showing the house that built melody...when I saw the football field I said to myself " self , i bet melody was a cheerleader " yup...thanks for the tour and history lesson about your home town melody and meeting your mom ! God bless y'all....🙏❤

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

You were spot on about me being a cheerleader! Haha Thank you so much! It’s such a special place to me. God bless! - Melody

@patriciabogue6811 2 жыл бұрын

Loved it!

@mikeroessm5325 Жыл бұрын

A great uncle of mine lived in Honaker, Ira Shoup was his name, he was born over in Saltville.

@williamhoward9493 2 жыл бұрын

The old building on Fairmont was a school, dry cleaners, bowling alley, and later used car lot! There are records and pictures of this building when it was a school at the museum in town. Fairmont was known for all the teachers residing there in the 60s & '70s approximately 12 or more academic teachers resided all over this community! It was one of the nicest neighborhoods of Honaker at that time. It was also known to be the best sleigh riding road in the winter as kids all over town would gather around at the top and ride down Fairmont Ave. I resided there for 30 years and graduated from Honaker in 1974 and was a firefighter for several years with your Uncle Rodney till I moved to Lebanon. Great video, great town!

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this! I can imagine what a good sleigh ride that was down Fairmont haha! That’s so cool you were a firefighter with Rod. He was proud of that brotherhood. Thanks again for this special comment! It means a lot! - Melody

@tabithasmith3612 2 жыл бұрын

Honaker elementary is actually on Swords Creek Road

@georgiabiscuit 2 жыл бұрын

I love your hometown. Thank you so much for sharing yaw do a wonderful job.

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! - Melody

@bigjimslade6250 2 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed the video as I’ve always wanted to go to Honaker but never got there. My family left Honaker (New Garden) during Reconstruction & several lines trace back through there going back to the Elk Garden Fort. I’ve been to the Hand Jacob Honaker grave site near Draper just off I-81

@Oldnoitall Жыл бұрын

Hey I’m glad you mentioned Barny Barnhart‘s sons chiropractic shop I worked with Barny at Bristol metals for quite a few years and also in about 1979 or 80 a delivered a S 10 pick up truck from Luney Chevrolet in Kingsport Tennessee to that Chevrolet dealership that was my first time I think in Honaker a another good one and if you see Little old Barney Barnhardt ask him if its about time i come up there and thrash him lol

@kevinglennN 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Melody!, hello Shane.. Thanks for what you both do, I can relate to many areas you cover. I have family in Virginia not too far from Arlington area. Have you two ever showed us Cades Cove and the Smoky Mountains areas? Just curious I love it in the Smoky Mountains, going to rent a cabin in Wears Valley around Thanksgiving..

@realappalachia 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Kevin! No Cades Cove video but we love it there. The Wears Valley area is such a nice place to stay! I hope you enjoy! - Melody

@kevinglennN 2 жыл бұрын

@@realappalachia thanks, I’ve been going there since I was a baby every summer. We’d visit family in Harlan, Kentucky on my mom’s side then we would visit my other side of the family in Tazewell, Tenn and that area. Then we would camp at cades cove or the campground in Tremont area.. Pigeon Forge- Gatlinburg .. so many wonderful memories. Hope to see you two show your subscribers one day on how awesome The Great Smoky Mountains are.. So much to do So beautiful and peaceful there..

@Shelly-in-Tampa 2 ай бұрын

I am the class of 89 and dad was the guidance counselor Smith

@jennifershortt9342 2 жыл бұрын

The hill with the flag is officially called Ibby’s Knob. Iby lived at the base of the mountain. She had a bad temper and was known for pouting. When her and her husband would argue she would go up on the knob and pout . Thus it’s name. The name Melody eluded to was given by the younger generation.