Introduction
Foxfire 3 is part of a series documenting Appalachian oral histories. This chapter profiles Simmie Free, a moonshiner and storyteller from North Carolina. Born in 1904, Simmie grew up in a family of moonshiners. His father died in a whiskey still explosion, leaving his mother to raise him alone. Simmie’s unique method of moonshining involved using a copper coil in the boiler, which he hid in a hollow log to avoid detection. Known for his humor and storytelling, Simmie often used anecdotes to avoid serious conversations. He had a heart attack in 1952 but continued working until his death in 1967. Married to Lillie, who managed their farm and supported his moonshining, they had 12 children, though only 3 survived to adulthood. Simmie’s stories preserved Appalachian traditions, including recipes for moonshine and folk remedies. His wife’s resilience during the 1919 flu epidemic is highlighted as a key survival story.
Simmie’s Background
Simmie Free was born in 1904 in North Carolina. His family had a long tradition of moonshining, which he learned from his father. When his father died in a whiskey still explosion, Simmie was left to carry on the family business. His mother, a strong and resilient woman, raised him alone, instilling in him the values of hard work and perseverance. Simmie’s upbringing in this environment shaped his life and career as a moonshiner and storyteller.
Moonshining Career
Simmie operated a still during Prohibition, using a unique method involving a copper coil in the boiler. This method allowed for a more efficient distillation process, producing a higher quality of moonshine. To avoid detection by law enforcement, Simmie hid his still in a hollow log deep in the woods. This ingenious hiding place made it difficult for authorities to locate his operation. Simmie’s moonshining career was not just about making alcohol; it was also a way to support his family and maintain a sense of tradition in his community.
Personal Traits
Simmie Free was known for his humor and storytelling. He often used anecdotes to avoid serious conversations, making him a beloved figure in his community. His storytelling skills were not just for entertainment; they also served as a means of preserving Appalachian traditions and history. Simmie had a heart attack in 1952 but continued working until his death in 1967. Despite his health issues, he remained active in his community and continued to share his stories and knowledge with others.
Family Life
Simmie was married to Lillie, who managed their farm and supported his moonshining. Together, they had 12 children, though only 3 survived to adulthood. Lillie’s role in managing the farm and supporting Simmie’s moonshining was crucial to their survival. She was known for her resilience, especially during the 1919 flu epidemic, where she managed to keep their family safe and healthy despite the widespread illness. Lillie’s strength and Simmie’s storytelling skills combined to create a unique and enduring legacy in their community.
Legacy
Simmie Free’s stories preserved Appalachian traditions, including recipes for moonshine and folk remedies. His legacy is not just about his moonshining career but also about the cultural heritage he helped to maintain. Through his stories, Simmie shared knowledge about traditional Appalachian practices, ensuring that these customs were not lost to future generations. His wife’s resilience during the 1919 flu epidemic is highlighted as a key survival story, showcasing the strength and adaptability of Appalachian families in the face of adversity. Simmie’s life and work serve as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Appalachian region and the importance of preserving these traditions for future generations.
Practical Tips
- Understanding the Tradition: To appreciate Simmie Free’s stories, it is important to understand the cultural context of Appalachian moonshining. This includes learning about the history of moonshining in the region and the role it played in local communities.
- Preserving Stories: To ensure that stories like Simmie’s are not lost, it is important to document them through writing, recording, or other forms of media. This can be done by interviewing elders in the community or by collecting written accounts of their stories.
- Community Engagement: Engaging with the local community can help to preserve cultural traditions and ensure that they are passed down to future generations. This can be done through community events, workshops, or other forms of community engagement.
Conclusion
Simmie Free’s life and work serve as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Appalachian region. His stories and legacy help to preserve Appalachian traditions and ensure that they are not lost to future generations. By understanding and appreciating the cultural context of moonshining in the region, we can better appreciate the importance of preserving these traditions for future generations.