Puckett Cabin
found at milepost 189.9 on the Blue Ridge Parkway - with an amazing story...
294/365
>>Born in 1837, "Aunt" Orlena Hawks Puckett lived here during the latter of her 102 years. A bride at 16, Mrs. Puckett and her husband first farmed below nearby Groundhog Mountain, later moving up to this spot "on top of the mountain."
Mrs. Puckett was past 50 when she began a long career of midwifery. She assisted at the birth of more than 1000 babies, delivering the last in 1939, the year she died. It has been said she never lost a child or mother through her own fault. Tragically, none of Mrs. Puckett's own 24 children lived past infancy.
Regardless of weather, "Aunt" Orlena went wherever and whenever called. Sometimes on horseback, often walking, the midwife brought assurance and kindness to all she visited. When she began her practice around 1890 her fee was one dollar, and "when times was good," six dollars. Often receiving food or other goods in lieu of money, she generously shared all she had with neighbors or those in need.
Today, Orlena Puckett is remembered in this area for her witty, cheerful personality, as well as for her unselfish and skillful practice as a midwife.<<
- Text from the placard by the cabin.
Additional note:
Orlean and John Puckett lived in a larger house that was located in what is now the garden plot on this site. The cabin here currently was moved to the property for one of John’s sisters to live in. It is preserved by the National Park Service to keep the memory of Orlean alive.
Puckett Cabin
found at milepost 189.9 on the Blue Ridge Parkway - with an amazing story...
294/365
>>Born in 1837, "Aunt" Orlena Hawks Puckett lived here during the latter of her 102 years. A bride at 16, Mrs. Puckett and her husband first farmed below nearby Groundhog Mountain, later moving up to this spot "on top of the mountain."
Mrs. Puckett was past 50 when she began a long career of midwifery. She assisted at the birth of more than 1000 babies, delivering the last in 1939, the year she died. It has been said she never lost a child or mother through her own fault. Tragically, none of Mrs. Puckett's own 24 children lived past infancy.
Regardless of weather, "Aunt" Orlena went wherever and whenever called. Sometimes on horseback, often walking, the midwife brought assurance and kindness to all she visited. When she began her practice around 1890 her fee was one dollar, and "when times was good," six dollars. Often receiving food or other goods in lieu of money, she generously shared all she had with neighbors or those in need.
Today, Orlena Puckett is remembered in this area for her witty, cheerful personality, as well as for her unselfish and skillful practice as a midwife.<<
- Text from the placard by the cabin.
Additional note:
Orlean and John Puckett lived in a larger house that was located in what is now the garden plot on this site. The cabin here currently was moved to the property for one of John’s sisters to live in. It is preserved by the National Park Service to keep the memory of Orlean alive.