Phil Templeton, a real estate developer, talks about the development happening in High Country over his lifetime. He attributes the development to the growth of the university, the skiing industry, and tourism in general. He is a proponent of the development, even if it means the loss of traditional mountain culture, because it provides a higher standard of living for people. He says: "Utopia would be that everything would remain in its natural state and everyone could enjoy it, but that's not how it works."

Andrew Jackson Greene kept this diary from August 6th through November 10th, during the year of 1928. Each day, Greene recorded entries about the weather, community events, friends and family visits. He also included entries devoted to Appalachian Training School, he even names some of the buildings still found on the Appalachian State University campus today such as Justice Hall and White Hall.

Andrew Jackson Greene kept this diary from February 13 through May 17, 1929. Greene continues teaching at Appalachian State Normal School. The school competes in basketball with Cullowhee Normal. Keeping this diary is a release for Greene. He admits that the days he is not able to write are hard for him. He writes what he did that day, who he saw, and what happened in and around the community.

This diary was recorded from February 25 through March 16, 1938 by Andrew Jackson Greene. He provided insight on the life of a Watauga County resident, church member, and teacher at Appalachian State Teachers College. Greene included weather records, travel records and personal reflections for each day. He wrote about the bus stations, the local stores, the Greene Inn, and of course the college.

Edward Eugene Blackburn was born on August 29, 1893 to Alex (b. 1852 – d. June 1, 1926) and Rhoda Howell Blackburn (b. February 12, 1856 – d. December 6, 1934). He was married to Ollie Clawson Blackburn (b. July 29, 1893 – d. June 1985). He grew up in the Todd community of Ashe County and served in the U.S. Army during the First World War with the 318th Field Hospital of the 80th Division. He experienced combat in France, which is briefly mentioned in the interview.

Many affectionately knew him as “Brother Ed” or “Uncle .” The Reverend Ed Blackburn and his wife took over the leadership of The Tabernacle, a non-­‐denominational Holiness church across the hill from his childhood home. This church later became the Blackburn Community Church, was originally started by his father around 1910. His uncle was U.S. Congressman Edmond Spencer Blackburn (b. September 22, 1868 – d. July 21, 1912) who served in 1901-03 and 1905-­07.

During the interview Ed Blackburn talks about growing up in rural Ashe County. Topics include explaining the rules to a game called “dare base,” and his experience working at a grist meal and laying railroad track as a young man. He also discusses the railroad in Todd, timber stripping, religion, and family.