Three Years of Southern Stories, and a Dream of Change
As Salvation South marks three years of publication, editor Chuck Reece looks back at a stellar lineup of established Southern authors and fresh voices.
Stories
Why Birds?
Virginia poet and novelist Jim Minick brings us a beautiful poem about a love for birds — and about love itself.
By Jim Minick /
Oysters Spring Eternal
In Spring Creek, Florida, three young oyster farming operations demonstrate the modern response to the decline of traditional oyster harvesting along the Panhandle.
By Erich Martin /
Our Beloved Oysters
A tale about Florida oysters, a remembrance of grandma’s apple-spice jam and a poem about a love of birds (and love itself).
By Chuck Reece /
Spreading the Love, One Jar at a Time
His grandmother made the best apple-spice jam this side of heaven. Keeping her tradition alive is about more than preserving food. It preserves memories, too.
By George Lancaster /
Remembering Loretta Lynn
The South lost one of its greatest artists this week, and Salvation South brings you two remembrances of the truth-telling singer from Butcher Holler, Kentucky.
By Chuck Reece /
The Art of Forgiveness: Hattie Duncan
During a youth beset by polio and grinding poverty, Hattie Duncan learned a way of creativity that gave her a generous outlook on life and helped her become a beloved Southern folk artist.
By Shawn Pitts /
Step Right Up: It’s Time for the Alabama National Fair
For the last 68 years, the Alabama National Fair in Montgomery has drawn thousands of people for 10 days of family fun — with roller coasters, prize livestock and maybe, if they’re lucky, some saltwater taffy.
By Jennifer Stewart Kornegay /
“I’m Going to Heaven Tonight”
After Loretta Lynn died on Tuesday, the revered Nashville singer-songwriter Todd Snider wrote down his memories of his work with — and friendship with — the late great Southern icon.
By Todd Snider /
Silas House Speaks the Truth
With the publication of his seventh novel, “Lark Ascending,” the Appalachian writer tells a riveting tale set in a frightening future, but he’s also hard at work on reckoning with — and reconciling — the conflicting facts of his mountain home.
By Holly Gleason /
A Love Letter From Beyond the Grave
Released three years after his death, “Things Happen That Way” is the final album from the late, great master of New Orleans funk, Dr. John.
By Rob Rushin-Knopf /
The River Rats of New Orleans
On the other side of the levee from the city, there is a small community called the batture that few people ever see. Macon Fry has lived there for 30 years.
By Macon Fry /
Why Silas House Matters
This week’s Salvation South covers not only the great Appalachian writer, but also the over-the-levee community of New Orleans and that city’s late great king of funk music, Dr. John.