I remember my father and I talking to Scott at an old country store in Breathitt County back when I was a kid, about 1985 or so. He was in his 80's then, and he got around better than we did!! He and my dad talked for about 15-20 minutes or so, but I remember being mesmerized by some of the things he said. I am so glad that I came upon this video on youtube!!
Had a neighbor like this. Wilbur lived in an old school bus back in the woods. He was a simple man and very sharp of mind. He drove an old pickup that I don't think ever had a set of tires that were all of the same size. lol He'd done anything for anybody. Salt of the earth kind of man. Need more Scotty's and Wilbur's. Folks that knew Wilbur knew that he was a war hero. Decorated in WWII. I didn't ask much cause I could tell it pained him to talk about it. Miss that man. God bless Scotty!
I had to sign in and say this before I go to work.....just watching this man and hearing him talk made my eyes well up and my throat knot up a bit. They don't make people like no more.
My family just found this. This is my great-uncle, my dad's mom's brother. I was too young to know him while he was still alive. Thanks for sharing a bit of my history, OP.
Cool. There's Stidhams way back in my family line. Did you know the family comes from Dr. Timen Stiddem, a prominent settler in the Sweedish colony (Delaware) in the late 1600's?
wake up in the morning smell the bacon in the pan chillin havin biscuits with blackberry jam mommas in the backyard hangin close on the line grampas in his porch swing sippin home made wine i wouldnt change a thing we call it country living
This is truly amazing. My grandfather was an old time fiddler. I really enjoyed this but I sure do miss my grandfather. So much wisdom. If I could listen to him talk one more afternoon...
He reminds me orthodox Christians elders-with that long beard ,his words of wisdom...🙏I live in Greece and I saw for the first time his picture in the titles of the Steve Seagal's movie "Fire Down Below".Back then,when I was a kid,in the 90s....I realy loved his humble pose with his cat in the bedroom...
Awesome, takes me back to my youth. We visited thehills of KY every summer. I hated it. In retrospect it was beautiful! Too bad too many things in life aren't appreciated til they are gone.
This was a great video. We need to keep the stories and lives going from folks like him. There is way too much being forgotten over time, and these stories need to be told. Wise old mountain men. Take care....Darryl, AML.
Wonderful!- great to see a real video- of real people and linking us to the past. Keep up the great work- this type of work will help mankind understand each other.
Great vid...Scotty Stidham seems like a wise and cool dude....I Just read Appalachian Lives last night. Wow images and stories were very rich. My new favorite photographer. Love What you've been doin in this great part of the country. Absolutely Amazing Lighting and composing!!! and what great people and culture to capture in a most understanding and compassionate way. Your an inspiration Shelby.
Hey thts my u should know somebody before u say they closed minded come to the hills city boy tht ol man worked hard then u all ever will luv u pap always look over me n my boy
At 02:09 Mr. Stidham tells a marvelous version of the enduring ancient ballad "The Outlandish Knight," a.k.a. "Lady Isabel and the Elf Knight," or "The Willow Tree". A favorite song from the 13th century evolving as it passed through Scotland, Ireland and England to our early mountain settlers who've kept it alive. The murderous affair of "Pretty Polly" is an example.Kings, knights, and silken stays are gone, but the river and the black-hearted lover have stood the test of time. Worth a Google!
I wish we could mate. I don't think we have enough room left in Europe. I live in Sweden, one of Europe's largest land masses, with the last forests left of Northern Europe, and yet our god awful immigration system here is hell bent on further destroying all that by giving a home to 100,000 more immigrants every year. I went to Japan once, beautiful country, but their country-side is as over-crowed as our suburbs. I would hate to think there would not be any real country-side left in the future.
My name is mark Anthony Stidham Jr. I'm from northern ky. Can someone reach out to me with real knowledge about this video or put into contact with someone that can
If you like this film, check out Appalshop's film "Morgan Sexton, Banjo Player from Bull Creek." Morgan is a better banjo player but Scotty's beard is awesome
While i dig this man on everything, i can't dig his absoulute in jesus. Yes jesus existed, but he wasn't the man who walked on water, who was resurrected, who fed 3000 from a couple fish an loafs of bread. Now i'm not preachin nor tellin everybody whats this an whats that , but this calmness and respect for nature needs to be upheld. I ain't religious but god doesn't need to be there to love and respect everyone, the main thing is peace
This good old man is right. He is with the one true God right now in Heaven. You won't be unless you come to know Him, and receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Loving and respecting everyone and peace won't get you into Heaven.
