The hogs would be killed in the winter and kept in the smokehouse. They would be smoked before it warmed up in the spring and packed in salt.

When I was there in 1951 I remember a big tree behind the smokehouse. It had very large leaves that we liked to use as umbrellas. One or more of the branches drooped down almost to the ground and we were able to easily able to climb up on it and walk around. I was hoping it would still be there. I was unable to find anyone that remembered that tree but research on the web makes me think it was a paulowina tree.

When Michael and I were driving back home through the mountains of North Carolina we saw a few trees that may have been the same. They were much younger and smaller so it was hard to be sure.

If you look at the large picture of the smokehouse you will see a Tonka road grader and another Tonka toy hanging on the wall of the smokehouse. I don't know if they are the same toys but in 1951 there were 2 or more identical toys hanging there. It seems hard to believe that they could have remained there for 51 years but it is also hard to believe that someone hung other ones in their place. Unless this is some Southern tradition.

Also you might notice a black wash pot lying in the trash.