In 1910, a family in Pike County, Kentucky, proudly posed in front of their modest wooden home, offering a rare glimpse into rural Appalachian life. Their simple, sturdy, and likely hand-built house reflects the hard-won self-sufficiency of mountain families who made a living through farming, coal mining, and crafts.

The photograph captures more than just a structure; it conveys a story of resilience and kinship. In these hills, survival depended on strong bonds—both with the land and with each other. The family's quiet pride speaks of a life rooted in perseverance, where hardships were met with determination and dignity.
Such images are enduring testaments to the cultural roots of the Appalachians, nurtured by work, storytelling, and shared endurance. This family, like so many others, formed the backbone of a community shaped not by wealth, but by grit and connection to their heritage. Their legacy lives on in the enduring spirit of the Kentucky hills.

It's pretty obvious what they did with their "spare time".

1910 was the year my parents were born.

My parents were born in 26 and 32. I was born in 1957. How old are you peeler?

Looks like log cabin style build with squared timbers. Pretty impressive timbers, only 5 high.

really big trees for sure, 1910 my grandmother was born,

My dad was 1914 mom 1919 and me 1959

Wonder if the shaved head little girl had lice? Maybe a punishment for smoking daddy's pipe or something?

Well, it wasn't mowing the lawn.

I can't tell if the girls hair is cut short or pulled back tight like the two grown women.

No fatties there. Lots of hard work and no over abundance of food I suspect.

If mom and dad are standing on either side of the porch post, and the rest are brothers and sisters, who's the father of the baby being held on the porch?

Truth

I think they stayed busy enough to be thin

My in-laws are from east ky. FIL was one of 13 and MIL was one of 11. My wife has a bunch of cousins.

Grass looks pretty well maintained to me.

Maybe some moonshining was a source of income.

June of '57. Last of six. I was born the morning after my oldest brother graduated from High School.

Poor kids with no shoes walking around. No wonder people didn't live very long back then. Some of these old photos are so sad. And we think we've got it tough?