Growing up in the heart of appalachia, I have never felt a more disconnect to my culture, my heritage, my history. Nevertheless, my roots are bound by German descent, specifically from Dusseldorff, Germany; a city that did not foreshadow opportunities for its' poorer citizens, as wars ravaged their farmsteads, forcing its' people to migrate westward into english colonies. Of the thousands of german immigrants, Ottie Hagedorn, my great grandmother, came over to America with her husband to start a new, more free life. Unfortunately, I know not much about the life of my great grandmother, but the rich history of her life, that is known, has been relived through stories my mom's mother, my grandmother, passed down to my mom and then my mom passed it onto me. Interestingly enough, Ottie and her husband, Clyde, were the founders of Hagedorn's Gas Co., in Dellslow, West Virginia. Althoughn it is no longer owned by any member of my family, this public car service is still in full swing! Moving right along, the only other fond memory of Ottie that i possess is that she was vocally blessed, which is ironic for myself because i personally possess absolutely no talent for the 'vocal arts,' as some of my listeners, not by choice mind you, have dubbed me permanently tone deaf! Anyways, back to my gammy, during the time of the New Deal, Eleanor Roosevelt, who proposed this economic stabilizer, went on many campaigning ventures, one of which, led her to Arthurdale, West Virginia. This is where my great grandmother met the lovely Eleanor, and in her honor, sang to her "Home Among the Hills." How incredible! Although I do not know where this event took place, I do know that Ottie was notorious around town for her talented, god-like voice, as her voice was praised by performing on many occasions, like churches, spoecial events, and even weddings. Sadly, I never did get to meet Ottie, but her memory will not be forgotten.
-Leah
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