Its rich history goes something like this: John C. Campbell, who was raised in Wisconsin, studied education and theology in New England. Like many others of his generation, he felt called to humanitarian work. The Southern Appalachian region, at the turn of the century, was considered a fitting place for a social and educational mission. John and his new bride, Olive Dame, began a fact-finding mission of social conditions in the mountains from Georgia to West Virginia. Their wagon became their traveling home as they went about their task. John interviewed farmers about their agricultural practices while, Olive collected ancient Appalachian ballads and studied the handicrafts of the mountain people. Their goal was to both improve the quality of life as well as share the wonderful crafts, techniques and tools of the mountain people.
The Folk School’s 270-acre Brasstown campus. Photo by Cory Marie Podielski
Traditional skills are learned by doing at the Folk School.
The idea of a “folk high school” (folkehojskole) had been a force in the rural life of Denmark. These “schools for life” helped change the Danish countryside into a vibrant, creative force. After John’s death in 1919, Olive and her friend, Marguerite Butler, traveled to Europe and studied folk schools in Denmark, Sweden and other countries. When they returned to the U. S., it was with renewed energy and a mission to begin this type school in Appalachia. However, they realized they could not “impose” their ideas on the mountain people, but needed their collaboration. Miss Butler discussed the idea with Fred Scroggs, Brasstown’s local storekeeper, saying she would return in a few weeks to find out if the people in the area had any interest in such a school. When
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