Rural Free Delivery: Mail Carriers in Central Appalachia
In 2021, folklorist Emily Hilliard received an Archie Green Fellowship to document U.S. mail carriers in Central Appalachia. Over the course of a year, she conducted in-depth interviews with 24 contemporary and recently-retired rural mail carriers and clerks (formerly known as postmasters) in the upper mountain South (VA, WV, KY, OH). Interviewees discuss their work-related activities and responsibilities; the function they serve as lifelines in their community; and how their place of work— rural post offices—are invaluable community hubs in remote rural areas.