Maggie Patrick Isaac
When she was a kid, Sharon Isaac loved hearing her grandmother play the banjo. This is Maggie’s story, but it’s also the story of Sharon’s quest to reconnect with her past. (To hear this episode, scroll to the bottom of the post)
Maggie Patrick Isaac was born May 11th, 1892 in Bloomington, Kentucky, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. She was a teacher and helped run the family’s country store. She liked to recite long poems from memory. Her favorite was “Maud Muller,” the story of a poor girl and a wealthy judge who each share regret for a love that might have been. Watch a video of Mammie reciting the poem.
Sharon says her grandmother was stout with long, white hair. She wore black lace-up leather shoes and always had an apron on. ”She made the best biscuits in the world,” said Sharon. “Her kitchen was always a special place.” She kept a big garden and raised hogs.
Learn more about Maggie at Sharon’s blog: Old Time Music Musings
Mammie Playing Banjo
Music featured in this episode (in order of appearance):
1. “Pretty Polly” (with lyrics) performed by Sharon Isaac, 2012
2. “Pretty Polly” performed by Maggie Patrick Isaac, 1970s
3. Bonaparte’s Retreat” performed by Double Eagle String Band on the album Who’s Going Down to Town?
4. ”Pretty Polly” (instrumental) performed by Sharon Isaac, 2012
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Tim Wooten, an old time fiddle player who lives out in the beautiful and rugged Texas Hill Country southwest of Austin, talks about his grandfather and time travel.