Submitted by Gene Maddox
Here are several home movie clips showing Appalachia’s Labor Day celebration in 1956. The Tricky Sixty band marched through town, as did the Big Stone Gap band. Both bands then each performed before a large crowd at the old football stadium.
As with most home movies from that era, there isn’t any sound. They’re in color, but the quality doesn’t approach what we’re accustomed to today. The home movies were filmed by Gene Maddox, Sr.
Parade Down Main Street
The Tricky Sixty, with Mr. Flanary, is marching toward the football stadium here, in front of Buck and Gene’s. Click here to view.
Big Stone Gap Band
The Big Stone Gap band is shown marching in the parade. There’s a great shot of Mrs. McChesney marching behind. Click here to view.
Labor Day Performance
The Tricky Sixty begins its routine on the field. Click here to view.
Charleston + Tricky Sixty
Who but Joe Flanary could have thought up a routine in which the band played behind three young ladies who were dancing the Charleston? Click here to view.
Appalachia Folks
Here are four brief clips of Appalachia residents, relaxing at the football stadium during the festivities:
J.D. Flanary
Here are a few seconds of Mr. Flanary, as he was leaving the stadium. Click here to view.