Posted by Jane Metters LaBarbara.
March 16th, 2020
Blog post by Jane Metters LaBarbara, Assistant Curator, WVRHC.
In light of the current turbulence of COVID-19, I thought we could all use something nice and light to enjoy on the blog. Below I am sharing a small sampling of postcards from our new (currently in-process) Hatfield family collection.
This postcard was just labeled “Master Joe Hatfield and his Jack Dog”
J.D. Hatfield and Bob Hunter in front of an unknown house, demonstrating safe social distancing This postcard was labeled ” Uncle Joe, Mother, ‘Toby'” — I increased the contrast because the original is a bit faded. “John R. Caldwell in Elias Hatfield Saloon” (no mention of the dog’s name, but I’m wondering if it’s Toby at his day job). This photo was also faded quite a bit, so I altered the colors.Labeled “Anderson Hatfield and Wife”–Devil Anse as an older man, with his wife Louvisa.
In case you, too, crave certainty and resolution, I wanted to end the post with the ceremonial peace treaty style document signed by members of both families in 2003, declaring that they had put the feud far behind them and embraced unity. Also included is the governor’s declaration of June 14, 2003 as Hatfield-McCoy Reconciliation Day.
A unity statement between the Hatfield and McCoy families, signed by Reo B. Hatfield, Bo McCoy, and Ron McCoy, dated June 14, 2003.An extension of the unity statement between the Hatfields and McCoys, with signatures of dozens of family members.Official declaration of June 14, 2003 as Hatfield-McCoy Reconciliation Day, by Governor Bob Wise
