The Little House

One of my favorite children's books of all time is The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton.  The story begins, "She was a pretty Little House and she was strong and well built."  I think of this when I look at this picture, taken from the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad near Bryson City, North Carolina.

The house was built during the Civil War, and was occupied until only about 20 years ago!  Running water and electricity were only added during the mid 20th century.

In a time when old things, perceived as useless or even ugly, are torn down to make way for anything shiny and new, it is gratifying to see this Little House, so strong and well built.