W.R. Trivett, Appalachian Pictureman

W.R. Trivett (1884-1966), a farmer born in Watauga County, North Carolina, was also a self-taught professional photographer who left behind an invaluable collection of more than 400 glass plate negatives taken between 1907 and the late 1940s in the Beech Mountain community of neighboring Avery County. Along with the photographs (105 are reproduced herein), a collection of Trivett’s personal papers survive, revealing very enlightening information about his life in the mountains. This work--the fourth in McFarland’s continuing series of Contributions to Southern Appalachian Studies--carefully examines Trivett’s life and photographs, comparing his work to that of contemporary outside photographers who often produced stereotypical images of mountain people. Through Trivett’s images we can, by contrast, see the everyday reality for most people in rural Appalachia.

Ralph E. Lentz II is an instructor of history at Appalachian State University, Caldwell Community College, and Lees-McRae College. A native of Watauga County, he lives in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. He also pursues interests in painting, drawing and other graphic arts.