Documenting the Past for the Future: A Community Storytelling Project

Life in our rural communities has always been woven from the threads of everyday moments—harvests and homecomings, Sunday dinners and schoolyard games, laughter shared on front porches, and stories passed down around kitchen tables. These memories and traditions are treasures worth keeping alive.

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At the Recess Inn, we’re honored to carry on the legacy of local storytellers like Warren “Jack” Lee and Jim Hill by gathering the stories of our friends, neighbors, and visitors—past and present—between September 2025 and February 2026.
 

We’d love for you to be part of this special project. Maybe you have a favorite childhood memory, a story about a local character everyone remembers, or reflections on how life here has changed (or stayed the same). However big or small, your story matters. There are three simple ways to join in, so you can share in the way that feels right for you.

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• Share a Lot:

  • Choose 12 questions from the list below and answer 2 each month (September–February).

• Share Some:

  • Choose 6 questions and answer 1 each month (September - February)

• Share a Little:

  • Choose any 1 question (or more) or share any overview of life in our community

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How to Share Your Story

You can respond in any of these formats:
 

• Written (typed in a Word document, submitted via the online links below, or hand-written — please keep handwriting legible!) 

• Audio (.mp4 file or similar)

• Video (smart-phone recording is fine)

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You may email them to samantha@therecessinn.com, or text files to (660) 500-1313. 

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You can answer questions yourself or interview a family member, neighbor, or friend of any age. Everyone is welcome!

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Need help getting started or prefer a simple conversation/interview with a team member? We’re happy to help! The Recess Inn team can schedule a time to record your stories with you or a loved one. Just email samantha@therecessinn.com or text (660) 500-1313 to set it up. Additionally, you may let us know if you would like us to share monthly email or text reminders with you to respond to questions.

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Story Questions

• What was your family like growing up?

• How did you and your friends spend your time?

• What is one of your fondest childhood memories?

• What family or community traditions do you remember most?

• What was your hometown (Ethel, New Cambria, or another) like when you were growing up?

• Where did your family shop? What were some staples you bought? What did you produce yourselves?

• Were you involved in any clubs, churches, or organizations as a child?

• Tell us about a song that brings back a strong memory.

• What invention changed your everyday life the most?

• What were your favorite radio shows, TV shows, or books?

• What’s the first major news story you remember living through?

• What school(s) did you attend, and what was it like?

• What’s a small decision you made that ended up having a big impact?

• Tell us about someone you looked up to in your community.

• What life surprises stand out to you most?

• What advice would you give to future generations in your community?

• Is there anything else about your life or life in your community you’d like to share?

• What is something about yourself that many of your neighbors don’t know or that you wish you could share?

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Sharing Photos

If you would like to submit photos with your stories, please email them to samantha@therecessinn.com, text them to (660) 500-1313, OR we’re happy to scan printed photos—just reach out to coordinate. Please include a list of photos and captions on a separate piece of paper or in a corresponding email.

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The Fine Print

Your responses will be combined with those of other participants to help illustrate what life was like for people in different communities and time periods.
 

How Your Story May Be Used

When you submit your answers, you can choose one of two options:
 

1. Oral Hawkins Library Only – Your stories will appear only in the printed documentation available in the Recess Inn’s Oral Hawkins Library.

2. Broad Sharing – You give permission for your responses to be summarized or quoted in both print and digital formats that may be shared publicly.
    

In either case, you may choose to remain anonymous.
 

Additional Information

• The Recess Inn reserves the right to decide what content will be shared.

• Disrespectful, hateful, or harmful content will not be included.

• Participation is voluntary, and no monetary compensation will be given.

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