Appalachian Imagination: Marie Rader

Alex Wilson conducts this interview with his grandmother and former Kentucky State Representative, Marie Rader. Coming from humble beginnings on Horse Lick Creek in Jackson County, Marie has always been one to defy all odds stacked against her. She shares a story of her childhood telling about how her mother would pin her dress tail under a table leg while working in their family's store, before the family moved up to Sand Gap.

She has made it a point to involve herself with anything she could to better the community, and has never shunned hard work. Playing a key role in getting the road established up to Rocky Hill (McCammon Ridge Road).

After the passing of her husband and her being 52 years of age, Marie decided to run for State Representative. With most of the State politicians being men, and her being one of only three women in the Republican Party, the odds were definitely not in her favor. She worked hard, traveled from county to county and developed good relationships with everyone she possibly could. With a heart for the people and a drive to get things done, Marie held her position for 22 years before retiring.

In her time as State Rep. Marie had a huge role in the new road up Big Hill and also the new Highway 30 on the south end of Jackson County.

Though Alex conducted the interview, we here at Appalachian Imagination found it an honor to be a part of preserving a conversation between a man and his grandmother.

IF YOU HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO INTERVIEW, REACH OUT!!! We will do our best to set it up and help you preserve some of your family's history. You can reach us via email appalachianimagination@gmail.com

We thank God for folks, who truly love our region!

We thank you for listening and your ongoing support!

We thank our sponsors- The Jackson County Sun www.jacksonsunky.com WWAG 107.9 www.wagoncountry.com and our good friend in Oklahoma, John Caywood.

If you see negative in your world, we encourage you to be the difference.

STAY AWESOME APPALACHIA!!!