I first met Cratis Williams in the summer of 1977 at a Berea College workshop in Appalachian history and literature. I had heard of him long before I met him, but, unlike many living legends, he measured up to his reputation and he enthralled audiences with his knowledge. Not surprisingly, I was eager to involve him when I went to Morehead State University in 1978 to develop an Appalachian Studies Program.

The following fall, Cratis visited MSU as a consultant. Afterwards, he helped me develop the guidelines for our emerging program.

His greatest effect, however, was on the individuals he encountered. One faculty member wrote to him: "Words have not the power to convey either my joy from or the positive effect of your three-day visit to our campus . . . I am delighted to have met a person with your knowledge of our cultural heritage and zest for sharing it with others. I eagerly await your next visit to Morehead."

Between 1977 and 1985, Cratis and I became good friends. Having grown up without a father or grandfather in my home, I truly appreciated his kind and nurturing support, and I was always pleased to introduce him to my friends and to include him in dinner plans, where he was always the "star attraction" because of his likeable ways and story-telling genius.

Cratis and I often taught together. He patiently endured my lectures, normally allowing that "for the most part," he agreed with what I had said. I, on the other hand, was amazed at both his knowledge and his presentation skills, and I learned a great deal from this man who was affectionately dubbed "Mr. Appalachia" by the press.

Our conversations inevitably turned to scholarship, for that was our greatest common interest. In 1983, Cratis entrusted me with a memoir, which I edited for publication by Morehead State University’s Appalachian Development Center. "William H. Vaughan: A Better Man Than I Ever Wanted to Be" extolled the virtues of his high school principal, who would in 1940 become the President of Morehead State University.

Williams died on May 12, 1985, following a three-year battle with cancer. His body was cremated and his ashes were spread to the winds at his family cemetery near Blaine in Lawrence County, Kentucky. I spoke at his burial service, and I have thought of him often during the last two decades.

Cratis had an uncanny ability to become a positive force in the lives of other people. I know there are many people in this area who are proud to claim him as kin or friend. To those people, especially, and to all who are interested in the history and literature of this area, I am pleased to announce that we have a new Cratis Williams book in stock.

"Tales From Sacred Wind: Coming of Age in Appalachia" is a 444-page softback book, compiled and edited by his son David and his former colleague, Patricia Beaver. It is the story of his childhood and early years, and it is first rate!

"Tales From Sacred Wind" is available at the JSF Bookstore, 1645 Winchester Avenue, in downtown Ashland.

For more information, call (606)326-1667 or visit our website: JSFBOOKS.COM.

The next meeting of our "Regional Readers" reading group is Tuesday, April 6th, at 5:45 pm in the JSF Conference room. We’ll be discussing Lou Martin’s novel, "Above The Slate," a novel told in the earthy voices of a husband and wife who struggle against the harsh realities of Appalachian coal country life in the 1930s.