WILDER Family

Pine Mountain Settlement School
Series 09: BIOGRAPHY – Families
Wilder Family, 1921-1986

Brit Wilder ; WILDER Family

Rhoda Creech Wilder’s Family: Kermit 8, Brit 10, Sallie 12, holding ? Mary 1, Margaret 3, Cindy 6, Polly 4. [Vl_37_1195a.jpg]


TAGS: Wilder Family, Pine Mountain Settlement School, Pine Mountain Community, PMSS Workers, PMSS Boarding School Students, PMSS Community School Students


WILDER Family, 1921-1986

Members of the Wilder Family lived in the community of Pine Mountain since very early years. Many were among the student body and workers at Pine Mountain Settlement School.

For additional assistance in locating histories of families in Eastern Kentucky see:

Harlan County, Kentucky Genealogy – FamilySearch Wiki


Wilder Family: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PMSS COLLECTIONS

WILDERS IN PMSS GRADUATING CLASSES:

Anne (Anna?) Bernice Wilder – May 1945
Billie Wilder – May 1941
Hobart Wilder – May 1948 [?] See group photo below [nace_II_album_100.jpg].
Jack Wilder – May 1947
Margaret Wilder – May 1935
Polly Wilder – May 1934
Wilbur Wilder – May 1938

Barbara Wilder, freshman, was quoted in the article “My impressions of Pine Mountain At the End of Four Months.” PINE CONE 1948-49, page 4. An excerpt from her diary assignment was printed on pages 14-15 in PINE CONE 1949.

Brit Wilders picture and biography are featured in the 1943 PINE MOUNTAIN FAMILY ALBUM: Boone [Callahan] and Brit [Wilder] were among the first students to come to Pine Mountain, and since the days when they cut “pretties’ for Miss Pettit with their pocket knives, they have never been far away from the active life of the school …. Brit is the truck driver and superintendent of the mine. He is a grandson of Uncle William, is married to [Barbara]. a former Pine Mountain student, and has a lovely home close to the school grounds.

Ella Wilder, daughter Barbara and Brit Wilder. Brit and Ella worked at PMSS for over 40 years. [X_100_workers_2603d_mod.jpg]

An oral history by Brit and Ella Wilder was recorded during an interview at their home, December 15, 1986. GUIDE TO AUDIO RECORDINGS (no transcription).

“After 25 years of faithful and excellent service as head of maintenance, Brit Wilder retired last spring, to be succeeded by his cousin, a former Pine Mountain student and our friend and neighbor, Omer Lewis….” NOTES – 1974 (November).

Charlene Lewis Wilder was placed tentatively at Turkey Fork school, according to Burton Rogers’ letter [081] to Gladys Hill, Aug 17, 1950. GLADYS HILL CORRESPONDENCE.

Doris Wilder ran for magistrate against Bish Boggs and Clarence Patterson, according to ALICE COBB STORIES “Farewell Trip to Line Fork June 13, 1937.

Mrs. Darse (sic) Wilder was reported to have died in an administrative letter (no year, probably 1941, #053, 054) from Arthur Dodd to Glyn Morris. ARTHUR W. DODD CORRESPONDENCE.

Dorse Wilder was one of the speakers at a church meeting in the Church of God. ALICE COBB STORIES “Logging in Gabe’s Branch and Holiness Service.” He was a loom-maker for those who wove in their homes for the Fireside Industries, such as Tressie Wilder. “Since he did that on rainy days and in his spare time, that brought him some extra money.” WELLS RECORD PMSS 13 FIRESIDE INDUSTRIES 1913-1928.

Ella Wilder, Barbara and Brit Wilder’s daughter, was one of the group from PMSS that walked through the community to gather “antiques” for the 1949 COMMUNITY FAIR DAY. The anonymous writer of the narrative described her: “…If you know Ella [Wilder], you know what a strong silent sort of person she is. One has the feeling of still water flowing deep. There is so much behind and beyond those quiet steady eyes, and the occasional quick lighted smile. She’s like Mona Lisa.” The group visited the former home, “Rhoda Wilder’s little house,” of the Wilder children, Sally, Cindy, Brit, Kern and Polly.

Henry Wilder’s barn, located on Little Laurel, provided the chestnut wood for a deer carving by Henry’s grandson, Gregory Adams. Gregory’s mother was Margaret (Wilder) Adams. Director Paul Hayes had asked for the carving which he planned to display on the mantle at Big Log. NOTES – 1994 (Fall).

Hobart Wilder was one of a group of four PMSS teachers (farm) served dinner by the senior girls. PINE CONE 1948.

John Wilder owns lands adjacent to Pine Mountain Settlement School just east of the School.

Mary Wilder and Emily Creech were at Sally Cornett’s when Alice Cobb paid a visit. Cobb described her as “Sally’s perfectly enormous little sister.” She continued: “and we sat and talked for a long time…. They both knew Miss Pettit in the old days, and had so many stories. Altogether it was one of the most pleasant evenings I have ever spent.” ALICE COBB STORIES “VISIT TO LINE FORK….’

During a meeting of the Association of Pine Mountain School Alumni and Friends at the 1983 Homecoming, Mildred Wilder, wife of John Wilder, was recognized among the kitchen help as those “who had worked so hard to feed us all.” Jack Wilder was described as one of the “old faithfuls” attending the Homecoming. 1983 ALUMNI RELATIONS.

In a 1916 letter (#7), Marguerite Butler wrote that “Hulda is going to cut out dresses for Rhoda Wilder’s children. (Aunt Sal’s daughter).” 1916 MARGUERITE BUTLER LETTERSRhoda was the daughter of William and Sally Creech. She married H. Wilder. CREECH FAMILY.

The 1949 Conifer lists Hobart Wilder, Brit Wilder, and Ella Wilder as staff and Barbara Wilder and Ruth Wilder as students. CONIFER – 1949 MAY SUPPLEMENT.

Kermit Wilder (hot dogs, cheese & coffee), John (ice cream), Brit Wilder (table arrangements) and Maude Wilder (cakes & candy) are listed as assistants at the 1950 COMMUNITY FAIR DAY. Ruth Wilder and Charlie Wilder were on the sign-up sheet for evening activities.

Margaret Wilder is listed as sports editor in PINE CONE 1934.

Tressie Wilder created 3 blankets for the Fireside Industries in 1926-1929 according to Evelyn K. WELLS RECORD 13 FIRESIDE INDUSTRIES.

In her notes about Divide Sunday School, Alice Cobb listed the children who attended, including Olga Wilder (“comes now and then”), Tommy Wilder (“a bright little boy, but hard to handle in a crowd”) and Anna Wilder (“about nine years old”). ALICE COBB STORIES “Handing Over Divide Sunday School to Miss Cold, June 1937.

Polly Wilder’s poem, “Twilight,” was published in PINE CONE 1932 and “The Fatal Death” in PINE CONE 1933.

Cast members in the Tomfoolery Plays of 1935 included Wilbur Wilder, soloist and part of a quartet. DRAMA TOMFOOLERY. He was also listed in the PINE CONE 1937 as the sports editor. Wilbur is among the students in the “Class of ‘38” photographs. PINE CONE 1938. “Wilbur Wilder and his bride stopped in on their way back from honeymoon.” PINE CONE 1948. See biography for Wilbur Wilder here.

The Wilder property at the head of Isaac’s run was purchased by PMSS for $1,250, an amount donated to the School by Col. Durrett. RECORD Pine Mountain Settlement School 03 – 1913-1914 and WELLS RECORD 06 PMSS Some Interesting Gifts 1913-1928.

Wilder Family: IN PINE MOUNTAIN VALLEY COMMUNITY, 1934-1947

TITLE LAST NAME FIRST NAME DATE OF INFO SOURCE OF INFORMATION NOTES
Mr. & Mrs. Wilder Bill 1934 – 1942 MAP OF COMMUNITY RESIDENTS 1934 – 1942
Mr. & Mrs. Wilder Wes 1934 – 1942 MAP OF COMMUNITY RESIDENTS 1934 – 1942
Mr. & Mrs. Wilder Henry 1934 – 1942 MAP OF COMMUNITY RESIDENTS 1934 – 1942
Wilder Hobart 1947 Sparrow Corres II “…lives at the head of Arches Branch of Big Laurel”
Mrs. Wilder Rhoda 1934 – 1942 MAP OF COMMUNITY RESIDENTS 1934 – 1942
Mr. Wilder Dorce 1934 – 1942 MAP OF COMMUNITY RESIDENTS 1934 – 1942, COBB STORIES “Logging at Gabes…” Preacher at Holiness Church
Wilder Doris 1937 COBB STORIES “Farewell…” Ran for Magistrate.
Mr. & Mrs. Wilder Neal 1934 – 1942 MAP OF COMMUNITY RESIDENTS 1934 – 1942
Mr. & Mrs. Wilder John 1934 – 1942 MAP OF COMMUNITY RESIDENTS 1934 – 1942
Mr. & Mrs. Wilder Robert 1934 – 1942 MAP OF COMMUNITY RESIDENTS 1934 – 1942
Mr. & Mrs. Wilder Brit 1934 – 1942 MAP OF COMMUNITY RESIDENTS 1934 – 1942
Wilder Mary 1938 COBB STORIES “Visit to Line Fork/Pettit’s…” “Sally’s … little sister.”
Wilder Kermit 1934 – 1942 MAP OF COMMUNITY RESIDENTS 1934 – 1942
Wilder Sally (Sal) 1938 COBB STORIES “Visit to Line Fork/Pettit’s…” Mary’s sister.
Wilder Family 1937 COBB STORIES “Handing…” Olga, Tommy, Anna; attended Cobb’s Sunday School at Divide, KY.

Wilder Family: PMSS WORKERS, 1937-1986

LAST NAME FIRST NAME JOB TITLE NOTES FORMER STUDENT? PINE MT. YEARS
Cornett Jess Night Watchman & Groundskeeper 1940s; Maintenance 1970s Had a little general store just outside PMSS gate; Married Sally Wilder, sister of Brit Wilder. 1941-1942; 1973-1974
Wilder Anne Laurel House First semester 1945
Wilder Brit Maintenance; Supervisor of Mines 1937-1950 Farm, May 1951-1953, Aug 1955- yes 1937-1953; 1955-
Wilder Hobart Farm Assistant Graduate, class of 1948 yes 1948 – June 1951
Wilder Mildred Domestic, Laurel House/West Wind Birth Date: May 03, 1924 yes 1951 – 1986

Wilder Family: PMSS BOARDING STUDENTS, 1921-1950

Wilder, [Kermit, Margaret and Sally] 1922-1929 Source: BOX 34 STUDENTS – V-Z, C. 1919-1930; A-W, 1929-1932…  #34-18
Wilder, Joe 1925 Source: BOX 34 STUDENTS – V-Z, C. 1919-1930; A-W, 1929-1932… #34-19
Wilder, Mary and Margaret 1926 Source: BOX 34 STUDENTS – V-Z, C. 1919-1930; A-W, 1929-1932… #34-20

Wilder Family: PMSS COMMUNITY SCHOOL STUDENTS, 1952-1963

LAST NAME – FIRST NAME – MI – DATE OF BIRTH – DATE OF RECORD

Wilder Brenda 1953-01-19 1963

Wilder Charles Anthony 1958-08-28 1960

Wilder Charles “Charlie” 19__-__-__ 1954

Wilder Elizabeth Joan 1951-10-16 1958

Wilder Eloise 1947-08-08 1960

Wilder Ella Pauline 1949-11-26 1960

Wilder Etta Ruth 1948-03-20 1954

Wilder Gregory 1951-06-14 1960

Wilder Joan 1951-10-16 1959-60

Wilder John Forster 1944-03-16 1950

Wilder Peggy Ann 1946-12-26 1952

Wilder Phyllis Kay 1943-01-29 1954

Wilder Steven 1957-04-21 1963

Wilder Thelma Irene 1942-03-16 1957


See Also BRIT WILDER Biography


Wilder Family: GALLERY


Return to GUIDE TO FAMILIES IN THE PINE MOUNTAIN VALLEY COMMUNITY

Title

Wilder Family

Identifier

WILDER FAMILY

Creator

Pine Mountain Settlement School, Pine Mountain, KY

Alt. Creator

Ann Angel Eberhardt ; Helen Hayes Wykle ;

Subject Keyword

Wilder Family ; Pine Mountain Settlement School ; Pine Mountain Community ; PMSS Workers ; PMSS Boarding School Students ; PMSS Community School Students ;

Subject LCSH

Wilder Family.
Pine Mountain Settlement School (Pine Mountain, Ky.) — History.
Harlan County (Ky.) — History.
Education — Kentucky — Harlan County.
Rural schools — Kentucky — History.
Families — Kentucky.
Schools — Appalachian Region, Southern.

Date

2018-06-14

Publisher

Pine Mountain Settlement School, Pine Mountain, KY

Contributor

n/a

Type

Collections ; text ; image ;

Format

Original and copies of documents and correspondence in file folders in filing cabinet.

Source

Series 09: Biography – Families

Language

English

Relation

Is related to: Pine Mountain Settlement School Collections, Series 09: Biography – Families

Coverage Temporal

1921 – 1986

Coverage Spatial

Pine Mountain, KY ; Harlan County, KY ;

Rights

Any display, publication, or public use must credit the Pine Mountain Settlement School. Copyright retained by the creators of certain items in the collection, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.

Donor

n/a

Description

Core documents, correspondence, writings, and administrative papers of the Wilder Family ; clippings, photographs, books by or about the Wilder Family ;

Acquisition

n/d

Citation

“[Identification of Item],” [Collection Name] [Series Number, if applicable]. Pine Mountain Settlement School Institutional Papers. Pine Mountain Settlement School, Pine Mountain, KY.

Processed By

Helen Hayes Wykle ; Ann Angel Eberhardt ;

Last Updated

Bibliography

Source(s)

”Wilder.” GUIDE TO PMSS WORKERS 1913-2000s ; PINE MOUNTAIN VALLEY COMMUNITY RESIDENTS LIST 1910s-1940s ; GUIDE TO BOARDING SCHOOL STUDENTS, 1929-1949 ; COMMUNITY SCHOOL STUDENTS LIST Gi-Z. Series 09: Biography – Families. Pine Mountain Settlement School Institutional Papers. Pine Mountain Settlement School, Pine Mountain, KY. Internet resource.

Bibliography

Jenny B. Wilder is the author of a book “Pine Mountain Settlement School: Education for Living,” 1991[?] See: BIBLIOGRAPHY PINE MOUNTAIN SETTLEMENT SCHOOL

Jones, D. J., Wilder, N. M., Maurice, J. F., & Kentucky. (1934). Mountain bumps in the coal fields of Harlan County, Kentucky. Lexington: University of Kentucky.

Return to BIOGRAPHY – A-Z