Stories and Essays: Farming in the Blood

Every summer, the Etherton clan gathers together on an island in the French Broad River for food, fellowship – and a head count.This year, it came to 45 family members who could make the annual family reunion, which has been a tradition for 65 years. They came from down east and South Carolina, among other places, to drink Mimosas, eat homemade fried chicken and reminisce.Honley “Bun” Etherton and his wife, Alma, hosted the affair on their island property not far from their home. Of the 14 Etherton children, just four are living, and Bun is the only one of those who made a career out of farming.
Every summer, the Etherton clan gathers together on an island in the French Broad River for food, fellowship – and a head count.

This year, it came to 45 family members who could make the annual family reunion, which has been a tradition for 65 years. They came from down east and South Carolina, among other places, to drink Mimosas, eat homemade fried chicken and reminisce.

Honley “Bun” Etherton and his wife, Alma, hosted the affair on their island property not far from their home. Of the 14 Etherton children, just four are living, and Bun is the only one of those who made a career out of farming.