Herb Clabo: A Mountain Legend

A few days ago, an old friend of mine by the name of Herb Clabo celebrated his 100th birthday. Born in 1911, Herb is the oldest person still living who was born in the Smoky Mountains National Park. Herb is a very gifted storyteller and will spend the better part of a day telling you stories about the way of life on the mountain farms long before the days of the park.

We first met in the summer of 1990 when I visited him on a seed collecting trip, having heard that he was still growing some of the old traditional varieties from the area. Two of the memorable varieties that he gave me were the Nest Egg Gourd and the White Early Rose Potato.

The Nest Egg Gourd is a small white gourd that is the same shape as a hen’s egg. When eggs were taken off the nest, the gourd's “Nest Eggs” were placed on the nest so that the hens would continue to lay eggs in that location. They were also referred to as “Egg Simlins” in the old days.

On that occasion, he also gave me a start of the White Early Rose Potato, which he told me was bought out of the roaring fork area by Uncle Dave Ogle in the early 1930s. This was a rare find because very few root crops have been saved down through the years due to the fact that they have to be grown every year for their survival, whereas beans, tomatoes, etc. can have their seed stored under ideal conditions for a number of years.

Besides the knowledge of the old farming ways, Herb is a great source for the early history of this area and the many people that helped shape the rich heritage of the Smoky Mountain region over the years. So, Mr. Herb Clabo, here’s wishing you a happy 100th birthday, and may there be many more.

– John Coykendall, Master Gardener