Soon the mountains will glow in the sun with oranges, reds, yellows and browns. Neither do the teachers of that era. That is far from being true. Bartering is still practiced daily all through our country both in and outside the cities. You have probably practiced the art of bartering and didn't even know it.
Some folks swear that lye soap is a wonder-worker.
No mountain home can be found without it. Once you have used lye soap, you will be spoiled for life. A big snake almost caused a general exodus of farmers in McClain Bottoms in Arkansas about 75 years ago. This tale still crops up in old tales of the vicinity. Used under License.