Southland Books

'Ole Bert' is the story of Blount County icon Bert Garner, a man who has long captured the imagination of many people across the country. Often described as "more Thoreau than Thoreau himself," Bert's travels took him across the country, settling for short spells in Washington, Oklahoma, Kansas, California, ... (more)Pennsylvania, Washington, DC, and many more locales, but he always returned to the mountains he loved. This volume, originally penned by Bert's friend Woody Brinegar, was first published by Woody in 1982 as a small, home-made production, made primarily to distribute to Bert's old friends. Contained here is a collection of sketches spanning events from his boyhood in the late 1800s until his death in 1970. This re-release of the book marks the first time it has been available in 27 years. To mark the reception, Woody's family will be on-hand to meet and greet and reminisce. Additionally, 20% of profits from the sale of each copy of Ole Bert will be donated to the Foothills Land Conservancy. Copies of Ole Bert (and the other '27/'37 releases) will also be available for purchase for donation to local public and school libraries.