In the early 1920s, Albert J. McCracken moved his young family from the Iron Duff community toward Waynesville to establish a dairy farm along the Pigeon River. Around 1925, he built the farmhouse that became home to nine children and, over the years, to generations of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends.
McCracken Family Tree Connection to Dolly Parton in Porch Conversations
Green Pastures Porch is now open to our Founding Family Preview.
McCracken Collection section added to highlight and give access to information and documentation.
2026 WCU Collection Viewing has been added, including photos and video.
You too can now share stories, photographs, and family memories to Green Pastures Porch by using the new contribution form.
I'm sharing this first in a small group to test things. Then I'll share more broadly to all the family with a process of confirmation to gain access. Patience please for helping me set this up for access and sharing. And let me hear from you with recommendations, concerns, and any ideas you have for the site.
Gene Bryson
Founding Porch Steward
Welcome to Green Pastures Porch, the online home for the descendants and friends of Albert J. McCracken. Our mission is to preserve our family's history, photographs, stories, traditions, and memories so they may be enjoyed for generations to come.
Like the front porch of the old family home, this is a place to gather, remember, learn, and share.
Whether you're exploring your family roots, revisiting cherished memories, or discovering Green Pastures for the first time, we hope you'll feel at home.
And who hasn't sat on that Porch? We all have sat there rocking with Papaw, Mamaw, or later Peggy, Bruce and Sister, or even Brian, Elizabeth and Jim, and all........ The name "Porch", just seemed right to me. I hope you agree.
Whether you're exploring your family roots, revisiting cherished memories, or discovering Green Pastures for the first time, we hope you'll feel at home. Welcome to the Porch! It is available in a limited rollout as: Google Pastures Porch.
Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to discover something new, here's a quick guide to each area of Green Pastures Porch.
Discover the history of Green Pastures Farm, its people, and the land that brought our family together.
You'll find:
History of the farm
Historic photographs
Maps
Family traditions
Explore the remarkable archaeological, historical, and family artifacts collected over a lifetime by Albert J. McCracken. Preserved today through the generosity of the McCracken family, the Collection tells the story of the people, places, and cultures that shaped our mountain heritage.
You'll find:
The history of the Collection
The 1975 gift to Western Carolina University
Rare artifacts and photographs
Family viewing events
Research, inventories, and original documents
➡️ Explore the McCracken Collection
Meet the descendants of Albert J. McCracken and discover the many branches of our growing family tree. Learn how today's generations are connected to the people who first gathered around the porch at Green Pastures.
You'll find:
Family introductions
Family branches
Connections across generations
Family photographs and stories
Explore our family's rich history through genealogy, timelines, documents, military service, and treasured traditions.
Relive reunions, special gatherings, and memorable family events through stories, photographs, and videos.
Current Feature
Pull up a rocking chair and enjoy stories, memories, questions, discoveries, and updates shared by our family.
Every article is reviewed before publication by the Founding Porch Steward to preserve the quality of our family archive.
Browse historical documents, publications, research materials, cemetery information, and helpful links.
Have a family story?
Old photographs?
Letters?
Documents?
Recipes?
We'd love to preserve them. Click the link below to Share the Story!
Join the Porch Conversation on Facebook
The website preserves our history and Collection. This Facebook group is where descendants can share stories, ask questions, and participate in family discussions.