>> they were fiercely independent bunch of people. they believed strongly in self-reliance. >> loni gabard is a retired engineer. >> we made do or do without. >> for countless generations, the people of ashe county made do by growing tobacco, raising cattle on small family ranches, and producing lumber from the vast forests that still surround them. >> what did they do when hard times came? >> my daddy got a job logging. >> dub lewis is a retired saw miller. >> he got $2.50 a day in board. he could have given up, but he didn't. this mountain pride took over. >> we heard a lot in ashe county about this thing called mountain pride, this deeply held belief that it's best to do for oneself.