TAVERN TALES: UNEARTHED

​An Anthology presented by the Appalachian Literary Arts Storytelling Festival in Nelsonville, Ohio

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OVERVIEW

The ALAS Festival Committee is looking for short stories, anecdotes, poems, lies, and truths about The Mine Tavern. Whether you first visited during the ALAS Festival or you have been going to Wing Night for years, we are looking for your stories! A committee will review each work submitted and reply in earnest.

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SUBMISSION INFORMATION

 

Submissions must be emailed by

June 5, 2026

 

The Mine Tavern, established in the 1850s, is the longest-running tavern in the continental US. Or is it? The Mine Tavern, established sometime in the 1850s, used to serve as the lobby for Stuart’s Opera House and had a light with a switch in the Opera House that would flash when it was time to return for the second act… or did it? The Mine Tavern was built sometime in the 1850s, served as the lobby/bar for The Dew House, the hotel on Nelsonville’s Historic Public Square… or did it? The Mine was so called so the men could say they were “at the mine” and not be lying. According to former owner Tim Koker, "During Prohibition it was a confectionery and bus stop," Koker said. "Then it went back to being a bar."

 

There are many stories to hear and tell about a place so special to our community. It’s time for you to share yours.

 

The ALAS Festival Committee is looking for short stories, anecdotes, poems, lies, and truths about The Mine Tavern. A committee will review each work submitted. Be concise and clear in your application; the committee is interested in your evaluation of the work you are submitting, which is where you impress.

 

APPLICATIONS:  There is a $10.00 submission fee. Online fees can be paid through Venmo @alas1024. Checks and money orders can be mailed to 210 W. Columbus St. Nelsonville, OH 45764.  Checks should be made out to the Appalachian Literary Arts & Storytelling Festival. If the submission fee presents a barrier to you sharing your story, please contact us at alasfestival1024@gmail.com. Fees go directly to the rebuilding and employee relief fund for The Mine Tavern. 

 

Up to two submissions must be sent in PDF format to alasfestival@gmail.com by June 5, 2026. Please include the completed application with your submission.

 

ACCEPTANCE:  All applicants will receive notification upon our receipt of submissions and applications. Notification of review results will be emailed in early September. At that time, successful applicants will receive further instructions. Accepted works will be published in an anthology collection, all profits of which will be split between The Mine Tavern’s rebuilding and employee relief funds. 

 

WHAT DO YOU DO NOW:

1) Fill out Application Form

2) If you have any questions, please email alasfestival1024@gmail.com – all questions should be directed to Emily Prince.