Elizabeth Friend

1 week ago | theassemblync.com | Elizabeth Friend

There were no canaries in Chatham County’s Coal Glen mine—only rats, mules, and men. On the morning of May 27, 1925, according to local legend, the rats fled. Three underground explosions killed at least 53 men that day, decimating families in the nearby mining villages.

2 months ago | indyweek.com | Elizabeth Friend

This story originally published online at The Assembly. The birds arrive early in the morning and leave before dark. Sometimes there are dozens, sometimes as many as 100. They gather on the lawn, on the roof, in trees, and on fencing. They are quiet, sociable creatures. When the sun shines, they lift up their wings to bask in its warmth. Ken and Linda Ostrand love the birds that visit their backyard each day.

2 months ago | indyweek.com | Elizabeth Friend

One couple says the birds came with their house. Their neighbors say the duo won’t stop feeding the scavengers, and the town has weighed in.

Mar 3, 2025 | theassemblync.com | Elizabeth Friend

The birds arrive early in the morning and leave before dark. Sometimes there are dozens, sometimes as many as 100. They gather on the lawn, on the roof, in trees, and on fencing. They are quiet, sociable creatures. When the sun shines, they lift up their wings to bask in its warmth. Ken and Linda Ostrand love the birds that visit their backyard each day. But these birds are black vultures, and not everyone in their historic Hillsborough neighborhood shares their fondness for the feathered guests.

Oct 29, 2024 | longreads.com | Elizabeth Friend

Elizabeth Friend | Longreads | October 2024 | 4,622 words (16 minutes)On a bright but chilly day in February, my teenager and I are trespassing. We’re clambering down an embankment by railroad tracks in Jamestown, tripping on roots and brambles. There’s a liquor bottle at the top of the hill, and at the bottom, a pile of empty beer cans and an Easter basket, slightly broken, shining robin’s-egg blue in the afternoon sunlight. We’re alone today, but clearly we’re not the only ones making this trek.