A story about a North Carolina mountain couple who are thought by local authorities to be “socially retarded” yet lived in abject poverty without the support of government aid for many years until a new program offered some helpful financial assistance but little in the way of lifestyle guidance.

When I first met Morris and Nell,he was 35 years old and she was 25. They each had a minimal 3rd grade education and lacked the fundamental skills needed to maintain a reasonable domestic home or routine. Their relationship was the only comfort I could see they enjoyed during the two years I visited and photographed them on a monthly basis. 1970

[ a selection of photographs from the complete portfolio ]

Note: a video journal of this subject is currently in development and will be posted here when complete.