In this episode of House of Folk Art, host Matt Ledbetter sits down with his father, Wade Ledbetter, a seasoned picker who has spent decades knocking on doors, digging through old attics, and uncovering forgotten pieces of folk art and antiques. Wade’s stories range from finding a freezer full of frozen squirrels to unknowingly selling a mourning sampler worth $20,000.

This episode is a deep dive into the world of picking—what separates a true picker from a weekend treasure hunter, how to talk your way into the best finds, and the thrill (and heartbreak) of the trade.

Chapters

00:00 - Cold Open: The Freezer Surprise
02:30 - What is Picking?
06:15 - Knocking on Doors & Talking Your Way In
10:45 - The Risks of Attic Hunting
14:20 - The Art of Spotting Value
18:50 - The Mary Tannehill Discovery
22:30 - The Painting That Got Away
26:15 - What Separates a Real Picker from a Weekend Warrior
30:00 - Final Thoughts & The Lessons Learned

The Freezer Surprise

The episode opens with one of Wade’s strangest discoveries—opening a freezer in a stranger’s home only to find several frozen, unscarred squirrels. It’s a bizarre, almost cinematic moment that perfectly illustrates the unpredictable nature of picking.

What is Picking?

Wade breaks down the real art of picking—hitting the road with cash in hand, knocking on doors, and convincing homeowners to let you dig through their basements and barns. Unlike estate sales or auctions, this method leads to finds that have never been picked over.

The Risks of Attic Hunting

Not every pick is glamorous. Wade recounts falling through rotten stairs, knocking himself out on a marble table, and climbing into unstable attics—all for the chance to find something worth keeping. Picking isn’t for the faint of heart, but for those willing to take risks, the rewards can be incredible.

The Mary Tannehill Discovery

One of Wade’s most infamous picks happened in Warrenton, NC, where he unknowingly walked into the home of folk artist Mary Tannehill. Paintings and supplies were scattered throughout the house, but at the time, neither Wade nor the homeowner recognized their value. Years later, museums would come calling, asking for pieces from that very house. Today, Tannehill’s work is considered an important part of the Southern folk art tradition.

The Painting That Got Away

Every picker has stories of the one that got away. Wade shares how he unknowingly sold a mourning sampler dated 1802 for next to nothing—only to find out later that it was worth over $20,000. Stories like this highlight the importance of research.

What Separates a Real Picker from a Weekend Warrior

According to Wade, a real picker doesn’t just browse flea markets—they wake up on Monday, hit the road, and don’t come home until the truck is full. It’s a lifestyle built on instinct, risk, and years of learning what’s worth stopping for. If you’re serious about picking, consider reading Soul’s Grown Deep: African American Vernacular Art of the South, one of the best books on the topic.

Final Thoughts

Picking isn’t just about money—it’s about the thrill of the chase, the people you meet, and the stories behind each object. Wade’s final advice?

Always trust your gut, don’t be afraid to knock on doors, and never assume something is worthless.

Do you have a picking story? Have you ever stumbled onto a great find? Let us know in the comments!

Episode 25 | The Legend of Wade Ledbetter: King of the Pickers

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