Kevin Combs
Carr Creek Oral History Project
This collection is comprised of audio-recorded interviews conducted during 2022-2023 by folklorist Nicole Musgrave with support from the Kentucky Oral History Commission. Her work was part of an effort to document the geographic and human impact of the construction of the Carr Fork Reservoir in southeastern Kentucky, which was completed in 1976. The collection’s twenty interviews with residents of Knott, Letcher and Perry Counties range in focus and content. Most of the interviewees were affected by dislocation in some way. They express different opinions about the lake and its impact on the community. Most interviewees share memories of what the area was like before the lake was built, and many have vivid memories of what the construction process was like.
National Capital Contracting
Kevin Combs, a retired educator from Louisville, Kentucky, has deep familial roots in Eastern Kentucky, particularly in Knott County. His parents, Virginia Back and Watson Combs, were natives of Knott County before relocating to Louisville in search of employment opportunities. Virginia, a proud alumna of Carr Creek High School, maintained a strong affinity for her place of upbringing, a sentiment that was instilled in Kevin from a young age. Throughout his childhood, Kevin frequently visited Eastern Kentucky, where he developed a profound respect for his family's modest origins. His connection to the region is further solidified through his relation to basketball player Glen Combs, indicating a family deeply intertwined with the local heritage. Kevin's narrative is not only a personal account but also a reflection of the broader historical and cultural tapestry of Eastern Kentucky, as seen through the eyes of one of its descendants.
Scope and Content Note
In this interview, part of the Carr Creek Oral History Project, Kevin Combs recounts his family's history and his personal experiences related to Eastern Kentucky. He shares poignant stories, such as the visit to his family's old farm with his father and daughter, and reflects on the region's potential for tourism. Kevin's narrative includes the impact of the coal mining industry on his family, particularly his father's struggle to obtain black lung benefits. He also discusses the significant changes brought about by the construction of Carr Creek Lake, which led to the displacement of local communities, including his own family. Despite this upheaval, Kevin notes the absence of overt frustration or anger from his family members, highlighting their resilience and attachment to their homeland. Kevin's commentary extends to the broader social fabric of Eastern Kentucky, touching upon his grandmother's steadfast decision to remain in the area despite failing health and the construction of the lake. He also speaks to his educational journey, attending college in Morehead, and the enduring connections with family members who continue to reside in the region. One such connection is with a cousin employed at the Troublesome Creek Times, emphasizing the familial bonds that persist. The interview concludes with Kevin's recommendations for potential interviewees who can contribute further to the oral history project, as well as his nostalgic recollections of swimming in Whitesburg and the transformative experiences of his childhood in Eastern Kentucky.
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