Craig Wilfong

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Tucker County, West Virginia Flood Audio Recordings

Description

This series consists of interviews recorded by Michael Kline that document the experience of survivors of the 1985 Tucker County, West Virginia flood.  To browse this collection and others, please visit the Berea College Special Collections & Archives: https://bereaarchives.libraryhost.com/

Interviewer
Date of Interview
02-26-1986
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting 

Principal Investigator
Audio
Abstract

On February 26, 1986, Michael Kline interviewed Steven Craig Wilfong for the Tucker County, West Virginia Flood Audio Recordings project. Steven Craig Wilfong, born and raised in Tucker County, is a lifelong resident who worked in various industries before becoming an automobile parts store owner in 1982. In the interview, Wilfong discusses his family background, including being the youngest of seven children, and his employment history, which includes work in the Parsons Tannery, the automotive industry, and insurance sales. He describes the challenges of owning a business, particularly learning to manage finances and the complexities of taxes. The interview focuses heavily on Wilfong’s experience during the 1985 flood in Tucker County. As a volunteer firefighter, Wilfong recounts his firsthand involvement in rescue efforts during the flood, detailing the dangerous conditions, including being stranded on a fire truck surrounded by swift water. He describes the rescue of others, including a family trapped on an overturned jeep, and the difficulties faced in attempting to reach those in need with limited equipment. Wilfong provides a vivid account of the aftermath of the flood, including the extensive damage to his home and business. He shares the emotional impact of losing nearly everything and reflects on the slow process of receiving federal assistance. He speaks about the community's resilience and the collective effort to rebuild after the disaster, highlighting the support from organizations like the Salvation Army and Red Cross.


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