Danny Hebb

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
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting

Audio
Abstract

On February 19, 1986, Michael Kline interviewed Danny Hebb for the Tucker County, West Virginia Flood Audio Recordings project. Danny Hebb, an employee at the West Virginia Power Plant in Mount Storm, shared his experiences during the devastating flood that impacted Tucker County. Hebb comes from a family with deep roots in the area, with his great-grandfather originally working in the coal mines before settling in the region. Hebb had been employed at the power plant for over two years at the time of the interview and had previously worked in construction. The interview primarily focuses on Hebb’s account of the flood, detailing his efforts to help evacuate family members and neighbors as the waters rose rapidly. He recounts his attempts to alert local authorities and his eventual realization that the situation was dire when water levels continued to rise, forcing him and others to take refuge in a relative’s house. Hebb describes the intense fear and uncertainty as the house began to shake and floodwaters entered. Hebb discusses how he led others in prayer, offering comfort and seeking salvation for those who had not yet found it. The interview concludes with Hebb’s thoughts on the aftermath of the flood, his continued commitment to helping his community, and the impact the experience had on his faith and outlook on life.


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