Darrell and Joan Heckler

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
04-14-1986
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting

Principal Investigator
Audio
Abstract

Michael Kline interviewed Darrell and Joan Heckler on April 14, 1986, for the Tucker County, West Virginia Flood Audio Recordings project. Darrell Heckler, a resident of Tucker County, has worked at Firefox for approximately twelve years, and Joan Heckler, born Joan Ellen Wiles, has been actively involved in the community. Both have witnessed significant changes and challenges in their hometown, particularly the devastating flood that impacted St. George and surrounding areas. In this interview, Darrell and Joan Heckler provide a detailed account of their experiences during the flood. Darrell, who has lived in St. George for over a decade, describes the night of the flood, including the heavy rainfall that lasted for days and the moment he realized the severity of the situation. He recounts the efforts to pump water out of basements and the rapid rise of the floodwaters that overwhelmed their community. The Hecklers share harrowing stories of rescuing neighbors trapped by the rising waters. Darrell details how they moved belongings from basements and garages to higher ground and used a small boat with broom handles as paddles to navigate the floodwaters. Joan highlights the community's efforts to save people, including an elderly woman who refused to leave her home without her dog, and their encounters with electrical hazards and swift currents. Joan also reflects on the emotional toll of the disaster, including the loss of homes and cherished belongings. She describes the aftermath of the flood, working tirelessly to clean and rebuild, and the support they received from neighbors and volunteers. The Hecklers emphasize the resilience and solidarity of their community, noting how the disaster brought people together to help one another.


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