Don Stobbs

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Gas Rush

Description

This series consists of original digital audio interview recordings and selected CD listening copies relating to the Carrie and Michael Kline's documenting the wide spectrum of citizen opinion about natural gas extraction (Fracking / hydraulic fracturing) in Northcentral West Virginia mainly during 2014 and 2015. The interviews were drawn upon for use in the 8-minute audio feature Pay Dirt. Originals are housed with the Michael and Carrie Nobel Kline Collection at the Berea College Special Collections and Archives

To browse this collection and others, please visit the Berea College Special Collections & Archives: https://bereaarchives.libraryhost.com/

Date of Interview
06-23-2015
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting 

Principal Investigator
Audio
Abstract

On June 23, 2015, Michael Kline interviewed Donald Stobbs at his farm in Colerain, Ohio. Donald W. Stobbs was born on June 21, 1921, in St. Clairsville, Ohio, to Matthew and Lena (Sunderman) Stobbs. He served as a US Navy Pilot during World War II, stationed in the Aleutian Islands. After the war, Donald became a farmer until his retirement. He was a charter life member of the Colerain VFW Post 8848 and a member of Colerain Presbyterian Church, the Colerain Farm Bureau, and the Colerain Senior Citizens Center. Donald was also a charter member and founder of the Colerain Volunteer Fire Company. 

In the interview, Stobbs reflects on his childhood, discussing his family's farm, early schooling, and the diverse immigrant communities in his area. He recounts his military service, including his near deployment to Japan before the war ended. He shares his thoughts on Franklin D. Roosevelt’s leadership, the impact of the war on American society, and his experiences traveling across the country during his service. Stobbs describes his post-war life, purchasing his farm, raising his family, and working the land. He also discusses the local history of farming, changes in agricultural practices, and the impact of a gas pipeline constructed on his property. The conversation includes his reflections on aging, the loss of his wife, and his continued passion for farming. Throughout the interview, Stobbs displays a sharp wit, humor, and deep connection to his land and community.


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