Elmer and Edith Nestor

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
05-04-1986
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting 

Audio
Abstract

On May 14, 1986, Michael Kline interviewed Elmer and Edith Nestor for the Tucker County, West Virginia Flood Audio Recordings project. Elmer and Edith Nestor are long-time residents of Tucker County who have witnessed significant events and changes in their community, including the devastating flood of November 4, 1985. The interview begins with Edith recounting the night of the flood, noting how unusually dry their basement remained despite the surrounding chaos. She describes how they hosted about nineteen people in their home who were unable to reach their own homes due to the rising waters. Edith stayed up all night, providing food and comfort to the displaced individuals, making hamburgers, and serving coffee and tea. The couple reflects on the community spirit that emerged during this crisis, with neighbors helping each other and expressing gratitude through various gestures after the event. Elmer and Edith also discuss the broader impact of the flood on their community. They talk about the extent of the damage, with water levels rising unprecedentedly high, affecting homes, barns, and roads. They recall the resilience of their community, the outpouring of support, and the collective efforts to rebuild and recover. The interview touches on their personal history, including their move to their current home for better accessibility and their experiences living and raising a family in Tucker County. The Nestors provide insights into the economic and social fabric of their community, emphasizing the importance of mutual aid and the strong ties among residents. They share personal anecdotes about their lives, including the challenges of farming, the impact of economic changes on local industries, and their deep connection to their land and community. 


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