Etta Gayheart
Carr Creek Oral History Project
This collection is comprised of audio-recorded interviews conducted during 2022-2023 by folklorist Nicole Musgrave with support from the Kentucky Oral History Commission. Her work was part of an effort to document the geographic and human impact of the construction of the Carr Fork Reservoir in southeastern Kentucky, which was completed in 1976. The collection’s twenty interviews with residents of Knott, Letcher and Perry Counties range in focus and content. Most of the interviewees were affected by dislocation in some way. They express different opinions about the lake and its impact on the community. Most interviewees share memories of what the area was like before the lake was built, and many have vivid memories of what the construction process was like.
National Capital Contracting
Etta Gayheart, an octogenarian from Wolfpen, Knott County, Kentucky, has lived a life rich in experiences and memories. Born and raised in Smithboro, Kentucky, she has seen the transformation of her hometown over the years, including the construction of a lake that significantly impacted the local community. Her life story is a tapestry of personal and communal experiences, from her childhood memories of her parents and grandparents to her career as a state worker. Her father was a coal miner, and her mother worked in the local schools, cooking for the students. Etta's personal life was equally eventful, marked by her marriage, living in different places, and learning to sew. She also had a shared passion for car shows with her late husband. Despite the challenges of moving houses and dealing with floods, Etta managed to maintain connections with her neighbors and engage in activities like gardening and childhood chores. She also developed a unique hobby of collecting antique ironing boards and has a particular memory of ironing. Etta's life is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the ability to find joy in simple pleasures.
Scope and Content Note
The interview with Etta Gayheart, conducted as part of the Carr Creek Oral History Project, provides a rich and detailed account of her life and experiences. The narrative spans her childhood in Smithboro, her parents' lives, her career, and her personal interests. The interview delves into her father's work in the coal mines and her mother's role as a cook in the schools. It also explores her high school experiences, the construction of a lake in Smithboro, and the government's impact on local homes for flood control. Etta shares her experiences of marriage, living in different places, and learning to sew. The interview also touches on the challenges she faced, such as moving houses, dealing with floods, and maintaining connections with neighbors. Etta's hobbies, including gardening, childhood chores, and her unique interest in collecting antique ironing boards, are also discussed. The narrative also reflects on the impact of COVID-19 and her memories of the area. The interview concludes with Etta's reflections on her life, her dreams, and the simplicity of her life, along with her observations on the energy of youth and the hardships of others.
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