Francie Arnett

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/

Interviewer
Date of Interview
06-27-2015
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting

Principal Investigator
Audio
Abstract

Francie Arnett was born on January 28, 1952, in Wheeling, West Virginia. She grew up in St. Clairsville, Ohio, in a house built the same year she was born. Francie is of Polish descent, with all four grandparents having ties to Poland. Both her grandfathers immigrated from Poland, while her grandmothers were born in the United States to Polish parents. Francie was raised in a close-knit, extended family, participating in various family celebrations and reunions. She attended Catholic schools for twelve years, from grade school in St. Clairsville to high school in Lafferty, Ohio. After high school, Francie briefly attended the University of Cincinnati, studying community development. She later met Greg Arnett, whom she married. They moved to Connecticut and then to various farms, including one in Norwalk, Ohio, where she managed markets. Eventually, Francie completed her degree in accounting, which took ten years due to her family responsibilities. She worked as an auditor for the state of Ohio until her retirement, two years before the interview. Francie and Greg have two sons, Dylan and Eric, and five grandchildren. They lived on a farm for thirty-six years and were preparing to sell it at the time of the interview.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Francie Arnett, conducted by Gina James and Pat Jacobson on June 27, 2015, covers a wide range of topics from her personal history to her family dynamics and community involvement. Francie discusses her upbringing in a Polish-American family in St. Clairsville, Ohio, emphasizing the cultural and familial traditions that shaped her childhood. She details her education in Catholic schools and her brief stint at the University of Cincinnati, highlighting the challenges she faced adjusting to a larger city and university environment. The interview also explores Francie's married life with Greg Arnett, including their various relocations and farming experiences. She recounts their time in Norwalk, Ohio, where she managed market operations and learned significant skills. Francie provides insights into her career as an auditor for the state of Ohio and the balance she maintained between work and family life. The discussion extends to the couple's decision to sell their long-term residence, reflecting on the practical and emotional aspects of this transition. Throughout the interview, Francie shares anecdotes about her siblings, their careers, and the supportive role her brother played in educating the family about the oil and gas industry. The conversation also touches on broader themes such as community development, family values, and the importance of maintaining connections with extended family members.


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