Geraldine Player
Jacksonville Alabama Tornado Oral History Collection
On March 19, 2018, an EF-3 tornado devastated the City of Jacksonville, Alabama, and had a significant impact on the campus of Jacksonville State University (JSU). Using an oral history approach, a team of researchers from JSU's Center for Disaster and Community Resilience (CDCR) conducted in-depth interviews with 25 residents of Jacksonville who experienced the EF-3 tornado. Interviews took place in the Houston Cole Library, were conducted in private, and lasted approximately 90 minutes each. An article was published in 2022 based on the tornado oral history project in the Weather, Climate, and Society journal by the American Meteorological Society (AMS).
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On June 4, 2019, Erin Rider interviewed Clint and Geraldine Player for the Jacksonville Tornado Oral History Project at the Houston Pool Library. Clint and Geraldine Player shared their experiences surrounding the Jacksonville tornado, which occurred on March 19, 2018, and the aftermath of the disaster. Geraldine Player provides biographical information, discussing her life before the tornado and her family’s ties to the community. She and her husband, Clint, describe the events leading up to the tornado, recalling how they monitored the weather and took shelter in their basement. They recount the terrifying moments when the tornado hit, noting how their truck, where they sought safety, was lifted and shaken by the storm. Geraldine speaks about the noise of the tornado, the damage to their home, and how they prayed together while fearing for their lives. The Players also detail the immediate aftermath of the tornado, including their initial shock and the realization that their home was a total loss. They express gratitude for surviving the storm, despite the overwhelming destruction around them. They describe the community's quick response, including volunteers and first responders who helped clear debris and offer support. Geraldine reflects on the emotional impact of losing personal possessions, particularly antiques and family photographs, and the eventual decision not to rebuild their home but to relocate. The interview captures the Players' resilience, the role of faith in their recovery, and the challenges they faced with insurance and rebuilding. Geraldine highlights the importance of preparedness, sharing practical advice such as having helmets, jackets, and shoes ready for emergencies. The interview concludes with reflections on how the experience has changed their perspective on material possessions and reinforced their appreciation for community support and survival.
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