Michael Kline interviewed Darrell and Joan Heckler on April 14, 1986, for the Tucker County, West Virginia Flood Audio Recordings project. Darrell Heckler, a resident of Tucker County, has worked at Firefox for approximately twelve years, and Joan Heckler, born Joan Ellen Wiles, has been actively involved in the community. Both have witnessed significant changes and challenges in their hometown, particularly the devastating flood that impacted St. George and surrounding areas. In this interview, Darrell and Joan Heckler provide a detailed account of their experiences during the flood.

Sheriff Gary Lipscomb and Trooper Keith Cordial 4-14-1986 interviewed by M. Kline

On March 7, 1986, Michael Kline interviewed Icy Victoria Shahan Sampson in Tucker County, West Virginia, as part of the Tucker County Flood Audio Recordings project. Sampson recounts her life growing up in Saint George after being born on Pifer Mountain in 1915. She describes her family’s relocation to Saint George when she was six weeks old, her father’s career as a rural mail carrier and former schoolteacher, and her experiences attending the local two-room schoolhouse.

John T. Anvill was born in St. George, Tucker County, and has lived in the area his entire life. He was born to William Anvill and Loretta White, who were also lifelong residents of Tucker County. John was raised in a large family of nine siblings, consisting of one brother and seven sisters. Growing up in St. George, John attended school at Mount Olive, located three miles away from his hometown. He went through at least the eighth grade before taking civil service examinations, though he did not pursue a career in that field.

On February 24, 1986, Michael Kline interviewed Dr. Susan Schmitt for the Tucker County, West Virginia Flood Audio Recordings project. Schmitt reflects on her experience practicing medicine in rural Africa, emphasizing the differences and similarities in family structures between Africa and the United States, especially regarding the lack of child abuse and close family dynamics in Africa. She describes how these experiences shaped her perceptions, particularly her frustration with attitudes toward immunization in the U.S.

On April 3, 1986, Michael Kline interviewed Vittie and Thelma Lipscomb for the Tucker County, West Virginia Flood Audio Recordings project. Vittie Lipscomb, the eldest of ten children, grew up in Pine Run, West Virginia, and later moved closer to school. During the Great Depression, Vittie’s family farmed, selling produce to local mining communities. Vittie later served in World War II, participating in significant campaigns, including the D-Day invasion and the Battle of the Hürtgen Forest.