Lodge Compton is a long-standing figure in the world of journalism in Grundy, Virginia. He has been the editor and publisher of the Virginia Mountaineer, a weekly newspaper, for over twenty-five years. Compton was born and raised in Buchanan County, specifically in the headwaters of Dismal River, where his father, a writer, photographer, and occasional politician, also resided. Despite his father's brief stint as the editor of the Virginia Mountaineer, Compton insists there was no direct connection between his father's role and his own eventual position at the newspaper. Compton and his four brothers grew up on a small mountain farm called Loggy Bottom Branch off Dismal River, but moved to Grundy when Compton was about eleven years old. After high school, Compton began working at the newspaper, briefly attending college in Tennessee before returning to Grundy due to financial constraints. Despite his lack of formal education, Compton's dedication to the newspaper and his community has made him a respected figure in Grundy.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Lodge Compton provides a detailed account of his life and experiences as the editor and publisher of the Virginia Mountaineer, as well as his observations of significant events in Grundy, Virginia. Compton discusses his upbringing in Buchanan County, his family's move to Grundy, and his early start in the newspaper business. He also shares his experiences during two major floods in Grundy, detailing the rapid rise and fall of the river, the damage to the newspaper office, and the challenges of cleanup. Compton's account provides valuable insights into the resilience of the community and the lessons learned from these natural disasters. The interview also touches on the impact of these events on the town's infrastructure, including the loss of electricity and telephone service. Compton's narrative offers a unique perspective on the history and experiences of Grundy, Virginia, making it a valuable resource for understanding the town's past and its resilience in the face of adversity.

Subjects: Flood control--Virginia; Flood damage prevention—Virginia; Buchanan County (Va.)--History; Grundy (Va.)--Social life and customs; Levisa Fork Basin (Ky. and Va.); Big Sandy River Valley (Ky. and Va.); United States. Army. Corps of Engineers.