On December 19, 1985, Michael Kline interviewed Martha Sponangle for the Tucker County, West Virginia Flood Audio Recordings project. Martha Sponangle, a local resident, reflects on her experiences during and after the devastating flood that affected Tucker County. She describes the immediate aftermath of the flood, including the destruction of a bridge and the discovery of a victim’s body trapped in a tree. Her husband assisted local authorities in responding to the disaster. Sponangle shares insights into the community’s recovery efforts, particularly how the local school became a hub for distributing food and aid. She discusses the role of teachers in surveying damaged homes and organizing relief efforts. Although some families briefly stayed at the school, most were relocated to stay with friends or family members. Sponangle also talks about the emotional resilience of the children, crediting their parents' calm responses to the crisis for maintaining a stable and positive atmosphere. She reflects on how the flood prompted changes in attitudes toward material possessions, with some community members adopting a perspective that prioritizes rebuilding and strengthening the community over concerns for material loss. Sponangle remains optimistic about the future, emphasizing the strong community spirit and the determination of residents to rebuild their town better than before. She also shares her belief that West Virginians, shaped by their rugged environment and past hardships, possess a unique strength that enables them to handle disasters with resilience and pride.