Nancy Adams Pigman
Carr Creek Oral History Project
This collection is comprised of audio-recorded interviews conducted during 2022-2023 by folklorist Nicole Musgrave with support from the Kentucky Oral History Commission. Her work was part of an effort to document the geographic and human impact of the construction of the Carr Fork Reservoir in southeastern Kentucky, which was completed in 1976. The collection’s twenty interviews with residents of Knott, Letcher and Perry Counties range in focus and content. Most of the interviewees were affected by dislocation in some way. They express different opinions about the lake and its impact on the community. Most interviewees share memories of what the area was like before the lake was built, and many have vivid memories of what the construction process was like.
National Capital Contracting
Nancy Pigman is a native of Knott County, who spent her formative years in the small community of Litt Carr. Pigman's early experiences were shaped by the natural environment of her hometown, where outdoor activities such as fishing in the creek were a staple of her youthful adventures. Pigman's life was notably affected by the construction of a dam in her area, which resulted in the displacement of her family and others in the community. This event had a significant impact on her and is a central theme in her recollections of her past. Pigman's childhood experiences also included participation in local traditions such as quilting and gardening, reflecting the cultural practices of her community. Throughout her life, she has observed the evolution of her hometown, including the development of small businesses and changes in the community's infrastructure and social fabric.
Scope and Content Note
The oral history interview with Nancy Pigman offers a comprehensive account of life in the communities of Litt Carr and Smacky Town, as experienced by Pigman during her childhood and beyond. The interview delves into the working-class ethos of the area, characterized by a strong sense of community and a lack of racial conflict. Pigman's narrative is rich with descriptions of local traditions, such as quilting and gardening, which were integral to the community's cultural identity. She also discusses the construction of a ceramic shop and the establishment of various small stores, indicating a period of development and change within the community. A significant portion of the interview is dedicated to the construction of a dam, which had a profound effect on the community, leading to the relocation of homes and cemeteries and leaving a lasting impression of frustration due to the perceived lack of compensation and benefits from the project. Pigman's personal experience with the dam's construction, including the moving of her own house, provides a poignant insight into the emotional and practical challenges faced by those affected. Throughout the interview, Pigman suggests other individuals who could contribute valuable perspectives to the Carr Creek Oral History Project,
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