Ona Hovatler and Helen Dotson

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Tucker County, West Virginia Flood Audio Recordings

Description

This series consists of interviews recorded by Michael Kline that document the experience of survivors of the 1985 Tucker County, West Virginia flood.  To browse this collection and others, please visit the Berea College Special Collections & Archives: https://bereaarchives.libraryhost.com/

Interviewer
Date of Interview
12-03-1985
Transcribers

National Capital Contractors 

Principal Investigator
Audio
Abstract

Michael Kline interviewed Ona Hovatter and Helen Dotson on December 3, 1985, for the Tucker County, West Virginia Flood Audio Recordings project. Ona Hovatter has lived in Parsons, West Virginia for over forty years, and Helen Dotson is a resident of Limestone. In the interview, Hovatter describes the night of the flood, recalling the unprecedented rise of water levels that reached five feet and three inches in her living room, surpassing even the marks left by the historical flood of 1888. She recounts the immediate aftermath, detailing the extensive mud and damage left behind, and the disbelief among the residents who had never seen such a disaster in their lifetimes. Hovatter's son insisted she evacuate, which she did, narrowly escaping the floodwaters. Dotson provides a complementary account, highlighting the widespread destruction and personal losses suffered by the community. She shares the story of her daughter, who lost her home and all belongings, emphasizing the shock and suddenness of the floodwaters that reached the basement while she was doing laundry. Dotson also reflects on the emotional impact on her grandchildren, particularly her granddaughter, who mourned the loss of her books and church. Both interviewees discuss the broader implications of the flood on their community. They describe the efforts of local residents to support each other, the challenges of rebuilding, and the significant role of faith and resilience in their recovery. Hovatter mentions historical comparisons to earlier floods and the lack of warnings that exacerbated the disaster. Dotson speaks about the community's spirit of cooperation and the importance of mutual aid in overcoming the crisis.


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