Robert C. Young

Robert C. Young
Location of Interview
Collection Name

Carr Creek Oral History Project

Description

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.

Interviewer
Date of Interview
02-06-2023
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting

Audio
Biographical Sketch

Robert Young hails from Hindman, Kentucky, a small town nestled in the Appalachian region known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Born into a family with deep roots in the area, Young's lineage is intertwined with the history of the region, with ancestors who have played pivotal roles in the community's development. Despite facing the personal challenge of dyslexia, Young's upbringing was marked by a strong connection to his family's past and the traditions of his hometown. His life story is a tapestry of personal perseverance, familial bonds, and a profound sense of place. Young's experiences have been shaped by the landscape of Hindman and the collective memory of its people, which he carries with him as a living testament to the community's enduring spirit. His narrative is not just a reflection of his own life but also a window into the collective experience of those who have called Hindman home.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Robert Young, conducted by Nicole Musgrave for the Carr Creek Oral History Project, provides a comprehensive account of Young's personal history, his experiences with dyslexia, and his family's longstanding connection to Hindman, Kentucky. Young recounts the transformation of the area due to the creation of Carr Creek Lake, detailing the profound impact on the communities and families that were displaced. He shares vivid memories of the region before the lake's formation, highlighting the historical significance of locations like the Thomas Francis building and the Stamper house in Pioneer Village, both of which were relocated due to the lake's construction. Young's narrative extends to the emotional recounting of a flood that devastated his community, the subsequent damage, and considerations for rebuilding. He speaks to the personal losses he and others faced, including the effects on their homes. The interview also touches on Young's family history, including a poignant story about his great-grandfather's death and the broader implications of the lake's construction on community dynamics. He suggests contacting Ladonna Collins for further insights into the displacement of families. Additionally, Young discusses the ethnic and racial composition of the affected communities and the ongoing influence of Carr Creek Lake, such as its role in the local water system. The interview concludes with Young expressing appreciation for the opportunity to preserve and share his story, contributing to the collective memory of the region.


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Voices Oral History Archives does not verify the accuracy of materials submitted to us. The opinions expressed in the interviews are those of the interviewee only. The interviews here have been made available to the public only after the interviewer has confirmed that they have obtained consent.