Everett Breeden interviewed by Dorothy Noble Smith, transcribed by Sharon G. Marston

Creator:

Breeden, Everett L. (Everett Lee), 1904-1989, Breeden, Junie Catherine Thomas, 1907-1988, Smith, Dorothy Noble, 1915-1999, and Marston, Sharon G. (Sharon Gates), 1944-

Scope and content:

Records the reminiscences of Everett Breeden, who grew up on Tanners Ridge, in Page County, Virginia prior to the establishment of Shenandoah National Park in 1934. Also contributing to the interview is Mr. Breeden's wife, whose first name is not mentioned. Mrs. Breeden gives her maiden name as Thomas, and identifies her father as William Henry Thomas, also of Page County. Based on this information, she is believed to be Junie Catherine Breeden. Together, they describe their early home and family lives, schooling, holidays and community events. Among the topics discussed are the growing, harvesting and preserving of food, soap making, folk medicine and wild game hunting. Includes references to the local Civilian Conservation Corps camp, burial rites, and midwives. Mr. Breeden worked on the construction of Camp Hoover, also known as Rapidan Camp, which was the first presidential retreat. President Herbert Hoover commissioned the construction of the facility in 1929, which he later donated to Shenandoah National Park. Mr. Breeden recounts meeting and speaking with the president on several occasions at the retreat, which Mr. Hoover referred to as his Summer White House.

Names:

Breeden, Everett L. (Everett Lee), 1904-1989
Breeden, Junie Catherine Thomas, 1907-1988
Smith, Dorothy Noble, 1915-1999
Marston, Sharon G. (Sharon Gates), 1944-

Access and use

Contents