Virgil Corbin interviewed by Dorothy Noble Smith, transcribed by Sharon G. Marston, 1979

Creator:

Corbin, Virgil F. (Virgil Fordice), 1916-1996, Smith, Dorothy Noble, 1915-1999, and Marston, Sharon G. (Sharon Gates), 1944-

Scope and content:

Records the reminiscences of Virgil Corbin, who was born and raised in Corbin Cabin, in Nicholson Hollow, Virginia prior to the establishment of Shenandoah National Park in 1934. Describes his home and family life, holidays and community events. Among the topics discussed are farming, raising of livestock, hunting, fishing and food preservation techniques. Includes references to weddings, wakes and funerals, herbal remedies, moonshining, and ginseng. Mr. Corbin also speaks of relatives from both the Corbin and Nicholson sides of his family, including his father, George T. Corbin, his grandfather and two great-uncles who served in the Confederate army. Includes a two page manuscript, written by Mr. Corbin, titled From a Primitive Life to Modern Living. Corbin Cabin was the homestead built by George Corbin in 1910 and is one of the few intact cabins remaining in Shenandoah National Park. It was turned over to the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club in the 1950s, restored and currently serves as a popular trail shelter. The building is listed on the National Registry of Historic Buildings as the George T. Corbin Cabin. See SdArch no. SNP-33 for an interview with George Corbin.

Names:

Corbin, Virgil F. (Virgil Fordice), 1916-1996
Smith, Dorothy Noble, 1915-1999
Marston, Sharon G. (Sharon Gates), 1944-

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