Estelle Nicholson Dodson interviewed by Dorothy Noble Smith, transcribed by Sharon G. Marston

Creator:

Dodson, Estelle V. Nicholson, 1919-1992, Dodson, Ada Corbin, 1897-1991, Smith, Dorothy Noble, 1915-1999, and Marston, Sharon G. (Sharon Gates), 1944-

Scope and content:

Records the reminiscences of Estelle Dodson, (née Nicholson), who grew up in a log house in Corbin Hollow, Virginia, prior to the establishment of Shenandoah National Park. Describes her early home and family life, household chores, and school days. Discusses the difficulties of making a living in the mountains during the Great Depression and her father's work as a basket maker. Other sources of income included harvesting chestnuts and ginseng, and selling flowers and berries at nearby Skyland Resort. Recalls numerous members of the Dodson, Nicholson and Corbin families, including her grandfather, David Nicholson and her first cousin, George Corbin, who built Corbin Cabin in 1910. Also includes anecdotes regarding George Pollock, local entrepreneur and owner of Skyland, and the importance of the resort to the local economy. Estelle Dodson's mother-in-law, who is only identified in the interview as Mrs. Dodson, contributes to the interview throughout. A note written on one of the transcripts identifies her as Mrs. Odie Dodson.

Names:

Dodson, Estelle V. Nicholson, 1919-1992
Dodson, Ada Corbin, 1897-1991
Smith, Dorothy Noble, 1915-1999
Marston, Sharon G. (Sharon Gates), 1944-

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