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Start Over Collection Tanbark industry in the Shenandoah Valley oral history collection, 1987
James Madison University

Tanbark industry in the Shenandoah Valley oral history collection, 1987

0.25 cubic feet 4 folders; 4 audiocassettes
This collection is comprised of a background paper on the tanbark industry and three oral history interviews recorded in 1987 and 1991 with individuals familiar with the tanbark industry in the central Shenandoah Valley. The 1987 interview was conducted jointly by Chris Bolgiano and John Coleman, and the subsequent two interviews were conducted in 1991 by Mia Barb as part of an oral history project internship.
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Background paper and photographs, 1991 Box 1, Folder SA0004-01

13-leaf monograph describes the tanning industry in the United States and in particular the Shenandoah Valley. Both general information about the industry and specifics about the tanbark process are included. The various processes used to produce leather are described, including references to the peeling, grinding and extracting of bark to yield the tannin (tannic acid) which was used to tan animals skins and hides. References are made to American tanneries in general; specific information is supplied about bark mills, extract factories and tanneries in the Valley--including the Timberville extract (ooze) factory, and the Ziegler, Elkton and Houck tanneries of Rockingham County, Virginia. Transcription summary and letters are related to an interview with Mrs. Lettie Albrite and niece (Ms. Turner-Ritchie) conducted by Mia Barb, at Camelot Nursing Home, Harrisonburg, Va. on March 29, 1991. Refers to Mrs. Albrite's reminiscences of the bark extracting factory at Timberville, Va.; mentions Gen. John Roller, owner. Full transcription and tape of this interview are unavailable.

D. D. Wilkins interviewed by John Coleman and Chris Bolgiano, 1987

This interview records the reminiscences of Mr. Wilkins' (D.D. "Hun") days as a bark peeler of chestnut oak and hemlock in the Alleghenny mountains of West Virginia, especially in and around Lost River (also Stump's Run, Moorefield, Lost City and Trout Run). Mentions chestnut blight; blizzard of April 27, 1928. Mentions the Maryland-W. Va. Lumber Co., Natrick Lumber Co. and Williamsport, Md. Tannery. Reminiscences about conditions in the camps

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