Collections : [James Madison University]

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

This interview records the reminiscences of Mr. Barb's days as a bark peeler of black, red and white oak in the Allegheny mountains region of Rockingham County, Va., in particular Little Turley Mt. Describes the process of peeling and transporting bark including detailed information on how draft animals (horses and mules) were used. Mentions social life, etc. in the camps. Worked for Neff Lumber Mills at Skidmore Fork Lumber Camp, etc. Recorded at the home of Mr. Kale Barb of Fairway Hills, Harrisonburg, Va. on March 9, 1991

This interview records the reminiscences of Mr. Yankey's days as a bark peeler of chestnut oak and hemlock in the Allegheny mountains in areas around Petersburg, Moorefield, Franklin, Cheat Mt., Cass, and Lost City, W. Va. Describes the process of peeling and transporting the bark. Mentions social life and medical care in camps. Refers to paper mill strike in Davis; work in the Timberville, Va. Peach Cannery. Recorded at the home of Mr. Leecy Yankey of Bergton, Va. on Feb. 26, 1991.

These interviews record the recollections of Mr. Ernest M. Dickerman, retired wildlife conservationist and lobbyist for the Wilderness Society. One of two individuals interviewed for an oral history project, the purpose of which was to "make an historical record of the diverse biology of the George Washington National Forest and the efforts to preserve . . . [its] forest and wilderness areas." Records Mr. Dickerman's interests and knowledge of the American wilderness movement and efforts to secure wilderness areas throughout the Eastern United States. Includes information about the founding of the Wilderness Society, details concerning the Wilderness Act of 1964 and the National Wilderness Preservation System, along with many facts surrounding Eastern wilderness areas. Provides insight into his job while a lobbyist in Congress; travels to inform and gain support; testifying at hearings; and relations with various land management agencies. Relates early histories and conflicts with timber and mining industries; the Sierra Club; and the U.S. Forest Service.

These interviews record the recollections of Mr. Jacob Kagey, retired cabinetmaker and naturalist/flora expert, one of two individuals interviewed for an oral history project, the purpose of which was to "make an historical record of the diverse biology of the George Washington National Forest and the efforts to preserve . . . [its] forest and wilderness areas." Records Mr. Kagey's interests and vast knowledge of George Washington National Forest flora including information, some previously undocumented, on native, prolific and rare plants: Mentions early interest in trees and flowers, hiking partners and the Appalachian Trail Club. Describes in detail various flora and their locations in the area, primarily in Rockingham and Augusta Counties. Specifically mentions various species of orchids, ferns, lady slippers, trillium, shale barren plants, star flowers and oak trees. Talks about approach to finding plants, contacts with other local experts/botanists and discoveries which have been recorded in "The atlas of the Virginia flora." Mentions invasive plants and other environmental factors impacting flora. Recorded at the home of Mr. Jacob Kagey of Bridgewater, Va. on Sept. 16 and Sept. 22, 1994.

This interview records the recollections of Mr. George Elliot Reeke who was a maintenance engineer from 1941-1980 at the Stonewall Plant at Elkton, VA., a manufacturing plant of the pharmaceutical corporation, Merck & Co. Reeke describes various aspects of work; the impact of the plant on the community and company, and events and changes which impacted on the plant, its employees and local area. Expresses viewpoints from the perspective of an employee who was present at the founding of the plant through its building years. Mentions the building of the plant and its physical layout; descriptions of jobs and key personnel; employment practices (wages, benefits, status of minorities and women); administrative research and production activities (ex. riboflavin process, thiamin, streptomycin, penicillin, atabrin, various vitamins); employer-employee relations; outside activities (clubs, etc.); communication within the plant, safety/quality control measures and health care; transportation of raw materials; company housing; community relations and economic impact; environmental impact (fish kill in the Shenandoah River); and the impact of WWII on the plant, employees and community. Recorded at the home of Mr. George Elliot Reeke of Harrisonburg, VA. on July 3, 1990.