Appalachian Historic Forest Conditions Oral History Project

This oral history collection consists of interviews with eighteen elder (over 65) Appalachians about their recollections of the forest in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. While the interviews focus on their experience of the forests, their stories also intersect with other aspects of their experience and contributions such as music and art. Among those interviewed are notable Appalachian folk figures all of whom have now passed, including wood carver and shingle river William McClure; banjo player Dora Mae Wagers; Bluegrass musician and songwriter Frances Reedy; and weaver Minnie Yancey.

Interviewees are Giles Rainey, Minnie Yancey, Zan White, Ernest Kinnaird, William McClure, Beaulah "Billie" Lloyd, Delbert Leger, Frank Mullins, James Jones Jr., Mae Stevens, Maggie Lamb, Ed Linville, William Pigg, Mendell Cates, Jim Robinson, Everett Robinson, Frances Reedy, Dora Mae Wagers.

The project was conducted under the auspices of Appalachia Science in the Public Interest.