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Start Over Names Meisel, Mara
James Madison University

Shenandoah National Park oral histories

2.5 cubic feet 6 boxes, 200 audio discs, 158 audiocassettes, unnumbered reels
The Shenandoah National Park Oral Histories, SdArch SNP, 1964-1999, consists of audio, transcripts, and images pertaining to interviews conducted primarily by Dorothy Noble Smith in addition to members of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, park collaborators Eugene and Diane Zior Wilhelm, Darwin Lambert, and others.
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Carl and Gertrude Shifflett interviewed by Dorothy Noble Smith, transcribed by Mara Meisel and Victoria M. Edwards

Records an interview with Carl Shifflett and his wife, Gertrude, (née Shifflett), who discuss their memories of the people who lived within the future boundaries of Shenandoah National Park. Describes daily life in the mountains, touching on the work of growing and preserving food, herbal remedies, courtship, and funeral rituals, as well as holiday celebrations.

David M. Taylor interviewed by Dorothy Noble Smith, transcribed by Mara Meisel and Rebecca Popp

Records a group interview with David M. Taylor, who lived in an area known as Joliet Hollow, in Page County, Virginia, until his family was moved to a resettlement area in nearby Ida, Virginia with the opening of the park in the early 1930s. Describes daily life in the mountains, touching on the work of growing and preserving food, herbal remedies, etc., as well as how his family and neighboring mountain families adjusted to their new lives in the Ida Valley. Mr. Taylor recalls his conversations with local entrepreneur George Freeman Pollock, owner of Skyland resort and an early promoter of the plans to create Shenandoah National Park.

Myrtle Woodward interviewed by Dorothy Noble Smith, transcribed by Mara Meisel, Rebecca Popp and Heather Browne

Records an interview with Myrtle Woodward, (née Broyles), who lived in the mountains near Syria, Virginia. Describes daily life in the mountains, touching on the work of growing and preserving food, herbal remedies and holidays. Also recalls her experiences with local entrepreneur George Freeman Pollock, owner of nearby Skyland resort, who was a major influence in the establishment of Shenandoah National Park.

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