Oral History Interview with Raymond, Eunice, Wayne, and Charles Russell English, December 8, 1999. Interview K-0280. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007).
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Abstract
Raymond and Eunice English are an elderly Duplin County couple who weathered Hurricane Floyd. They are joined by their son, Wayne, and their nephew, Charles. Wayne and Charles do most of the talking in this lengthy interview, describing their experiences with the flooding and their frustrations with unregulated pollution from hog houses as well as with inadequate and disorganized relief. Like many flood victims, they are trying to rebuild their homes and lives with very little monetary help from the state and federal governments and are relying on volunteer and religious organizations for help. The English family pays particular attention to the effects of the flood on their community. They believe the aging farming community is in decline and worry that the flood may have grievously damaged its self-sufficiency; yet, by the end of the interview seem quite proud of the pervasive ethic of responsibility and cooperation. Many excerpts include Raymond's discussion of the history of his community and/or his personal history. Researchers looking for local history should read the entire interview for some interesting recollections.
Excerpts
The decline of Charles English's community
The community's fortunes wane with its tobacco crop
The flood and its aftermath damages community spirit
Raymond remembers the agricultural life of his childhood
Economic struggles and pollution in a struggling rural community
Hurricane Floyd's flooding is worse than a 1962 flood
Hog pollution
Quest for profits leads to environmental degradation
A childhood swimming hole is now too polluted to use
Remembering an effort to replace the dying textile industry
Community opposition to an effort to shore up the local economy
Trying to save their watershed from pollution
The flooding that followed Hurricane Floyd is the worst in memory
Dishonesty, fraud, and bureacracy interfere with aid efforts
FEMA's failures made residents look for help elsewhere
Waiting out the flooding
Charles is grateful to FEMA for his trailer
Eunice's failed efforts to preserve her belongings
The destruction of a local church
Outside help inspires the Englishes
Wayne feels neglected by his government
Frustration with an unfair relief system
Individual help vastly outweighed help from the government
Church groups give money for Christmas presents
Learn More
Finding aid to the Southern Oral History Program Collection
Database of all Southern Oral History Program Collection interviews
Resources for Educators
Hurricane Floyd Learning Object
Subjects
Duplin County (N.C.)
Hurricane Floyd, 1999
Floods--North Carolina
Disaster relief--North Carolina
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