Driving Through Time - The Digital Blue Ridge Parkway
Oral History Interview with Robert Hewat, October 25, 1996
| Transcript (17 p.) | |
| Complete Audio File (MP3 format / ca. 181 MB, 01:39:00) | MP3 |
| Abstract | Bob Hewat, a native of Canada, came to work on the Blue Ridge Parkway as a seasonal ranger in 1960. After working his first four years in Doughton Park, he worked in Gillespie Gap and Linville Falls up until the time of this interview. Hewat talks about his experiences in the places he has worked and the duties of the rangers. He talks about the importance of protection of resources and how he has seen that change over time. Hewat also touches on the progress of construction projects and gives detailed information on their development, including the viaduct. He goes on to talk about some rescues he was involved with near the falls and details an incident where a young boy drowned. Hewat also provides histories of some campgrounds and the signage used along the parkway that sometimes led to conflicts and confusion among the rangers. |
| Date | October 25, 1996 |
| Interviewee | Hewat, Robert "Bob" |
| Interviewee occupation | Seasonal Ranger |
| Interviewee DOB | May 23, 1924 |
| Interviewer | Mullis, Julie |
| Subject | Park rangers Viaduct Construction Campground Signage |
