Oral History Interview with Mattie Bell and Earl Cavenaugh, December 7, 1999. Interview K-0282. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007).
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Abstract
In this interview, Earl and Mattie Bell Cavenaugh, who are joined by family and friends, remember their experiences with Hurricane Floyd. Multiple interviewees may have detracted from this interview's value, as their responses to Thompson's questions are sometimes disjointed and unspecific. But they do offer an on-the-ground perspective on the flood and its aftermath. Like many affected North Carolinians, they are frustrated with inadequate compensation and are facing the prospect of trying to rebuild without help from insurance or the government, a prospect which seems difficult for a pair of octogenarians. Earl also offers some thoughts on the general erosion of moral values, prompted by the ban on school prayer, sex education, and social security among other factors.
Excerpts
Past flooding does not compare with Hurricane Floyd
Recalling changes in the farming industry
Watching, then fleeing, floodwaters
The flood devastates the Cavenaugh home
The Red Cross helps the Cavenaughs deal with their devastated home
Inadequate compensation for losses
Earl loses his plywood during the flood
A dramatic account of rising floodwaters
The intricacies of flood insurance seemed designed to limit payout
Many in need are refused compensation for lost property
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
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
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