J. Malcolm Barter, interviewed by Joyce Butler

Series

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

The “Wildfire Loose” Collection consists of a series of 37 interviews conducted by Joyce Butler in preparation for her book of the same title about the fires in Maine in October 1947. Donated in 1979.

Dates

Creation: 1976-1980

Creator

Butler, Joyce (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

For digitized items free from access restrictions, we are working to upload this material (pdfs, mp3s, jpgs) for public access, but it is an ongoing project. If you don’t find what you are looking for here, contact Special Collections (um.library.spc@maine.edu).

Extent

From the Collection: 37 items

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

Abstract

1219 J. Malcolm Barter, interviewed by Joyce Butler, February 7, 1977, Camden, Maine. Barter discusses the fires of October 1947, which he covered as a reporter; the scene at Cape Porpoise, Kennebunk; areas threatened by the fire; getting photographic plates to Boston; refugees from South Waterboro and the destruction there; the state pier in Portland on fire; process of reporting on the fires for the Boston Globe; economic cost of the fires to underinsured homeowners; Red Cross aid efforts; attitude of residents; and deaths resulting from the fires.