Esther W. Boynton, 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

1222 Esther W. Boynton, interviewed by Joyce Butler, March 18, 1977, Brownfield, Maine. Boynton talks about the fires of 1947 in Brownfield; the beginning of the fire and its growth; making donuts for the firefighters; her home surrounded by fire; exploding houses; generosity towards burned-out families; few human fatalities due to fires; vandalism; buildings which survived; returning to Brownfield; aid from the Red Cross; tin houses; beginning to rebuild; salvaging timber; aid from various people and companies; impact of the fires into the early 1950s; Christmas boxes from the American Legion and Guy Gannet Publishing; and bedding and furniture she got from the Red Cross.