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Champ and Elizabeth Gould, interviewed by Joyce Butler

 Series

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

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

Abstract

1229 Champ and Elizabeth Gould, interviewed by Joyce Butler, June 20, 1977, South Waterboro, Maine. The Goulds talk about the fires of 1947 in the Waterboro area; dry conditions that fall but lack of concern; initial response to the fire being curiosity; use of fuel trucks to carry water; options for dealing with livestock; saving their buildings; men who were unwilling to fight the fire; lack of organization; arsonists; burning of South Waterboro; resurgence of fire from underground; what Elizabeth chose to save if they had to flee; general lack of blame for the fires; salvaging lumber and the economic loss resulting from burned timber; and Red Cross assistance in temporary housing and rebuilding.

Repository Details

Part of the Northeast Archives of Folklore and Oral History Repository

Contact:
5729 Raymond H. Fogler Library
University of Maine
Orono ME 04469-5729 United States
207.581.1686