Bessie Ricker, 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

1241 Bessie Ricker, interviewed by Joyce Butler, February 24, 1978, Saco, Maine. Ricker talks about the fires of 1947 in the Saco-Waterboro area; her family’s preparations as fire neared; fire approaching from multiple directions; her fear when the fire was approaching and the car went off the road and passersby did not stop; trying to move away from the fire; listening to radio reports; her home saved by National Guard backfiring; rebuilding after the fire; and how the fire changed Waterboro.