Wellborn, Ruth and Paul, 2017 February 09
This collection consists of both audio and video interviews concerning the Chimney Tops 2 Wildfires in Gatlinburg, Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains during 2016. Between 2017 and 2022, around 150 interviews were conducted with residents of Gatlinburg, government officials, emergency responders, researchers in various fields, and others impacted by the wildfires.
The interviews in this collection were conducted by the Anna Porter Public Library (APPL) and the University of Tennessee Libraries. APPL recorded audio interviews during 2017, starting a few months after the wildfires. UT Libraries' interviews began in 2019 and continued through 2022 with a mix of both video and audio recordings. Individual narrators are not only residents of Gatlinburg, but also emergency responders, government officials, and researchers exploring the effects of the fire.
Dates
- 2017 February 09
Language of Materials
The material in this collection is in English and Spanish.
Conditions Governing Access
Collections are stored offsite, and a minimum of 2 business days are needed to retrieve these items for use. Researchers interested in consulting any of the collections are advised to contact Special Collections.
Extent
From the Collection: In Development Terabytes
Overview
APPL audio interview with Paul and Ruth Welborn, owners of Ely's Mill in Gatlinburg, conducted by Kenton Temple and Karen McDonald. Paul tells about the day of the fire and his efforts evacuating tourists unfamiliar with the area. He also discusses the night and following day of the fire in Gatlinburg dealing with emergency responders. Ruth recounts her return from Florida after learning of the fire. She discusses some of the damage done to their property and how they were able to aid emergency responders by being a staging area.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository