Oakley Family Memories of the Smoky Mountains
This collection includes articles, images, videos, and personal writings pertaining to the Oakley family and the Smoky Mountains. Harvey Oakley (1918–2007), Wiley Oakley (1885–1954), and Rebecca Anne Ogle Oakley (1890–1980) are the main family members of focus. Included is a 58-page document by Harvey Oakley that is a collection of songs and ballads gathered over 80 years. A personal writing by Wiley Oakley includes personal memories and experiences, especially of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Images (primarily photocopies) of the Oakley family are also included with handwritten descriptions. The articles are primarily photocopies of newspapers dating from the 1970s-1980s. Two VHS tapes include Oakley family memories, the Wiley Oakley memorial dedication, and the “Great Smokies” outdoor drama at Cosby School.
Dates
- circa 1970s-1980s
Conditions Governing Access
Collections are stored offsite and must be requested in advance. See www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Conditions Governing Use
The UT Libraries claims only physical ownership of most material in the collections. Persons wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants on www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Extent
0.25 Linear Feet (1 quarter box)
Abstract
This collection includes articles, images, videos, and personal writings pertaining to the Oakley family and the Smoky Mountains. Harvey Oakley (1918–2007), Wiley Oakley (1885–1954), and Rebecca Anne Ogle Oakley (1890–1980) are the main family members of focus.
Biographical/Historical Note
Harvey Oakley was born January 6, 1918 in Gatlinburg (Sevier County) Tennessee and died February 6, 2007 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Oakley was the son of Wiley Oakley (1885-1964) and Rebecca Anne Ogle Oakley (1890-1980).
Wiley Oakley was born September 12, 1885 in Gatlinburg and died November 18, 1954 in Gatlinburg. Wiley Oakley had vast knowledge of the Smoky Mountains, was known as "The Roaming Man of the Mountains," and became the unofficial ambassador of the region. Rebecca Anne Ogle Oakley was born December 25, 1890 in Sevier County, Tennessee and died October 31, 1980 in Gatlinburg, Sevier County, Tennessee. Wiley and Rebecca Oakley married in 1905 and their first home was on Scratch Britches Mountain where they raised their twelve children.
Arrangement
This collection is currently in four folders within one box.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository