Interview with Sue Purdue
Dublin Core
Title
Interview with Sue Purdue
Description
Susan (Sue) Purdue, a resident of the Garren Creek community in Fairview, was interviewed by Friends of Buncombe County Special Collections volunteer Ann McCutchan on May 2, 2025. This interview took place at Ann McCutchan's office and was conducted as part of the Come Hell or High Water Oral History Project for Buncombe County Special Collections, Pack Memorial Library.
Sue describes the community impact and property damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene [00:11:00] as well as the community response that she and her husband faced in the immediate aftermath of the storm, which included support from churches and organizations but also challenges such as looting [00:13:12]. They also housed a military veteran who played a crucial role in relief and rescue efforts [00:22:46]. Sue relates the unexpected importance of alcohol as a commodity after the storm [00:32:44] and the difficulties in recovery, including inadequate FEMA assistance, the high cost of repairs, and the ongoing struggles of the community to rebuild [00:39:45].
Narrator portrait depicts Sue Purdue standing in front of the mudslide at the back of their property, August 13, 2025.
Sue describes the community impact and property damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene [00:11:00] as well as the community response that she and her husband faced in the immediate aftermath of the storm, which included support from churches and organizations but also challenges such as looting [00:13:12]. They also housed a military veteran who played a crucial role in relief and rescue efforts [00:22:46]. Sue relates the unexpected importance of alcohol as a commodity after the storm [00:32:44] and the difficulties in recovery, including inadequate FEMA assistance, the high cost of repairs, and the ongoing struggles of the community to rebuild [00:39:45].
Narrator portrait depicts Sue Purdue standing in front of the mudslide at the back of their property, August 13, 2025.
Rights
Copyright Susan Purdue and Buncombe County Special Collections.
Format
Language
English
Identifier
MS456.001F
Extent
1 digital audio recording (00:58:01); 1 transcript (29 pages); 1 digital photograph
Oral History Item Type Metadata
Duration
00:58:01
Interviewer
Ann McCutchan
Interviewee
Susan Purdue
Location
Collection
Tags
Citation
Friends of Buncombe County Special Collections, “Interview with Sue Purdue,” Come Hell or High Water Community Memory Project, accessed January 13, 2026, https://helenehistory.omeka.net/items/show/1181.