Oral history interview with Renee and Ashley Lee, December 19, 1999

Renee Lee (who is joined by her daughter, Ashley) is a member of the Whitestocking community. Lee's trailer was ravaged by flooding. Thompson and Lee spend much of this interview discussing Lee's background and family life -- her children, memories from childhood, and reflections on community life. Some of these recollections and descriptions appear as excerpts, but researchers interested in a more thorough coverage of these issues should look to the full text of the interview. At the end of the interview, Lee expresses her frustration with the government's sluggish and bureaucracy-laden relief effort, which seems needlessly complicated, especially in contrast to the Red Cross's efficient, simple relief program. Lee's response to the flooding seems typical of Whitestocking residents -- fierce loyalty to the area and confidence in the rebuilding effort coupled with despair at the extent of the damage and frustration with official relief programs.