Tanbark Industry in the Shenandoah Valley Oral Histories, 1987, 1991

13-leaf monograph describes the tanning industry in the United States and in particular the Shenandoah Valley. Both general information about the industry and specifics about the tanbark process are included. The various processes used to produce leather are described, including references to the peeling, grinding and extracting of bark to yield the tannin (tannic acid) which was used to tan animals skins and hides. References are made to American tanneries in general; specific information is supplied about bark mills, extract factories and tanneries in the Valley--including the Timberville extract (ooze) factory, and the Ziegler, Elkton and Houck tanneries of Rockingham County, Virginia. Transcription summary and letters are related to an interview with Mrs. Lettie Albrite and niece (Ms. Turner-Ritchie) conducted by Mia Barb, at Camelot Nursing Home, Harrisonburg, Va. on March 29, 1991. Refers to Mrs. Albrite's reminiscences of the bark extracting factory at Timberville, Va.; mentions Gen. John Roller, owner. Full transcription and tape of this interview are unavailable.

This interview records the reminiscences of Mr. Yankey's days as a bark peeler of chestnut oak and hemlock in the Allegheny mountains in areas around Petersburg, Moorefield, Franklin, Cheat Mt., Cass, and Lost City, W. Va. Describes the process of peeling and transporting the bark. Mentions social life and medical care in camps. Refers to paper mill strike in Davis; work in the Timberville, Va. Peach Cannery. Recorded at the home of Mr. Leecy Yankey of Bergton, Va. on Feb. 26, 1991.

This interview records the reminiscences of Mr. Barb's days as a bark peeler of black, red and white oak in the Allegheny mountains region of Rockingham County, Va., in particular Little Turley Mt. Describes the process of peeling and transporting bark including detailed information on how draft animals (horses and mules) were used. Mentions social life, etc. in the camps. Worked for Neff Lumber Mills at Skidmore Fork Lumber Camp, etc. Recorded at the home of Mr. Kale Barb of Fairway Hills, Harrisonburg, Va. on March 9, 1991

This interview records the reminiscences of Mr. Wilkins' (D.D. "Hun") days as a bark peeler of chestnut oak and hemlock in the Alleghenny mountains of West Virginia, especially in and around Lost River (also Stump's Run, Moorefield, Lost City and Trout Run). Mentions chestnut blight; blizzard of April 27, 1928. Mentions the Maryland-W. Va. Lumber Co., Natrick Lumber Co. and Williamsport, Md. Tannery. Reminiscences about conditions in the camps