Buffalo Creek Revisited

Mimi Pickering. 1984. 16 mm Film.
Filmed ten years after the flood, Buffalo Creek Revisited looks at the second disaster on Buffalo Creek, in which the survivors’ efforts to rebuild the communities shattered by the flood are thwarted by government insensitivity and a century-old pattern of corporate control of the region’s land and resources. Through the statements of survivors, planners, politicians, psychologists, and community activists, the film explores the psychology of disaster, the importance of community, and the paradox of a poor people living in a rich land.
“Captures in gripping detail how the effects of a disaster like the Buffalo Creek flood can continue to haunt the sturdiest of people even years later.” - Yale University
“A valuable teaching tool for discussions of the importance of land and community in Appalachia, the power and arrogance of the coal industry, and the insensitivity of government bureaucracy.” - Emory and Henry College
“A powerful and sensitive treatment of a lingering human tragedy.” - Library Journal
“An eye-opening revelation.”- Booklist
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[@bobpaulino4714]

This presentation brought back so many memories and gave me chills. I traveled nine states for a company that had been founded back in 1867. The company had patents on, installed, and serviced several designs of large institutional and industrial heating and ventilating equipment. I lived out of a service truck, duffle bags, and motels servicing schools, churches, factories, theaters, mines, etc. I worked with the maintenance depts, management, building owners and tenants all over. Used to know every fuel stop, motel, hotel, general store, grocery, butcher shop, bakery, dairy, etc. Never knew where I was going or how long I'd be there. Wasn't directly involved with this situation but we had equipment all over Logan county. Heard lots of stories. Was invited to a lot of homes in my travels - especially when the weather quickly turned. Was directly involved in restoring service after the Shadyside, oh. and several other less notable situations.
Travelled with a pup on occasion when I was doing inspections and light service in the summers - was that a mistake in the motel when she thought every jake brake coming down the mountain was another dog growling at her ! Snow drifts under leaky motel room doors, sleeping on the infirmary's cot when I worked until the wee hours of the morning, fishing in the rivers behind facilities -- had some good times and met so many wonderful folks. Loved the church potlucks and various clubs (moose, elks, eagles, lions, VFW, etc.) for their meals. My wife travelled with me when she was off at the hospital. We attended maple syrup, apple butter, and different festivals in many of the towns I worked in.
The primary owner of the company was also one of my volunteer fire captains north of Columbus Ohio. Many of the folks I worked with while travelling were with their respective fire halls and squads. Used to be asked to jump in and help out when a call came in.(Never had to be asked twice) Often the old fire sirens in town would sound. Knew many of the crew and occasionally flew with the early medical helicopters out of Columbus and southern Ohio (wellston/ LF ll)
So many people displaced as the various corporations used up the resources and townspeople, packed up, and deserted, leaving abandoned facilities and fractured communities --
I was injured in an industrial incident and then, to add insult to injury, was laid off. The other three owners of the company forced my friend, supervisor, and captain out shortly before I was laid off.
The new owners went from maintaining long term relationships to raping and running --
They went bankrupt several years ago.
My and my wife's prayers are with everyone in these areas.
Keep the faith.
Our Lord and His Son know our hearts.
Blessings --

[@je862]

Nice post and the Lord be with you!

[@AsphaltMan11]

My good friend and band mate lost his baby sister in that flood, as they were running (literally) for the hills the water rushed in, his dad had her in his arms as the black water caught up, hanging on to a tree to keep from being swept away, he lost his grip on the baby, , , My Uncle worked for the rail road, maintenance, he was dispatched to Buffalo Creek, the stories he told me, the sights, the smell of death, he said I've never been to war, but I don't see how it could be any worse, we have never forgot that day, the pain and scars remain.

[@aj-gl3ri]

I’ll never forget her reading that poem at the beginning.

[@airgreek]

Harold Dillon that they name in the church for the rose is my Uncle. We lost my Uncle Jimmy and his wife as well as their 4 children.

[@jeffbarnhill9995]

Really like your videos, especially the coal mining videos. Please keep them coming. Thanks!!!