Barry A. Vann - Forces of Nature: Our Quest to Conquer the Planet

I t is virtually impossible to write a book of this kind without some encouragement and support from others. The idea of writing The Forces of Nature was planted in my mind by Dr. Frank L. Pete Charton during a course he delivered in atmospheric science when I was a freshman in college. Decades later, the seed that Dr. Charton planted was watered by my good friend Dr. Chin Teck Tan, who patiently listened to my impromptu ramblings about tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and how they affect human settlements. I would not have written this book without Chin's initial and continued encouragement. Amy, Sarah, and Preston Vann were also fountains of emotional support. Special thanks are due to Nick Cockrum and Lane Simmons for their photographic contributions. A deep debt of gratitude is owed to my colleague Geraldine Allen and her son-in-law Clayton Andrew Long; their maps help the book tell its story. I must also thank Debbie Wood for her assistance. Finally, I would like to offer special thanks to Steven L. Mitchell and Mariel Bard of Prometheus Books.

Finally, it is necessary to thank my students who offered me thoughtful reactions to the manuscript; among them are Hannah Adkisson, Whitney Arnold, Jeremy Bird, Madison Branstetter, Mathew Brotherton, Timber Craig, Dale Davis, Marquee Dawson, Andrew Fox, Latosha Howard, Jessica Stanfill, and Kelsey White.

Information contained in this survey was presented to residents in the Appalachian region in 2010 (except for Rufus Voiles, who discussed these issues with the author in 1995).

I am conducting a survey on perceptions of how southern Appalachian families, particularly those who lived in and around the Cumberland Gap area, got along during the Great Depression. I realize that you may have been born after that time period. Nevertheless, you have families that discussed their lives with you during that important phase of American history. If that is the case with you, I would like to invite you to participate in my study. It should take less than five minutes of your time.

If you are interested in participating and your heritage is Appalachian, please answer the following six questions:

1. Did your family farm during the Great Depression (1930s)?
2. Did they have any other non-farm income? If so, what occupations or business did they perform?
3. In what county and state did your family reside?
4. Did unemployed people seek help in the form of food or work from your farm family?
5. Was your family better or worse off than city folk?
6. As this survey may result in a publication, may I cite you as a source?

Many thanks,

Barry A. Vann

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