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WCU - Oral Histories of Western North Carolina

Interview with Helen Patton

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Interview with Helen Patton

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Item 2 - Interview with Helen Patton

Interview with Helen Patton

MHC_Mansfield_Patton_1996-06-27_transcript
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  • An interview with Helen Patton of Macon County in which she discusses her family's history in the area as well as her personal history. Her ancestor, George Patton, settled in the Cartoogechaye Creek area when Cherokee Indian lands became available for purchase. The Patton family eventually owned approximately 350 acres which came to be known as Patton Valley. Ms. Patton attended Western Carolina Teachers College for two years and completed her Bachelor's degree at Peabody College. She continued her education by completing her Master's degree at the University of Chicago, and taught in the midwest for 40 years before returning to Macon County in 1981. Ms. Patton's father and aunt established a summer camp for girls in the 1920s, named Camp Taukeetah. They offered classes in art, nature study, dance, swimming and horseback riding. Cherokee Indians were invited to the camp to teach the girls about their culture and share folklore. The impact of the camp and tourists on the area is discussed. Local people would be hired to cook, clean and do laundry, while local produce and meat was purchased and horses were rented. Often, the families of the campers would stay in Macon County for the summer, also adding to the local economy. Ms. Patton believes there has been a definite change in tourism over the years stating that tourists used to come for extended periods, but now stay for just a few days or a weekend.

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Oral Histories of Western North Carolina

These interviews document the communities and culture of Western North Carolina. Topics include the building of the Fontana Dam, the history of WCU, stories from local veterans, integration of the...

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