Ora Anderson, now 93, was a journalist living in Southeastern Ohio during the Great Depression. In this oral history, he recalls the environmental and social conditions that led to the establishment of the Wayne National Forest and our evolving relationship with the land. Along with historical photographs and emotionally evocative music by Bruce Dalzell, Ora Anderson's first-hand account gives life to a significant chapter of American history with clarity, hope, and a uniquely Appalachian perspective. Run time: 30 minutes.

AWARDS

REVIEWS

A superb portrayal of environmental change in Southeastern Ohio that uses a masterful combination of techniques ...
-Richard Francaviglia, author Hard Places: Reading the Landscape of America's Historic Mining Districts [American Land & Life Series][full review]

 

“Skillfully blending Anderson’s eyewitness account with historical material and contemporary scenes, producer Jean Andrews has captured an important slice of Ohio’s New Deal experience.”
– Pat Williamsen, Ohio Humanities Council [full review]

 

 

“I am sure that anyone who loves the vast Appalachian forest would love to see this film, especially the people who manage the many other forests created by the CCC during that era.”
– Steve Fesenmaier, West Virginia’s Graffiti Magazine [full review]

“Coal was the biggest story of the 19th Century in the region... the return of the forest was probably the biggest story of the 20th Century."
– John Winnenberg, Little Cities of Black Diamonds Council [full review]

“This video is a wonderful tribute to one of the great programs of the much maligned New Deal era. It also allows the remarkably articulate Ora Anderson... to shine as a storyteller. Jean Andrews and Steve Fetsch have produced a winning documentary.”
– Historian Loyal Jones, Former director of the Berea College Appalachian Center [full review]

PRODUCTION NOTES

A FOREST RETURNS is now available for sale through this web site and at several Athens area locations. The DVD also includes a photo slide show, more music by Bruce Dalzell, and more from Ora Anderson: reading of his essay, "What is Nature," unedited interview excerpts, and his address at the Dairy Barn Arts Center on that organization's founding. The soundtrack is available through the musician's website.

A portion of the proceeds from this production will be donated to two non-profit organizations located within Appalachian Ohio: Rural Action, Inc., whose mission is to promote economic, social, and environmental justice in Appalachian Ohio, including watershed restoration efforts on the Wayne National Forest; and Little Cities of Black Diamonds Council, whose mission is to keep alive the stories of the past through history, culture, and environment, to help enrich the quality of life for all.

*First screened as "So Here I Am..." An Eyewitness Account of the Beginning of the Wayne National Forest in Appalachian Ohio.

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