Carson shares details about his family lineage, tracing it back to Miller Hinkley's settlement in Madrid in 1794. He reveals that the Hinkleys originally immigrated to the United States from England in the 1650s due to high taxes. Farming has been a significant part of Carson's family history, and he expresses sadness as the last member of his family line. Despite his physical disability preventing him from teaching farming, he possesses valuable knowledge and hopes to share it with the historical society. Carson covers various aspects of East Madrid's history. He talks about the community's reliance on farming and the products they sold, such as chicken eggs, wool, and dairy. He also highlights the farm infrastructure and shares his insights into practices learned from diaries and farm ledgers. Carson discusses the challenging weather conditions they faced in the past and the changing climate's impact on local streams and wildlife. Carson paints a picture of life in East Madrid, describing how people spent their time during winter months and the communal activities they engaged in. He touches on the high infant mortality rate in the past and the support and solidarity within the small town. The interview delves into Carson's personal history, discussing his parents, their professions, and his own upbringing. He talks about the tradition of passing down names in his family and his father's early childhood, which revealed his mechanical aptitude. Carson shares anecdotes about his family's experiences with transportation, including the introduction of cars and the reliance on horse and carriage or sleighs. He also mentions the impact of the Great Depression on the community and his own work experiences in shoe factories. Carson reflects on his family's experiences and his own life, including his education and work in shoe factories. He talks about the hazards and accidents associated with factory work and shares details about his degenerative bone disease, which causes chronic pain. Carson discusses his approach to managing the pain and the various health issues he has faced. This interview concludes with Carson's involvement in the Madrid Historical Society and his efforts to preserve the town's history. He mentions uncovering the story of a Swedish trapper buried near Farmer Mountain and the society's mission to document and archive the information he has gathered. Carson expresses his deep connection to the land and the importance of sharing and preserving its history.
Carson Hinkley — Session 1 — 11/05/2022
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