Interview: Washington, George H., Sr.
Item
Identifier
Mss-0282, Tape 93-94
Title
Interview: Washington, George H., Sr.
Type
Sound
Format
.mp3
Language
English
Source
Black Heritage in the Upper Piedmont of South Carolina Collection
Rights
Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Clemson University Libraries Special Collections and Archives. All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the Clemson University Libraries Special Collections and Archives.
Date
1989-11-14, 1989-11-15
Description
George H. Washington, Sr. was born in 1906 near Belton, SC. He is the son of Fredrick G. and Tecora Seagrams Washington. Mr. Washington received an MA from Wayne State University. He was a principal and teacher at Warren County Training School in NC. After retirement at age 65, he received an MA in Divinity from Charlotte University in NC. He and his family have always been strong supporters of education in the area. He married the former Molly Jones in 1933.
Cassette 1
Side 1
2:23--His paternal grandparents were W.T. and Rosanna Washington. He knew his maternal grandfather Seagrams, but did not know his grandmother because she died when he was young. W.T., along with Grandpa Seagrams helped to establish the New Hope Baptist Church near Belton, SC.
3:47--His father's half-siblings were Frank, Josephine, and Richard Holloway.
5:10--Mr. Washington's grandparent's related stories of their lives: His Grandpa Seagrams was able to purchase 375 acres of land in Greenville County known as "Possum Kingdom." His Grandpa Washington was 14 when the Civil War ended. He was a slave to the Cox family of Belton, SC. After freedom, he didn't take the Cox name and chose Washington instead. This was not a reflection of the relationship, however. The Cox family always treated his grandfather with much respect, and the two families have remained close ever since the end of the war in 1865.
8:20--Mr. Washington's family are buried at New Hope Baptist near Belton, SC.
9:26--Funerals--he can remember the funerals of both Washington grandparents, as well as that of his Grandpa Seagrams. They were conducted much as they are today.
10:28--His parents were baptized and married by Dr. H. Watkins.
11:20--Mr. Washington married Molly Jones in 1933 in Oxford, NC. They met while at Johnson C. Smith University in NC.
12:58--Some older family members went north during the Depression in order to find work for destinations such as Detroit, Chicago, and New York.
13:25--His uncle Rich Holloway started working for the Blue Ridge Railroad at age 6 (brakeman) on the route from Belton, SC to Walhalla, SC. He later moved to Charlotte, NC.
14:07--Good employment opportunities were hard to find. Black men often were involved in farming, railroad, or blacksmith related jobs. Women mostly did domestic work.
15:33--Mr. Washington's family did most of their shopping in either the Belton or Anderson area in white owned stores. They always used cash. They bought most of their clothes. An individual usually had work and Sunday clothes. Most food items were produced at home; perhaps things like fish and cheese were store-bought. Furniture was also purchased.
20:30--Family talents included teaching and ministry.
21:55--There were plenty of hard times when he was younger, but his family was very industrious.
23:14--His oldest sister died c. 1924 while boarding at school. The family soon moved in order to be closer to the Seneca Institute. Mr. Washington goes on to discuss the efforts of Mr. Rosenwald in regards to the foundation of the Oconee County Training School.
26:57--He recalls his early college experience, and working odd jobs in order to make extra money and pay for books and tuition.
30:52--Mr. Washington was kept out of service during World War II on account of his home front responsibilities.
31:44--Audio ends.
Cassette 1
Side 2
00:06--His father had been in the Army for one week prior to the end of World War I. Mr. Washington can recall the joy of the community on learning of the cessation of hostilities.
1:02--Mr. Washington recalls his move to Detroit during World War II in order to work for an aircraft defense plant. He was a problem solver and trouble-shooter during the time he was there. Management was impressed, and soon offered him a lifetime guarantee of employment with the company, which he didn't accept. Instead, he returned to North Carolina where he was an educator and principal from 1940-1972. After retirement, he returned to the Seneca area.
5:16--Church--his family were members of New Hope Baptist while they lived near Belton, SC. He is currently Associate Pastor at Ebenezer. Dr. A. Walker and Dr. Daniel were both ministers he can remember from his youth. Camp meetings and singing conventions are recalled. Camp meetings were occasionally rowdy events. During his grandparent's time, whites occasionally worshipped alongside blacks.
12:16--Education--Mr. Washington started school at New Hope Baptist Church. There were 150 children for one teacher in the one room building. It supported grades 1-7. He recalls typical school day activities. He had to walk 3 miles to and from school. He can recall a few teachers: Ms. Williams and Cooley. They lived in their own homes. Teachers were allowed to take certification exams while in the seventh grade. His father went through the ninth grade, his mother the sixth. His father was offered a scholarship to Benedict College, which he turned down because he was anxious to be married. They both made sure their children received an education. Mr. Washington once again revisits aspects of his own education. There was very little black history taught; he only began learning specifics once he reached college. He goes on to discuss the vision and works of Dr. J.J. Starks before mentioning that his grandparents were educated by whites.
31:44--Audio ends.
Cassette 2
Side 1
00:10--Educational issues continue to be discussed. The foundation of Seneca Institute is discussed. It was founded in 1899 by Dr. J.J. Starks and was supported by black Baptist churches in Oconee County. It supported grades 1-12 and accepted students from a wide multi-state area. Later the school changed its name to Seneca Junior College to reflect the two additional years of study that were added after the twelfth grade. There were around 350 students and 10 instructors. A curriculum of English, Chemistry, Arithmetic, Physics, History, etc. were available. He discusses distinguished alumni, tuition, athletics, and several local leaders involved with its operation over the years.
10:45--The foundation of the Oconee County Training School is recalled. His father was instrumental in establishing this school, with the help of Mr. Rosenwald. There was some friction in the community as a result between those who supported Seneca Institute and the OCTS.
17:44--Mr. Washington goes into a little more detail regarding his defense plant experiences during World War II in Detroit.
23:10--His father was a 33° Freemason; his mother was in the Eastern Star organization. He goes on to describe their missionary work and social activism.
27:05--Politics--his father was the first to vote in the family.
27:35---His maternal grandfather [Seagrams] was free before the end of the Civil War [no specifics are given].
28:29--Mulattos--mulattos seemed to be leaders in the black community in the post-Civil War period. They were treated more fairly by whites.
30:07--Black/white relationships--his experiences with whites have been positive; they respected blacks and helped them to build churches and schools. There was separation, however. Each race had its own place in society.
31:45---Audio ends.
Cassette 2
Side 2
00:06--Mr. Washington was never taught to be wary of whites; the relationships were cordial in his experience.
00:33--Lynching--there was one near Starr, SC when he was young. The last one he heard about happened to Mr. Green of Walhalla, SC in the 1930's.
1:21--Law enforcement officials were not always fair in their treatment of blacks.
2:03--Marriage relationships--in his grandparents day, the man was the head of the household.
2:28--Romantic/sexual relationships between whites and blacks were not openly discussed. He knew individuals who could, and occasionally did, pass for white.
7:07--Mr. Washington discusses aspects of holidays and celebrations such as July 4th, Emancipation Day, and Christmas.
10:55--He greatly admired his grandparents and parents equally; they prayed for him and looked after him during times of sickness (he was ill with pneumonia at least 4 times as a child).
12:30--Despite that fact that he received Master's degrees in two fields, he wishes that his early education had been better.
13:25--Regarding the foundation of New Hope Baptist Church; the records were destroyed in a fire.
14:36--The Cox and Washington families have remained close since freedom came after the Civil War. Many of the descendants of the Cox family still live in Belton, SC.
18:56--Mr. Washington again praises the education that places like Seneca Institute offered blacks and revisits the controversy surrounding the establishment of the Oconee County Training School.
25:56--Aspects of his wife's teaching career are briefly discussed.
31:45--Audio ends.
Cassette 1
Side 1
2:23--His paternal grandparents were W.T. and Rosanna Washington. He knew his maternal grandfather Seagrams, but did not know his grandmother because she died when he was young. W.T., along with Grandpa Seagrams helped to establish the New Hope Baptist Church near Belton, SC.
3:47--His father's half-siblings were Frank, Josephine, and Richard Holloway.
5:10--Mr. Washington's grandparent's related stories of their lives: His Grandpa Seagrams was able to purchase 375 acres of land in Greenville County known as "Possum Kingdom." His Grandpa Washington was 14 when the Civil War ended. He was a slave to the Cox family of Belton, SC. After freedom, he didn't take the Cox name and chose Washington instead. This was not a reflection of the relationship, however. The Cox family always treated his grandfather with much respect, and the two families have remained close ever since the end of the war in 1865.
8:20--Mr. Washington's family are buried at New Hope Baptist near Belton, SC.
9:26--Funerals--he can remember the funerals of both Washington grandparents, as well as that of his Grandpa Seagrams. They were conducted much as they are today.
10:28--His parents were baptized and married by Dr. H. Watkins.
11:20--Mr. Washington married Molly Jones in 1933 in Oxford, NC. They met while at Johnson C. Smith University in NC.
12:58--Some older family members went north during the Depression in order to find work for destinations such as Detroit, Chicago, and New York.
13:25--His uncle Rich Holloway started working for the Blue Ridge Railroad at age 6 (brakeman) on the route from Belton, SC to Walhalla, SC. He later moved to Charlotte, NC.
14:07--Good employment opportunities were hard to find. Black men often were involved in farming, railroad, or blacksmith related jobs. Women mostly did domestic work.
15:33--Mr. Washington's family did most of their shopping in either the Belton or Anderson area in white owned stores. They always used cash. They bought most of their clothes. An individual usually had work and Sunday clothes. Most food items were produced at home; perhaps things like fish and cheese were store-bought. Furniture was also purchased.
20:30--Family talents included teaching and ministry.
21:55--There were plenty of hard times when he was younger, but his family was very industrious.
23:14--His oldest sister died c. 1924 while boarding at school. The family soon moved in order to be closer to the Seneca Institute. Mr. Washington goes on to discuss the efforts of Mr. Rosenwald in regards to the foundation of the Oconee County Training School.
26:57--He recalls his early college experience, and working odd jobs in order to make extra money and pay for books and tuition.
30:52--Mr. Washington was kept out of service during World War II on account of his home front responsibilities.
31:44--Audio ends.
Cassette 1
Side 2
00:06--His father had been in the Army for one week prior to the end of World War I. Mr. Washington can recall the joy of the community on learning of the cessation of hostilities.
1:02--Mr. Washington recalls his move to Detroit during World War II in order to work for an aircraft defense plant. He was a problem solver and trouble-shooter during the time he was there. Management was impressed, and soon offered him a lifetime guarantee of employment with the company, which he didn't accept. Instead, he returned to North Carolina where he was an educator and principal from 1940-1972. After retirement, he returned to the Seneca area.
5:16--Church--his family were members of New Hope Baptist while they lived near Belton, SC. He is currently Associate Pastor at Ebenezer. Dr. A. Walker and Dr. Daniel were both ministers he can remember from his youth. Camp meetings and singing conventions are recalled. Camp meetings were occasionally rowdy events. During his grandparent's time, whites occasionally worshipped alongside blacks.
12:16--Education--Mr. Washington started school at New Hope Baptist Church. There were 150 children for one teacher in the one room building. It supported grades 1-7. He recalls typical school day activities. He had to walk 3 miles to and from school. He can recall a few teachers: Ms. Williams and Cooley. They lived in their own homes. Teachers were allowed to take certification exams while in the seventh grade. His father went through the ninth grade, his mother the sixth. His father was offered a scholarship to Benedict College, which he turned down because he was anxious to be married. They both made sure their children received an education. Mr. Washington once again revisits aspects of his own education. There was very little black history taught; he only began learning specifics once he reached college. He goes on to discuss the vision and works of Dr. J.J. Starks before mentioning that his grandparents were educated by whites.
31:44--Audio ends.
Cassette 2
Side 1
00:10--Educational issues continue to be discussed. The foundation of Seneca Institute is discussed. It was founded in 1899 by Dr. J.J. Starks and was supported by black Baptist churches in Oconee County. It supported grades 1-12 and accepted students from a wide multi-state area. Later the school changed its name to Seneca Junior College to reflect the two additional years of study that were added after the twelfth grade. There were around 350 students and 10 instructors. A curriculum of English, Chemistry, Arithmetic, Physics, History, etc. were available. He discusses distinguished alumni, tuition, athletics, and several local leaders involved with its operation over the years.
10:45--The foundation of the Oconee County Training School is recalled. His father was instrumental in establishing this school, with the help of Mr. Rosenwald. There was some friction in the community as a result between those who supported Seneca Institute and the OCTS.
17:44--Mr. Washington goes into a little more detail regarding his defense plant experiences during World War II in Detroit.
23:10--His father was a 33° Freemason; his mother was in the Eastern Star organization. He goes on to describe their missionary work and social activism.
27:05--Politics--his father was the first to vote in the family.
27:35---His maternal grandfather [Seagrams] was free before the end of the Civil War [no specifics are given].
28:29--Mulattos--mulattos seemed to be leaders in the black community in the post-Civil War period. They were treated more fairly by whites.
30:07--Black/white relationships--his experiences with whites have been positive; they respected blacks and helped them to build churches and schools. There was separation, however. Each race had its own place in society.
31:45---Audio ends.
Cassette 2
Side 2
00:06--Mr. Washington was never taught to be wary of whites; the relationships were cordial in his experience.
00:33--Lynching--there was one near Starr, SC when he was young. The last one he heard about happened to Mr. Green of Walhalla, SC in the 1930's.
1:21--Law enforcement officials were not always fair in their treatment of blacks.
2:03--Marriage relationships--in his grandparents day, the man was the head of the household.
2:28--Romantic/sexual relationships between whites and blacks were not openly discussed. He knew individuals who could, and occasionally did, pass for white.
7:07--Mr. Washington discusses aspects of holidays and celebrations such as July 4th, Emancipation Day, and Christmas.
10:55--He greatly admired his grandparents and parents equally; they prayed for him and looked after him during times of sickness (he was ill with pneumonia at least 4 times as a child).
12:30--Despite that fact that he received Master's degrees in two fields, he wishes that his early education had been better.
13:25--Regarding the foundation of New Hope Baptist Church; the records were destroyed in a fire.
14:36--The Cox and Washington families have remained close since freedom came after the Civil War. Many of the descendants of the Cox family still live in Belton, SC.
18:56--Mr. Washington again praises the education that places like Seneca Institute offered blacks and revisits the controversy surrounding the establishment of the Oconee County Training School.
25:56--Aspects of his wife's teaching career are briefly discussed.
31:45--Audio ends.
Subject
African Americans -- History. -- South Carolina -- Oconee County
Interviewer
Harrell, Yolanda
Interviewee
Washington, George H.
Spatial Coverage
Seneca, Oconee County, South Carolina, United States, 34.68037, -82.9609, SC, 7318113, [34.68037, -82.9609] [id:7318113]
Publisher
Clemson University Libraries Special Collections and Archives Repository
