Reese Cassette 1 Side 1
Media
Part of Interview: Reese, Bessie
Title
Reese Cassette 1 Side 1
Source
Bessie Reese Interview
Date
1989-12-13
Description
Cassette 1
Side 1
00:37--Mrs. Reese gives a brief family history before describing the ownership status of her family's farm in regards to the sharecropping agreement along with the crops that were most commonly raised. She mentions a few of her relatives from her first a second husbands (Mr. Gantt and Mr. Reese respectively). Mrs. Reese's great-grandfather was the local gentleman everyone knew as "Free" Joe. She can recall the older members talking about slavery experiences that were harsh, but can no longer remember any specific stories.
9:37--Mrs. Reese recalls common jobs that were available to black men, women, and young people when she was growing up. She goes on to describe where her family shopped, including what items were commonly purchased as well as her family's use of the credit system during the planting season. She briefly makes comment on educational issues in the black community.
16:36--Many family possessions from her childhood such as quilts, etc. were destroyed in a house fire. Aspects surrounding the flu epidemic of 1917-1918 are discussed; her husband became ill and neighbors were afraid to visit her home during this time. She briefly mentions the employment of a few family members before turning the discussion towards local church life and her membership with Abel Baptist Church. Reverend Williams is the first minister she can remember.
31:54--Audio ends.
Side 1
00:37--Mrs. Reese gives a brief family history before describing the ownership status of her family's farm in regards to the sharecropping agreement along with the crops that were most commonly raised. She mentions a few of her relatives from her first a second husbands (Mr. Gantt and Mr. Reese respectively). Mrs. Reese's great-grandfather was the local gentleman everyone knew as "Free" Joe. She can recall the older members talking about slavery experiences that were harsh, but can no longer remember any specific stories.
9:37--Mrs. Reese recalls common jobs that were available to black men, women, and young people when she was growing up. She goes on to describe where her family shopped, including what items were commonly purchased as well as her family's use of the credit system during the planting season. She briefly makes comment on educational issues in the black community.
16:36--Many family possessions from her childhood such as quilts, etc. were destroyed in a house fire. Aspects surrounding the flu epidemic of 1917-1918 are discussed; her husband became ill and neighbors were afraid to visit her home during this time. She briefly mentions the employment of a few family members before turning the discussion towards local church life and her membership with Abel Baptist Church. Reverend Williams is the first minister she can remember.
31:54--Audio ends.
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.