Thompson Cassette 3 Side 2
Media
Part of Interview: Thompson, Robert H.
Title
Thompson Cassette 3 Side 2
Source
Robert H. Thompson Interview
Date
1990-02-07, 1990-02-09
Description
Cassette 3
Side 2
00:00--Mulattos--they were seen by the black community as somewhat immoral, because somewhere along the line there were sexual relations with whites; this was not condoned. Whites often looked on them more favorably. Mr. Thompson knew of people who "passed for white" when the need arose. He states that whites often cannot tell the difference, and just assume the mulatto individual to be white. Blacks, however, can spot the difference almost immediately. As far as Native American contacts go, Thompson points out that white women often liked to think that the mulatto skin-tone came from relations between blacks and Native Americans. Thompson states that, in truth, there was very little mixing between the two; Native Americans mostly kept to themselves.
2:25--Thompson's father and grandfather both owned cars, so trips to Greenville and Anderson were occasionally made. The Anderson County Fair was a popular destination, and his aunt Aida Lee lived in Greenville.
5:27--Celebrations/holidays--July fourth holidays often included picnics and baseball games. During Christmas, traditions included caroling. An event called "The Hundreds," took place on Christmas Eve, where all the black men in the community would build a bon fire and have logrolling contests until dawn. School sponsored events were May Day and Field Day. Christmas was celebrated much as it is today, with Santa Claus and gift giving. His family celebrated birthdays and anniversaries. Hot suppers in effect were nightclubs and restaurants run out of someone's home without a license. Music, food, dancing, and gambling were the order of the day. These events often turned rowdy.
14:45--Thompson recalls that his grandfather's prized possession was a mule named "Bird." He treated the animal as a pet.
18:24--Thompson states that if his parents could have changed anything about their lives, it likely would have been the opportunity to get more education.
19:25--His father made quilting frames that could be lowered from the ceiling.
21:10--The Thompson family was awarded with the South Carolina State Family of the Year in 1989. He explains the process of nomination and selection, along with the awards ceremony.
24:12--The Thompson's have 5 children: Cecelia (New York University--PhD in History), Pam (MA--Atlanta University, University of Florida law degree), Diane (LD--lives at home with them), Gloria (Coker College), and Robert (freshman at Clemson University c.1990). He goes on to talk about his seven grandchildren.
31:42--Audio ends.
Side 2
00:00--Mulattos--they were seen by the black community as somewhat immoral, because somewhere along the line there were sexual relations with whites; this was not condoned. Whites often looked on them more favorably. Mr. Thompson knew of people who "passed for white" when the need arose. He states that whites often cannot tell the difference, and just assume the mulatto individual to be white. Blacks, however, can spot the difference almost immediately. As far as Native American contacts go, Thompson points out that white women often liked to think that the mulatto skin-tone came from relations between blacks and Native Americans. Thompson states that, in truth, there was very little mixing between the two; Native Americans mostly kept to themselves.
2:25--Thompson's father and grandfather both owned cars, so trips to Greenville and Anderson were occasionally made. The Anderson County Fair was a popular destination, and his aunt Aida Lee lived in Greenville.
5:27--Celebrations/holidays--July fourth holidays often included picnics and baseball games. During Christmas, traditions included caroling. An event called "The Hundreds," took place on Christmas Eve, where all the black men in the community would build a bon fire and have logrolling contests until dawn. School sponsored events were May Day and Field Day. Christmas was celebrated much as it is today, with Santa Claus and gift giving. His family celebrated birthdays and anniversaries. Hot suppers in effect were nightclubs and restaurants run out of someone's home without a license. Music, food, dancing, and gambling were the order of the day. These events often turned rowdy.
14:45--Thompson recalls that his grandfather's prized possession was a mule named "Bird." He treated the animal as a pet.
18:24--Thompson states that if his parents could have changed anything about their lives, it likely would have been the opportunity to get more education.
19:25--His father made quilting frames that could be lowered from the ceiling.
21:10--The Thompson family was awarded with the South Carolina State Family of the Year in 1989. He explains the process of nomination and selection, along with the awards ceremony.
24:12--The Thompson's have 5 children: Cecelia (New York University--PhD in History), Pam (MA--Atlanta University, University of Florida law degree), Diane (LD--lives at home with them), Gloria (Coker College), and Robert (freshman at Clemson University c.1990). He goes on to talk about his seven grandchildren.
31:42--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.