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Black Heritage in the Upper Piedmont of South Carolina

Washington Cassette 1 Side 1

Media

Part of Interview: Washington, George H., Sr.

Title

Washington Cassette 1 Side 1

Source

George H. Washington, Sr. Interview

Date

1989-11-14

Description

Cassette 1

Side 1

00:10--Biographical Information

2:15--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.

3:40--His father's half-siblings were Frank, Josephine, and Richard Holloway.

5:00--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.

8:09--Mr. Washington's family are buried at New Hope Baptist near Belton, SC.

9:15--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.

10:12--His parents were baptized and married by Dr. H. Watkins.

10:55--Mr. Washington married Molly Jones in 1933 in Oxford, NC. They met while at Johnson C. Smith University in NC.

12:32--Some older family members went north during the Depression in order to find work for destinations such as Detroit, Chicago, and New York.

13:11--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.

13:54--Good employment opportunities were hard to find. Black men often were involved in farming, railroad, or blacksmith related jobs. Women mostly did domestic work.

15:14--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.

20:02--Family talents included teaching and ministry.

21:34--There were plenty of hard times when he was younger, but his family was very industrious.

22:45--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.

26:25--He recalls his early college experience, and working odd jobs in order to make extra money and pay for books and tuition.

30:10--Mr. Washington was kept out of service during World War II on account of his home front responsibilities.

31:24--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.