Washington Cassette 1 Side 2
Media
Part of Interview: Washington, George H., Sr.
Title
Washington Cassette 1 Side 2
Source
George H. Washington, Sr. Interview
Date
1989-11-14
Description
Cassette 1
Side 2
00:00--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.
00:58--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.
5:00--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.
11:58--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.
31:24--Audio ends.
Side 2
00:00--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.
00:58--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.
5:00--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.
11:58--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.
31:24--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.