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Black Heritage in the Upper Piedmont of South Carolina

Washington Cassette 2 Side 1

Media

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

Title

Washington Cassette 2 Side 1

Source

George H. Washington, Sr. Interview

Date

1989-11-15

Description

Cassette 2

Side 1

00:00--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.

10:32--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.

18:20--Mr. Washington goes into a little more detail regarding his defense plant experiences during World War II in Detroit.

22:52--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.

26:25--Politics--his father was the first to vote in the family.

27:07---His maternal grandfather [Seagrams] was free before the end of the Civil War [no specifics are given].

28:08--Mulattos--mulattos seemed to be leaders in the black community in the post-Civil War period. They were treated more fairly by whites.

29:40--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.

31:27---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.