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George C. Summey was born in 1904, the son of James J. and Margaret Evatt Summey. He was a general contractor and co-founder of Newton & Summey Lumber Company. He was a member of the Clemson Wesleyan Church. He was married to Mae Newton Summey of Clemson. There was one surviving son at the time of his death: J. Calvin Summey. Mr. Summey died on September 14, 1999.
Side 1
00:32: Mr. Summey is aged 84 in 1988. He moved from Central to Calhoun in 1925.
00:52: Aspects of the local Wesleyan Methodist Church are discussed. He has been a member of the church for around 60 years. After marriage in 1925, he and his wife briefly moved to Pickens in 1926 before moving back to Calhoun in 1928. The church is located at the intersection of 93 and 123. It stands very close in proximity to the Summey residence. The building was built around 1950, with the first service being held in 1951.
8:51: Prior to the new construction, the congregation met in an old school house in Calhoun. The building had been deeded to Mr. Dillard. Megginson adds that the property and building had belonged to Aaron Boggs, who originally deeded it to town officials around 1893 in order that it be used as a schoolhouse.
9:57: Megginson states that the Wesleyan Methodists could well go back to the late 1890's. He references a book by James Hillson entitled "History of SC Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church of America." A passage states that a meeting of the SC Conference of Wesleyan Methodists was held in Calhoun in 1897.
11:30: Some early members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church were Mrs. Louis Smith (charter member--organist--Megginson's grandmother), Lela Lawrence (charter member), and Frank Dillard (Sunday School Superintendent).
16:20: The Wesleyan Methodists held very emotional services, but were against "speaking in tongues."
20:14: Another early founder of this church was J.T. Carey; he served as pastor at the church for a time. His wife was a charter member.
22:40: Mr. Summey describes the location of his house, mentioning his neighbors the Henry's, and Mixon's.
26:10: There were more women in the church than men. When the Summey's first joined the Wesleyan Methodist Church, there were only two male members.
26:55: Mr. Summey can remember shopping at the Boggs Store. A gentleman named Mr. Crawford would go around the community and take orders with the assistance of a black man who would help him with the delivery of the items.
29:54: Mr. Summey can recall the Smith boarding house because he was professionally involved as a contractor/builder and remembers doing repairs there.
31:43: Audio ends.
Side 2
00:16: There was a local community store in Clemson. Another local establishment was run by Major Abbot where shoes and clothes could be purchased.
2:37: The conversation briefly turns to Jane Prince. She lived near the Cochran's. She was a very elderly woman by the time Mr. Summey moved to Calhoun. Jane Prince was a remarkable person and visitors walked away feeling "blessed" to have met her.
4:06: Mr. Summey begins to recall various local houses, individuals, and street names. The Boggs's, Crawford's, Cochran's, and King's are discussed.
8:30: Cliff Crawford owned a cleaning business.
11:20: He can remember first getting telephone service in the late 1930's. There was electricity in the house that he had built in 1929, but no indoor plumbing.
14:00: Mr. Summey was part owner of a construction business named Newton & Summey for twenty years before going out on his own to do contracting work. The aforementioned business became Clemson Lumber Company.
15:05: There is a local street named for him. He owned much of the adjacent property and built several houses there. The land was sold to him by Eva and Gracia Payne.
18:30: Various aspects of local church life are again covered. Local minister's annual salaries were not sufficient to live on alone; pastor's usually took on other work to compliment their incomes. Services lasted two hours or so. The Wesleyan Church was opposed to drinking, smoking, dancing, and card playing. In the old days women wore no makeup or jewelry and never cut their hair. By the time Mr. Summey joined the congregation in 1922, services were held on every consecutive Sunday. He didn't attend any other denominational church except for on special occasions. There were records for the church dating back 25 years or so in 1988. He is unaware of any records that exist prior to that time period.
29:30: Audio ends.
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Frances H. Smith was born in Jackson, SC in 1905. She was the daughter of Alonzo and Steiner Forman Harley. She attended a girls' school in Augusta, Ga. before studying music at Anderson College. She came to the Calhoun area in 1927 and taught school at Westminster for a short time before marrying her husband Robert F. Smith. Mrs. Smith taught piano lessons in the Clemson/Calhoun area for over 60 years and was the organist at the local Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Mrs. Smith was a member of the UDC, Federation of Music Clubs, and was a charter member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was also a member of the Clemson First Baptist Church and the Aull-Cole Sunday School Class. Mrs. Smith died on December 19, 1998 in Easley, SC.
Cassette 1
Side 1
00:25: Mrs. Smith is aged 83 at the time of the interview. She was originally from Jackson, SC in Aiken County. She attended a girl's school in Augusta, Ga. before studying music at Anderson College. She came to the Calhoun area in 1927 and taught school at Westminster for a short time before marrying Bob Smith.
5:38: The couple initially lived in a home on Sloan Street before moving into an apartment run by Lucy Chambers. She cannot recall what the rent was. Mrs. Smith explains that the current house she is living in was built in 1936 by the Piedmont Lumber Company.
9:30: Her first impressions of Calhoun were of friendly people and beautiful blooming magnolias. Clemson was different, however. She initially did not like the college atmosphere because she was a country girl and was not used to the speed of life. In time she adjusted and has enjoyed things since.
12:57: Megginson is interested in what clubs or organizations Mrs. Smith was a part of. She recalls being involves with the Baptist Women's Missionary Society, the Literary Club, and the UDC's (refurbishment of the Fort Hill Mansion was one of their major projects). Mrs. Klugh was head of the UDC's. There were many local sewing clubs, though she never joined.
22:03: Mrs. Smith has taught piano for nearly 60 years in the Clemson/Calhoun area. She recalls some of her pupils over the years and aspects of teaching music.
29:20: She played organ at the local Episcopal Church starting in 1945. The biggest wedding she ever performed for was for Walter Cox's son. She practiced for three months prior to the event.
31:51: Audio ends.
Side 2
00:07: The two are discussing aspects of the Eastern Star organization, of which she is a member. The group was organized in 1949. Mrs. Smith quickly rose through the various degrees, and soon after joining was elected Worthy Matron. She cannot recall who the first Worthy Matron was, though believes she was a librarian at Clemson College. The group meetings were held at the Masonic Lodge. The piano that is in the building is between 70 and 80 years old. It was donated by a lady named Ethel Smith.
5:02: Mrs. Smith's husband was Robert Foster Smith. He was born February 26, 1895. His parents were John Wesley and Louisa Emiline Smith. Her husband briefly attended Clemson before entering service in World War I.
11:10: After returning from military service, Robert opened a gas station on College Avenue next to Judge Keller's store. Later he worked with an Amaaco station near the Sloan store then eventually moved the business to the corner of 123 and College Avenue.
18:25: Her husband was good friends with Captain Clinkscales. Clinkscales was a well respected man in the community who was always sought out for advice. Mrs. Smith understands that Clinkscales had arrived in the area with practically nothing, and built up his business through hard work.
24:06: Mrs. Smith's Husband was a freemason--he was always called on by Mr. Klugh to assist in giving out degrees.
25:00: Megginson is interested in what Mrs. Smith can recall of local politics. She can't remember where people went to vote; she believes the location was perhaps the local school house. Her husband was on the town council for a time; she names other council members.
31:51: Audio ends.
Cassette 2
Side 1
00:07: Mrs. Smith continues discussing the town council. She doesn't think that her husband was paid anything for the service. She is unaware of the exact location of the council meetings.
4:40: Megginson believes that the name change from Calhoun to Clemson may have caused some tension on the town council. He makes note of the fact that by the time of the incorporation, the town council appeared to be dominated by Clemson College related individuals.
10:18: Shopping and grocery purchases--Mrs. Smith can remember buying groceries from both Major Abbot and at the Dixie Store. Clothes were usually purchased from Anderson, Greenville, or Seneca.
18:01: Available newspapers--the family received the Greenville News, Greenville Piedmont, and Anderson Independent Mail.
21:00: Mrs. Smith explains telephone in the 1920's, and how individuals would have to talk to the operator to get connected.
22:30: Streets in Calhoun were dirt. She cannot recall when the roads were finally paved.
28:20: The two briefly discuss the Smith boarding house and bus service in Calhoun.
31:52: Audio ends.
Side 2
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Cassette 1
Side 1
00:23: Jane Vandiver Ramsey is aged 82 in 1988. The Vandiver family came to Calhoun in April of 1919. They were originally from near Toccoa, Georgia. Her father had worked on the construction of the double-track that ran near Calhoun. Her brother Hubert was attending Clemson as a cadet, so the family decided to move to the area.
2:08: The Vandiver house on the corner of Calhoun Street and Concord Road had, according to family research, been originally constructed as early as the 1850's. Mrs. Vandiver Ramsey states that Megginson's own relatives the Carey's (John Carey and family) lived in the house before the Vandiver's. John Boggs lived there for a time; it was during this period that the house was expanded in size.
3:19: Mrs. Vandiver Ramsey describes the architectural aspects and general dimensions of the house. It had an L-shaped porch with a swing and two chimneys. The house had been painted when they first bought it, but the house in general needed refurbishment.
7:17: The original builders of the house are not known. Nevertheless, it is believed to be one of the oldest homes in Calhoun.
9:27: Her father was named Johnson Jeremiah Vandiver. He was a railroad man. The family utilized the train during their move to Calhoun by shipping furniture from one place to another. The location of the overpass has always been in its present location according to her recollection. She can remember station agent Tom White who worked at the depot. As a child she did not go near the railroad.
23:14: Her impressions of Calhoun upon first glance were that it was a typical small southern town. She can remember the Boggs and Smith stores, and gives brief recollections regarding both.
24:18: Mrs. Vandiver Ramsey recalls the utilities that were available to her home in those early years. The family installed Delco lights in 1922. She explains what she knows about this particular lighting system. Stoves were usually either wood or coal burning. There was no indoor plumbing until around 1940, though the Smith boarding house had indoor plumbing as early as 1933. Telephone service was available, but the exact year cannot be recalled. Clemson seemed to get utility services before Calhoun. The family kept an indoor icebox.
31:48 --- Audio ends.
Side 2
00:07: Mrs. Vandiver Ramsey is discussing a local grocery store mid sentence. The store carried can goods, flour, etc. She describes the general layout of the establishment. Her family never charged for purchases, they always paid cash.
5:15: The location of the post office is discussed. She states that it was situated near the Carey house. It was a simple, one room building. Bessie Chapman was a postmistress of the operation for a time.
9:10: Mrs. Vandiver Ramsey did a lot of shopping in Anderson and Seneca, as well as Greenville. The two discuss shopping opportunities in and around Calhoun.
11:40: She can remember going to the YMCA to see movies. She can remember seeing Birth of a Nation. There were many church parties and sponsored events. The Epworth League (Methodist), BYPU (Baptist), and Christian Endeavour (Presbyterian) were all local church groups. The 1922 Junior/Senior party was held at the Vandiver house. Young people also took piano lessons and occasionally played cards.
22:55: Family life was strict; she got no relief from college in that Winthrop also led a much regimented lifestyle.
24:14: Megginson is interested in what stores and establishments were in Clemson in the old days. She can recall Captain Clinkscales, Sloan's Store, and Taylor's Shoe Shop.
26:22: The two briefly discuss local church life. The Wesleyan Methodists were quite emotional, as opposed to the Episcopal Methodists, who were much more reserved.
31:44: Audio ends.
Cassette 2
Side 1
00:12: The two are discussing the Hendricks house. She states that one of the Hendricks was a policeman, and his wife was a nurse.
1:12: Cochran Road did not exist as a street name when she was a youth. There weren't many houses in the area when the Vandiver's first arrived. She can remember that Clint Taylor's daughter had a house built close, as did Shorty and Elma Hendricks after the Vandiver's arrived.
2:00: Preacher Henry was another close neighbor who moved in a year after the Vandiver's. He and his family were originally from Jefferson, Georgia. He was a Methodist minister, although he didn't preach in Calhoun (retired?). The family had around eleven children: Garrett and Francis were two that Mrs. Vandiver Ramsey knew.
5:30: She cannot recall the Doyle's ever having children. Teachers from the Calhoun/Clemson school boarded with the Doyle's. "Colonel" Doyle's title was believed to be honorary. He was a station agent at the depot just prior to Tom White.
8:00: The Dillard family was another local Calhoun family. Frank lived with wife and family. He was in charge of the college laundry. She can also remember the Crawford's, Fendley's, Chapman's, Sheriffs, and Perry's. She briefly touches on aspects of the Carey house.
11:09: Her mother's name was Nina Dominic. She was from Newberry and attended college at Leesville. She taught school briefly before marrying. She was quite an artist.
11:55: The two briefly discuss a painting her mother did of her home in Newberry.
15:10: Megginson is interested in what medical and dental services were available to the community. She states that Dr. Watkins was their family doctor. Dr. Milford was the college doctor. There was a dentist in Seneca.
15:53: Megginson asks Mrs. Vandiver Ramsey what reading materials were available to Calhoun locals. The Greenville News was popular. There was a national publication known as The Grit. The family received a monthly publication known as the Liberty Magazine. As a child she read Anne of Green Gables, and in later years Ben Robertson's Red Hills and Cotton, and enjoyed them both.
18:37: Megginson is interested to know if Mrs. Vandiver Ramsey was familiar with the King family. The family apparently moved to the Calhoun area while she was in college. Mr. King may have been involved with the local post office, though she didn't really know the family well.
20:37: The two discuss the Smith boarding house. She can recall that many Federal Board Men stayed there in the years after World War I.
22:14: She can remember the Clemson cadet walkout of 1920. She can recall cadets strolling about town, and catching rides on the train. As a girl she would sweep the porch to the cadence of the marching band as they practiced.
23:48: Megginson thanks Mrs. Vandiver Ramsey for the interview.
24:05: Audio ends.
Side 2
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Cassette 1
Side 1
00:07: Eva is 90 years old at the time of this interview. She was born on October 7, 1897.
00:44: She was born in Calhoun, in the original 7 room family house on the corner of Elm and Clemson Streets. Her father, Jerrie Payne built one of the first stores in the Calhoun area as well as owning a livery service. In 1910, the store caught fire, and it quickly spread to the family's residence because it was situated only yards away. The family had been alerted to leave the by the local night watchman. Cadets from Clemson College helped fight the fire with well water and attempted to save what possessions they could for the family. Both structures were a complete loss. The family rebuilt a new house on the same spot.
9:50: Eva's father was Jerrie Payne who was originally from Cleveland, Georgia. Her mother Elmira was the youngest daughter of Aaron Boggs. Pat Benson was a black gentleman that worked for the family.
16:00: Aunt Caroline was Pat Benson's mother. It was considered respectful to refer to the local older black women as "aunt."
17:03: Eva states that relations between the white and black communities were good as far as she knew. The two groups were always respectful towards one another.
18:57: Eva's father died at the relatively young age of forty-five in November of 1902.
20:19: Megginson reads from Eva's family bible. The bible was published by the B.F. Johnson Company in Richmond, Virginia. The copyright is 1886. Megginson reads the Payne's marriage certificate.
22:17: Eva remembers that her parents lived eleven years in Alabama before relocating to Calhoun, SC.
24:11: Eva's mother Elmira remarried after her husband Jerrie's death. She married a cousin--Reuben Boggs.
26:31: Eva and Megginson look at two old photos. They comment on how attractive Elmira was, and Eva describes a photograph of a brother named William N. Payne taken before he died as an infant.
30:05: Eva's mother was a fine businesswoman. She had been left with some considerable debt after the death of her first husband but paid everything off while managing the family's business dealings.
31:48: Audio ends.
Side 2
00:25: Eva's mother not only inherited land from her father, but also inherited much of her brother Hal Boggs's land on account that he was not good with business, and let things lapse.
2:40: Her grandfather Aaron Boggs was from around the Pickens area. Aaron was the overseer of the Fort Hill Plantation. Megginson states that the residents at the time may have been Andrew Pickens Calhoun.
3:40: At one tine Aaron Boggs lived at Cherry's Crossing, but in his later years lived at a spot known as "Pleasant Curve."
9:40: Eva doesn't believe that Aaron Boggs inherited much; rather she thinks that he made his money off of the elevated prices of cotton in the years immediately following the Civil War. Eva states that Aaron never actually owned slaves. He instead paid his workers a salary to work for him. He had a large farm and an enormous amount of land.
16:00: Aaron Boggs property stretched from his house all the way to the Ravenel Bridge.
17:19: Eva's grandmother Elmira was a wonderful, cheerful person. A reserve seat was always kept for her during Clemson graduating exercises.
19:30: The Boggs and Stephens families are well known in the local area.
21:30: Aaron Boggs had possession of several Calhoun antiques such as a piano and a four post bed.
23:53: A local train passes by the house. Eva has been around trains all her life. As a youth she would play around the trains and the depot. She admits that she was a bit "wild" as a youth, and was a "tomboy." Her sister Gracia didn't share her want for adventure.
26:21: Eva believes the original depot burned, though the newer one stands in about the same spot.
30:15: Eva can recall that Ramsey and Colonel Doyle were both depot agents.
31:48: Audio ends.
Cassette 2
Side 1
00:07: Eva briefly explains that the vase on her piano came from one of her mothers first sweethearts. It was saved from the house fire.
2:00: Although Megginson enquires about church services, Eva begins discussing school. She started going to school in Central initially, because there was no accredited school in Calhoun. She had to take the train, so her day lasted from 7am to 5pm. Mrs. Bolger was one teacher she can remember from that school. Carrie Calhoun was a teacher in a closer Calhoun area school. This schoolhouse had two rooms, a heating stove, and outdoor restroom facilities. School usually started a week after September and lasted into late spring. The school day lasted from 8am until around 4pm with one hour for lunch. Books were bought from a drugstore in Central.
11:55: Church activities are discussed. The family was Methodist, though Eva and her sister Gracia joined the Baptist's. Indeed the family seemed to have attended services at most of the local denominations.
15:10: Megginson asks Eva to think back to her childhood and describe the immediate surroundings around her family home. She can remember the brick Boggs Store across the street. At that time she can recall that two gentlemen who ran the operation were Mr. Nichols and Mr. Holden. Mr. Nichols was originally from Seneca. J.D. Morgan actually owned the store, while Nichols and Holden ran the day to day operations. Eva was a bookkeeper at the Boggs store for eleven years. She prepared statements; most buyers from the store kept a charge account.
24:40: Eva can also remember Mr. Smith's general store. Her uncle John Boggs actually started the operation, but when he was elected clerk of court, he sold the business to Mr. Smith. John Wiley Cochran also built this building.
27:59: J.W. Cochran's wife was Alice Cochran. She was originally a Boggs.
29:30: Mamie Crawford was John Wiley Cochran's daughter.
29:44: Audio ends.
Side 2
00:07: Eva is speaking mid sentence about Norman Boggs.
00:37: Megginson is interested in what Eva may know of the Cochran brickyard. It was near Hal Boggs residence. The Cochran's helped build the Textile Hall at Clemson College as well as many of the brick buildings around the local area of Calhoun.
1:50: There were differences between the Boggs and Smith stores. The Smith store was a grocery store, while the Boggs store was more of a general mercantile business that offered everything from cloth, to luggage, to hardware.
2:45: The post office was at one time located in the Smith Store. The Chapman store was another location of the post office.
7:50: The "hall" above the Boggs store was utilized by the freemasons as well as by groups holding social events. The location was really a community center of sorts.
8:52: Megginson asks if Eva can recall any of her neighbors while she was a youth. She can remember Mrs. Chapman and Mrs. Smith (who ran the boarding house as well as rented rooms above the Smith store).
13:01: Eva discusses the changes over the years to the lay of the land and the routes of local streets.
15:48: Eva has fond memories of her favorite swing, and relaxing on the spacious front porch.
18:10: It was quite nice being a female in a town where so many cadets were close by. There was always the opportunity for dating.
22:37: Eva worked in Washington, DC for twenty years. She briefly describes some of her experiences while there.
27:07: Eva can remember when President Roosevelt's funeral train passed through Calhoun. Huge crowds gathered along with the cadets from the college to see it pass.
28:33: Megginson thanks Eva for the interview.
29:07: Audio ends.
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There is much information provided in the interview. Edward S. Olson was born November 18, 1916 in Westchester County, NY. He was the son of Edward and Mathilda Anderson Olson. He was a 1938 Clemson graduate. He died on May 27, 2000. Mary Olson taught History and French at Daniel high school for 18 years. She, along with her husband were the original owners of "Calhoun Corner's" restaurant. They bought the old Boggs store in 1974 and had it refurbished for the establishment of the business. The Olson's had one son: Edward Olson, Jr.
Cassette 1
Side 1
00:07: By 1988, Edward and Mary Olson had lived in Clemson for 37 years. They arrived in February of 1951. Edward initially was employed as a Research and Development Chemist at the Milliken Excelsior Finishing Plant in Pendleton, SC. In 1959, he joined the Textile Research Department at Clemson as a Research Development Chemist. The department was headed at the time by Thomas Efland and Bill Rainey. Edward remained with the University from 1959-1983, upon which he retired. Mary Olson taught History and French for 18 years at Daniel high school. She retired in 1976.
1:50: The couple are the owners of the establishment known as "Calhoun Corner's." "Calhoun Corner's" was originally the Boggs store. They first purchased the building in 1974. The idea of buying the property had occurred to Mrs. Olson as early as the couple's first arrival to the area in 1951. While on sabbatical in Europe during the early 1970's, the couple was again inspired to purchase and preserve the old store. They had been exposed to cities where virtually every building was several hundred years old, and thought it would be a great shame if the Boggs store were allowed to fall into complete disrepair. When they returned to South Carolina they learned that the store was being sold by the Boggs family. They purchased the building in 1974, and enlisted the help of Clemson Architecture professor John Jacks to oversee the renovation project.
5:00: Megginson enquires if the couple knows when the building was built. It is believed that Dr. Doyle bought the land in 1892. Doyle commissioned John Wesley Cochran to build the store (this information was given to the Olson's by Mary Crawford, Mr. Cochran's daughter). John Wesley Cochran owned a brickyard near the Seneca River, where the railroad trestle is now. Mr. Cochran built the "old textile building" (Godfrey Hall) on the Clemson campus, the Trustee Building, a mill in Spartanburg, SC, and the Smith store in Calhoun, SC.
9:05: Mr. Olson states that there was a great variability in the consistency of the brick at "Calhoun Corners." He speculates that perhaps the bricks were fired at different temperatures.
9:50: The general layout and structure of the building is discussed. The foundation walls are 18 inches thick. A 90 foot deep well was found during renovations. It would have been located on the original back porch of the Boggs establishment.
13:23: Megginson traces the evolution of the establishment as he understands it. Dr. Doyle originally bought the land in 1892. The Doyle family continued to own the land from 1892-1940. Various individuals ran the store over the years. There was J.D. Morgan; Morgan and Boggs; the Holden's (1910?); and Norman Boggs. Two other families that were believed to have operated the store in later years were the Nichols's and the Carter's. No records from the early decades of the establishment have ever been found.
17:55: Mrs. Olson states that over the years the upstairs "hall" was used as a meeting place for the Woodmen of the World, magistrate court, the Presbyterian Church, the Freemasons, and for social events such as dances.
23:45: Voter registration took place at the Boggs establishment. The group tries to determine if the post office was ever located in the Boggs store.
25:17: Mrs. Olson begins reading from a Messenger news article dated August 14, 1974. Covered are the "prank" electric bench at Boggs's, and the original story behind the large stones at the front of the establishment.
28:00: Mrs. Olson reads from a couple of letters concerning the placement of bicentennial celebration markers at the establishment. The first letter is from Wright Bryan.
29:50: Audio ends.
Side 2
1:52: Mrs. Olson continues reading from the letter. Another letter is from sister's Nelly McHugh and Eloise McHugh Witherspoon. This letter also recommends that a marker be placed at the site. The letter contains a short historical timeline of the Boggs establishment.
3:41: Megginson enquires about the large tree at "Calhoun Corner's." It is the second oldest post oak in the area, and has been registered with the Forestry Department at Clemson. Its exact age is not known by the couple. It is believed by the two to have been there since at least 1926.
5:02: As of 1988, the building was not on the National Historic Register.
5:55: The group discusses the general floor plans and internal alterations that had to be made during refurbishment.
10:10: The group goes off subject and discusses the local Perry family home.
12:52: The discussion turns to the original lots were the property is located and how they were divided.
15:59: Mrs. Olson wishes that they had bought the store "as is." When the family came to clean out the store before the Olson's took ownership, many antique pieces were found lying about.
17:17: The attic--the supports are sturdy 3 x 5 rip-saw pine. It is the same kind of timber used in medieval European fortresses and parapets.
18:23: Megginson is interested in how many chimneys might have been located in the establishment. There were 5 in the store part. The residence had 4 fireplaces and two chimneys. The couple thinks that the pot bellied stove burned wood.
20:36: Megginson enquires about what utilities were available to the building. They don't know when electricity was provided to the building. There was one bathroom in the entire building located in the residential quarters just off the back porch. There is no evidence of a telephone in the store quarters, though there was apparently one in the residential part.
25:39: The Olson's found that the floors were initially in poor shape. They were sanded and coated with urethane. The group discusses the architectural aspects of the floors.
27:57: Megginson brings up an unusual architectural feature--a strip of pine along the downstairs south wall. This was retaining for the shelving supports. There was very little original shelving left by the time the Olson's bought the establishment.
30:00: Whatever scales that had been utilized over the years had been moved by the time the Olson's got the property.
31:34: Audio ends.
Cassette 2
Side 1
00:25: Mr. Olson was originally from Westchester, NY. He recalls his first trip to the Calhoun area in August of 1934 upon enrolling at Clemson College. From the Calhoun depot one had to walk to the College. Captain Clinkscales livery service moved the luggage. Mr. Olson believes the charge for the service was around $0.50.
3:09: Mr. Olson briefly discusses aspects of the "old carriage road" and the paving of old US 123 (now 93) in 1930.
6:40: Megginson asks the couple if they are aware of Cold Springs plantation. The Olson's state that the area they live in is called Cold Springs. The slave quarters for the plantation once stood about 100 yards from their residence. The Olson's found pottery and tools in that general area while digging a garden.
11:05: Mrs. Olson recalls conversations with Calhoun locals. Annie Leigh Boggs told her that John Wesley Cochran built the Pendleton Presbyterian Church in June of 1891. Eva Payne (longtime Boggs store bookkeeper) can remember that the Boggs store would stay open long after normal closing hours, especially in the summer in order to accommodate the crowds who would often gather there.
16:00: When the Olson's first opened up the refurbished establishment, they rented out space to both gardening and gift shops for a couple of years.
16:30: The Olson's explain how they came about the name "Calhoun Corner's" for the establishment. Initially they were going to call it "The Corner's", because the original thought was to have a different establishment located in each corner of the building. That plan didn't work out, so they settled with a restaurant that would be called "Calhoun Corner's."
19:09: Megginson thanks the Olson's for the interview and the audio ends.
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Mildred Cochran Mixon was born on July 19, 1914 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Her parents were Wiley Newt and Veldora Sears Cochran. She married Floyd Mixon.
Cassette 1
Side 1
00:30: Mrs. Mixon is aged 74 in 1988. She was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas on July 19, 1914. Her two older brothers suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, so her mother (while still pregnant) moved the two boys and a young daughter in order to take advantage of the therapeutic springs. Mrs. Mixon's father and two more daughters stayed behind in Calhoun, SC. Her father worked as a farmer and a brick mason. He was also a local magistrate. The group stayed in Arkansas for a year. Mrs. Mixson was one month old upon the family's return to Calhoun.
2:00: She was originally named Cora Estelle, after the two women who helped with the birth. She was later renamed Mildred.
4:21: Mrs. Mixon believes she was born in her mothers Hot Springs apartment.
4:55: When the family reunited in Calhoun, the family lived in a house near the railroad. It was destroyed by fire. The family's new two story home had three downstairs and two upstairs bedrooms, and a squared off porch with swings.
9:10: Mrs. Mixon married her brother-in-law Floyd. Her sister Edith died at a young age.
10:30: The most recent houses in that area to be built in three decades was her family's house, the Callis home, and the Burnett home.
12:00: The Callis (?) home was built around 1925.
14:01: Her father was Wiley Newt Cochran. Her mother was Veldora Sears Cochran.
15:08: Her father Wiley owned land that stretched from their house all the way to "The Branch" (where black community was) in the direction towards the old Calhoun schoolhouse. They discuss land transactions.
16:30: Her father inherited the land from his parents. He was a brick mason. She imagines that he and his brother John Wesley Cochran worked together with the Cochran family brickyard business. It was located "in back of" Hal Boggs house. John Wesley Cochran owned the business. Several of the first buildings at Clemson contain Cochran brick, though Mrs. Mixon can only specifically recall that the Trustee Building contained some of their handiwork.
20:30: Her father Wiley was also involved in farming. Local blacks helped with day to day operations (Jack Brown is specifically recalled). Wiley Cochran owned a sizable portion of land, most of which was utilized for cotton and corn production. The family had its own chicken coop and pasture land for horses and cattle.
23:19: Wiley Cochran also acted as a local magistrate though it cannot be recalled how long his term nor what his pay if any was.
26:13: Megginson is interested in local politics. Mr. Clinkscales was once mayor in Calhoun. P.S. McCollum was remembered as influential business man, though it cannot be recall whether he held office of any sort. Mrs. Mixon registered to vote at the Norman Boggs store. There was no literacy test associated with the process. She thinks people may have voted at the schoolhouse. Mrs. Mixon can only recall white people in Calhoun voting.
31:21: Audio ends.
Cassette 1
Side 2
00:07: Mrs. Mixon is speaking mid-sentence. She states that people would gather on the benches outside a local establishment. It is unclear exactly which establishment she is speaking of. Mrs. Mixon says that after school kids would always stop and browse at items in the store. A prank bench at some point was placed inside the store that would give an electric shock to any unsuspecting individual that attempted to take a seat on it.
2:12: They speak of the Doyle home. It was "...beyond Ann Crawford's home." It was a large antebellum style mansion. Individuals could see Tillman Hall at Clemson College from this house.
3:45: Kids used to play around the train trestle. This made Mrs. Mixon's mom anxious and angry.
4:30: From the back door of the Doyle house looking north, one could see the Hal Boggs house.
6:21: Mrs. Mixon reflects on memories of the Hal Boggs home. She can remember listening to their son Jimmy play the piano, and admiring the view from the tower atop the house. The date of the house's construction is not known to her. It was an impressive house, with large columns on the porch.
11:30: The two discuss Jane Prince's connection to Hal Boggs. She was his mother-in-law. Her daughter Essie married Mr. Boggs.
11:50: A rumor regarding Essie Prince's father is discussed. Mrs. Mixon cannot verify the story, but relates that the father was either "Calhoun or Clemson." Megginson states that it is more likely to be Clemson because of the dates (the rumor may actually involves John Calhoun Clemson--Thomas G. Clemson's son--though he was killed in a train accident as a young man). Mrs. Prince was Thomas G. Clemson's longtime housekeeper and was never married. The story was well known in town, though neither Mrs. Prince nor Essie ever discussed it.
15:14: Megginson urges Mrs. Mixon to recall what she can about the local railroad. The depot has always been in its present location, she cannot remember it being at any other site. In her memory there has always been an overpass present. A couple of the station agents that can be recalled are Hal Boggs, Tom White, and a Mr. Ragsdale and McNeely.
18:01: The railroad foreman Mr. Vandiver lived near in proximity to the Mixon's. The two families were close friends.
21:00: As a child, Mrs. Mixon was impressed with her Uncle John, and Aunt Louis.
23:00: She recalls the residence portion of the Boggs store, and how it all has changed since becoming "Calhoun Corner's."
29:24: Her mother worked as a seamstress for the community. There was no place to buy women's cloths locally; they had to be hand made. Mrs. Mixon can remember clients coming over for fittings.
31:48: Audio ends.
Cassette 2
Side 1
00:07: Mrs. Mixon picked up sewing skills from her mother. In general, girl's dresses were made at home, while boys cloths were store bought. Older women, as well as married women wore floor-length dresses. Style didn't change over time. They usually were dark in color and were made of heavy cotton material.
6:30: Several of the black families that can be recalled are the Butlers, Dupree's, Brown's, and Shaw's. The wives of the black farmers would do the wash. There were usually three tubs for wash and two for rinse. A fire would be made around the wash pot in order that the cloths be placed in boiling water. The cloths were churned with a stick or wooden apparatus, and then hung on a line to dry.
11:41: The interview moves to utilities that were available when she was a little girl. She was perhaps an adolescent before they got electricity (late 1920's?). Up until that point the family had burned oil lamps. Roads were dirt.
13:30: The conversation moves back to the fitting parties that were given for her mother's clients. It was a social event of sorts. Blackberry drinks and other refreshments were served.
15:20: Perceived social distinctions between Calhoun and Clemson--many Clemson College related families lived near the old Clemson House hotel. They were sociable and friendly, but the two groups tended to keep events such as parties, etc. separate from each other.
18:45: Some if the Calhoun families who socialized together were the Bogg's, Smith's, Grant's, Dillard's, Pike's, Payne's, Evan's Fendley's, Perry's, Sheriff's, and Miller's.
23:00: A couple of black individuals that lived near the Mixon's were Fanny Butler and Jim Ransom.
25:05: Megginson wishes to know if the local black and white communities got along. Mrs. Mixon states that there was never any problem. She grew up around blacks and never felt there was any difference between the two groups. As a youngster, she played with black children regularly. Jack Brown and his sister were close friends of hers.
27:25: Recollections of church and religious activities are discussed. Mrs. Mixon attended the local Wesleyan Church. She can remember real "hell-fire" preaching. Preachers Riley Garrett from Six-Mile and a Mr. Newton are a couple of specific individuals that she can recall. Revivals were held often; the shouting and singing could be heard from quite a distance.
31:41: Audio ends.
Cassette 2
Side 2
00:07: The two continue talking about local revivals. The hymn Just As I Am was often sung during altar call. There was much witnessing and praise. The Wesleyans stressed austerity in regards to appearance. Women were expected to wear long hair, long floor-length dresses, and no makeup. During tent meetings, there usually was singing without the accompaniment of piano or organ. Mrs. Mixon's uncle John Carey was known to do some preaching. He was not a "fire and brimstone" type. He adopted a much more quiet tone.
6:30: At this point the two begin discussing the Smith boarding house (Smith hotel). This establishment was run by Mrs. Mixon's Aunt Louise (W.J. Megginson's grandmother). In the days before running water, Mrs. Mixon and Louise's daughter Edna would help with the operation of the establishment by keeping bowls filled with cold water, cleaning chamber pots, making up beds, providing clean towels, and grinding coffee. Mrs. Mixon can vividly recall the dinner bell that her Aunt Louis would ring before meals. She recalls that most occupants of the boarding house were men. It is at this point that Mrs. Mixon discloses the fact that she met her future husband Floyd at the boarding house while he was living there as a Clemson student. Her Aunt Louis would also take prepared meals to the freight train employees at the local depot.
14:00: Megginson turns the interview towards her experiences in school. She attended the Calhoun-Clemson school. The normal school day lasted from 8am to 3pm. Lunch was brought from home and the children used a water fountain to drink from. A few teachers that she can recall are Edith Mills (Preacher Mill's daughter), Maggie Morrison and her sister, and Kitty Adams. The schools curriculum had eleven grades. A normal class consisted of perhaps a dozen people, though her tenth grade class had around grown to around twenty. The only male teacher she can remember was Ben Blakely, who taught high school math. He did not teach for long; he established a local dry-cleaning business.
20:40: Music lessons--Mrs. Mixon took private piano lessons for a while. She would practice with the piano at her Aunt Louis's boarding house. Megginson states that that piano is now at the Eastern Star meeting hall.
21:30: The conversation moves back toward recollections of school. Mrs. Mixon recalls that science class included the dissection of frogs and that field trips were made to Sloan's pasture for nature studies. She also remembers staying in trouble at school either for talking or general mischief. Writing on the chalkboards after school and dusting the erasers were two of the common punishments. The girls played baseball with the boys. She occasionally went swimming at the YMCA but was not allowed to go to the river to swim.
27:35: Mrs. Mixon relates a story of tragedy. A sister named Eula, who was a lover of animals, kept a small dog as a pet in a barn near the family's home. The dog turned rabid, and on one occasion escaped the barn and bit over a dozen locals before being killed by Norman Boggs. Her sister had been infected by scratches during previous play. The bite victims had to take several rounds of treatments. Dr. Watkins provided the service at "Uncle John's store." The disease had become too advanced in Eula, and she died a short time later.
30:59: The conversation turns toward medical facilities. Dr. Watkins practiced from his home on a hill overlooking the college. The home no longer stands. She cannot remember the dentist.
31:37: Audio ends.
Cassette 3
Side1
00:07: The interview turns toward what reading materials were available to people. She can remember the Anderson and Greenville newspapers, as well as the Pickens Sentinel. Everyone seemed to have a Sears's catalogue. The schoolhouse had a nice library. Jane Eyre was a popular novel when she was a child. She occasionally went to the Clemson library as a youth. School textbooks were purchased at Martin's drugstore.
5:35: Mrs. Mixon names her siblings. Eula, Wallie(?), "Dud"(Hugh?), Sue, and Edith. All of the children were born at home under the care of Dr. Beardon of Central, along with the help of a midwife named Fanny Butler.
9:41: The conversation jumps to the neighboring Henry family. Garnett and Elmore Henry's children were Sue Mary, Louis, and June. Mr. Henry worked at both the dairy and the canteen at the college.
11:34: Back to Mrs. Mixon's family--her mother was from Townville, SC. It is not known how her parents met. She had a grandfather named Christopher Columbus that everyone called "Uncle Lummy." Mocrina Campbell was another relative. She may have been a Kennymoore by birth. Megginson adds that she and her husband owned a large portion of land in the area. After a marital dispute, she was awarded with well over 100 acres of land. She sold off lots in the area for $25 a piece.
17:00: Mrs. Mixon talks about the difficulties and illnesses of some of her siblings. One of the arthritic brothers, William, died of a burst appendix when he was still quite young. The other arthritic brother, "Dud", lived into his forties. Her sister Edith died of pneumonia at a young age. Five of the seven children in the family had serious illnesses/died young. Mrs. Mixon says that her mother was remarkably strong in the face of these tragedies.
18:50: Some of her fond memories of childhood involve the Boggs store, and movies at the YMCA. During Christmas, Santa would visit the YMCA and children would receive presents in stockings hung by the chimney. She can't remember anyone having Christmas trees when she was a youth.
20:21: Mrs. Mixon talks about her husband Floyd Mixon. He was from Fairfax, SC. He came to Clemson as a federal board student and lodged at the Smith Hotel. He married her sister Edith, but she died of pneumonia at a young age. Mrs. Mixon later married Floyd. He worked many years at the local State Farm Agency. He also worked in the dairy department at Clemson and as a one of the first police officers at the college.
22:10: Megginson thanks Mrs. Mixon for the interview.
23:00: Audio ends.
Cassette 3
Side 2
Blank
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Ina S. Megginson was born on June 19, 1907. A native of Clemson, she was the daughter of John W. and Louie Smith. She was a graduate of Winthrop University, and worked for Clemson University's Extension Service. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. She married William James Megginson. Mrs. Megginson died on July 22, 1999.
Side 1
00:07: The interview is taking place in Jackson, Mississippi on August 22, 1988.
00:57: The interviewee's name is Ina S. Megginson. Her age is 81. She was born in Calhoun, SC. She states that early on her family lived "just above the grocery store." She doesn't elaborate, but this may refer to an apartment complex above the store.
1:20: Mrs. Megginson believes that her mother had a doctor and a midwife in attendance during the births of her children.
2:30: Megginson encourages his mother to recall some of the oldest houses in Calhoun. She can remember her Aunt Alice's house, as well as the Hal Boggs house. The Boggs house had two stories and a portico at the top.
4:55: She considered "Calhoun" to encompass the area from the street at her house to the area near the railroad station. She did not consider the houses and shops associated with the college as "Calhoun."
5:50: As a youth she attended the local Wesleyan Methodist Church.
6:35: She also attended the local Baptist Church.
7:09: Mrs. Megginson first attended school in a building down the old Central Road. The building was also used as a church and Sunday school.
7:40: She is unsure of how many grades were taught. She says perhaps 8 or 9. It was a one room schoolhouse. An individual with the last name Earl, as well as Mrs. Hendricks are remembered as teachers there.
8:30: The school was heated with a coal burning stove.
8:53: She cannot recall what years she attended the Clemson-Calhoun high school. She found no social distinction between Calhoun and Clemson College children. The school day lasted from 8:30-3pm. The students got an hour for lunch.
10:00: Mary and Louis Boggs were a couple of her best friends in school. She also knew many black children, though they didn't play together because the black children attended a different school.
11:00: Mrs. Patrick (English teacher), Miss Witherspoon, and Margaret Morrison were a few of her high school teachers.
12:07: Mrs. Megginson actually graduated high school twice. As she was graduating her tenth and final grade in 1923, it was determined that an eleventh grade be added to the curriculum. She graduated from the eleventh grade the next year in 1924.
12:41--She met a lot of the college cadets at the "Training Union." She didn't attend the social dances because she never learned how to dance.
13:14: The Smith store was a general merchandise store which sold shoes, cloths, hardware, and food. The only employee Mrs. Megginson can recall is Mrs. Gaines, who was the bookkeeper.
14:50: The Boggs store was not unlike her father's store, except that they sold cloth for making dresses. She was allowed to shop there.
17:05: The local roads did not run as they do today. The road to Central ran by her Aunt Ella's house. The underpass has been in its same location as long as she can remember.
18:52: She remembers working hard at the hotel for her mother. She made beds, cleaned house, got coal for heat, cleaned and filled up the oil lamps, washed chimneys, helped cook, and got dairy products from the pasture. The pasture was beyond the school house on the Clemson Road.
20:08: Megginson is interested in what types of people stayed at the Smith hotel. Workmen such as linemen, road builders, electricians, barbers, and salesmen were the normal guests. One regular was Mr. Wiggs, a salesman from Greenville who stayed at the hotel every Tuesday.
21:00: Mrs. Megginson can neither recall if Calhoun had a town hall nor who the town officials if any there were.
22:12: The town jail was close to the railway house and behind the Payne house. People were usually incarcerated for either intoxication or fighting.
22:47: The Anderson and Greenville newspapers seemed to be the popular media for news.
23:00: Calhoun did not have a local doctor or dentist when she was young. The doctor (Dr. Shirley) was from Central, and the dentist (Dr. Thompson) was from Seneca.
23:30: Mrs. Megginson usually did her shopping in Anderson, SC.
23:57: She always admired Mrs. Norman and Agnes Boggs as a child.
25:00: The relationship between whites and blacks were "superb and friendly." She had never heard of any trouble between the two communities.
25:23: Individuals from the black community that she can recall are Will Hawthorne, Tom Dupree, Francis Dupree, and lady called Aunt Amelia. She names others as Annie, Cindy, Janie, Irene, and Aunt Sue. Aunt Sue was her nanny--she was a very cherished and loved individual to Mrs. Megginson. She was like one of the family.
27:04: Mrs. Megginson states that her mother was a tremendous woman with a great personality. She was well liked in the community. She was lenient with people who owed her money.
31:28: L.C. Martin's drugstore was the meeting place in town.
31:46: Audio ends.
Side 2
00:07: Mrs. Megginson is speaking mid-sentence. She states that the Sloan store's selection tended to cater toward men.
00:59: Mrs. Megginson states that many Calhoun boys attended Clemson. She names Aubrey, Waymon, and Bob. Waymon and Bob were two of her brothers.
2:25: Megginson wants to know who the Federal Board Men were. After World War I, the government set up a system whereby men could get additional education. Fifteen or so stayed at the Smith hotel.
3:20: Her brother-in-law Jack Elmore worked in the Treasurer's Office at Clemson College.
4:03: Mrs. Megginson remembers that "Shorty" Schilleter and Mr. Harcombe were both Mess Officers.
5:00: Mrs. Megginson recalls some of her neighbors in Calhoun. An individual named Crawford, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Boggs, Mrs. Pike, Mrs. McCollum (Mrs. Pike's daughter), Earl Boggs, the Cochran's, and Eva and Gracia Payne and their mother.
7:00: Mrs. Megginson worked as a secretary in the Extension Office at Clemson College. She had three bosses: Mr. Rawl (Horticulture), Mr. Gooding (Poultry), and Charlie Morgan (Experiment Station). She worked 8:30-5pm during the week with a half day on Saturday.
9:30: Her sister Ethel worked with the bulletin business on campus, and her brother-in-law Charlie Bennett was a Horticulturalist.
10:50: Megginson thanks his mother for the interview.
10:56: Interviewer's Notes--Megginson wishes to clarify some of the names that may have been mentioned but not elaborated on. Ina S. Megginson's siblings were: Waymon Smith, Robert F. Smith, Ethel (married Jack Elmore), Lucille (married Charlie Bennett), Ann (married Cecile Paitt), Edna (married a Plyler), and John Smith. Megginson adds that Mamie Cochran Crawford was the daughter of John Wesley Cochran.
11:50: Audio ends.
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William B. "Judge" Keller was born on September 8, 1912 in Westminster, SC. He was the son of Isaac L. and Mayette Brown Keller. He was a 1933 honor graduate of Clemson College, with a B.S. in Chemistry. Mr. Keller worked as a soils chemist at Clemson before being called to active duty in World War II. As a member of the United States Army Chemical Corps, he served in Sicily and Italy, finishing out the war at the Huntsville Arsenal in Alabama before retiring from the Army Reserve as a Lt. Colonel. After the war he took over the Judge Keller's store from his father, who had originally established the business in 1899. Mr. Keller was a member of the University Lutheran Church, the Freemason's, and a recipient of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award presented by Clemson University. He was married to the former Lila Vandiver. They had one son: Isaac Leonard Keller II. In 1977, Mr. Keller turned the business over to his son. William B. "Judge" Keller died on May 11, 2004.
Cassette 1
Side 1
00:40: Keller was born in Westminster, SC. His mother went to her parent's house for the delivery. Keller's parents lived in Calhoun, SC.
1:30: The family first lived in a house on the northeast intersection of Calhoun and Clemson Streets. After five years there, the family built a house on Hillcrest Avenue. Keller's father Isaac bought the lot from the Fort Hill Land Company in 1918. Fort Hill Land Company was made up of a group of professors from the college who got together and purchased land from the estate of Aaron Boggs around 1917 or 1918. Ben F. Robertson was president and Joe Hunter was the secretary of the group. Their names appear on the deed for the purchase.
3:52: Isaac Keller (the original "Judge" Keller) started his establishment in 1899. He was in the first class of cadets at Clemson. He attended two years before dropping out and starting his business. While he had still been attending school, he worked part-time with the tailoring operation which was located in his barracks. He was found to be exceptional at tailoring, and was soon offered with the ownership of the operation.
6:35: Megginson asks why a tailoring operation would be so important. Clemson was a military college where cadets wore West-Point style uniforms. Jacob Reed was the name of the uniform company. It was located on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, PA.
10:30: When Keller's father first started tailoring, the operation was still in the barracks. He had been provided two rooms--one living quarters, and one working quarters. In a couple of years, however, enrollment was up and the two rooms were needed. He was asked to move into a separate location near the college. Keller's father bought land from Aaron Boggs, and had the original building built in the summer of 1899. The original wooden building was located on the north side of College Avenue. It was occupied from 1899-1918.
17:00: Megginson asks what other stores were there in the old days. Martin's drugstore was across the street on College Avenue; it is now Tigertown Tavern. There was a community store there, although Mr. Keller cannot recall who ran it. The Sloan store was there as well. The original Sloan building burned in the 1920's.
20:21: In Calhoun itself, there was the Boggs store (Calhoun Corner's), and Megginson's father owned a store. They were both brick. It is believed that Mr. Cochran had them built. Mr. Cochran owned a brickyard in the area. Calhoun was a railway town even before the college was established. Mr. Keller notes that the streets in Calhoun are laid out perpendicular and square to one another like a normal city would, whereas the streets in Clemson are set up like "the cows laid them out." Megginson notes that this statement is true, since the area was originally pastured.
25:00: What did College Avenue look like in the early days? When Mr. Keller was a child, there were only dirt roads. On the southeast side was Martin's drugstore. Clinkscales livery stable was located between the Sloan and Keller establishments. Mr. Fendley owned a blacksmith shop that was located between the livery stable and the Keller store.
27:25: The livery stable was larger in size than the Keller's establishment. For a while, the livery stable carried the name "Clinkscales & Crowther." Crowther was Mr. Clinkscales brother-in-law.
27:53: Isaac Keller and Mr. Clinkscales were both from Abbeville and grew up together.
28:30: The original path of Main Street--it ran from the college to Keller's store just as it does today. The route is the same until you reach the Baptist Church, where it veered towards the left and ran in front of the Presbyterian Church. From there it would cross over two creeks and climb up a hill towards the depot. The two begin speaking of the Carlton House which no longer stands. Mr. Masters lived in it when Keller was a youth. It was across the street from the movie theater on the southeast side of College Avenue. It was a white, one story house. Megginson states that this is apparently the old Cold Springs plantation which had belonged to someone associated with the Calhoun Family.
31:48: Audio ends.
Cassette 1
Side 2
00:07: Megginson encourages Mr. Keller to talk about his experiences in school as a youth. The schoolhouse was located near where the Hess Station and post office is now. This particular school opened in 1916. He attended with the 1918 class. He remembers Miss Maggie Morrison well: she was the daughter of a Clemson professor--she never married. There were perhaps 20-30 people in a class. Mr. Keller's eleventh grade graduating class had 8 members. He perceived no real social distinctions between Calhoun and Clemson faculty families. Lunch at school was carried from home. Books were bought at the L.C. Martin drugstore. There were no inside toilets, though there was electricity available.
12:07: Mr. Keller names the 7 other individuals besides himself in his 11th grade graduating class: Lila Vandiver (his future wife), Cornelia Newton, Grace Madden, Athelene Munson, Jack Mitchell, Ziffy (?) Moore, and a relative of Coach Josh Cody whom he cannot name.
15:33: Mr. Keller had dated his future wife Lila Vandiver while in high school, and off and on afterwards until they were married in 1940. She was born in Georgia. Her father was involved in the railroad business.
18:43: Mr. Keller thinks back on his childhood and begins to describe how Calhoun looked. Starting at the Boggs store, traveling up the street north towards the Smith house was the Smith store--up the street on the left was the Smith hotel--the Dillard house was close in proximity as well--Cochran Road ran between the Dillard and Vandiver houses--just beyond the Vandiver house was the house of Jane Prince (kept house for Clemson/Calhoun families)--the Hendricks family house was there also (originally Norman Boggs house)--across the street from Boggs store was the Payne house--west onto Calhoun Street lived Dick Pike--across the street from his house lived assistant college post master Mr. King--the Chapman's lived close--further down lived the Fendley's--on the street parallel to the railroad was the Doyle house--down at the river was the John Long residence. Keller also makes note that there was really nothing but pasture between the Presbyterian Church and the schoolhouse.
30:29: Megginson is interested in what type of housing utilities were available in the house Mr. Keller grew up in. They had electricity and water. He states that "everything on this side of the railroad tracks got electricity...and water from the college." There was indoor plumbing but no telephone. The family finally got one after World War II. There was never a telephone in the store until 1977.
31:50: Audio ends.
Cassette 2
Side 1
00:07: Keller's store moved to its present location in 1918. The brick building was built in 1936 on the very same spot.
1:45: How both men came to be known as "Judge"--The students called Isaac Keller "Judge." This stems from an incident where a student complained to the Commandant that his cadet uniform didn't fit properly. The Commandant could find no wrong with the fit, and proclaimed that he should go down to Keller's and let him be the judge. The name stuck, and later William B. Keller inherited it the nickname from his father.
6:35: Mr. Keller finished Clemson with a degree in Chemistry in 1933. He got a job with Clemson testing soil samples at the soil lab. He then worked with the Chemistry Department at the Experiment Station until World War II started. After the war in 1946, he took over the everyday operation of the business. His father Isaac died in 1954.
9:53: The brick store is just over 50 years old in 1988. Mr. Keller describes how the store has always looked on the inside. The ceiling has a stamped metal pattern. The floors are wooden with what he refers to as a rip-saw pine pattern. There have always been display counters and show cases. These were purchased at a show case factory in Statesboro, NC. The carpentry work was done by a Mr. Brown of Pendleton, SC who was in some way associated with the college. The establishment has never used a cash register. Mr. Keller never used a credit system at the store, though his father Isaac did.
14:07: Mr. Keller "officially" retired in 1977, though he still often could be found working in the store. His son Isaac Keller II took over operation in 1977.
17:07: Megginson encourages Mr. Keller to describe the military atmosphere of Clemson College. Cadets had to wear their uniforms at all times. Drills were held three times per week. Chapel services were held on Tuesday's and Thursday's. Life was very regimented. Casual cloths could be worn in the barracks. Mr. Keller himself was a "day cadet," meaning that he lived at home. Reveille was played every morning and Taps was played at night. Cadets had to be in their rooms at 7:30pm to study until 11:00pm when lights out was called. In the mornings the cadets would march to breakfast at the central dining hall located in the no. 1 barracks. Harcomb and Schilleter were two men in charge of operations at the dining hall.
20:25: By the time Keller was a senior, there were enough "day students" to fill an entire company.
21:20: Cadets had to have a permit from the Commandants office in order to leave campus for the weekend.
22:40: The Commandants that Keller can remember are Colonel Munson, and "Whiskey" John West. The Commandants were not popular among the cadets because of the strict control that they enforced.
25:30: There were social activities such as dances held at the dining hall. The hall would be elaborately decorated for these events.
26:24: The first movie house was at the YMCA. These were silent films in Mr. Keller's youth. He states that a lady would play the piano to accompany the films. Tickets were perhaps $0.10 to $0.15. Mr. Keller believes the current location of the movie theater was built some time after World War II. He remembers Holtzendorff and "Shorty" Schilleter as being very popular individuals.
30:17: Audio ends.
Cassette 2
Side 2
00:07: It seems to Mr. Keller that most people in the area worked in some capacity with the college.
2:05: Megginson is interested in what civic organizations might have been around during Mr. Keller's youth. He states that there were very few unlike today; churches seemed to handle these issues. Social activities such as picnics, suppers, and dances were organized by local churches. The various churches all seemed to cooperate well with each other.
5:36: Mr. Keller was a freemason, joining after World War II.
7:00: The two discuss "pressing clubs" in the days before dry cleaning.
10:00: Cadet uniforms were wool and extremely hot.
10:57: When Mr. Keller was a youth, there were no street lights in Calhoun.
11:10: The two discuss the formation and evolution of the police force in the area.
13:40: Megginson notes several pictures hanging in the Keller's store: Keller's parents and himself when he was a baby; Keller himself with his wife and child; and a certificate from Royal Tailor's of Chicago recognizing Isaac Keller's fine work.
15:00: Mr. Keller is named for William Jennings Bryan. A portrait of Bryan hangs in the store. Isaac Keller greatly admired Bryan. A picture of Napoleon is also displayed. Mr. Keller is not sure, but thinks this may trace to the fact that the French may have settled Abbeville. In addition there are several photographs that depict the current "Judge" Keller while he was in the military in World War II.
16:32: Megginson would like to know how Clemson has changed. Keller states that it has gotten bigger, and more famous. His father wouldn't have minded the fact that female students now attend.
17:55: Megginson thanks Mr. Keller for the interview.
17:59: Audio ends.
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Julius C. Hubbard, Jr. was born in 1921. He earned a B.S. degree from Clemson in 1942. Hubbard then earned an M.S. in Textile Science from Georgia Tech in 1950. He was named professor of Textile Science at Clemson in 1970.
Side 1
00:07: Megginson's intent with this interview is to learn more about the foundation of the Calhoun Masonic Lodge. Mr. Hubbard states that most people over the years have called him "Mike." He is 67 years old in 1988. He explains the abbreviation "AFM." It either refers to "Accepted Freemasons," or "Free and Accepted Masons." States around the country use one designation or the other; they both mean the same thing. Each state lodge is independent, though there is a national meeting every year of the state Grandmaster's of each lodge. Mr. Hubbard moved his membership from Columbia, SC to Clemson in 1947 when he joined the faculty at the University. He was elected and served as Worshipful Master in 1957, and has been Treasurer of the lodge for the previous 26 years.
2:17: The lodge in Clemson was originally founded by local masons from various area lodges. The Calhoun area had grown to the point where a requested petition to the Grand Lodge of SC for the constitution of a local lodge was made in the early years of the twentieth century.
3:30: Mr. Hubbard reads from an early book of minutes. The following names are the instigators of the petition: J.H. Hook, A.M. Redfern, A. Schilletter, S. Maner Martin, N. Benton, O.R. Doyle, B.H. Broyles, J.H. McHugh, and H. Benton. The first meeting was held around October 19, 1903 in Calhoun, SC.
4:56: Mr. Hubbard presumes the first meetings took place in the Boggs store. Mr. Doyle owned the building at the time. The Grand Lodge stated that the first meetings could take place anywhere within a three mile radius of Calhoun, SC.
5:54: The new establishment was chartered as Clemson Lodge no. 254 AFM on December 9, 1903. The first officers elected were: W.W. Klugh (Worshipful Master), O.R Doyle (Senior Warden), A.M. Redfern (Junior Warden), A. Schilletter (Treasurer), and H. Benton (Secretary).
6:50: Megginson would like to know more about the freemasonic traditions and what they do. Mr. Hubbard explains that this fraternal organization's main thrust is charity. The philosophy is one of brotherhood--not only within membership, but brotherhood of all mankind. They agree that all men are under one Creator, and must accept a profession of belief in deity in order to become a member.
8:00: Question--Since the Central Wesleyan Church "hall" was often used for meetings, could it have been an early location for the freemasonic gatherings? Mr. Hubbard states that this would never have been the case. Although they weren't openly hostile, many churches would not encourage their members to join the order. It is also true that the Roman Catholic Church for many years threatened excommunication to individuals who joined, though that papal bull had long since been rescinded. Jewish masons swore oaths upon the Torah, Christians upon the Old and New Testament, and Muslims upon the Koran. Hubbard states that these are the three instruments exhibited in the center of the lodge. By in large, the majority of Southern freemasons would have been Protestant, but Hubbard states that the Clemson lodge has had Jewish members since the 1920's.
10:30: Reading from the minutes of the first meeting, Megginson notices the application of Reverend K.G. Fendley. Hubbard explains that any minister of God may join upon investigation of his character and be accepted without recourse for giving fees or dues.
11:30: Again reading from the minutes of the first meeting; the first applicants for admission were: J.W. Gant, S.W. Reeves, A.S. Scheele, J.D. McCraken, Rev. K.G. Fendley, Thomas Keate, and E.A. Seamire (?).
11:56: In the minutes of the second meting it is revealed that the charter has been received as of December 19.
12:45: Where were the early meetings held? Hubbard believes the first location to be the top floor of the Boggs store, or "Doyle Hall" as it was known by the Presbyterians.
13:22: In the minutes of the second meeting which took place in November 1903, thanks is given to O.R. Doyle for providing walnut lumber, and to J.H. Hook for building furniture from it to be placed in the lodge. Hubbard is unaware what might have happened to that original furniture, the present furniture pieces appear to be much younger and made of pine.
16:10: Again reading from lodge minutes: Grand Master John R. Ballenger would be attending on December 18, 1903 and additionally would be assisting in laying the cornerstone at the Agricultural building at Clemson on the 19th. Megginson wonders about the significance of why freemasons are involved in the laying of cornerstones. Hubbard states that another main tenant of freemasonry is education. The cornerstone that was recently [1988] removed from Tillman Hall was placed by the Grand Lodge of SC, as was the one in the Agricultural Building and also Sikes Hall. This ceremony can only be performed by officials associated with the state Grand Lodge.
18:34: Megginson encourages Mr. Hubbard to discuss the Clemson University connection with the lodge. W.W. Klugh was a professor in Engineering Graphics; S. Manor Martin was head of the Math Department; G.H Aull was head of Agriculture; and Billy Brackett was dean of Chemistry. Hubbard states that you can go down the list; even to this day [1988] many lodge members are affiliated with Clemson University. Hubbard himself finished Clemson in 1942.
21:40: Reading from the 1907 minutes reveals that nine blinds are to be purchased. Megginson wonders if the Boggs store had nine upstairs windows. They note that at the time, O.R. Doyle owned what would become the Boggs store.
22:54: Megginson reads testimony regarding a brother member who had gotten into trouble with the law. It is not clear whether this report is contained in minutes, or is a separate document. The date of the document is not given, though it is probably around the early 1900's. The report states that a brother mason appeared intoxicated at Calhoun Station, had been with a Negro woman overnight, and had been drinking with a "Negro man of bad character." It is not clear from the document what punishment the individual received from the lodge.
24:27: Megginson had been attempting to trace the various meeting places that were utilized by the local freemasons before the permanent lodge was built. Reading from minutes: in 1914, it appears that Dr. L.C. Martin presented a proposition to occupy part of Martin's drugstore for a time. Megginson believes that the freemason's stayed there until around 1916. In 1915, the cornerstone was laid for the YMCA building (Holtzendorff Hall) at Clemson. The plans were to have the meetings immediately move into the YMCA, but concerns over uniform bylaws delayed the move until 1916.
30:40: By 1927, the YMCA lease had expired. There were initial discussions that the lease should be extended for one year with a decision agreed upon to build a lodge building of their own.
31:51: Audio ends.
Side 2
00:07: Hubbard reads from a document (c. late 1920's) concerning the finances and construction of the new lodge. The document authorizes that money be borrowed from Fort Hill Building & Loan Association. Another document dated October 13, 1928 concerns the dedication of the lodge.
3:40: A November 1, 1928 document indicates that the building is ready and has been occupied. Hubbard doesn't know who the building contractor was, or if such a thing as a "building contractor" even existed in those days.
5:02: There were two downstairs rooms in the lodge building that the Masons rented out to establishments in order to produce income. One was a community store; the other was the Fort Hill Bank & Trust Company.
9:20: Use of the upstairs lodge hall was extended to Lodge no. 254, Eastern Star, and the Yorkright Masons (Chapter Council). For a time, the Masons let the building be used for Clemson fraternal initiation ceremonies. Hubbard states that things "...got a little bit out of hand." The new agreement states that if a brother was a member of a particular Clemson fraternity on campus, then that fraternity could have use of the building only if that brother is present.
12:30: Megginson and Hubbard begin to look at photographs of past Worshipful Master's of Lodge no. 254 starting with the first. W.W. Klugh (Engineering), A.M. Redfern (Redfern Infirmary), Mr. Hook (involved in military aspects of Clemson), A. Doyle, B.H. Henry, S. Manor Martin (head of Clemson Math Dept., Grandmaster of SC from 1939-1941), Benjamin F. Robertson (father of writer), J.C. Littlejohn (Clemson Registrar), Sam Hillands (Clemson University Treasurer), H.A. Sloan (WW I Officer), Andrew Bramlett (WW I Officer), R.N. Brackett (Chemistry Department), B.S. McCollum (owned L.C. Martin Drug Company), E.B. Elmore, G.H. Aull (Agriculture Department), B.B Burley, J.H. Sams (Engineering Department), Charlie Bennett, Dr. Sheldon (Math Department), Dennis Crawford, Ralph Hendricks, and R.R. Crowther (Manager of Bank). Hubbard estimates that over 50% of the Worshipful Master's have been in some way connected to Clemson University.
18:30: Megginson moves the conversation back toward the role that charity played among the freemasons. There was specific assistance given to widows of brother members. Likewise, if a brother mason's family fell on hard times, the lodge would help. Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets were prepared for the community. The brother mason who always coordinated the charitable efforts was Charlie Bennett. Hubbard points out that these were the days before welfare, and that there were only three local organizations that did charity: the Masonic Lodge, American Legion, and the Fellowship Club (originally organized by the Presbyterians). Hubbard states that modern Clemson now actually has a larger proportion of charitable organizations than most towns its size (pop. 8,500 in 1988).
28:43: Megginson thanks Hubbard for the interview. Hubbard gives closing thoughts.
30:45: Audio ends.
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Fendley brothers Claude, Jack, and Ray were all the sons of George M. and Margaret Palmer Fendley. Claude was born on July 4, 1922. He was the owner/operator of Fendley's Service Station. Claude was a World War II veteran and a member of the Clemson First Baptist Church. Jack was born on July 4, 1922. He was an employee of the Milliken Finishing Plant, a veteran of World War II, and a member of the Clemson First Baptist Church. Ray was born on August 30, 1924. He was a local letter carrier, a World War II veteran, and a member of the Clemson First Baptist Church. Claude Fendley died on September 6, 1999. Jack Fendley died on November 29, 1998, and Ray Fendley died on January 21, 1993.
Cassette 1
Side 1
00:07: Brothers Jack (66), Claude (66), and Ray (64) Fendley have lived in the Calhoun/Clemson areas all their lives. They have lived in the same house since childhood; it was built in 1917.
1:24: Their parents were George and Margaret Fendley. George was born in 1890 and Margaret was born in 1891. George was from the Seneca area, while Margaret grew up in Anderson, SC. They moved to Calhoun after they were married. Before the family house was finished, they lived for about three years in apartments above the Smith store. The brothers cannot recall what the rent was.
4:40: Their father George worked for Captain Clinkscales. Clinkscales had two main businesses: livery service and the renting of farmland. George was the general overseer of both operations. Clinkscales owned farms near the Pendleton Highway (behind where National Guard Armory is located). The main crops were corn and cotton. He employed black tenant workers (three or four families). The livery service employed perhaps ten to twelve workers (mostly black).
10:40 – Mr. Clinkscales was mayor in the late 1930's. The town of Calhoun was incorporated into Clemson around 1943 under Mayor Leon Crawford. The brothers say that the name change was supported by the community.
12:22: Megginson asks where exactly Mr. Clinkscales lived. The brothers state that he lived out on The Seneca Highway--beyond the Methodist Church--the site is where the Frank Anderson house currently stands.
13:20: The interview briefly turns to politics. The brothers voted at the schoolhouse. There was no city council for the town of Calhoun, the area was too small.
16:50: Megginson is interested in what services were available to the family when it first moved into the new house in 1917. There was initially no plumbing in the house. Although memories are not clear, they believe electricity and water services were put into place around 1939. Telephone service was available to Calhoun for a good while before the family decided to make use of it.
19:00: Paved roads? Perhaps not until the WPA project. Several local roads ran on different routes around the Calhoun area in the old days, but the brothers can always remember the underpass.
23:00: There were no street lights in Calhoun until perhaps 1983.
23:40: The brothers pull out a photograph for Megginson to inspect. It apparently depicts a local baseball team. Most of the individuals depicted cannot be identified, though the faces of Doc Crawford, the Goodman and Gordon boys, and Clint Taylor are recognized.
27:00: Audio ends.
Cassette 1
Side 2
00:07: The brothers explain that nicknames like Colonel, Judge, Cap, or Boss were given to "old timers" as a sign of respect, not necessarily because of military service.
1:14: the group talks about Colonel Doyle, Mr. White, and the longtime assistant Willie Richey (black) who all worked at the depot.
3:50: Megginson asks if the brothers knew where Mr. Richey lived. The black section of town was called "The Quarters." The area is where the current (1988) Ramada Inn is located. Both Mr. White and Mr. Doyle used telegraph for communication. The conversation turns to Mr. Doyle's house. Mr. Doyle actually lived close to the Fendley's in a large two story house. It faced the railroad on Elm Street (also known as Railroad Street). The brothers seem to remember that the house was painted yellow and had large porches. It was a well kept house. The Doyle's had children, but the brothers' memories have faded and specifics cannot be given.
6:40: Another large house that was close in proximity was the Dillard house. The owner was Frank Dillard who worked in some capacity for Clemson College. The family had one daughter, who lived in Atlanta.
8:07: Megginson asks if the brothers could name any more houses that were close to College Avenue. The Doyle, Dillard, Fendley, Chapman, Vandiver, Crawford, Cochran, and Grant houses can all be recalled as being in that area.
15:00: Megginson is interested in the Cochran family. Mr. Cochran was a local magistrate. Individuals would go to him in order to get married, or take out a warrant. He was like a Justice of the Peace. His jurisdiction was just for the Calhoun area.
16:57: The Boggs and Cochran families were well thought of. Megginson asks if the brothers knew Jane Prince. They said they did, but the conversation never elaborates.
19:01: The brothers recollections of Hal Boggs is that he was not a terribly energetic man as far as work ethics were concerned, but had a very large family. He was a farmer. The Sherry (?) family moved into the Boggs house after World War II. They had a daughter named Rebecca. Indeed several different families seem to have lived in the Boggs house over the years.
24:50: The group discusses the general lay of the land in the Calhoun area and how it has been affected by the Hartwell Project.
26:10: The conversation briefly touches on the Chapman family. Mr. Chapman worked at the Clemson College woodshop, while his wife worked at the Calhoun post office. The post office building no longer stands.
29:39: The brothers state that while both their parents were literate, their grandfather Henry was not.
31:45: Audio ends.
Cassette 2
Side 1
00:07: Their Uncle Frank went to school near an area called Glenn Lakes or Vance Grove.
00:52: There used to be a school in the old Calhoun Wesleyan Methodist Church. The brothers occasionally attended Sunday school at this church, though they were members of the Baptist denomination.
6:00: The subject of religion and tent meetings is brought up. Tent meetings were usually held in summer, and drew people from a wide area. Women carried fans to ward off the heat, though one brother states that in the days prior to air-conditioning, people were used to hot weather. There was no music or piano, just preaching. Each meeting would last two hours or so. Offerings were taken up from the attendants. The brothers' parents attended these meetings, though one sibling admits that as a child he found it quite frightening.
9:50: Megginson steers the conversation towards which individuals owned much of the land that became Calhoun. Aaron Boggs owned all the land on one side north of the railroad. The Sloan family owned much of the other half as it stretched south of the railroad.
11:35: Megginson understands that the Barker family also owned a portion of land in the area. Mr. Barker ran a blacksmith shop as did the Fendley brothers' grandfather. That shop was located behind the Clinkscales livery station.
14:40: Other stores and establishments in town: Martin's store which was across from the Sloan building, and Mr. Miller's (Milford?) print shop.
18:39: Megginson encourages the brothers to talk about the educational system in the Calhoun area. The brothers attended school through the ninth grade, after which they had to begin work. After service in World War II, the brothers attended trade school and later the "Pickens School" to finish. Some of the teachers they can remember are: Mrs. Culpert, Mrs. Morrison, Mrs. Adams, and Mrs. Pitts. An entire class might consist of 20-25 individuals. The school day lasted from 8:30-1:30.
21:40: Megginson is interested if there were any distinctions between professor's children and the rest. The brothers state that their clothes weren't as nice, and they recognized a difference--it was mainly monetary.
25:37: Some of the activities that children took part in for fun were playing in and around the railroad, swimming and fishing at the river, and even tying wagons to bulls in order to be hauled around. The Fendley's had a trained bull that could do this, and it would pull around perhaps a half a dozen wagons at one time.
29:30: When the brothers were children, they really didn't have to work. As they got older, they would help plow fields with mules in the summer for $0.50 a day.
31:30: Audio ends.
Cassette 2
Side 2
00:21: As boys they did odd chores for $0.05 to $0.10. Ten cents could go a long way in those days. One could buy candy at the Boggs or Smith stores, or go to see movies at the YMCA.
1:55: Megginson asks the brothers to give their recollections of the Boggs and Smith stores. The Smith store did not carry as much stock as the Boggs store. At the Boggs store individuals could keep a running account of purchases that could be paid a later dates.
3:50: The interviewees other siblings were: Ruth, Glenn, Nel (Al or Allie?), and Joe. Ruth worked at Clemson Extension with Mr. G.H. Aull.
7:00: Clothes--boy's cloths were store-bought, while girl's cloths often had to be handmade.
7:53: The conversation moves back toward local establishments. Mr. Boggs was tolerant of debt. He never charged interest and was considered a very good man. The Fendley family found themselves in serious debt to Mr. Boggs at one point, but he never forced the issue and allowed them to pay it off on their own time.
11:09: The drugstore was a popular hangout. The establishment served Coca-Cola, sandwiches, and ice-cream. One brother can remember Mr. McCollum, who ran the drugstore. School supplies could also be purchased there.
12:40: The brothers' employment in the post World War II years consisted of: textile worker, maintenance man/service station owner, and textiles/mail carrier.
14:04: Megginson poses a question: Who were their favorite adults? In general the boys liked to sit around and listen to the "old folks" talk. Charlie Bennett was a name they mention. He would take them hunting and fishing. Everyone in the community was friendly and neighborly.
16:30: Calhoun was much more appealing to women: the first choice of the local girl's was always Clemson College cadets.
17:03: Megginson's grandmother Smith ran a boarding house. He is interested to know if the brothers ever met any out-of- towners there. Most visitors to Calhoun could usually be found at Boggs store getting to know people and chatting. Often the establishment would stay open until 9pm at night. There were benches on the front porch, so crowds would linger long after the store closed.
20:46: Other employees at the Boggs store were Doc Crawford, who would take grocery orders, and Mr. Webb (black) who would deliver them.
21:57: The Boggs store stayed open even after Mr. Boggs death. His wife ran the store for a short while, and indeed there seems to have been several operators of the establishment after her.
22:51: The conversation turns to the depot building. The depot has been standing in its original spot throughout; it has been remodeled. As youths, a great deal of time was spent playing around the trains and the depot.
25:45: Megginson is interested in the relationships between whites and blacks in the Calhoun area. In general things were good; there were occasional fights. The communities were segregated, though as children both sides played together all the time.
28:48: Ray reflects on his childhood: a hard life, but nonetheless enjoyable. There were no real drug, cigarette, or liquor problems in the community in those days.
29:30: The Fendley brothers all agree that the Hartwell Project was a bad idea, if for no other reason than it destroyed cherished hunting land.
30:31: Audio ends.
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Lucinda Reid Brown was born on March 11, 1890 in the Clemson/Calhoun area. She was the daughter of Alfred B. and Harley Reid. She married Jack Brown in 1910. They had seven children. Mrs. Reid Brown died on March 30, 1990.
Cassette 1
Side 1
00:32: Mrs. Reid Brown is aged 98 in 1988. She was born at home "in the country" between Clemson and Central.
2:05: Dr. Hines is the first local doctor she can recall. The University doctor was Dr. Redfern. Another doctor she can recall is Dr. Watkins (known as Dr. Billy). She states that he was "...a great friend of poor people."
4:40: Her parents were Alfred B. and Harley Reid. Her grandfather Isaac Butler was a slave of John C. Calhoun. In his elderly years, he lived with the Brown family.
6:10: Her grandfather did occasionally speak of his experiences as a slave, but Mrs. Reid Brown admits that she was young, and didn't really pay attention to such stories. She can remember that her grandfather stated that John C. Calhoun was a good master and not cruel to his slaves.
6:51: She briefly recalls the John Crawford and Sloan families. The Sloan and Poe families joined through marriage.
12:58: Her grandmother was Amy Butler. Both her grandparents were African natives. Amy Butler was a slave "across the river" under slave master John Hughen (?).
16:57: Mrs. Reid Brown had many "dear" white friends. She discusses helping raise white children and the close relationships that were forged over the years.
22:03: Her father was Alfred Butler Reid. His mother was Easter (Ester?) Reid. She never married. She was a local midwife. Megginson states that according to the census, she was born in 1835. Mrs. Reid Brown's father was an intelligent man, who attended school as an adult when education was first being made available to blacks. He was a sharecropper and owned a grocery store across from Goldenview Church. He also owned his own property.
29:03: Mrs. Reid Brown briefly discusses her grandfather and his skill with basket weaving.
30:43: Audio ends.
Cassette 1
Side 2
00:07: Her mother was Polly Butler. She was known in the community as "Aunt Polly." She did domestic work.
2:16: They briefly discuss the Cochran family and their property.
4:55: Mrs. Reid Brown credits the University with many of the opportunities afforded local blacks. She had two sons who were employed at the University.
8:53: Aspects of school life are discussed. She went to school at Abel Church initially, though redistricting of school lines prevented her from continuing there. She can recall a Mr. Dupree teaching there. The black community built a school of their own. Children had to work crops so the school year lasted just a few months a year. Books had to be bought, which was a financial hardship. Her grandparents were illiterate, though her parents could read and write.
16:43: Shopping--Mrs. Reid Brown states that people didn't do a lot of shopping in those days, but on occasion they would visit Seneca or the Boggs and Smith stores locally.
21:44: The post office was located behind the Boggs store. She can remember the Chapman's working there.
23:26: Train travel was utilized for longer trips. A ticket was perhaps $0.20.
24:38: Entertainment--kids made their own fun, from hide-and-go-seek, to drop-the-handkerchief, to just playing around the train depot. Blacks could not attend movies in those days.
26:14: Megginson brings up the story of a Clemson cadet who dated a black woman. Mrs. Reid Brown is surprised that he is aware of this information, but adds that romantic encounters did occur--she will not elaborate further.
27:37: She is a charter member of the local Goldenview Church. She discusses its foundation and the reasons for leaving Abel.
31:53: Audio ends.
Cassette 2
Side 1
00:07: Church--Douglas Brown was the first minister at Goldenview. He stayed for two years. She briefly recalls other preachers and states that in those days church was only held on the first Sunday of every month. Both Morris and benedict colleges were supported through donations. Church was an enormous influence in the black community.
6:00: Local black and white communities were segregated. She can remember signs in public places that stated either "white" or "colored."
10:30: Mrs. Reid Brown has lived in her current residence since 1910. She was married that same year to Jack Brown. He worked at the University. They had seven children.
12:30: She considered "Calhoun" to be the area around the Smith boarding house.
13:28: Mrs. Reid Brown briefly discusses utilities that were available to the local community.
16:37: Mariah English (Aunt Mariah), the Brewster's, Hunter's, and Shaw's are all discussed.
23:00: She remembers Captain and Cora Clinkscales as very pleasant people. They were a friend to the black people.
29:02: People in her community mostly read the Pickens Sentinel, but she was aware of such media as The State through working over the years in white homes.
31:48: Audio ends.
Cassette 2
Side 2
00:56: "Aunt" Amelia Hicks lived close to Daniel high school and did domestic work in the local community.
1:56: Jane Prince--Mrs. Reid Brown states that the rumor about her daughter was untrue. She can remember her grandmother telling her that Jane Prince had already had the child by the time she first came to work for Mr. Clemson.
4:55: Aaron and Elmira Boggs lived quite close in proximity to Mrs. Reid Brown. She knew many black individuals that were sharecroppers on his land. Macrina Campbell is another local individual who owned a large portion of land. Mrs. Reid Brown can remember seeing an elderly Macrina Campbell sitting on her front porch and smoking a pipe.
9:05: Holidays--Christmas was very special to children; they would set out stockings and on Christmas morning find them filled with fruits, candy, and nuts. She cannot recall having a Christmas tree in those days. On the Fourth of July, the local men would play baseball.
11:12: Megginson thanks Mrs. Reid Brown for the interview.
11:30: Audio ends.
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Rosamond L. Boggs was born on October 7, 1902 in Washington, D.C. She was the daughter of Albert Cummins and Evelyn Meacham Lynn. She was a member of St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Easley, SC. Mrs. Boggs was a volunteer at Cannon Memorial in Pickens, SC for 44 years. She was a member of the Colonial Dames, DAR, United daughters of the Confederacy, Pickens County Historical Society, and the American Legion Auxiliary. There were two living children at the time of her death: Jerre and Rosalynn. She died on August 30, 1995.
Cassette 1
Side 1
00:25: Mrs. Boggs is aged 86 at the time of the interview. She Married Aaron Jeremiah Boggs in 1919.
1:20: One of the early residents of the Calhoun area was A.J. Boggs grandfather, Aaron Boggs. He was known to be very industrious and driven. He owned a great deal of the land in the area. He originally owned the land that would eventually be developed into "Church Hill."
4:15: Megginson wishes to learn more about the old Aaron Boggs home. It was a one story white, spacious home with two porches (front and back). The kitchen had been built as a separate building from the house in order to protect it from fire. The back porch was "delightful", which provided a nice breeze and the opportunity to relax in rocking chairs and swings. It was furnished beautifully and had fine antiques. As far as location, the cemetery was situated on the right side of the house, while the railroad ran in-between the house and the cemetery. Mrs. Rosamond Boggs explains that she inherited a few antiques from the house; the two leave the proximity of the recorder for a few moments because the piece is located in another room--the conversation cannot be heard for perhaps a minute until they return. The family employed two black servants.
10:50: Aaron Boggs was apparently an overseer at Fort Hill, and had a good relationship with Thomas Green Clemson.
12:55: Mr. Boggs wife Elvira lived into her nineties. Rosamond recalls that she had an "attractive personality," and was marvelous to talk to. She was a real "lady of culture." Rosamond cannot recall ever hearing her talk of her experiences during the Civil War. Both Mr. and Mrs. Boggs were "religious," though he never formally joined any particular denomination. She was Episcopalian.
15:48: Aaron Boggs owned much of the land that would later become the town of Calhoun.
16:16: The conversation now moves to Rosamond's father-in-law, Aaron John Boggs (he went by the name of John). His wife was Sally Luper Boggs.
16:55: Politics initially brought John into the area when he was elected clerk of court. Megginson enquires about what political alliances he might have belonged to. Rosamond names no particular party; she describes him simply as a man of the people who would invite any individual into his home.
19:00 – The conversation turns to A.J. Boggs general merchandise store. Rosamond is unaware of neither how old the store is nor its original builder; she simply doesn't know about its original establishment. Very nice things could be bought there. Just about any product from clothes to groceries and fresh produce could be purchased there.
27:34: Megginson is interested in children and the issues of medical care and that of the mid-wife. Mr. John Boggs always made certain that in the event of a pregnancy, both a medical doctor and a mid-wife be present. The doctor's residence was in Central, so he had to be contacted by telegraph and arrive by train. Rosamond believes that a lady named Jane Prince may have been a mid-wife for the family. A gentleman whose last name is Stevens also would help.
29:21: Mr. John Boggs attended Piedmont Academy; there he met his future wife Sally. The children were all home schooled.
30:06: Audio ends.
Cassette 1
Side 2
00:07: Their children were well educated. Dr. Shirley's sister-in-law was one of the home school teachers. She was associated with Central Wesleyan College.
1:14: Megginson wishes to know Rosamond's impression of the Central Wesleyan Church. The building seemed as if it was a schoolhouse; Megginson confirms this assessment. The structure was wooden, and very simple in appearance.
4:15: Mention is made of her mother-in-law's boarding house style establishment. Nineteen rooms were added onto the original structure.
7:12: The first automobiles--Rosamond cannot recall who had the first. Her husband eventually owned a Franklin, but she cannot recall the year.
8:00: Megginson is interested in Rosamond's impressions of Calhoun. She states that it was "heavenly," with wonderful and friendly people. The town itself was small, but spread out. Calhoun consisted of a few stores and the post office. The area was nicely kept up, and had beautiful, large homes.
9:45: Poor sections--Rosamond recalls that there really weren't any "poor" sections of town, and that if anyone fell on hard times, the whole community would help.
11:21: Megginson encourages Rosamond to talk about some of her favorite people in the community. She immediately mentions Louise Smith (Megginson's grandmother). She apparently had a very bubbly and joyful personality. Mrs. Jane Prince was a favorite as well.
13:04: Clemson College sponsored activities: concerts, glee club events, lectures, and parties seemed to always be going on.
14:15: When her husband was young, there was no electricity or indoor plumbing. The roads were not paved. Rosamond gives the impression that Calhoun's facilities modernized fairly easily, but gives no specific dates.
18:00: Concerts at Clemson College were held in a large auditorium at Tillman Hall. There was usually no charge. Rosamond cannot remember ever seeing women perform.
21:08: Brief mention is made of the landscape of Calhoun, and its old trees. The conversation turns to the fire at Fort Hill, making the date of this interview around 1988. Megginson assures her that the damage was not severe.
26:00: Megginson is interested to know anything of the black community. She believes the local black community was called "Abel." In her estimation, relations between whites and blacks were "very good." They were not economically better off than any other black community, yet the relationships seemed "close."
29:00: White churches--Rosamond attended most of the churches in Calhoun, especially the Methodist and Episcopalian. She can remember that Clemson College cadets had to attend. Services lasted "longer than they do now."
31:38: Audio ends.
Cassette 2
Side 1
00:07: Megginson produces a map of the area; followed is a short conversation regarding the Dillard family.
1:40: The original Payne house burned, so the Payne house that Rosamond was familiar with was relatively new. This sparks a conversation about Mrs. Payne's business sense. Rosamond tells a story in which Mrs. Payne stacked cotton bales that hadn't sold a previous year nearly to the roof; there was much talk in the town for it was an eyesore. Mrs. Payne's decision was soon rewarded however, because the government (not clear whether state or federal) bought the cotton and she made a nice profit off of it. She was a very good businesswoman.
3:50: Myra Payne married a cousin: Reuben Boggs. His parents were from the Charlotte area
6:15: Rosamond remembers the Keowee plantation with its marble floors and grand pillars. Megginson states that the house and land are now underwater.
7:46: Megginson encourages Rosamond to talk about some of her favorite memories of Calhoun. Quilting--Rosamond can remember quilting parties at local houses where participants could take part in eating huge prepared lunches and get the latest gossip. The quilt would be placed in a special frame as four people per side worked on it. Calhoun was a small town, so there were few secrets. Overall they had a good time and had lots of laughs.
14:00: The Pickens Sentinel, along with the Greenville and Atlanta papers seemed to be the most popular newspapers in the old days.
15:05: Audio ends.
Cassette 2
Side 2
Blank
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Mamie Morgan Bishop was born on November 1, 1896 in Calhoun, SC, but grew up in nearby Seneca, SC. She was the daughter of J.D. and Netty Morgan. She was a 1917 graduate of Lander College in Greenwood, SC and thereafter taught school in Anderson and Seneca for over 40 years. After retirement, Mrs. Bishop moved to Greensboro, NC. As of 2001, she was the oldest living alum of Lander College at the age of 105. She died at age 107 on October 27, 2003 in Greensboro, NC.
Side 1
00:07: Mrs. Bishop was born in Calhoun in 1896, but spent most of her life in Seneca, SC. Her father was originally from the area around Six Mile, but also spent most of his life around the Seneca area.
1:21: Mrs. Bishop's grandfather was known to be one of the early settlers of the Calhoun area. His name was Robert F. Morgan. His wife was Melissa Cannon Morgan. They lived on the Shiloh Road; the house they lived in still stood as of 1989. Robert was a farmer and a surveyor. He also was a veteran of the Civil War. It was believed that he came to Calhoun by way of the Blue Ridge Railroad. In fact the original home-place in Calhoun was very near where the railroad ran. He owned a significant amount of land. He had a great number of children though his wife died at a young age. His daughters helped raise the remaining children. He owned a number of slaves before the war; Mrs. Bishop is unaware of where they went when the conflict ended.
12:01: Her father J.D. Morgan ran a general store in Calhoun with several business partners over the years. Mr. Morgan would visit Calhoun from Seneca every week; he left day to day operations to his partners. Her father also ran share cropping operations with black renters in the area. Mrs. Bishop can recall several black families: Jamison's, Ellis's, Preston's, and Earl's.
20:00: Her parents were Jefferson Davis and Netty Morgan. He was born around 1862.
21:25: Megginson is interested in who owned the Calhoun store building before her father established his business. Mrs. Bishop is unaware. Megginson states that his research shows that Dr. O.M. Doyle built the building in 1893.
25:50: Megginson asks about her impressions of Calhoun. She states that it was a grand place. She dated Clemson cadets and went to ballgames and enjoyed the famous ice cream. There was a popular meeting spot at a well between the station and her father's store. In the mornings people would met at the post office.
28:00: Mrs. Bishop cannot recall if the railroad depot was ever in a different location than it is now (1989).
29:09: The interview moves back towards the local cadets, and entertainment. A popular place for dancing was actually located above her father's store. She was never allowed to dance by her father; he never thought it proper.
30:30: Audio ends.
Side 2
00:07: The store that her father owned sold general merchandise. Groceries, shoes, dry goods, lotions--just about anything could be purchased there. There were displays in the windows for advertisements though Mrs. Bishop admits that it was nothing as fancy as what is available to modern consumers.
1:30: Megginson briefly states that the current restaurant at the store site is beautiful, and that the Payne, Boggs, Hines, and Perry homes still stand.
2:30: The partnerships are recalled--Jim and Bob Morgan worked with her father for a time. Jim left for California and Bob eventually moved to Pickens, where he died. Her father then had a partnership with Mr. Boggs for a time.
6:14: The interview moves towards events in Mrs. Bishop's life. She taught in Piedmont for a short time before taking four years off after she was married to H.P. Bishop in 1919. She returned to teach in Seneca where she taught 34 years at Utica.
11:25: School and teachers in Seneca--Mrs. Bishop recalls that the schools were good and had fine educators. She finished high school in Seneca and went on to Lander College in Greenwood, SC. Some of her grade school teachers were Suzy Bell, Mrs. May, Mrs. Ballenger, Mrs. Thompson, and Mrs. Margaret Morrison. Mrs. Morrison apparently made an impression; she was very popular and was among the finest History teachers Mrs. Bishop ever had. The schools had good facilities and supplies; maps, globes, and a gymnasium were available for use at the school she attended.
21:10: Black schools--she can remember that there was a local black Jr. College; her high school would occasionally attend programs sponsored by the college.
22:30: Mrs. Bishop names prominent black families in the area: the Thomas's, Babel's, and Sharp's.
24:43: Mrs. Bishop names white doctors who practice in the area over the years: Dr. Burgess, Dr. Lunney, Dr. Harper, Dr. Thompson, and Dr. Austin.
26:34: Mrs. Burgess names prominent white families in the area: Pikes, Boggs, Payne's, Vandiver's, and Dillard's.
28:40: Her father J.D. Morgan was not tall in height, had dark eyes and hair, wore a mustache, and had a great sense of humor.
30:35: She attended church mostly in Seneca, though she would occasionally attend the Wesleyan Church in Calhoun.
31:50: Audio ends.
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Beth Anderson was born on July 24, 1903 in Antreville, SC. She was the daughter of Joseph A. and Minnie Ola Clinkscales Anderson. She was a secretary with the Agricultural Economics Department at Clemson University. She was a graduate of Winthrop College, a member of the Clemson United Methodist Church, and a member of the United Methodist Women. Beth Anderson died on July 27, 1997.
Side 1
00:07: Beth Anderson is aged 85 in 1988. She explains that she came to the Calhoun area around 1930. After finishing her studies at Winthrop, she taught fifth grade in Winnsboro, SC for a short period of time before moving to the upstate of South Carolina where she began a career as a secretary working for Dr. G.H. Alden at Clemson College.
1:23: She worked in Long Hall. There was a 5 1/2 day work week and employees were paid once a month. Anderson cannot remember the wages.
2:25: She already had relatives in the area. Her uncle Frank Clinkscales was a bit of an "old timer" in the area. She thinks he was in the area in the very early years of the College or perhaps around the early 1900's. He ran a livery service and would meet the train at both "Cherry's" and at Calhoun in order to pick up luggage and passengers and bring then into town.
3:42: Megginson asks about how Mr. Clinkscales was related to her. He was her mother's brother. Her mother was Minnie Caroline Clinkscales. Her father was Joe Anderson, who was a country doctor from Abbeville.
5:00: Frank Clinkscales also owned a general merchandise store for a short time before selling all of his stock to Winslow Sloan in order to focus on his livery business. Anderson mentions that Frank's wife was named Cora Crowther.
6:11: The livery stalls were near Judge Keller's store; not on Main Street but just off of College Avenue. He kept many of his animals there on site. Miss Anderson thinks that mostly mules were utilized. Cadets would occasionally rent buggies for dating or "courting" purposes.
11:20: Megginson is interested to know if Mr. Clinkscales converted over to automobiles when they became more widely available. Miss Anderson isn't sure but says no. Though Miss Anderson cannot clearly recall, she believes Mr. Clinkscales operated the livery service into the 1930's.
12:05: Frank Clinkscales lived on Seneca Road near the Episcopal Church. It had 1.5 stories, a wrap around porch with columns, and stood at the top of a hill. The area was not very developed; few houses were present in those days. One house of note was that of Mr. and Mrs. C.C. Newman. Miss Anderson did not know Mr. Newman's first wife Grace; the recollections are of his second wife, who was known as Ellie.
14:14: Mr. and Mrs. Newman were married in the 1920's. Ellie ran a boarding house (though she always referred to her operation as a house with "paid guests" as a distinction). They had a black cook named Prudence who later married a gentleman named Idly. Miss Anderson cannot recall their surname. Mrs. Newman rented out rooms and provided meals for her guests. Meals were between $0.90 and $1.00. The largest gatherings were for meals at lunchtime, though reservations could be made for evening meals. The regulars at lunch were usually individuals who worked at Clemson College. Meals were very good and were served "family style." Miss Anderson states that Ellie was a "real lady" who sat at the head of the table and smoked cigarettes. Ellie was very much an overseer, as she left preparation of the meals to her staff. She was a very strong willed woman, but was not really considered a "socialite."
20:30: Megginson is interested in the paying guests that stayed at the house. Miss Anderson can remember one permanent resident who was a professor at Clemson, but cannot recall his name. Most of the guests were college students who stayed on a semester basis. The operation could deal with perhaps as many as 10 occupants a night. Miss Anderson cannot recall how much guests were required to pay for room and board.
23:55: Politics in the small town of Calhoun are discussed. Miss Anderson was aware that her uncle Frank was mayor, but cannot clearly recall. He must have held office pre-1937, because Charlie Bennett was mayor from 1937-1943 and Leon Crawford held office after 1943. Miss Anderson informs Megginson that she did vote, though she cannot recall where. Megginson wonders if perhaps many voted at either the schoolhouse or at Boggs Store.
27:05: She graduated from Winthrop in 1925, which was around the time that women were first allowed to vote. Megginson is interested to know of any feminist or suffragette activities that might have taken place on campus. Miss Anderson cannot recall any such activities. She recalls Clemson was not unlike Winthrop in that both had a well regimented campus life set forth for students. The women at Winthrop had to wear uniforms, and had lights out at a certain time in the evenings.
28:17: Megginson is interested in what Miss Anderson called the location in which she lived. Although she technically lived in Calhoun, she always has stated her residence as Clemson, since she had a Clemson College address.
30:15: The conversation moves toward a discussion of her brother, Frank Anderson. He attended Clemson, graduating in 1916. He went to the University of Wisconsin for some graduate work before being called back to Calhoun. The townspeople were interested in starting a local bank, and asked Frank Anderson to come back and be the head of the establishment. Miss Anderson believes the name of the bank was originally Fort Hill Depository.
31:50: Audio ends.
Side 2
00:05: Megginson enquires about how long Frank was present at the bank. Miss Anderson cannot recall. Another question that she cannot recall is if the Bank and the Savings & Loan were under the same management.
1:09: Megginson is interested to know how most buildings looked in Calhoun in the early days and what kinds of shopping she did. Miss Anderson states that most buildings were wooden. The Sloan store was brick. She can remember Mr. Evans community store, which would be next to the present (1988) bank. Clothes had to be purchased in either Greenville or Anderson. The goods and services in town were very male oriented because of the college.
3:55: Conversation moves briefly back to the local bank. Megginson wants to know if any long-term employees of the bank can be recalled, and about how many staff were there in the old days. Miss Anderson remembers that Norma Madden was there for many years, and that when it was first established the bank had perhaps only two employees.
4:46: Frank Anderson bought an insurance company from Ben Robertson sometime before 1930 which dealt with fire, theft, and liability.
6:50: Miss Anderson's impressions of the town of Calhoun upon her first arrival in the 1930's were very positive. She was a country girl so the town actually seemed large to her. There were no paved roads.
8:06: Megginson is interested in the number of automobiles that might be seen on any given day in the town around the early 1930's. Miss Anderson cannot recall that there were very many.
9:00: Miss Anderson had no trouble finding a job despite the fact that the Depression was in full swing when she was first looking for work. Wages were cut back, however.
10:40: Local churches--Miss Anderson attended Wesleyan Methodist, and knew Maggie Morrison because she also attended that church. She can remember ministers J.L. Smith and Mr. Chambers. She recalls the fact that many cadets attended services and that local churches were always sponsoring social events for them.
15:41: She knew young Ben Robertson vaguely; he had no real reputation as a writer before his published works.
16:25: Megginson enquires about any social, literary, or dramatic activities that might have been available to residents. The "Little Theater" had not been established in those days. Films could be seen at the YMCA. There were musical performances at the college, and many events were held at the amphitheater which was open to the public.
18:10: Employment at the College--Miss Anderson's secretarial responsibilities were for the entire Agricultural Economics department at Clemson, but she had a staff of sorts that offered help. She did things such as typing dictation, filing, writing tests, etc. There were telephones in the 1930's, but they were not available in every office. All the departments at the college employed secretaries. They were allowed a 15 minute break in the mornings and 1 hour for lunch.
21:55: Miss Anderson retired in 1985. She states that the town of Calhoun and Clemson College was a wonderful place to live and work.
24:57: Audio ends.