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Town of Calhoun, South Carolina Oral History Collection

SmithF Cassette 1, Side 1

Media

Part of Interview: Smith, Frances H.

Title

SmithF Cassette 1, Side 1

Source

Frances H. Smith Interview

Date

1988-08-31

Description

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.

Rights

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Clemson University Libraries Special Collections and Archives. All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the Clemson University Libraries Special Collections and Archives.