Scope and Contents

Oral history interview with longtime Cornelius resident Ron Potts. Potts is active in historical preservation efforts for the community of Smithville, just outside of Cornelius, NC. Potts discusses these efforts, his family history, the construction and founding of local Rosenwald Schools, the Ada Jenkins Center (then school), his career, and what it was like growing up in town. Potts mentions bringing electricity and running water to Smithville, as well as church life.

Scope and Contents Oral history interview with Shane Stewart about his family and growing up in the Mooresville area. Stewart explains he's related to a number of prominent local families, including the Howards, Alexanders, and Torrences, and describes some his genealogy. Stewart was the first in his family to go to college and details some his career. Stewart describes services at Reeves Temple AME Zion, high school experiences, the work he and his family did growing up, the ways family supported one another,...

Scope and Contents From the Series:

This series contains interviews with Davidson College students and alumni/ae. These interviews document various aspects of Davidson College's history and culture. Some of the alumni/ae listed in this series also worked for Davidson College in various capacities. While this series primarily focuses on student and alumni/ae interviewees, similar interviews can also be found in the other oral history series and sub-groups.

Scope and Contents In this interview, Susie Lowery provides insights into the experience of a Black woman growing up and working several jobs in and around Huntersville and Davidson. Born in Mooresville, Ms. Lowery’s family moved several times in the area to farm for different landowners, mentioning for instance, the farms of Dr. McConnell and Mr. Caldwell. After her marriage in 1931, Ms. Lowery moved to Davidson and worked for several White faculty families, such as the Cummings or the Wilsons. She also...

Scope and Contents

Oral history interview conducted with Theodore Roosevelt Wilson. Wilson discusses growing up in Davidson, the church life, farming in the area, schooling, social gatherings, and how those have changed over time. During the interview Wilson also describes where roads used to be, where houses were moved, the location of old school buildings, and stores all on the west side of Davidson. He also spends some time detailing his family tree and reflects on family ties.

Scope and Contents

Interview conducted in Archives office as part of the Under the Lake project.

Scope and Contents From the Sub-Group:

The Davidson College Community-Based sub-group consists of oral histories and interviews that explore the history and culture of the Town of Davidson and other local communities. The sub-group contains interviews with long-time Davidson residents, select college faculty and staff, alumni/ae who called the area home, and representatives from community organizations.

Scope and Contents

Oral history interview with Verdie Torrence. Torrence describes growing up in Cornelius and Smithville, NC, attending Livingstone College, and working for Charlotte-Mecklenburg, her grandfather's blacksmithing business in Davidson, NC, Torrence Lytle High School, and how social patterns have changed over time in the local Black community. Torrence also explains how Black residents found medical care and car services to travel to businesses, recreation, and school.

Scope and Contents From the Series:

This series contains interviews with Davidson College students and alumni/ae. These interviews document various aspects of Davidson College's history and culture. Some of the alumni/ae listed in this series also worked for Davidson College in various capacities. While this series primarily focuses on student and alumni/ae interviewees, similar interviews can also be found in the other oral history series and sub-groups.