Scope and Contents

Interviews were conducted as part of the HIS 353- The Art of Oral History course in 2007.

Scope and Contents

Interview of Dr. R. David Kaylor by John P. Scherer (Class of 1989) as part of his senior project for the history department. Kaylor describes the Vietnam War issue on Davidson’s campus through the late 1960s and early 1970s. Kaylor discusses student-faculty relations, activism, civil rights, and compulsory ROTC and vespers and chapel attendance.

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 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 James Raeford, owner of “Raeford’s Barber Shop” on Main Street, gives an outline of his professional and personal experiences as an inhabitant of Davidson since 1957. He expresses much satisfaction with his life in Davidson, and comments on his participation in the community through committees and personal efforts. He also talks about the role of Black churches and faith practices in the area. Raeford’s words illustrate much about race relations in the community, pointing to events such as...

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

Erving McClain, a Davidson-born and raised inhabitant, shares many details about her elementary and high school years in Ada Jenkins and Torrence-Lytle. She talks about her further studies, her work as a nurse, and her family. Moreover, McCain mentions her involvement with the community through different committees and her efforts to keep the Ada Jenkins Center open as a school. She also talks about the social environment on Main Street, its businesses, and people.

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 Evelyn Carr is a lifetime Davidson resident and a pillar of the community. Born in 1931, Ms. Carr and her family originally lived in Brady’s Alley—an area that was formerly located behind Main Street. In 1946 Ms. Carr married Orlandis Carr, and after a brief stint living in Charlotte, the couple moved back to Davidson and built a house on Griffith Street where they raised ten children. Ms. Carr has always been an active member of the Davidson community and has been an advocate for affordable...

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.