Scope and Contents Patricia Stinson, a North Mecklenburg native, is the daughter of Evelyn and Orlando Carr, and granddaughter of Minnie and Johnny Mayhew. In this interview with Jan Blodgett, she shares details about her childhood and family, her primary and secondary education in Davidson and Huntersville, her work experiences including a secretarial position at Davidson College, as well as more specific aspects of life in the town of Davidson and its closest surroundings. Ms. Stinson recalls many details...

Scope and Contents Longtime Cornelius resident Peggy Rivens shares many details about her life, ranging from childhood memories, early school years, her connections to Gethsemane Baptist Church, as well as work experiences and Black businesses in North Mecklenburg. Rivens is the daughter of Lula Bell Houston and granddaughter of Rosa Carr Potts, both of whom she mentions worked at the Davidson College Laundry Service until their retirements. Bell Houston herself worked a total of 60 years at the college, and...

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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,...

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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.