The Oral History Program's mission is to record unique life histories, documenting historical events and memories of our time by preserving and adding these voices to the historical record. The Pettus Archives have been collecting and preserving stories, personal accounts, and recollections through recorded interviews as part of the Oral History Program since 1973. The Archives holds more than 800 interviews in audio, video and text formats, on a wide variety of subjects, including life at Winthrop, Rock Hill, SC and the Catawba Region and people, mill life and workers, American Wars and conflicts, Veteran History Project, women in politics and society, African American, and many other topics.
Disclaimer: The content of oral history interviews are personal and interpretive in nature, relying on memories, experiences, perceptions, and opinions of the interviewee. They do not represent the policy, views, or official history of Winthrop University and the University makes no assertions about the veracity of statements made by individuals participating in the Oral History Program.
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Interview with Kierra Byrd - OH 719
Kierra Byrd, Black Women, and Social Justice
OH 719
This interview was conducted by Winthrop student Makayla Strozier with Kierra Byrd in correlation with HIST/AAMS/WMST-517: Black Women in America as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Byrd discusses the experience of Black women in the critical year of 2020, and their relation to the social justice efforts like the Black Lives Matter movement. Byrd also notes the relationship between Black men and women, and the little recognition for the influential work of the latter group—often pointing to misogyny and gender inequality. In the interview, Byrd stresses the importance of Black women in the African American community and nation at large.
Byrd (b. 2000), a native of West Columbia, SC, is a Graphic Design major with a minor in Web Design at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC.
Spearheaded by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, Assistant Professor of History and African American studies, the project best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.)."
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Interview with John Charles "Bullit" Killian - VHP 112
John Charles Killian and Vietnam War
VHP 112
On October 19, 2021, John Charles “Bullit” Killian (b. 1941), a veteran of the United States Marine Corp, sat down with interviewers Brian Garner who is an employee for The Chester Newspaper and a volunteer with The Disabled American Veterans, Roxann James, to talk about Killian’s past experiences in the Marine Corp. Bullit started off at the beginning at the induction center after being drafted where he was with 5 former classmates of Chester High School. How he became a Marine volunteer with the help of his best friend. Then on to basic training in Parris Island, SC and was then sent to Camp Lejeune, NC for Infantry and electrician training. From there he went to Marine Corp Air Station Cherry Point. Bullit served in Vietnam from 1967-1968 at Phu Bai Combat Base. He received a Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and a Combat Action Ribbon for his service.
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Interview with Manning Kimmel - OH 221
Manning Marius Kimmel
OH 221
In his March 10, 2015 interview with Rebecca Masters, Manning Kimmel reflects on the DiGiorgio Administration. Kimmel recounts DiGiorgio’s efforts to grow Winthrop and create a bridge between the University and Rock Hill. Throughout the interview, Kimmel summarizes the general consensus of the Rock Hill community in recent key events at Winthrop. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
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Interview with Lee Wicker Kinard - OH 784
Leila Wicker Kinard
OH 784
This interview was conducted by Roy Flynn with Leila Wicker "Lee" Kinard (1871–1963), a former Winthrop history professor and the wife of Dr. James Pinckney Kinard, Winthrop College's second president. Mrs. Kinard joined the Winthrop faculty in 1895, where she taught history after serving as an assistant in the Department of History and English. She married Dr. James Pinckney Kinard on June 29, 1899. Following the death of founding president Dr. David Bancroft Johnson in 1928, Dr. Kinard became president of Winthrop College, serving until 1934.
In this interview, Mrs. Kinard reflects on the founding ideals of Winthrop College and the legacy of Dr. David Bancroft Johnson. She argues that Johnson's enduring influence stemmed not from his personality but from his progressive vision that women should receive a rigorous academic education to prepare them for meaningful roles as citizens rather than solely as wives and mothers. She discusses Johnson's efforts to emphasize liberal arts education over purely industrial or vocational training, his relationship with her husband, and the intellectual climate that shaped the early years of the college. Mrs. Kinard also offers her perspectives on the purpose of higher education, the education of women, changing social attitudes in the South, and the importance of cultivating independent thought over vocational training alone. Drawing upon her experiences as both a faculty member and the wife of Winthrop's second president, she provides insight into the college's formative years, the character of its early student body, and the educational philosophy that influenced generations of Winthrop graduates.
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Interview with Marge Kleinjan and Carla Kleinjan - OH 511
Marge Kleinjan and Carla Kleinjan
OH 511
IN PROCESSING
Interviews with extension members and agents throughout the country documenting the history and development of the extension movement in the U.S. The interviews describe homemaking, child bearing and family management in the small towns and rural areas where they live. They also discuss the role of extension homemakers groups in their lives.
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Interview with Carl J. Knighton - OH 673
Carl J. Knighton and Emmett Scott High School
OH 672
This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with Carl J. Knighton for Dr. Garrison’s project on the History of Emmett Scott High School. Emmett Scott was the segregated high school for African-Americans, which was named after Emmett Scott, a former aide to Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. The school opened in 1920 and closed in 1970 when full integration was implemented in Rock Hill South Carolina schools. Mr. Knighton attended Emmett Scott from first grade until eleventh grade. In this interview Mr. Knighton discusses his time and recollections of Emmett Scott High School as well as his military service and his experiences and recollections of the local black community of Rock Hill, South Carolina.
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Interview with Virginia Koch - OH 256
Virginia Koch
OH 256
In her January 13, 2015 interview with Michelle Dubert-Bellrichard, Virginia Koch shared the memories of her Winthrop experience from 1970-1974. Koch explains why she attended Winthrop, her experiences with Rat Week, and why she struggled to find a job in her major. Included are the details of why she left South Carolina, and the numerous positions she held thereafter. Koch also shares her perspectives on major transitions at Winthrop and in the South. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
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Interview with Paul Krassner - OH 238
Paul Krassner
OH 238
In his July 1992 interview with Ron Chepesiuk, Paul Krassner described his time as an anti-war activist during the 1960s and his current work. Krassner covered topics of satire, drugs, other activists, the Chicago Conspiracy Trial, the FBI and its involvement, Groucho Marx, and other conspiracies. He also detailed events like the levitating of the Pentagon and America’s Youth March on the Democratic Convention. Krassner, known as being the father of the Underground Press, was then continuing his satirical writing, critiquing the world. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
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Interview with Pearl Laffite - OH 476
Pearl Laffite
OH 476
IN PROCESSING
Interviews with extension members and agents throughout the country documenting the history and development of the extension movement in the U.S. The interviews describe homemaking, child bearing and family management in the small towns and rural areas where they live. They also discuss the role of extension homemakers groups in their lives.
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Interview with Mary Anne DuBose Douglas Lake - OH 615
Mary Anne DuBose Douglas Lake
OH 615
This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop community who participated in or helped guide the advancement of Winthrop over these years. That way, the Winthrop story will be told in an array of participants’ own words, own voices and from their own perspectives.
This interview is with Mary Anne DuBose Douglas Lake. Mary was a 1955 graduate of Winthrop with a degree in music. Her mother was also a Winthrop graduate from about 1928. Mary served on the Winthrop Alumni Board and then the Winthrop Board of Trustees from 1988 through 2000. In this interview she discusses her experiences and impressions working with Winthrop President, Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio.
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Interview with Cecilia Lamb - OH 376
Cecilia Lamb
OH 376
IN PROCESSING
Interviews with extension members and agents throughout the country documenting the history and development of the extension movement in the U.S. The interviews describe homemaking, child bearing and family management in the small towns and rural areas where they live. They also discuss the role of extension homemakers groups in their lives.
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Interview with George C. Land and Samuel Foster - OH 694
George C. Land, Samuel Rufus Foster Sr., and Emmett Scott High School
OH 694
This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with George C. Land and Samuel Foster for his History of Emmett Scott High School project. Both Mr. Land and Mr. Foster are former principals of the school. Emmett Scott High School was the segregated high school for African-Americans, which was named after Emmett Scott, a former aide to Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. The school opened in 1920 and was closed in 1970 when full integration was implemented in Rock Hill South Carolina schools. Mr. George land was principal from 1967-1968. Mr. Samuel Foster was principal from 1968-1970 when the school closed. Both Mr. Land and Mr. Foster discuss their experiences before and after serving as principal of Emmett Scott as well as the in the local community. Mr. Foster discusses some of his time with the South Carolina State General Assembly.
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Interview with Gayle and Joe Lanford - OH 254
Gayle Campbell Lanford and Joe Lanford
OH 254
This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop community who participated in or helped guide the advancement of Winthrop over these years. That way, the Winthrop story will be told in an array of participants’ own words, own voices and from their own perspectives.
This interview is with Gayle and Joe Lanford. Gayle Campbell Lanford (1940-2017) attended Winthrop from 1958 through 1961 and graduated in 1962 with a degree in English and a minor in French. She returned to Winthrop and received a Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling in 1972. Joe Lanford was the City Planner of Rock Hill, SC and City Manager for a large portion of President DiGiorgio’s tenure. In this interview Gayle discusses her experiences attending Winthrop and Joe discusses is experiences and impressions working with Winthrop President, Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio as Rock Hill Manager.
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Interview with Celia Lausted - OH 381
Celia Lausted
OH 381
IN PROCESSING
Interviews with extension members and agents throughout the country documenting the history and development of the extension movement in the U.S. The interviews describe homemaking, child bearing and family management in the small towns and rural areas where they live. They also discuss the role of extension homemakers groups in their lives.
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Interview with Agnes Lawton - OH 100
Agnes Lawton
OH 100
In her November 13, 1980 interview with Lewis P. Armistead, Agnes Lawton relays her family history and career as a teacher. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
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Interview with Tim Leary - OH 239
Timothy Leary
OH 239
IN PROCESSING
This interview is about his 1960s experiences including his appointment to the Harvard University Faculty in 1960 and his experimentation with psychedelic drugs.
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Interview with William Ledford - OH 103
William Ledford
OH 103
In his November 30, 1980 interview with his daughter Anne Ledford, William Ledford remembers his service in the Army during WWII. In particular, Ledford details his basic training and journey through Iceland, England, and France. Ledford shares his recollection of the Battle of the Bulge and the aftermath of WWII. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
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Interview with Jai Lee - OH 286
Jai Eun Kim Lee
OH 286
In her January 14, 2014 interview with Cody Willis, Jai Eun Kim Lee (Class of 1963) shares her experience as an economic major from Korea. Lee discusses the differences between Korean colleges and Winthrop.
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Interview with Verna Lefman - OH 391
Verna Lefman
OH 391
IN PROCESSING
Interviews with extension members and agents throughout the country documenting the history and development of the extension movement in the U.S. The interviews describe homemaking, child bearing and family management in the small towns and rural areas where they live. They also discuss the role of extension homemakers groups in their lives.
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Interview with Hazel Leininger - OH 516
Hazel Leininger
OH 516
IN PROCESSING
Interviews with extension members and agents throughout the country documenting the history and development of the extension movement in the U.S. The interviews describe homemaking, child bearing and family management in the small towns and rural areas where they live. They also discuss the role of extension homemakers groups in their lives.
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Oral History - OH 764
LGBTQ and Black Lives Matter
OH 764
This interview was conducted by Margaret “Isa” Long with Interviewee J as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. The Interviewee discusses the significance of the Black Lives Matter movement and the greater issues surrounding race, particularly as a Black, transgender Canadian living in Montréal, Québec. They also detail the challenges within the LGBTQ+ community as a Black trans individual. Notable topics include personal and familial challenges, race, social unrest, identity, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Interviewee J (He/They), a resident of Montréal, Québec, identifies as trans-male, i.e. someone who was assigned female at birth but whose gender identity is male. They are also of both Haitian and Malian descent. At the time of the interview, Interviewee J was nineteen years old.
Spearheaded by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History and African American studies at Winthrop University, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.)."
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Interview with Margaret Lien - OH 482
Margaret Lien
OH 482
IN PROCESSING
Interviews with extension members and agents throughout the country documenting the history and development of the extension movement in the U.S. The interviews describe homemaking, child bearing and family management in the small towns and rural areas where they live. They also discuss the role of extension homemakers groups in their lives.
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Interview with Blair Whitney Ligon - OH 272
Blair Whitney Ligon
OH 272
In her May 29, 2013 interview with Martha Manning, Blair Ligon, a third generation Winthrop alumna, shares her experience as an Integrated Marketing Communications major from 2007-2011. Ligon recalls the professors that made a lasting impression and shares some of her favorite classes. Ligon also expresses her pride in being a Winthrop alumna and current alumni relations employee. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
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Interview with Lillian Peay - OH 752
Lillian Peay, Winthrop University, and COVID-19 Pandemic
OH 752
In this recording, Winthrop University student Lillian Peay reflects on her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic as a college student and newly certified personal trainer. She discusses how the pandemic disrupted her daily life, limited social interactions, and reinforced the importance of personal health and safety. Peay also shares her mother's perspective as an obstetrician-gynecologist working throughout the pandemic.
Peay describes launching her personal training business during the pandemic, the challenges of growing a client base, and how the experience prompted her to reassess her personal and professional goals. Although she acknowledges the difficulties of social isolation, she explains how the pandemic strengthened her commitment to self-care, personal growth, and pursuing a meaningful career.
Lillian Peay, a native of Columbia, South Carolina, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Winthrop University in 2021. She works in the personal fitness industry and plans to pursue graduate studies in physical therapy.
This recording was created as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Led by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, the project documented the diverse ways Americans experienced the defining events of 2020, including the COVID-19 pandemic, social unrest, economic uncertainty, and healthcare challenges.
