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 Betty Jo Rhea - OH 543
Elizabeth Josephine Dunlap Rhea, Rock Hill Printing and Finishing Company, Bleachery, and Alexander Keith Windham
OH 543
In her July 17, 2017 interview with Alex Windham, Betty Jo Rhea detailed her thoughts and memories of her life growing up in Rock Hill and her involvement with the Rock Hill Printing and Finishing Company referred to locals as the Bleachery. Rhea spoke of the time period of the 1930s through 2017 and on the follow topics: Segregation, integration, race relations, her father’s medical practice, her time as mayor of Rock Hill, and her thoughts on both the decline of the Bleachery and the redevelopment of the site into University Center at Knowledge Park to the year 2017. Rhea also offered her opinions on how Rock Hill was impacted by the Bleachery from the 1930s to 2017.
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Interview with Mark Christopher Rhodes - OH 623
Mark Christopher Rhodes
OH 623
This interview was conducted as part of the Winthrop History Project, an initiative led by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters. The project aimed to document Winthrop’s transformation over Dr. DiGiorgio’s 24-year tenure, tracing the institution’s evolution from Winthrop College to Winthrop University. Designed to supplement Dr. Ross Webb’s The Torch is Passed, which chronicles Winthrop’s history up to Dr. DiGiorgio’s presidency, this project sought to provide a comprehensive account of this significant period.
A key component of the initiative was a series of recorded interviews with members of the extended Winthrop community who played a role in shaping the university’s progress. These firsthand narratives preserve the voices, experiences, and perspectives of those who contributed to Winthrop’s growth and development.
This particular interview features Mark Christopher “Chris” Rhodes, a Rock Hill native who attended Winthrop from 1986 to 1991. During his time as a student, Rhodes served as Student Body President from 1990 to 1991, acting as a non-voting member of the Board of Trustees. In this discussion, he reflects on his tenure as Student Body President, his role on the Board, and his interactions with President DiGiorgio, offering insights into the university's development during that period.
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Interview with Janie May Carroll Rice - OH 022
Janie May Carroll Rice
OH 022
In her November 13, 1976 interview with Sara L. "Sally" Tyler, Janie May Carroll Rice expresses her love of Winthrop. Rice recalls President Johnson’s involvement with the students, and his desire to include religion in all aspects of campus life. Rice also defends the many rules and regulations of Winthrop. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
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Interview with Elsie Rieger - OH 469
Elsie Rieger
OH 469
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 Richard W. "Dick" Riley and Terry K. Peterson - OH 624
Richard Wilson Riley and Terry K. Peterson
OH 624
This interview was conducted as part of the Winthrop History Project, an initiative led by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters. The project aimed to document Winthrop’s transformation over Dr. DiGiorgio’s 24-year tenure, tracing the institution’s evolution from Winthrop College to Winthrop University. Designed to supplement Dr. Ross Webb’s The Torch is Passed, which chronicles Winthrop’s history up to Dr. DiGiorgio’s presidency, this project sought to provide a comprehensive account of this significant period.
This interview features Richard W. “Dick” Riley (b. 1933) and Terry K. Peterson, both of whom played significant roles in shaping education policy at the state and national levels.
- Dick Riley served as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives (1963–1966) and the South Carolina State Senate (1967–1977) before being elected the 111th Governor of South Carolina, serving from 1979 to 1987. He later became the U.S. Secretary of Education under President Bill Clinton (1993–2001), where he was a leading advocate for education reform. In recognition of his contributions to education, Winthrop’s College of Education bears his name.
- Terry K. Peterson has been a key advisor to Riley since his tenure as governor. He served as Riley’s education adviser during his governorship (1979–1987) and later as special assistant for higher education policy at Winthrop University (1987–1993). Peterson continued his work alongside Riley at the national level, shaping education initiatives during Riley’s tenure as U.S. Secretary of Education.
In this interview, Riley and Peterson reflect on their experiences working with Winthrop University and share their insights on higher education policy. They also discuss their impressions of and collaborations with President DiGiorgio throughout their careers.
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Interview with Thomas Roach III, Willie George Hall, and Donald Parrish - OH 544
Thomas Roach III, Willie George Hall, Donald Parrish, Rock Hill Printing and Finishing Company, Bleachery, and Alexander Keith Windham
OH 544
In this June 6, 2017 interview with Alex Windham, Thomas Roach II, Willie George Hall and Donald Parrish detail their thoughts and memories of their time at the Rock Hill Printing and Finishing Company referred to by locals as the “Bleachery.” They spoke at length about race relations at the Bleachery.
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Interview with Gary Preston "Pres" Roberts - VHP 113
Gary Preston Roberts and World War II
VHP 113
This interview was conducted by Brian Garner and Roxann James with World War II veteran Gary Preston “Pres” Roberts (1923-2023). Pres served in the Army Signal Corps in the pacific theater in the Philippines with the 40 Division, L Company during the later parts of World War II. In the interview, Pres describes his experiences while stationed in the Philippines during World War II. He also discusses how happy they all were when the atomic bomb was dropped on Japan to end the war with rumors that the Army was expecting 75% casualties with an invasion of the mainland. After the war, Pres served in Korea. During his military career he earned the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star; Philippine Liberation Service Medal with 1 bronze service star; Good Conduct Medal; World War II Victory Medal; Army Occupation Medal for his service.
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Interview with Kirk Lyles Roberts - VHP 111
Kirk Lyles Roberts and Korean War
VHP 111
On March 25, 2022, Kirk Roberts, a Veteran of the United States Army, sat down with interviewers Brian Garner, who is a reporter for “The Chester Newspaper”, and a volunteer with The Disabled American Veterans. Roxann James, to talk about Robert’s past experiences in the Army. Kirk Lyles Roberts (1928-2024) was born on August 3, 1928 in Chester County, SC. Before the war, he worked on his family farm and at the family service station. Kirk was drafted in 1951 and served with the 19th Regiment of the 24th Infantry Division of the US Army during the Korean War. He participated in the “Battle of Old Baldy” in west central Korea as well as several other engagements. He served from January 10, 1951 through October 10, 1952 and was wounded three times. For his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star, three Purple Hearts, three campaign medals, the combat leader medal, and the combat infantry medal.
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Interview with Walter B. Roberts - OH 090
Walter B. Roberts
OH 090
In his April 25, 1980 interview with Jeff Clark, Walter Roberts shares his experience as the chair of the Music Department and a faculty member during the Great Depression. Roberts discusses morale on campus and how the University remained fairly unaffected by change. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
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Interview with Gretchen Robinson - OH 185
Gretchen (Gretchen L.) Robinson
OH 185
IN PROCESSING
Ms. Robinson discusses the Emily Liles Harris Journals, why the journals were kept, and how she obtained them from the donor, Mrs. Harris Ford.
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Interview with Jackie Robinson and Cedric Oglesby - OH 154
Jackie Robinson and Cedric Oglesby
OH 154
IN PROCESSING
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Interview with Norman T. Robinson Jr. - OH 255
Norman T. Robinson Jr.
OH 255
IN PROCESSING
Reverend Robinson provides details about his life and accomplishments.
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Interview with Robert Robinson - OH 683
Robert Robinson and Emmett Scott High School
OH 683
This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with Robert Robinson with a focus 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 was closed in 1970 when full integration was implemented in Rock Hill, SC schools.
*Audio for Interviewee is very low.
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Interview with Cynthia Plair Roddey - OH 690
Cynthia Plair Roddey, Emmett Scott High School, Civil Rights, and Integration
OH 690
This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with Dr. Cynthia Plair Roddey for his History of Emmett Scott High School project. 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 was closed in 1970 with full integration of the Rock Hill School district. Dr. Roddey worked at Emmett Scott High School from 1961 to 1963. Dr. Roddey was the first African American to attend Winthrop College and graduate with a M.A.T. in library science in August 1967. During her interview Dr. Roddey discusses her childhood and education, her family history dating back to the time during slavery, and her educational career. Dr. Roddey details her Native American lineage as well as the family line of her husband James Roddey who is related to John T. Roddey, a longtime Winthrop Board of Trustees member. Dr. Roddey discusses her time at Emmett Scott and the impact Emmett Scott had on the black community and the city of Rock Hill.
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Interview with Cynthia Plair Roddey - OH 62
Cynthia Plair Roddey and Integration
OH 062
In her interview with Cynthia Wilson January 22, 1979, Cynthia Roddey shares her experiences at Winthrop from 1964-1967 as the first African American student admitted to Winthrop College. Roddey details the process of applying to Winthrop, the reaction she received from the Winthrop and Rock Hill community, and her participation in student life. Roddey includes her insight on race relations today and her hopes for the future. This interview was conducted for an article for The Johnsonian, which is the student newspaper for Winthrop University.
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Interview with Cynthia Plair Roddey - OH 642
Cynthia Plair Roddey and Integration
OH 642
In her interview with James D. Mackey on April 29, 1981, Cynthia Roddey shares her experiences at Winthrop from 1964-1967 as the first African American student admitted to Winthrop College. Roddey details the process of applying to Winthrop, the reaction she received from the Winthrop and Rock Hill community, and her participation in student life. Roddey includes her insight on race relations today and her hopes for the future. This interview was conducted for a student history project.
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Interview with Cynthia Plair Roddey - OH 643
Cynthia Plair Roddey and Integration
OH 643
In her interview with Paul Finkelstein on September 4, 1994, Cynthia Roddey shares her experiences at Winthrop from 1964-1967 as the first African American student admitted to Winthrop College. Roddey details the process of applying to Winthrop, the reaction she received from the Winthrop and Rock Hill community, and her participation in student life. Roddey includes her insight on race relations today and her hopes for the future. This interview was conducted for an article to be published in the Roddey-McMillan Record.
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Interview with Cynthia Plair Roddey - OH 644
Cynthia Plair Roddey and Integration
OH 644
In her interview with Robert Ryals on September 12, 2012, Cynthia Roddey shares her experiences at Winthrop from 1964-1967 as the first African American student admitted to Winthrop College. Roddey details the process of applying to Winthrop, the reaction she received from the Winthrop and Rock Hill community, and her participation in student life. Roddey includes her insight on race relations today and her hopes for the future. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
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Interview with Rev. Osbey Roddey - OH 705
Osbey Roddey and Emmett Scott High School
OH 705
This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with Rev. Osbey Roddey 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, SC schools. Rev. Roddey is a former Rock Hill City Councilman for 24 years and is a retired educator and pastor at Langrum Baptist Church. In this interview, Rev. Roddy discusses Emmett Scott and race relations in Rock Hill, SC.
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Interview with Rod Ruth - OH 778
Rod Ruth and Clover School District
OH 778
This interview was conducted by Kenya L. Lane with Rod Ruth as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Clover High School Principal Rod Ruth shares his experiences leading one of the state’s largest public schools amid the year 2020’s alarming rise in racial injustice. He discusses in detail the response of his school and school district to students and parents’ concerns regarding racism, especially in light of the unjust deaths of several African Americans across the nation that year. Ruth also talks about his efforts to understand the problems that African Americans students face. In doing so, he recounts participating in a march against racial injustice led by the members of the Roosevelt Community in Clover, SC. Notable topics of conversation include race, racism, diversity, education, leadership, Clover High School, and the Clover School District (CSD).
Rod Ruth served as the Principal of Clover High School from 2015 to 2023; he previously taught social studies education and served in several administrative capacities including as Assistant Principal of Oakridge Middle School (2012-14). In 2023, Ruth took on a new role as the CSD Chief Student Services and Secondary Education Officer. The same year, he was named the South Carolina Secondary Principal of the Year by the SCASA. Ruth holds a B.S. degree from Francis Marion University, a M.Ed. degree from USC-Columbia, and an Educational Specialist degree from Winthrop University.
Spearheaded by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History & 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 Raymond Roeske - VHP 026
Raymond Roeske
VHP 026
In his November 25, 2003 interview with Ray Nielson, Raymond Roeske details his training in the Army Air Corps and his missions overseas during WWII. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
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Interview with William Rogers - OH 625
William Rogers
OH 625
This interview was conducted as part of the Winthrop History Project, an initiative led by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to document the university’s transformation from Winthrop College to Winthrop University during Dr. DiGiorgio’s 24-year presidency. Designed to supplement Dr. Ross Webb’s The Torch is Passed, which chronicles Winthrop’s history up to Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure, this project aims to provide a comprehensive account of this pivotal period in the institution’s development.
A key component of the project is a collection of oral history interviews with members of the Winthrop community, including faculty, staff, alumni, and others who contributed to or witnessed the university’s growth. These firsthand accounts offer valuable insights into Winthrop’s evolution, presented in the voices and perspectives of those who experienced it.
Dr. William Rogers joined Winthrop University in 1989 and has served as a Professor of Biology for over three decades. Recognized for his contributions to academics and university service, Dr. Rogers was named Winthrop’s Distinguished Professor in 2002 and served as a faculty marshal from 2005 to 2010.
In this interview, Dr. Rogers reflects on his experiences as a faculty member, shares his impressions of Winthrop’s academic and institutional changes, and discusses his professional interactions with Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio during his presidency.
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Interview with Theodore Rosengarten - OH 268
Theodore Rosengarten
OH 268
IN PROCESSING
An author from Charleston, South Carolina, Rosengarten discusses himself and his books.
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Interview with Caroline Mayo Roueche - OH 035
Caroline Mayo Roueche
OH 035
IN PROCESSING
Ms. Roueche describes her experiences teaching in integrated schools, and experiences first as a high school student at the Winthrop Training School and then as a college student at Winthrop. Also discusses her grandmother and parents, her education, change of women’s roles, drugs, dating trends, and race relations.
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Interview with Jerry Rubin - OH 229
Jerry Rubin
OH 229
In his interview with Ron Chepesiuk, Jerry Rubin discussed his time as a ‘60s radical and how those experiences aided in his career. Rubin covered topic of multilevel marketing, entrepreneurship, networking, Yuppies, protests, self-reliance, and journalism. He also discussed other activists such as Abbie Hoffman, Paul Krassner, and Anita Hoffman, along with CIA conspiracies, Hippies and Diggers, Groucho Marx, and the counterculture. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.