Winthrop University Oral History Program

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  Interview with Gilbert Blue - OH 191

  Gilbert Larson Blue and Catawba Indians

  OH 191

  This interview was conducted in April 1985 by Ron Chepesuik with Gilbert Blue (1933-2016) who was the Chief of the Catawba Nation Chief Blue discusses the Treaty of 1840 and the Catawba’s efforts to reclaim their tribal lands. He discusses the reorganization of the Catawba leadership in 1974 in order to receive benefits from the state and federal governments. Chief Blue discusses getting both land and money for the Catawba people to use for things like education and development. They have financial support from the Native American Rice Fund, or N.A.R.F. He discusses the hope that the Catawba Nation would receive federal recognition for the tribe (which later occurred under his stewardship), a development fund for the Catawba nation, and more land.

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  Interview with Carol Bocan - OH 049

  Carol Bocan

  OH 049

  IN PROCESSING

  Dr. Bocan was an associate professor in the Home Economics Department at Winthrop College. This interview focuses on divorce, it’s after effects and some of the things that can be done to prepare for the aftermath.

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  Interview with Jack Bolin - OH 536

  Jack Bolin, Rock Hill Printing and Finishing Company, Bleachery, and Alexander Keith Windham

  OH 536

  In his July 22, 2017 interview with Alex Windham, Jack Bolin detailed his thoughts and memories of his time at the Rock Hill Printing and Finishing Company referred to locals as the Bleachery. Bolin spoke of the time of the 1950s through 2017 and on the follow topics: Race relations, the strike of 1956, day-to-day job responsibilities and actions, technology changes, art the decline of the Bleachery. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with Marsha S. Bollinger - OH 584

  Marsha S. Bollinger

  OH 584

  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 Dr. Marsha S. Bollinger, Winthrop Professor Emerita of Geology. Dr. Bollinger came to Winthrop in 1986, having served as the Dalton Endowed Chair of Environmental Sciences and Studies from 2002-2015 and as the chair of Interdisciplinary Studies from August 2011-2021. In this interview, Dr. Bollinger discusses her experiences teaching at Winthrop and working under Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president of Winthrop.

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  Interview with David Boone - OH 677

  David Boone and Civil Rights

  OH 677

  This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with Brother David Boone for his Emmett Scott High School history project. 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 the Rock Hill School District. Brother David was born in Kentucky but considers Rock Hill his home after moving and joining The Oratory, a Catholic society in Rock Hill. Brother David discusses his decision to relocate to Rock Hill as well as his joining of the Brotherhood and motivations behind those decisions. He details his participation in and support of the Civil Rights movement in Rock Hill during the 1960s. Brother David was highly supportive of the bus boycott by raising funds for private transportation and the sit-ins in downtown Rock Hill. He discusses the January sit-in by the Friendship Nine, as well as the student walk-outs that followed. Brother David was not arrested for his participation because he was white. He persisted in the integration efforts for the City of Rock Hill’s softball and basketball leagues. He also served as Treasurer of the NAACP’s local chapter. Brother David also discusses his work with St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the surrounding community. St. Anne’s Parochial School was established and became the first integrated school in South Carolina. During this work he founded and served as director for St. Mary’s Bannon Hall which provides community outreach programs such as the Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen and serves as a community center. Brother David describes his “working with and being accepted by the people of Crawford Road, the heart of the African-American community”, as one of his greatest joys.

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  Interview with Rosa Elmore Bootle - OH 007

  Rosa Elmore Bootle

  OH 007

  In her July 3, 1974 interview with Ann Yarborough Evans, Rosa Bootle remembers her time as a Winthrop student and the various traditions she partook in. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with Gladys Boulware - OH 679

  Gladys Boulware

  OH 679

  This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with Gladys Boulware for his History of Emmett Scott project. Emmett Scott High School was the segregated school for African Americans in Rock Hill, South Carolina. It was named for Emmett Scott, a former aide for Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. The school was opened in 1920 and closed down in 1970 with the full integration of the Rock Hill School District. Mrs. Boulware was a teacher at Emmett Scott High School and was the wife of Richard Boulware, a former principal at Emmett Scott. Mrs. Boulware discusses her experience in the South Carolina education system as both a student and an educator. She details her experiences during the Civil Rights Movement involving the sit-ins, integration, and walk-outs of the students in Rock Hill. Mrs. Boulware also discusses the actions of the administration to accommodate as well as hinder the integration of the district.

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  Interview with Willie and Barbara Boulware - OH 676

  Willie Boulware, Barbara Boulware, and Emmett Scott High School

  OH 676

  This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with Willie and Barbara Boulware for his History of Emmett Scott High School project. Emmett Scott High School was the segregated high school for African Americans which was named after Emmett Scott, a former aid to Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. The school was opened in 1920 and then closed in 1970 with the integration of Rock Hill South Carolina’s school district. Mr. and Mrs. Boulware attended Emmett Scott High School and discuss their experiences growing up in Rock Hill and their education. They detail the influence and impact Emmett Scott had on their education and the community in general. They discuss their experience as adults working in the Rock Hill education system, and their experiences with integration.

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  Interview with William M. Bowman Sr. - OH 252

  William M. Bowman Sr.

  OH 252

  In his interview with Michael Cooke, Rev. William M. Bowman Sr. (1914-2000) discusses his involvement in the Progressive Democratic Party and the Palmetto Voter’s Association. Mr. Bowman details the impact these organizations had on the black community in the efforts to increase participation in the political process. In the interview, he discusses how these organizations started and the work they did in an attempt to achieve full participation of the black community. In the 1960s, Rev. Bowman helped organize sit-ins at segregated lunch counters in downtown Columbia and worked to educate local African Americans how to use their right to vote.

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  Interview with Lanford Brackett - VHP 092

  Lanford Brackett

  VHP 092

  In his October 9, 2009 interview with Anna Douglas, Lanford Brackett describes his assignment overseas in Samoa. Brackett also shares the story of how he won the Silver Star medal and the recognition he received afterward. Brackett concludes his interview with how he spent his leave time and confronting rations on the home front. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with Judy Jefferson Bradley - OH 324

  Judy Jefferson Bradley

  OH 324

  In her June 1984 interview with Michael Cooke, Judy Jefferson Bradley (1944-2006) discussed her work with the Orangeburg Area Sickle Cell Foundation. Bradley covered topics of sickle cell anemia, DHEC, the foundation and its successes and failures, Dr. James R. Clark, various people involved in the founding of the foundation, and COBRA. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with Brandon Fierro - OH 732

  Brandon Fierro, Winthrop University, and COVID-19 Pandemic

  OH 732

  This interview was conducted by William “Bill” Calandro with Brandon Fierro as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Fierro discusses his experiences as a serviceman, student, and CNA (certified nursing assistant) during the COVID-19 pandemic. He details the evolution of social and professional life amid the pandemic and sheds light on other critical topics such as the vaccine and mask debate, social isolation, and Blacks Lives Matter. Fierro also discusses the U.S. Army responses to the rise in social unrest in 2020. He concludes with his take on the gradual return to normalcy.

  Brandon Fierro (b. 1998), a native of New Jersey, served in the U.S. Army for four years. He currently is an Exercise Science major at Winthrop University, but previously studied at Washington State 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 Wiley Austin Branton, Sr. - OH 359

  Wiley Austin Branton Sr.

  OH 359

  This interview was conducted for the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus. Wiley Austin Branton, Sr. (1923-1988) first discusses his early life and experiences. Born in Arkansas, he was drafted into World War II before returning home and participating in his family’s taxi business. Mr. Branton wanted to attend the University of Arkansas but blacks were not allowed at the time so he pushed for the desegregation of the school. He graduated law school in 1952, and filed the original “Little Rock 9” lawsuit. He has an extensive record working with civil rights and the black community. From a young age he was interested in getting involved in the issue of voter registration in the black community. He worked with the NAACP to try and raise voting awareness in Arkansas during the late 1940s. He ended up getting convicted for the crime of using voting ballots for education instead of an official vote and this fueled his desire to go to law school. He goes into detail on his support of the black community and how he continued advocating for voter registration and civil rights.

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  Interview with Sara Margaret McKee Bratcher - OH 111

  Sara Margaret McKee Bratcher

  OH 111

  This interview was conducted with Sara Margaret "Maggie" McKee Bratcher (1902-1987). Mrs. Bratcher focuses on the life as a typical Southern farm woman of the 1900s. Topics include farm and house work, child rearing, religion and church life and her family. Mrs. Bratcher was also the first person in Anderson County to receive a pacemaker.

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  Interview with Dr. Dee Campbell Breeden - OH 323

  Dee Campbell Breeden and Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation

  OH 323

  This collection includes an interview with Dr. Dee Campbell Breedon (1938-1998) concerning his work with the Department of Health and Environmental Control of South Carolina. Dr. Breedon discusses his early life, his education, the beginning of his career with the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), the creation of the sickle cell program of the DHEC, and Sickledex, which is a test for sickle cell disease. Dr. Breedon also describes the funding from the state, the formation of new community organizations to combat sickle cell disease, the relationships between the community groups and the DHEC, Dr. James Clark, and the politics surrounding sickle cell disease. Dr. Breedon also discusses the economic constraints surrounding healthcare in South Carolina, the concept of basic healthcare as a right, and the accomplishments of the DHEC and the community sickle cell groups.

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  Interview with Brenda Switalski - OH 767

  Brenda Switalski, COVID-19 Pandemic, and Sun City Carolina Lakes

  OH 767

  This interview was conducted by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight with Brenda Switalski as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. In the interview, Switalski details her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, notably as a retired American. She particularly details the challenges she faced while moving from Alabama to Indian Land, SC in 2021 amidst a volatile housing market. Notable topics of conversation include the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination, social isolation, pandemic hobbies, and technological challenges—notably among senior citizens. Other issues discussed include police brutality, social unrest, and political polarization.

  Brenda Switalski (b. 1951) is a native of Glendale, California and current resident of Sun City Carolina Lakes in Indian Land, SC. She relocated to Sun City in 2021.

  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 Brian Lane - OH 776

  Brian K. Lane, Clover School District, and COVID-19 Pandemic

  OH 776

  This interview was conducted by Kenya L. Lane with Brian Lane as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. In the interview, Coach Brian Lane discusses his role as an African American high school football coach helping his team, school, and community navigate and heal amid the racial injustice witnessed in 2020. He also shares the impact of being the first Black head football coach at Clover High School and previously at two other South Carolina high schools. He concludes by referencing the “football locker room” as a promising example for race relations on the community level. Other notable topics of conversation include the COVID-19 pandemic, Adopt-an-Eagle program, Stellie J. Jackson Enrichment Center, and Roosevelt Community of Clover, S.C.

  Brian K. Lane (b. 1976) is a high school football coach and 1995 graduate of Byrnes High School in Duncan, S.C. Lane served as head coach of Clover High School’s varsity football team for six seasons (2017-2022); he previously served as head coach at South Florence (2007), Woodruff (2008-13), and Byrnes (2014-16). In 2023, Lane left Clover to serve as head football coach of Westside High School in Anderson, S.C. He and Kenya Lane, the interviewer, have two sons: Brian Jefferson (B.J.) and Joshua Jaylin.

  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 Naomi Banks Bridges - OH 110

  Naomi Banks Bridges

  OH 110

  In her December 6, 1980 interview with her daughter Kathryn Bridges, Naomi Banks Bridges describes her schooling, time at Winthrop, and the effects of World War II on her family. Bridges concludes her interview describing Christmas day and her family’s Christmas traditions. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with Ruth Bright - OH 395

  Ruth Bright

  OH 395

  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 Robert O'Neil Bristow - OH 002

  Robert O'Neil Bristow

  OH 002

  Robert O’Neil Bristow (1926-2018) was an accomplished writer, author, and professor of journalism at Winthrop College from 1962-1987. In this interview, Bristow discusses writing his first story while he was in the Navy, his experience in World War II, inspiration for one of his protagonists, his parents, the effect of childhood trauma on his novels, his issues with authority, his work on a newspaper, his experience as an undergraduate at the University of Oklahoma, publishing his early pieces in magazines, his first novel, his development as a writer, inspirational works and authors (such as Nelson Algren, Robert Penn Warren, John Steinbeck), and his writing process and style. Bristow also discusses his novel, Night Season, which was published in 1970. In reference to this novel, Bristow discusses his experience with preaching at a Black church in Oklahoma around 1956-57, writing Black characters, moving to South Carolina in the 1960s, his perspective on reviews of his novels, his experience with conducting research for Night Season, and writing female characters. Bristow also discusses teaching at Winthrop, his earlier life in Oklahoma, as well as his use of intimacy and sexuality in his work. Bristow also discusses his novels Time for Glory and Laughter in Darkness.

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  Interview with Robert O'Neil Bristow - OH 595

  Robert O'Neil Bristow

  OH 595

  Robert O’Neil Bristow (1926-2018) was an accomplished writer, author, and professor of journalism at Winthrop College from 1962-1987. In this interview, Bristow discusses his total number of published books, the suppression of one of his novels, his experience with publishing his works, his childhood, his first forays into writing during his service in the Navy, his experience dealing with authority in the Navy, the creative process in general as well as his personal creative process, his past alcoholism, his parenting style and relationship with his son, teaching at Winthrop, the students’ use of casual profanity, his writing process, his advice for aspiring authors, and the definition of creativity.

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  Interview with Charles Frederick Brooks - VHP 010

  Charles Frederick Brooks

  VHP 010

  In his February 26, 2004 interview with Jessie Lewis, Charles Frederick Brooks reminisces of his time in service during WWII and his life after the war in Rock Hill, SC. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with Frontis Brooks - OH 041

  Frontis Brooks

  OH 041

  Former band director at Emmett Scott School (1941-1971) and former principal at Sunset Park Elementary, Frontis Brooks (1919-1989) discusses his childhood, family, educational experiences at South Carolina State College, new instruments that he learned, his years in the U.S. Army, work at Emmett Scott in Rock Hill, teaching band, working with the Senior Citizen Band, integration, religion, and his definition of creativity and life’s philosophy.

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  Interview with Margie Brookshire - OH 507

  Margie Brookshire

  OH 507

  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 Hester Broughton - OH 088

  Hester Broughton

  OH 088

  IN PROCESSING

  Ms. Broughton is a Winthrop alumna and former employee. Subjects include Winthrop during the Great Depression, including a discussion of the Winthrop Administration, classes, student life, culture and entertainment, appropriation cuts, faculty/staff housing, Dr. James P. Kinard’s administration, Dr. Shelton Phelps, town girls, out-of-state students, and the American Association of University Professors’ (AAUP) controversy.