World War II

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  Interview with Jeuel Bannister Esmacher - OH 144

  Jeuel Bannister Esmacher

  Jeuel Bannister Esmacher (1924-2022) attended Winthrop College from 1940 to her graduation in December of 1943. In this interview, she discusses her admission to Winthrop, her family, her decision to major in music, her classes and favorite professors (George Trumble and Dr. Roberts), her experience as a female band director for a high school, her experience with travelling to the University of Georgia for a charity event during World War II, her health issues and experience at the Winthrop infirmary, her experience as a music counselor at a girls summer camp, dorm life, her experience as a part of a band called “the Swanks,” Winthrop traditions, her experience with coupons during WWII, Winthrop during WWII, meeting her husband, her experience with cryptology courses and codebreaking in Washington D.C. during WWII, the Air Force cadets’ classes at Winthrop College during the war, her experience learning Japanese during the war and then Russian immediately after, her experience working at Arlington Hall, her life after she resigned from cryptography in 1950, and her experience at her class reunion in November of 2014.

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  Interview with Richard Dinning - OH 309

  Richard Dinning

  In his October 17, 2012 interview with Robert Ryals, Richard Dinning (1922-2022) details his thoughts and memories as an Army Air Corps cadet at Winthrop. Dinning includes details of his career in the Army Air Corp during WWII.

  Captain Richard Dinning (1922-2022) was a combat pilot and WWII veteran. Capt. Dinning flew a B-17 bomber on 33 missions over Germany from 1944 to 1945. Before his stint in the war his Army Air Corp training brought him to Winthrop College. In 1943 the U. S. Army established the 41st College Training Detachment at Winthrop College to train young men for assignments in the Army Air Corps. These young men took classes at Winthrop, lived in “Fort Bancroft” [Bancroft Hall] and completed flight training at Roddey Field located just south of the city of Rock Hill off of SC Highway 72. Richard Dinning was one of the young men who arrived at Winthrop, which was an all-female institution at the time, and stayed for nine weeks in the Spring of 1943.

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  Interview with Richard Dinning - OH 309

  Richard Dinning

  In his October 17, 2012 interview with Robert Ryals, Richard Dinning (1922-2022) details his thoughts and memories as an Army Air Corps cadet at Winthrop. Dinning includes details of his career in the Army Air Corp during WWII.

  Captain Richard Dinning (1922-2022) was a combat pilot and WWII veteran. Capt. Dinning flew a B-17 bomber on 33 missions over Germany from 1944 to 1945. Before his stint in the war his Army Air Corp training brought him to Winthrop College. In 1943 the U. S. Army established the 41st College Training Detachment at Winthrop College to train young men for assignments in the Army Air Corps. These young men took classes at Winthrop, lived in “Fort Bancroft” [Bancroft Hall] and completed flight training at Roddey Field located just south of the city of Rock Hill off of SC Highway 72. Richard Dinning was one of the young men who arrived at Winthrop, which was an all-female institution at the time, and stayed for nine weeks in the Spring of 1943.

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  Interview with Lanford Brackett

  Lanford Brackett

  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 Mary White Gettys - OH 094

  Mary White Gettys

  In her October 14, 2009 interview with Miciah Bennett, Mary White Gettys relays her experience in the WAVES as a code breaker. Gettys details the equipment she used and the secrecy in her work. Gettys speculates what the WAVES did for women and provides her opinion on the wars in the Middle East. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with John Chester

  John Chester

  In his April 3, 2008 interview with Kristin Malone, John Chester details his service overseas in Europe during WWII. Included are stories of interactions with German soldiers and the rules and regulations of the United States Military. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with Margaret Howell Heath

  Margaret Howell Heath

  In her October 12, 2006 interview with Nicole L. Wilson, Margaret Howell Heath explains why she joined the WAVES and shares her experiences being stationed in San Francisco. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with Henry Clark

  Henry Clark

  In his October 26, 2005 interview, Henry Clark discusses his time in the Air Force during World War II. He talks about how he enlisted after Pearl Harbor, and then talks about his time serving in the Pacific Theater. He remembers where he was when the Atomic Bombs were dropped, and how he felt when the war ended. He then talks about his transition to civilian life and how he kept up with men he served with.

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  Interview with Elijah Cobb

  Elijah Cobb

  On March 15, 2005, Elijah Cobb’s granddaughter, Avella Michelle Knowlin, interviews him about his past experiences in World War II. He also adds information about where he worked and what he was involved in within the companies he worked for. He mainly worked for an Engineer Headquarters Company in the Army, and after getting home from being in the war he worked for smaller companies within his town of Georgetown, South Carolina.

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  Interview with Samuel William Searles - VHP 057

  Samuel William Searles

  In his November 1, 2005 interview with Ebony Williams, Samuel William Searles recalls being drafted for the army during WWII. Searles explains his job during war and how he and fellow soldiers celebrated the end of the war. Searles also shares his memories of more of the harrowing experiences of war: segregation, death, and the mental effects of war. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with Charles Frederick Brooks

  Charles Frederick Brooks

  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 Herbert Chisholm

  Herbert Chisholm

  In his March 6, 2004 interview with Erin Robinson, Herbert Chisholm recollects stories of his time in the Army in Africa and Europe during WWII. Chisholm recalls life as a black soldier and living conditions for all soldiers. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with Paul Van Buren Hatten - VHP 001

  Paul Van Buren Hatten

  In his January 19, 2004 interview with Lee Q. Miller, Paul Van Buren Hatten explains how he entered the service during WWII and became a ball gunner for the Air Force. Hatten recalls basic training, his first mission, and the times he was “concerned” for his safety. Hatten provides detail about his crew members and how their confidence and expertise made him feel safe. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with William Franklin Mitchell - VHP 011

  William Franklin Mitchell

  In his February 24, 2004 interview with Georgia Williamson, William Franklin Mitchell describes life as a volunteer chaplain for the army during WWII. Specifically, Mitchell shares the reason why he joined the service and what his duties were in war. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with Ethel Hughes Muhvich

  Ethel Hughes Muhvich

  In her November 11, 2004 interview with Lauren Weldishofer, Ethel Hughes Muhvich recalls her time in service during WWII. Muhvich describes why she enlisted, what her assignment was, and why her generation was the greatest. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with Victor C. Hemphill

  Victor C. Hemphill

  In his October 20, 2003 interview with Shamona McClary, Victor Hemphill shares his experiences in the South Pacific during WWII and his life after service. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with Raymond Roeske

  Raymond Roeske

  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 Larry Timbs Sr.

  Lawrence C. Timbs

  In his November 27, 2003 interview with Larry Timbs Jr., Larry Timbs Sr. recollects his career in the army during WWII and the Korean War. Timbs explains why he entered the service, his relationship with civilians while overseas, and comments on the Iraq War. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with William D. Wolfe - VHP 022

  William D. Wolfe

  In his October 20, 2003 interview with Alan Garmendia, William D. Wolfe recollects about his time in the Navy during WWII, the Korean War, and Vietnam. Wolfe shares the details of his work in the Navy on an experimental destroyer testing new sonar. The interview concludes with reminiscences of the South Pacific and pastimes of soldiers. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with Naomi Banks Bridges

  Naomi Banks Bridges

  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 Agnes Lawton

  Agnes Lawton

  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 William Ledford - OH 103

  William Ledford

  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 Dorothy Maddox

  Dorothy Maddox

  IN PROCESSING

  Maddox, a 1943 graduate of Winthrop, discusses life at Winthrop, including President Phelps’ administration, classes, rules and regulations, the World War II period, physical education and sports, the School of Education, buildings on campus, expenses, class traditions and social life.

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  Interview with Katharine Strozier

  Katharine Strozier

  In her December 6, 1980 interview with Rebecca Myers, Katharine Strozier shares the details of her life at Winthrop from the time she was in Training School until the time she graduated. Included are the memories of her life after Winthrop as a teacher and how her mother lived after the death of President James P. Kinard. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with Mary Denny Matthews

  Mary Denny Matthews

  In her April 21, 1975 interview with Ann Yarborough Evans, Mary Denny Matthews shares her experiences as a student from 1915-1919 and her career at Winthrop from 1920-1942. Matthews lends stories of student life and how WWI shaped Winthrop. Matthews also explains why she decided not to teach and instead have a career at Winthrop. Matthews concludes her interview with details on the strike at Winthrop for equal pay for women. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.