Digital Commons Network^™

Interview 2000.01 Mary Berlin, Mary Berlin

Civil Rights in Prince Edward County

Mary Berlin, Longwood Class of 1973, interviewed by Dana Daniels & Sarah Zehringer. Ms. Berlin details her volunteer activates in the community while a student, including tutoring Prince Edward County students, Vista Volunteers, and others. She also discusses her perceptions of Longwood’s role in the community at the time she was a student.

Audio recording is cut off at the beginning.

Interview 2000.07 Odessa Branch, Odessa Branch

Civil Rights in Prince Edward County

Interviewee Odessa Branch discusses her experiences during the school closings in Prince Edward County from a parent's perspective. She discusses her children's involvement in local boycotts and marches. As well as the struggle of maintaining two households in different counties so her children could attend school, and their experiences with the Free Schools. This interview was conducted by Stephanie Stevens and Jacynta Charlton, and transcribed by Jennifer Black.

Interview 2000.08 Rita Moseley, Rita Moseley

Civil Rights in Prince Edward County

In this interview, Ms. Rita Moseley explains the affects the school closings had on her life; being sent away for school to Blacksburg, VA, separation from her friends and family, and the loss of a close relationship with her brother. Interviewers include Clarissa Powell and Katie Soule.

Interview 2000.06 Nell Casteen, Nell Casteen

Civil Rights in Prince Edward County

The interviewee, Nell Casteen, discusses life during the depression and race relations in Prince Edward County. Additionally, she talks about her time at Longwood Class of 1939. She mentions her mother's influential work in the community including with a government loan program, working with Reverend Griffin, and with SCOPE-Meals on Wheels of Farmville. This interview was conducted by Stephanie Layman and Pattie Murray.

Interview 2000.04 Dr. Carolyn Wells, Carolyn Wells Dr.

Civil Rights in Prince Edward County

Dr. Carolyn Wells, a former science professor at Longwood, discusses her unawareness to the educational situation in Prince Edward when she arrived in 1955. She also discusses Longwood's physical growth in the 1960s, and Dr. Gordon Moss who was dean during her early years at Longwood. This interview was conducted by Lance Williams and Tricia Ramsey.

Interview 2000.02 William And Henry Powell, William Powell, Henry Powell

Civil Rights in Prince Edward County

Henry and William Powell discuss the subject of Vernon Johns, Barbara Johns Powell, and schools in the 1950s and 1960s. Additionally, they discuss the schools at the time of the interview, and attitudes toward the closings. Interviewers include Dorian Watson and Heather Wentzel.

Interview 2000.05 Jacquelyn Reid, Jackie Reid

Civil Rights in Prince Edward County

Jackie Reid discusses how the school closings affected her life and disrupted her neighborhood and community. Additionally, Jackie also discussed her close relationship with Rev. Griffin and his family. Interview by Amy Rivenburg and Heather Willis.

Audio includes instruments or band in the background.

Interview 2000.09 William Watkins, William F. Watkins

Civil Rights in Prince Edward County

This interview was conducted by former Longwood professor Dr. Susan Bagby who interviewed William Watkins. Mr. Watkins was mayor of Farmville in the 1960s and he discusses the school closings in Prince Edward County. He talks about the meeting of white citizens held in Jarman Auditorium in 1955, and his perceptions of race relations before and after the school closings.

Written transcription is not complete. Please review audio files in addition to transcript.