First Person Project: WWII Veterans and HIST 2112

Ben Slade was born in Savannah, Georgia, and returned to St. Simons in 1961 when he began a 36 year career at First Federal Savings Bank. He is currently Executive Director of the St. Simons Land Trust.

In this interview, Ben Slade discusses getting involved with environmental issues and his friendship with Georgia representative Reid Harris. He discusses Harris's efforts to pass legislation to protect marshlands during Lester Maddox's administration. Slade discusses the attitude of the South towards government intervention and the difficulty of balancing community interests with marshland protection.

Slade discusses his efforts to repurpose the Naval Air Station at Glynco and to attract businesses other than heavy water users. Slade also discusses Superfund sites such as the Hercules Manufacturing plant and the Escambia Wood Treatment facility. Slade covers the development of the St. Simons Land Trust and the work of the organization, including the John Gilbert nature trail and the goal of keeping 15-20% of the land in public form. He talks about sites on St. Simons Island such as Cannon's Point and also about the African American population of St. Simons, including the Harrington School House.

GEOH-004, Ben Slade interviewed by Betsy Bean, September 2013, as part of the Georgia Environmental Oral History Project.

Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia

Finding Aid: http://russelldoc.galib.uga.edu/russell/view?docId=ead/RBRL345GEOH-ead.xml

Ben Slade on the St. Simons Land Trust and conservation

James Holland grew up in Cochran, Georgia and became a commercial blue crab fisherman in 1977. He is the retired Altamaha Riverkeeper

In this interview, James Holland discusses his early life, his service in the military, and moving to Brunswick in 1978. He talks about his commercial blue crab fishing operation and the evolution of the crabbing industry. Holland talks about how the declining crab population affected his personal finances and how this inspired him to become involved in environmental efforts. Holland discusses the increasing salinity of fresh waters and various diseases and organisms that affect the crab population.

Holland discusses the gender divide in the environmental movement and forming alliances with various organizations. He discusses the forming of the Altamaha Riverkeeper organization in 1998-99 and lawsuits filed by the organization. Holland discusses the role of the Riverkeeper and the work he did investigating reports in the field during his time as Riverkeeper. He talks about the State River Basin Management Plan and the Soil and Water Conservation Service.

Holland also discusses the reputation of the Riverkeeper (and other environmental groups) among other fisherman. He talks about problems with local permit issuing authorities and possible corruption in government agencies. He talks about his relationship with scientists at the University of Georgia and about specific local environmental issues such as marsh buffers and fresh water impoundment on Little St. Simons Island.

GEOH-008, James Holland interviewed by Betsy Bean, September 2013, as part of the Georgia Environmental Oral History Project.

Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia

Finding Aid: http://russelldoc.galib.uga.edu/russell/view?docId=ead/RBRL345GEOH-ead.xml

James Holland on industry, pollution, and water and marsh conservation

Yancey Gulley and his partner Corey Johnson discuss what it means to be in a long term relationship.

This excerpt is from an interview in the First Person Project at the Russell Library, University of Georgia.

Browse First Person Project interviews: http://russelldoc.galib.uga.edu/russell/view?docId=ead/RBRL324FPP-ead.xml

Yancey Gulley and Corey Johnson on working at love

Charles Crisp describes the warehouse district in Americus, Ga., including Glover Wholesale grocery distributor, a business started by his great-great-grandfather George Washington Napoleon Bonaparte Glover.

This excerpt is from an interview recorded in Americus, Ga., in a partnership with the UGA Archway Partnership and the Americus Downtown Development Authority. The interview is archived in the First Person Project at the Russell Library, University of Georgia.

Browse First Person Project interviews: bit.ly/1iLKjG0

Charles Crisp remembers Glover Wholesale Co. in Americus, Ga.

Join textile historian Sara Idacavage for an audio tour of performance costumes on display in the exhibit "Georgia On My Mind: Finding Belonging in Music History" on display at the UGA Special Collections Building from July 22 - December 9, 2022. 

For more information about the exhibit contact jhebbard@uga.edu

Dress and Overalls worn by McIntosh County Shouters

1960s Shift Dress worn by Vanessa Briscoe Hay (Pylon)

Wiggle Dress worn by Cindy Wilson (The B-52's)

Multicolor Dress and Scarf worn by Lena Horne

Nudie Suit worn by Bill Anderson

Brocade Tuxedo Jacket worn by Ray Charles

Introduction

1970s dress worn by Polly Lewis

Leslie Sewell, Lee Slade, and Chuck Southerland talk about the Flood of 1994 and the effects on the City of Hawkinsville, including bridge and road closures, turning to boats and airplanes for transportation, and the challenges of communicating in a pre-internet era.

This excerpt is from an interview recorded in Hawkinsville, Ga., February 2014, in a partnership between the Russell Library and the UGA Archway Partnership. The interview is archived in the First Person Project at the Russell Library, University of Georgia.

Browse First Person Project interviews: bit.ly/1iLKjG0

The Flood of 1994 in Hawkinsville, Ga.

Allene Haugabook talks about her early life in the small town of Plains, Georgia, in the 1930s and '40s. She remembers playing games like "trailing" on the unpaved streets in town. Allene also talks about the closeknit community of Plains, including how everyone pitched in when she had her wedding on a Wednesday afternoon (scheduled to take place when all of the local businesses would be closed). She describes graduation from Plains High School under the direction of "Miss Julia" Coleman as the highlight of year for the community.

This excerpt is from an interview recorded in Plains, Ga., in a partnership with the UGA Archway Partnership and the Americus Downtown Development Authority. The interview is archived in the First Person Project at the Russell Library, University of Georgia.

Browse First Person Project interviews: bit.ly/1iLKjG0

Allene Haugabook on growing up in Plains, Georgia

President Jimmy Carter and Sybil Carter share fond memories of the late Billy Carter, the president's younger brother and Sybil's husband. President Carter remembers getting to know Billy later in life when they went into the peanut business together, and he recalls playing softball with Billy during the 1976 presidential campaign. President Carter and Sybil also remember Billy's uncanny ability to win bets. 

View the video from the entire interview with President Carter on YouTube: http://youtu.be/lVPu01WCMuM

This excerpt is from First Person Project interview FPP-0042 recorded in Plains, Ga., in a partnership with the UGA Archway Partnership and the Americus Downtown Development Authority. The interview is archived in the First Person Project at the Russell Library, University of Georgia.

Browse First Person Project interviews: bit.ly/1iLKjG0

President Jimmy Carter and Sybil Carter remember Billy

FPP-0026, Milton Raven interviewed by Angie Singletary, December 3, 2013, Americus, Ga.

This interview is part of the First Person Project, archived at the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries. It was recorded through a partnership with the UGA Archway Partnership and and Americus Downtown Development Authority.

To learn more about the First Person Project and browse other interviews, see bit.ly/1iLKjG0

First Person Project, Milton Raven

Jose Blanco F. is an Associate Professor in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences a the University of Georgia and Manager of the college's Historic Clothing and Textile Collection. He is originally from Costa Rica and holds a Ph.D. in Theater from Florida State University. He has worked as an actor, director, and designer in several theater productions. And, his research focuses on dress and popular culture in the second half of the twentieth century with an emphasis on male fashion.  

In this talk he transports the listener to 1973, exploring the fashions people both celebrated and endured. 

Jose Blanco on fashion

Frank McGill talks about growing up on a family farm in Tifton, Georgia. He also talks about his career with the UGA Extension Service, becoming a specialist in peanut production. He talks about the effect of the peanut economy on small towns in Georgia and the international expansion of peanut production worldwide.

FPP-0053, Frank McGill interviewed by Louis Boyd, July 11, 2014, Athens, Ga.

This interview is part of the First Person Project, archived at the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries.

To learn more about the First Person Project and browse other interviews, see bit.ly/1iLKjG0


First Person Project, Frank McGill

FPP-0018, Bennie Tillman, Sr., interviewed by Renee Donnell and Laura Duvekot, July 12, 2013, Athens, Ga.

This interview is part of the First Person Project, archived at the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries.

To learn more about the First Person Project and browse other interviews, see bit.ly/1iLKjG0

First Person Project, Bennie Tillman, Sr.

Louis Boyd interviews Jill Clement. Clement talks about her early life in Massachusetts and her decision to attend Piedmont College in Demorest, Ga., where she met her husband, Charles Clement (see FPP-0020). Clement discusses her decades of involvement with the Presbyterian Church, where she advocated for more leadership roles for women and became of the of the first female deacons and elders in the church. Clement briefly touches on her time as a missionary in Everett, Ky.--deep in the heart of coal-mining country--where she attended a church with a congregation that handled snakes.

FPP-0019, Jill Clement interviewed by Louis Boyd, September 13, 2013, Athens, Ga.

This interview is part of the First Person Project, archived at the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries.

To learn more about the First Person Project and browse other interviews, see bit.ly/1iLKjG0

First Person Project, Jill Clement and Louis Boyd

Christine Packwood interviews Athens native Virginia Schultz. Schultz talks about her experience growing up in Normaltown in the 1930s and 1940s, working for the University of Georgia and General Motors, her family, and her religious life--particularly her involvement in Beech Haven Baptist Church.

FPP-0003, Virginia Schultz interviewed by Christine Packwood, June 22, 2012, Athens, Ga.

This interview is part of the First Person Project, archived at the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries.

To learn more about the First Person Project and browse other interviews, see bit.ly/1iLKjG0

First Person Project, Virginia Schultz and Christine Packwood

This is a recording of a panel session discussing the genesis of the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies. The event was part of the 2014 Scholars & Policymakers Symposium hosted by The Richard B. Russell Library in Athens, GA Oct. 27-28, 2014. 

Russell Library Director Sheryl Vogt, along with Russell Foundation board members Charles Campbell, Hugh Peterson, and Norman Underwood, discuss the genesis and development of the Library in the early 1970s, looking back forty years later. 

Pre-Symposium Forum: The Genesis of the Russell Library

Clip from a song Senator Zell Miller wrote with his musician friend Cowboy Jack Clement to speak out against raising fuel economy standards for pick up trucks. 

Excerpt from Zell Miller's Talking Pickup Truck Blues

U.S. Army (1943-1946) Claude Williams remembers a patrol in which he saw a lieutenant get shot across the street, and  reflects on the chance nature of his own survival.

Claude Williams, First Person Project, Clip 1

U.S. Army Medical Corps (1942-1945)Conolus Scott recounts finding about the D-Day invasion while stationed in Europe. 

Conolus Scott, First Person Project, Clip 1

U.S. Army (1942-1945) Philip Pollock recounts an expedition crossing the Rhine River in Germany and winning an R&R break for Easter Sunday, just weeks before the end of the war in Europe.

Philip Pollock, First Person Project, Clip 2

U.S. Air Force (1942-1945) Ed Benson describes the air raid that killed a crew in his division and reflects on this first experience of witnessing death in the war.

Ed Benson, First Person Project, Clip 1

U.S. Marines (1944-1945) Duard Bater recounts killing a Japanese soldier, and in his fear, also killing a young girl. He also describes the way the Japanese terrorized the local women. 

Duard Baxter, First Person Project, Clip 1

Excerpt from an interview with Mary Moran and her son Wilson Moran conducted as part of the Georgia Environmental Oral History Project. GEOH-010, recorded March 2015.

Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia

Russell Finding Aid: t.uga.edu/1AW

Mary Moran sings Amelia's Song

AMP-010. Larry McLure interviewed by Deborah Caldwell. November 6, 2015, Athens, Georgia.

Larry McLure, Athens Music Project Oral History

AMP-032. Kevin Sweeney interviewed by Curtiss Pernice. September 25, 2016, Athens, GA.

Kevin Sweeney, Athens Music Project Oral History

AMP-031. Peter Alvanos interviewed by Curtiss Pernice. September 20, 2016, Athens, GA.

Peter Alvanos, Athens Music Project Oral History

GDC-010. Ruby Moore interviewed by Alison Barkoff. April 12, 2017. Atlanta, GA.

Ruby Moore, Georgia Disability Community Oral History

FACS-001. Don Bower interviewed by Hannah Norton and Sharon Paximadis on July 13, 2017.

Dr. Don Bower, Family and Consumer Sciences Oral History Collection

AMP-075. Peter Fancher interviewed by Grace Hale on February 23, 2018 in Athens, Georgia.

Peter Fancher, Athens Music Project Oral History

GBOH-059. Mary Diallo, Kerry Rushin Miller, and Harold Black interviewed by Charlayne Hunter-Gault on January 12, 2017 in Athens, GA.

Mary Diallo, Kerry Rushin Miller, and Harold Black interviewed by Charlayne Hunter-Gault

AMP-086. Dan Horowitz interviewed by Curtiss Pernice on June 28, 2018 in Athens, GA.

Dan Horowitz, Athens Music Project Oral History

GLASS-013. Alina Garcia Ravelo interviewed by Catherine Vanstone on December 14, 2018 for the Our Stories, Our Lives project from the Georgia Libraries for Accessible Statewide Services (GLASS). Closed captions available.

For more information, visit the Russell Library finding aid for this collection at: http://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL451GLASS/findingaid

Our Stories, Our Lives: Alina Garcia Ravelo

OHD-041. Phillip T. Parkerson interviewed by Sheryl Vogt on November 4, 2019 in Athens, Georgia.

This interview is from the Russell Library Oral History Documentary Series, part of the collections of the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies at the University of Georgia Special Collections Libraries.

Phillip T. Parkerson, Oral History Documentary

AMP-102. Tarik Camp (Top Cat) interviewed by Montu Miller on October 15, 2020, recorded remotely.

This interview is part of the Athens Music Project, archived at the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries.

To learn more about the Athens Music Project and browse other interviews, see bit.ly/2s1EbVS

Tarik Camp (Top Cat), Athens Music Project

AMP-103. Gregory Jones interviewed by Montu Miller on October 27, 2020, recorded remotely.

This interview is part of the Athens Music Project, archived at the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries.

To learn more about the Athens Music Project and browse other interviews, see bit.ly/2s1EbVS

Gregory Jones, Athens Music Project

The Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies at the University of Georgia focuses on the dynamic relationship of politics, policy, and culture—generated wherever public interest intersects with government. 

The Russell Library's oral history program consists of active, ongoing oral history projects administered by Russell staff (such as the Georgia Environmental Oral History Project and the First Person Project), as well as oral history collections donated to the library by researchers, such as the Dean Rusk Oral History Collection. On our SoundCloud page, we'll be posting excerpts from various oral history recordings and archival audio recordings in our collections.

RussellLibraryOralHistory

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