Town of Calhoun, South Carolina Oral History Collection
Mss.0279

Beth Anderson Interview August 31, 1988   1.0 cassette(s)

Biographical/Historical note

Beth Anderson was born on July 24, 1903 in Antreville, SC. She was the daughter of Joseph A. and Minnie Ola Clinkscales Anderson. She was a secretary with the Agricultural Economics Department at Clemson University. She was a graduate of Winthrop College, a member of the Clemson United Methodist Church, and a member of the United Methodist Women. Beth Anderson died on July 27, 1997.

Scope and Contents note

Speakers-Beth Anderson, W.J. Megginson. At Clemson Downs.

Audio Quality-Good

Side 1

00:07: Beth Anderson is aged 85 in 1988. She explains that she came to the Calhoun area around 1930. After finishing her studies at Winthrop, she taught fifth grade in Winnsboro, SC for a short period of time before moving to the upstate of South Carolina where she began a career as a secretary working for Dr. G.H. Alden at Clemson College.

1:23: She worked in Long Hall. There was a 5 1/2 day work week and employees were paid once a month. Anderson cannot remember the wages.

2:25: She already had relatives in the area. Her uncle Frank Clinkscales was a bit of an "old timer" in the area. She thinks he was in the area in the very early years of the College or perhaps around the early 1900's. He ran a livery service and would meet the train at both "Cherry's" and at Calhoun in order to pick up luggage and passengers and bring then into town.

3:42: Megginson asks about how Mr. Clinkscales was related to her. He was her mother's brother. Her mother was Minnie Caroline Clinkscales. Her father was Joe Anderson, who was a country doctor from Abbeville.

5:00: Frank Clinkscales also owned a general merchandise store for a short time before selling all of his stock to Winslow Sloan in order to focus on his livery business. Anderson mentions that Frank's wife was named Cora Crowther.

6:11: The livery stalls were near Judge Keller's store; not on Main Street but just off of College Avenue. He kept many of his animals there on site. Miss Anderson thinks that mostly mules were utilized. Cadets would occasionally rent buggies for dating or "courting" purposes.

11:20: Megginson is interested to know if Mr. Clinkscales converted over to automobiles when they became more widely available. Miss Anderson isn't sure but says no. Though Miss Anderson cannot clearly recall, she believes Mr. Clinkscales operated the livery service into the 1930's.

12:05: Frank Clinkscales lived on Seneca Road near the Episcopal Church. It had 1.5 stories, a wrap around porch with columns, and stood at the top of a hill. The area was not very developed; few houses were present in those days. One house of note was that of Mr. and Mrs. C.C. Newman. Miss Anderson did not know Mr. Newman's first wife Grace; the recollections are of his second wife, who was known as Ellie.

14:14: Mr. and Mrs. Newman were married in the 1920's. Ellie ran a boarding house (though she always referred to her operation as a house with "paid guests" as a distinction). They had a black cook named Prudence who later married a gentleman named Idly. Miss Anderson cannot recall their surname. Mrs. Newman rented out rooms and provided meals for her guests. Meals were between $0.90 and $1.00. The largest gatherings were for meals at lunchtime, though reservations could be made for evening meals. The regulars at lunch were usually individuals who worked at Clemson College. Meals were very good and were served "family style." Miss Anderson states that Ellie was a "real lady" who sat at the head of the table and smoked cigarettes. Ellie was very much an overseer, as she left preparation of the meals to her staff. She was a very strong willed woman, but was not really considered a "socialite."

20:30: Megginson is interested in the paying guests that stayed at the house. Miss Anderson can remember one permanent resident who was a professor at Clemson, but cannot recall his name. Most of the guests were college students who stayed on a semester basis. The operation could deal with perhaps as many as 10 occupants a night. Miss Anderson cannot recall how much guests were required to pay for room and board.

23:55: Politics in the small town of Calhoun are discussed. Miss Anderson was aware that her uncle Frank was mayor, but cannot clearly recall. He must have held office pre-1937, because Charlie Bennett was mayor from 1937-1943 and Leon Crawford held office after 1943. Miss Anderson informs Megginson that she did vote, though she cannot recall where. Megginson wonders if perhaps many voted at either the schoolhouse or at Boggs Store.

27:05: She graduated from Winthrop in 1925, which was around the time that women were first allowed to vote. Megginson is interested to know of any feminist or suffragette activities that might have taken place on campus. Miss Anderson cannot recall any such activities. She recalls Clemson was not unlike Winthrop in that both had a well regimented campus life set forth for students. The women at Winthrop had to wear uniforms, and had lights out at a certain time in the evenings.

28:17: Megginson is interested in what Miss Anderson called the location in which she lived. Although she technically lived in Calhoun, she always has stated her residence as Clemson, since she had a Clemson College address.

30:15: The conversation moves toward a discussion of her brother, Frank Anderson. He attended Clemson, graduating in 1916. He went to the University of Wisconsin for some graduate work before being called back to Calhoun. The townspeople were interested in starting a local bank, and asked Frank Anderson to come back and be the head of the establishment. Miss Anderson believes the name of the bank was originally Fort Hill Depository.

31:50: Audio ends.

Side 2

00:05: Megginson enquires about how long Frank was present at the bank. Miss Anderson cannot recall. Another question that she cannot recall is if the Bank and the Savings & Loan were under the same management.

1:09: Megginson is interested to know how most buildings looked in Calhoun in the early days and what kinds of shopping she did. Miss Anderson states that most buildings were wooden. The Sloan store was brick. She can remember Mr. Evans community store, which would be next to the present (1988) bank. Clothes had to be purchased in either Greenville or Anderson. The goods and services in town were very male oriented because of the college.

3:55: Conversation moves briefly back to the local bank. Megginson wants to know if any long-term employees of the bank can be recalled, and about how many staff were there in the old days. Miss Anderson remembers that Norma Madden was there for many years, and that when it was first established the bank had perhaps only two employees.

4:46: Frank Anderson bought an insurance company from Ben Robertson sometime before 1930 which dealt with fire, theft, and liability.

6:50: Miss Anderson's impressions of the town of Calhoun upon her first arrival in the 1930's were very positive. She was a country girl so the town actually seemed large to her. There were no paved roads.

8:06: Megginson is interested in the number of automobiles that might be seen on any given day in the town around the early 1930's. Miss Anderson cannot recall that there were very many.

9:00: Miss Anderson had no trouble finding a job despite the fact that the Depression was in full swing when she was first looking for work. Wages were cut back, however.

10:40: Local churches--Miss Anderson attended Wesleyan Methodist, and knew Maggie Morrison because she also attended that church. She can remember ministers J.L. Smith and Mr. Chambers. She recalls the fact that many cadets attended services and that local churches were always sponsoring social events for them.

15:41: She knew young Ben Robertson vaguely; he had no real reputation as a writer before his published works.

16:25: Megginson enquires about any social, literary, or dramatic activities that might have been available to residents. The "Little Theater" had not been established in those days. Films could be seen at the YMCA. There were musical performances at the college, and many events were held at the amphitheater which was open to the public.

18:10: Employment at the College--Miss Anderson's secretarial responsibilities were for the entire Agricultural Economics department at Clemson, but she had a staff of sorts that offered help. She did things such as typing dictation, filing, writing tests, etc. There were telephones in the 1930's, but they were not available in every office. All the departments at the college employed secretaries. They were allowed a 15 minute break in the mornings and 1 hour for lunch.

21:55: Miss Anderson retired in 1985. She states that the town of Calhoun and Clemson College was a wonderful place to live and work.

24:57: Audio ends.

Rosamond L. Boggs Interview 1988   2.0 cassette(s)

Biographical/Historical note

Rosamond L. Boggs was born on October 7, 1902 in Washington, D.C. She was the daughter of Albert Cummins and Evelyn Meacham Lynn. She was a member of St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Easley, SC. Mrs. Boggs was a volunteer at Cannon Memorial in Pickens, SC for 44 years. She was a member of the Colonial Dames, DAR, United daughters of the Confederacy, Pickens County Historical Society, and the American Legion Auxiliary. There were two living children at the time of her death: Jerre and Rosalynn. She died on August 30, 1995.

Scope and Contents note

Speakers-Rosamond L. Boggs. W.J. Megginson

Audio Quality: Good

Cassette 1

Side 1

00:25: Mrs. Boggs is aged 86 at the time of the interview. She Married Aaron Jeremiah Boggs in 1919.

1:20: One of the early residents of the Calhoun area was A.J. Boggs grandfather, Aaron Boggs. He was known to be very industrious and driven. He owned a great deal of the land in the area. He originally owned the land that would eventually be developed into "Church Hill."

4:15: Megginson wishes to learn more about the old Aaron Boggs home. It was a one story white, spacious home with two porches (front and back). The kitchen had been built as a separate building from the house in order to protect it from fire. The back porch was "delightful", which provided a nice breeze and the opportunity to relax in rocking chairs and swings. It was furnished beautifully and had fine antiques. As far as location, the cemetery was situated on the right side of the house, while the railroad ran in-between the house and the cemetery. Mrs. Rosamond Boggs explains that she inherited a few antiques from the house; the two leave the proximity of the recorder for a few moments because the piece is located in another room--the conversation cannot be heard for perhaps a minute until they return. The family employed two black servants.

10:50: Aaron Boggs was apparently an overseer at Fort Hill, and had a good relationship with Thomas Green Clemson.

12:55: Mr. Boggs wife Elvira lived into her nineties. Rosamond recalls that she had an "attractive personality," and was marvelous to talk to. She was a real "lady of culture." Rosamond cannot recall ever hearing her talk of her experiences during the Civil War. Both Mr. and Mrs. Boggs were "religious," though he never formally joined any particular denomination. She was Episcopalian.

15:48: Aaron Boggs owned much of the land that would later become the town of Calhoun.

16:16: The conversation now moves to Rosamond's father-in-law, Aaron John Boggs (he went by the name of John). His wife was Sally Luper Boggs.

16:55: Politics initially brought John into the area when he was elected clerk of court. Megginson enquires about what political alliances he might have belonged to. Rosamond names no particular party; she describes him simply as a man of the people who would invite any individual into his home.

19:00 – The conversation turns to A.J. Boggs general merchandise store. Rosamond is unaware of neither how old the store is nor its original builder; she simply doesn't know about its original establishment. Very nice things could be bought there. Just about any product from clothes to groceries and fresh produce could be purchased there.

27:34: Megginson is interested in children and the issues of medical care and that of the mid-wife. Mr. John Boggs always made certain that in the event of a pregnancy, both a medical doctor and a mid-wife be present. The doctor's residence was in Central, so he had to be contacted by telegraph and arrive by train. Rosamond believes that a lady named Jane Prince may have been a mid-wife for the family. A gentleman whose last name is Stevens also would help.

29:21: Mr. John Boggs attended Piedmont Academy; there he met his future wife Sally. The children were all home schooled.

30:06: Audio ends.

Cassette 1

Side 2

00:07: Their children were well educated. Dr. Shirley's sister-in-law was one of the home school teachers. She was associated with Central Wesleyan College.

1:14: Megginson wishes to know Rosamond's impression of the Central Wesleyan Church. The building seemed as if it was a schoolhouse; Megginson confirms this assessment. The structure was wooden, and very simple in appearance.

4:15: Mention is made of her mother-in-law's boarding house style establishment. Nineteen rooms were added onto the original structure.

7:12: The first automobiles--Rosamond cannot recall who had the first. Her husband eventually owned a Franklin, but she cannot recall the year.

8:00: Megginson is interested in Rosamond's impressions of Calhoun. She states that it was "heavenly," with wonderful and friendly people. The town itself was small, but spread out. Calhoun consisted of a few stores and the post office. The area was nicely kept up, and had beautiful, large homes.

9:45: Poor sections--Rosamond recalls that there really weren't any "poor" sections of town, and that if anyone fell on hard times, the whole community would help.

11:21: Megginson encourages Rosamond to talk about some of her favorite people in the community. She immediately mentions Louise Smith (Megginson's grandmother). She apparently had a very bubbly and joyful personality. Mrs. Jane Prince was a favorite as well.

13:04: Clemson College sponsored activities: concerts, glee club events, lectures, and parties seemed to always be going on.

14:15: When her husband was young, there was no electricity or indoor plumbing. The roads were not paved. Rosamond gives the impression that Calhoun's facilities modernized fairly easily, but gives no specific dates.

18:00: Concerts at Clemson College were held in a large auditorium at Tillman Hall. There was usually no charge. Rosamond cannot remember ever seeing women perform.

21:08: Brief mention is made of the landscape of Calhoun, and its old trees. The conversation turns to the fire at Fort Hill, making the date of this interview around 1988. Megginson assures her that the damage was not severe.

26:00: Megginson is interested to know anything of the black community. She believes the local black community was called "Abel." In her estimation, relations between whites and blacks were "very good." They were not economically better off than any other black community, yet the relationships seemed "close."

29:00: White churches--Rosamond attended most of the churches in Calhoun, especially the Methodist and Episcopalian. She can remember that Clemson College cadets had to attend. Services lasted "longer than they do now."

31:38: Audio ends.

Cassette 2

Side 1

00:07: Megginson produces a map of the area; followed is a short conversation regarding the Dillard family.

1:40: The original Payne house burned, so the Payne house that Rosamond was familiar with was relatively new. This sparks a conversation about Mrs. Payne's business sense. Rosamond tells a story in which Mrs. Payne stacked cotton bales that hadn't sold a previous year nearly to the roof; there was much talk in the town for it was an eyesore. Mrs. Payne's decision was soon rewarded however, because the government (not clear whether state or federal) bought the cotton and she made a nice profit off of it. She was a very good businesswoman.

3:50: Myra Payne married a cousin: Reuben Boggs. His parents were from the Charlotte area

6:15: Rosamond remembers the Keowee plantation with its marble floors and grand pillars. Megginson states that the house and land are now underwater.

7:46: Megginson encourages Rosamond to talk about some of her favorite memories of Calhoun. Quilting--Rosamond can remember quilting parties at local houses where participants could take part in eating huge prepared lunches and get the latest gossip. The quilt would be placed in a special frame as four people per side worked on it. Calhoun was a small town, so there were few secrets. Overall they had a good time and had lots of laughs.

14:00: The Pickens Sentinel, along with the Greenville and Atlanta papers seemed to be the most popular newspapers in the old days.

15:05: Audio ends.

Cassette 2

Side 2

Blank

Lucinda Reid Brown Interview August 15, 1988   2.0 cassette(s)

Biographical/Historical note

Lucinda Reid Brown was born on March 11, 1890 in the Clemson/Calhoun area. She was the daughter of Alfred B. and Harley Reid. She married Jack Brown in 1910. They had seven children. Mrs. Reid Brown died on March 30, 1990.

Scope and Contents note

Speakers-Lucinda Reid Brown, W.J. Megginson

Audio Quality-Good

Cassette 1

Side 1

00:32: Mrs. Reid Brown is aged 98 in 1988. She was born at home "in the country" between Clemson and Central.

2:05: Dr. Hines is the first local doctor she can recall. The University doctor was Dr. Redfern. Another doctor she can recall is Dr. Watkins (known as Dr. Billy). She states that he was "...a great friend of poor people."

4:40: Her parents were Alfred B. and Harley Reid. Her grandfather Isaac Butler was a slave of John C. Calhoun. In his elderly years, he lived with the Brown family.

6:10: Her grandfather did occasionally speak of his experiences as a slave, but Mrs. Reid Brown admits that she was young, and didn't really pay attention to such stories. She can remember that her grandfather stated that John C. Calhoun was a good master and not cruel to his slaves.

6:51: She briefly recalls the John Crawford and Sloan families. The Sloan and Poe families joined through marriage.

12:58: Her grandmother was Amy Butler. Both her grandparents were African natives. Amy Butler was a slave "across the river" under slave master John Hughen (?).

16:57: Mrs. Reid Brown had many "dear" white friends. She discusses helping raise white children and the close relationships that were forged over the years.

22:03: Her father was Alfred Butler Reid. His mother was Easter (Ester?) Reid. She never married. She was a local midwife. Megginson states that according to the census, she was born in 1835. Mrs. Reid Brown's father was an intelligent man, who attended school as an adult when education was first being made available to blacks. He was a sharecropper and owned a grocery store across from Goldenview Church. He also owned his own property.

29:03: Mrs. Reid Brown briefly discusses her grandfather and his skill with basket weaving.

30:43: Audio ends.

Cassette 1

Side 2

00:07: Her mother was Polly Butler. She was known in the community as "Aunt Polly." She did domestic work.

2:16: They briefly discuss the Cochran family and their property.

4:55: Mrs. Reid Brown credits the University with many of the opportunities afforded local blacks. She had two sons who were employed at the University.

8:53: Aspects of school life are discussed. She went to school at Abel Church initially, though redistricting of school lines prevented her from continuing there. She can recall a Mr. Dupree teaching there. The black community built a school of their own. Children had to work crops so the school year lasted just a few months a year. Books had to be bought, which was a financial hardship. Her grandparents were illiterate, though her parents could read and write.

16:43: Shopping--Mrs. Reid Brown states that people didn't do a lot of shopping in those days, but on occasion they would visit Seneca or the Boggs and Smith stores locally.

21:44: The post office was located behind the Boggs store. She can remember the Chapman's working there.

23:26: Train travel was utilized for longer trips. A ticket was perhaps $0.20.

24:38: Entertainment--kids made their own fun, from hide-and-go-seek, to drop-the-handkerchief, to just playing around the train depot. Blacks could not attend movies in those days.

26:14: Megginson brings up the story of a Clemson cadet who dated a black woman. Mrs. Reid Brown is surprised that he is aware of this information, but adds that romantic encounters did occur--she will not elaborate further.

27:37: She is a charter member of the local Goldenview Church. She discusses its foundation and the reasons for leaving Abel.

31:53: Audio ends.

Cassette 2

Side 1

00:07: Church--Douglas Brown was the first minister at Goldenview. He stayed for two years. She briefly recalls other preachers and states that in those days church was only held on the first Sunday of every month. Both Morris and benedict colleges were supported through donations. Church was an enormous influence in the black community.

6:00: Local black and white communities were segregated. She can remember signs in public places that stated either "white" or "colored."

10:30: Mrs. Reid Brown has lived in her current residence since 1910. She was married that same year to Jack Brown. He worked at the University. They had seven children.

12:30: She considered "Calhoun" to be the area around the Smith boarding house.

13:28: Mrs. Reid Brown briefly discusses utilities that were available to the local community.

16:37: Mariah English (Aunt Mariah), the Brewster's, Hunter's, and Shaw's are all discussed.

23:00: She remembers Captain and Cora Clinkscales as very pleasant people. They were a friend to the black people.

29:02: People in her community mostly read the Pickens Sentinel, but she was aware of such media as  The State through working over the years in white homes.

31:48: Audio ends.

Cassette 2

Side 2

00:56: "Aunt" Amelia Hicks lived close to Daniel high school and did domestic work in the local community.

1:56: Jane Prince--Mrs. Reid Brown states that the rumor about her daughter was untrue. She can remember her grandmother telling her that Jane Prince had already had the child by the time she first came to work for Mr. Clemson.

4:55: Aaron and Elmira Boggs lived quite close in proximity to Mrs. Reid Brown. She knew many black individuals that were sharecroppers on his land. Macrina Campbell is another local individual who owned a large portion of land. Mrs. Reid Brown can remember seeing an elderly Macrina Campbell sitting on her front porch and smoking a pipe.

9:05: Holidays--Christmas was very special to children; they would set out stockings and on Christmas morning find them filled with fruits, candy, and nuts. She cannot recall having a Christmas tree in those days. On the Fourth of July, the local men would play baseball.

11:12: Megginson thanks Mrs. Reid Brown for the interview.

11:30: Audio ends.

Julius C. Hubbard, Jr. Interview August 31, 1988   1.0 cassette(s)

Biographical/Historical note

Julius C. Hubbard, Jr. was born in 1921. He earned a B.S. degree from Clemson in 1942. Hubbard then earned an M.S. in Textile Science from Georgia Tech in 1950. He was named professor of Textile Science at Clemson in 1970.

Scope and Contents note

Speakers-Julius C. "Mike" Hubbard, Jr., W.J. Megginson

Audio Quality-Good

Side 1

00:07: Megginson's intent with this interview is to learn more about the foundation of the Calhoun Masonic Lodge. Mr. Hubbard states that most people over the years have called him "Mike." He is 67 years old in 1988. He explains the abbreviation "AFM." It either refers to "Accepted Freemasons," or "Free and Accepted Masons." States around the country use one designation or the other; they both mean the same thing. Each state lodge is independent, though there is a national meeting every year of the state Grandmaster's of each lodge. Mr. Hubbard moved his membership from Columbia, SC to Clemson in 1947 when he joined the faculty at the University. He was elected and served as Worshipful Master in 1957, and has been Treasurer of the lodge for the previous 26 years.

2:17: The lodge in Clemson was originally founded by local masons from various area lodges. The Calhoun area had grown to the point where a requested petition to the Grand Lodge of SC for the constitution of a local lodge was made in the early years of the twentieth century.

3:30: Mr. Hubbard reads from an early book of minutes. The following names are the instigators of the petition: J.H. Hook, A.M. Redfern, A. Schilletter, S. Maner Martin, N. Benton, O.R. Doyle, B.H. Broyles, J.H. McHugh, and H. Benton. The first meeting was held around October 19, 1903 in Calhoun, SC.

4:56: Mr. Hubbard presumes the first meetings took place in the Boggs store. Mr. Doyle owned the building at the time. The Grand Lodge stated that the first meetings could take place anywhere within a three mile radius of Calhoun, SC.

5:54: The new establishment was chartered as Clemson Lodge no. 254 AFM on December 9, 1903. The first officers elected were: W.W. Klugh (Worshipful Master), O.R Doyle (Senior Warden), A.M. Redfern (Junior Warden), A. Schilletter (Treasurer), and H. Benton (Secretary).

6:50: Megginson would like to know more about the freemasonic traditions and what they do. Mr. Hubbard explains that this fraternal organization's main thrust is charity. The philosophy is one of brotherhood--not only within membership, but brotherhood of all mankind. They agree that all men are under one Creator, and must accept a profession of belief in deity in order to become a member.

8:00: Question--Since the Central Wesleyan Church "hall" was often used for meetings, could it have been an early location for the freemasonic gatherings? Mr. Hubbard states that this would never have been the case. Although they weren't openly hostile, many churches would not encourage their members to join the order. It is also true that the Roman Catholic Church for many years threatened excommunication to individuals who joined, though that papal bull had long since been rescinded. Jewish masons swore oaths upon the Torah, Christians upon the Old and New Testament, and Muslims upon the Koran. Hubbard states that these are the three instruments exhibited in the center of the lodge. By in large, the majority of Southern freemasons would have been Protestant, but Hubbard states that the Clemson lodge has had Jewish members since the 1920's.

10:30: Reading from the minutes of the first meeting, Megginson notices the application of Reverend K.G. Fendley. Hubbard explains that any minister of God may join upon investigation of his character and be accepted without recourse for giving fees or dues.

11:30: Again reading from the minutes of the first meeting; the first applicants for admission were: J.W. Gant, S.W. Reeves, A.S. Scheele, J.D. McCraken, Rev. K.G. Fendley, Thomas Keate, and E.A. Seamire (?).

11:56: In the minutes of the second meting it is revealed that the charter has been received as of December 19.

12:45: Where were the early meetings held? Hubbard believes the first location to be the top floor of the Boggs store, or "Doyle Hall" as it was known by the Presbyterians.

13:22: In the minutes of the second meeting which took place in November 1903, thanks is given to O.R. Doyle for providing walnut lumber, and to J.H. Hook for building furniture from it to be placed in the lodge. Hubbard is unaware what might have happened to that original furniture, the present furniture pieces appear to be much younger and made of pine.

16:10: Again reading from lodge minutes: Grand Master John R. Ballenger would be attending on December 18, 1903 and additionally would be assisting in laying the cornerstone at the Agricultural building at Clemson on the 19th. Megginson wonders about the significance of why freemasons are involved in the laying of cornerstones. Hubbard states that another main tenant of freemasonry is education. The cornerstone that was recently [1988] removed from Tillman Hall was placed by the Grand Lodge of SC, as was the one in the Agricultural Building and also Sikes Hall. This ceremony can only be performed by officials associated with the state Grand Lodge.

18:34: Megginson encourages Mr. Hubbard to discuss the Clemson University connection with the lodge. W.W. Klugh was a professor in Engineering Graphics; S. Manor Martin was head of the Math Department; G.H Aull was head of Agriculture; and Billy Brackett was dean of Chemistry. Hubbard states that you can go down the list; even to this day [1988] many lodge members are affiliated with Clemson University. Hubbard himself finished Clemson in 1942.

21:40: Reading from the 1907 minutes reveals that nine blinds are to be purchased. Megginson wonders if the Boggs store had nine upstairs windows. They note that at the time, O.R. Doyle owned what would become the Boggs store.

22:54: Megginson reads testimony regarding a brother member who had gotten into trouble with the law. It is not clear whether this report is contained in minutes, or is a separate document. The date of the document is not given, though it is probably around the early 1900's. The report states that a brother mason appeared intoxicated at Calhoun Station, had been with a Negro woman overnight, and had been drinking with a "Negro man of bad character." It is not clear from the document what punishment the individual received from the lodge.

24:27: Megginson had been attempting to trace the various meeting places that were utilized by the local freemasons before the permanent lodge was built. Reading from minutes: in 1914, it appears that Dr. L.C. Martin presented a proposition to occupy part of Martin's drugstore for a time. Megginson believes that the freemason's stayed there until around 1916. In 1915, the cornerstone was laid for the YMCA building (Holtzendorff Hall) at Clemson. The plans were to have the meetings immediately move into the YMCA, but concerns over uniform bylaws delayed the move until 1916.

30:40: By 1927, the YMCA lease had expired. There were initial discussions that the lease should be extended for one year with a decision agreed upon to build a lodge building of their own.

31:51: Audio ends.

Side 2

00:07: Hubbard reads from a document (c. late 1920's) concerning the finances and construction of the new lodge. The document authorizes that money be borrowed from Fort Hill Building & Loan Association. Another document dated October 13, 1928 concerns the dedication of the lodge.

3:40: A November 1, 1928 document indicates that the building is ready and has been occupied. Hubbard doesn't know who the building contractor was, or if such a thing as a "building contractor" even existed in those days.

5:02: There were two downstairs rooms in the lodge building that the Masons rented out to establishments in order to produce income. One was a community store; the other was the Fort Hill Bank & Trust Company.

9:20: Use of the upstairs lodge hall was extended to Lodge no. 254, Eastern Star, and the Yorkright Masons (Chapter Council). For a time, the Masons let the building be used for Clemson fraternal initiation ceremonies. Hubbard states that things "...got a little bit out of hand." The new agreement states that if a brother was a member of a particular Clemson fraternity on campus, then that fraternity could have use of the building only if that brother is present.

12:30: Megginson and Hubbard begin to look at photographs of past Worshipful Master's of Lodge no. 254 starting with the first. W.W. Klugh (Engineering), A.M. Redfern (Redfern Infirmary), Mr. Hook (involved in military aspects of Clemson), A. Doyle, B.H. Henry, S. Manor Martin (head of Clemson Math Dept., Grandmaster of SC from 1939-1941), Benjamin F. Robertson (father of writer), J.C. Littlejohn (Clemson Registrar), Sam Hillands (Clemson University Treasurer), H.A. Sloan (WW I Officer), Andrew Bramlett (WW I Officer), R.N. Brackett (Chemistry Department), B.S. McCollum (owned L.C. Martin Drug Company), E.B. Elmore, G.H. Aull (Agriculture Department), B.B Burley, J.H. Sams (Engineering Department), Charlie Bennett, Dr. Sheldon (Math Department), Dennis Crawford, Ralph Hendricks, and R.R. Crowther (Manager of Bank). Hubbard estimates that over 50% of the Worshipful Master's have been in some way connected to Clemson University.

18:30: Megginson moves the conversation back toward the role that charity played among the freemasons. There was specific assistance given to widows of brother members. Likewise, if a brother mason's family fell on hard times, the lodge would help. Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets were prepared for the community. The brother mason who always coordinated the charitable efforts was Charlie Bennett. Hubbard points out that these were the days before welfare, and that there were only three local organizations that did charity: the Masonic Lodge, American Legion, and the Fellowship Club (originally organized by the Presbyterians). Hubbard states that modern Clemson now actually has a larger proportion of charitable organizations than most towns its size (pop. 8,500 in 1988).

28:43: Megginson thanks Hubbard for the interview. Hubbard gives closing thoughts.

30:45: Audio ends.

Ina S. Megginson Interview August 22, 1988   1.0 cassette(s)

Biographical/Historical note

Ina S. Megginson was born on June 19, 1907. A native of Clemson, she was the daughter of John W. and Louie Smith. She was a graduate of Winthrop University, and worked for Clemson University's Extension Service. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. She married William James Megginson. Mrs. Megginson died on July 22, 1999.

*Note-Ina S. Megginson is W.J. Megginson's mother. She had become very hard of hearing by the time this interview took place.

Scope and Contents note

Speakers-Ina S. Megginson, W.J. Megginson. In Jackson, Mississippi.

Audio Quality-Good, though the interviewee is occasionally hard to understand

Side 1

00:07: The interview is taking place in Jackson, Mississippi on August 22, 1988.

00:57: The interviewee's name is Ina S. Megginson. Her age is 81. She was born in Calhoun, SC. She states that early on her family lived "just above the grocery store." She doesn't elaborate, but this may refer to an apartment complex above the store.

1:20: Mrs. Megginson believes that her mother had a doctor and a midwife in attendance during the births of her children.

2:30: Megginson encourages his mother to recall some of the oldest houses in Calhoun. She can remember her Aunt Alice's house, as well as the Hal Boggs house. The Boggs house had two stories and a portico at the top.

4:55: She considered "Calhoun" to encompass the area from the street at her house to the area near the railroad station. She did not consider the houses and shops associated with the college as "Calhoun."

5:50: As a youth she attended the local Wesleyan Methodist Church.

6:35: She also attended the local Baptist Church.

7:09: Mrs. Megginson first attended school in a building down the old Central Road. The building was also used as a church and Sunday school.

7:40: She is unsure of how many grades were taught. She says perhaps 8 or 9. It was a one room schoolhouse. An individual with the last name Earl, as well as Mrs. Hendricks are remembered as teachers there.

8:30: The school was heated with a coal burning stove.

8:53: She cannot recall what years she attended the Clemson-Calhoun high school. She found no social distinction between Calhoun and Clemson College children. The school day lasted from 8:30-3pm. The students got an hour for lunch.

10:00: Mary and Louis Boggs were a couple of her best friends in school. She also knew many black children, though they didn't play together because the black children attended a different school.

11:00: Mrs. Patrick (English teacher), Miss Witherspoon, and Margaret Morrison were a few of her high school teachers.

12:07: Mrs. Megginson actually graduated high school twice. As she was graduating her tenth and final grade in 1923, it was determined that an eleventh grade be added to the curriculum. She graduated from the eleventh grade the next year in 1924.

12:41--She met a lot of the college cadets at the "Training Union." She didn't attend the social dances because she never learned how to dance.

13:14: The Smith store was a general merchandise store which sold shoes, cloths, hardware, and food. The only employee Mrs. Megginson can recall is Mrs. Gaines, who was the bookkeeper.

14:50: The Boggs store was not unlike her father's store, except that they sold cloth for making dresses. She was allowed to shop there.

17:05: The local roads did not run as they do today. The road to Central ran by her Aunt Ella's house. The underpass has been in its same location as long as she can remember.

18:52: She remembers working hard at the hotel for her mother. She made beds, cleaned house, got coal for heat, cleaned and filled up the oil lamps, washed chimneys, helped cook, and got dairy products from the pasture. The pasture was beyond the school house on the Clemson Road.

20:08: Megginson is interested in what types of people stayed at the Smith hotel. Workmen such as linemen, road builders, electricians, barbers, and salesmen were the normal guests. One regular was Mr. Wiggs, a salesman from Greenville who stayed at the hotel every Tuesday.

21:00: Mrs. Megginson can neither recall if Calhoun had a town hall nor who the town officials if any there were.

22:12: The town jail was close to the railway house and behind the Payne house. People were usually incarcerated for either intoxication or fighting.

22:47: The Anderson and Greenville newspapers seemed to be the popular media for news.

23:00: Calhoun did not have a local doctor or dentist when she was young. The doctor (Dr. Shirley) was from Central, and the dentist (Dr. Thompson) was from Seneca.

23:30: Mrs. Megginson usually did her shopping in Anderson, SC.

23:57: She always admired Mrs. Norman and Agnes Boggs as a child.

25:00: The relationship between whites and blacks were "superb and friendly." She had never heard of any trouble between the two communities.

25:23: Individuals from the black community that she can recall are Will Hawthorne, Tom Dupree, Francis Dupree, and lady called Aunt Amelia. She names others as Annie, Cindy, Janie, Irene, and Aunt Sue. Aunt Sue was her nanny--she was a very cherished and loved individual to Mrs. Megginson. She was like one of the family.

27:04: Mrs. Megginson states that her mother was a tremendous woman with a great personality. She was well liked in the community. She was lenient with people who owed her money.

31:28: L.C. Martin's drugstore was the meeting place in town.

31:46: Audio ends.

Side 2

00:07: Mrs. Megginson is speaking mid-sentence. She states that the Sloan store's selection tended to cater toward men.

00:59: Mrs. Megginson states that many Calhoun boys attended Clemson. She names Aubrey, Waymon, and Bob. Waymon and Bob were two of her brothers.

2:25: Megginson wants to know who the Federal Board Men were. After World War I, the government set up a system whereby men could get additional education. Fifteen or so stayed at the Smith hotel.

3:20: Her brother-in-law Jack Elmore worked in the Treasurer's Office at Clemson College.

4:03: Mrs. Megginson remembers that "Shorty" Schilleter and Mr. Harcombe were both Mess Officers.

5:00: Mrs. Megginson recalls some of her neighbors in Calhoun. An individual named Crawford, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Boggs, Mrs. Pike, Mrs. McCollum (Mrs. Pike's daughter), Earl Boggs, the Cochran's, and Eva and Gracia Payne and their mother.

7:00: Mrs. Megginson worked as a secretary in the Extension Office at Clemson College. She had three bosses: Mr. Rawl (Horticulture), Mr. Gooding (Poultry), and Charlie Morgan (Experiment Station). She worked 8:30-5pm during the week with a half day on Saturday.

9:30: Her sister Ethel worked with the bulletin business on campus, and her brother-in-law Charlie Bennett was a Horticulturalist.

10:50: Megginson thanks his mother for the interview.

10:56: Interviewer's Notes--Megginson wishes to clarify some of the names that may have been mentioned but not elaborated on. Ina S. Megginson's siblings were: Waymon Smith, Robert F. Smith, Ethel (married Jack Elmore), Lucille (married Charlie Bennett), Ann (married Cecile Paitt), Edna (married a Plyler), and John Smith. Megginson adds that Mamie Cochran Crawford was the daughter of John Wesley Cochran.

11:50: Audio ends.

Edward S. and Mary L. Olson Interview September 1, 1988   2.0 cassette(s)

Biographical/Historical note

There is much information provided in the interview. Edward S. Olson was born November 18, 1916 in Westchester County, NY. He was the son of Edward and Mathilda Anderson Olson. He was a 1938 Clemson graduate. He died on May 27, 2000. Mary Olson taught History and French at Daniel high school for 18 years. She, along with her husband were the original owners of "Calhoun Corner's" restaurant. They bought the old Boggs store in 1974 and had it refurbished for the establishment of the business. The Olson's had one son: Edward Olson, Jr.

Scope and Contents note

Speakers-Edward S. and Mary L. Olson, W.J. Megginson

Audio Quality-Good

Cassette 1

Side 1

00:07: By 1988, Edward and Mary Olson had lived in Clemson for 37 years. They arrived in February of 1951. Edward initially was employed as a Research and Development Chemist at the Milliken Excelsior Finishing Plant in Pendleton, SC. In 1959, he joined the Textile Research Department at Clemson as a Research Development Chemist. The department was headed at the time by Thomas Efland and Bill Rainey. Edward remained with the University from 1959-1983, upon which he retired. Mary Olson taught History and French for 18 years at Daniel high school. She retired in 1976.

1:50: The couple are the owners of the establishment known as "Calhoun Corner's." "Calhoun Corner's" was originally the Boggs store. They first purchased the building in 1974. The idea of buying the property had occurred to Mrs. Olson as early as the couple's first arrival to the area in 1951. While on sabbatical in Europe during the early 1970's, the couple was again inspired to purchase and preserve the old store. They had been exposed to cities where virtually every building was several hundred years old, and thought it would be a great shame if the Boggs store were allowed to fall into complete disrepair. When they returned to South Carolina they learned that the store was being sold by the Boggs family. They purchased the building in 1974, and enlisted the help of Clemson Architecture professor John Jacks to oversee the renovation project.

5:00: Megginson enquires if the couple knows when the building was built. It is believed that Dr. Doyle bought the land in 1892. Doyle commissioned John Wesley Cochran to build the store (this information was given to the Olson's by Mary Crawford, Mr. Cochran's daughter). John Wesley Cochran owned a brickyard near the Seneca River, where the railroad trestle is now. Mr. Cochran built the "old textile building" (Godfrey Hall) on the Clemson campus, the Trustee Building, a mill in Spartanburg, SC, and the Smith store in Calhoun, SC.

9:05: Mr. Olson states that there was a great variability in the consistency of the brick at "Calhoun Corners." He speculates that perhaps the bricks were fired at different temperatures.

9:50: The general layout and structure of the building is discussed. The foundation walls are 18 inches thick. A 90 foot deep well was found during renovations. It would have been located on the original back porch of the Boggs establishment.

13:23: Megginson traces the evolution of the establishment as he understands it. Dr. Doyle originally bought the land in 1892. The Doyle family continued to own the land from 1892-1940. Various individuals ran the store over the years. There was J.D. Morgan; Morgan and Boggs; the Holden's (1910?); and Norman Boggs. Two other families that were believed to have operated the store in later years were the Nichols's and the Carter's. No records from the early decades of the establishment have ever been found.

17:55: Mrs. Olson states that over the years the upstairs "hall" was used as a meeting place for the Woodmen of the World, magistrate court, the Presbyterian Church, the Freemasons, and for social events such as dances.

23:45: Voter registration took place at the Boggs establishment. The group tries to determine if the post office was ever located in the Boggs store.

25:17: Mrs. Olson begins reading from a Messenger news article dated August 14, 1974. Covered are the "prank" electric bench at Boggs's, and the original story behind the large stones at the front of the establishment.

28:00: Mrs. Olson reads from a couple of letters concerning the placement of bicentennial celebration markers at the establishment. The first letter is from Wright Bryan.

29:50: Audio ends.

Side 2

1:52: Mrs. Olson continues reading from the letter. Another letter is from sister's Nelly McHugh and Eloise McHugh Witherspoon. This letter also recommends that a marker be placed at the site. The letter contains a short historical timeline of the Boggs establishment.

3:41: Megginson enquires about the large tree at "Calhoun Corner's." It is the second oldest post oak in the area, and has been registered with the Forestry Department at Clemson. Its exact age is not known by the couple. It is believed by the two to have been there since at least 1926.

5:02: As of 1988, the building was not on the National Historic Register.

5:55: The group discusses the general floor plans and internal alterations that had to be made during refurbishment.

10:10: The group goes off subject and discusses the local Perry family home.

12:52: The discussion turns to the original lots were the property is located and how they were divided.

15:59: Mrs. Olson wishes that they had bought the store "as is." When the family came to clean out the store before the Olson's took ownership, many antique pieces were found lying about.

17:17: The attic--the supports are sturdy 3 x 5 rip-saw pine. It is the same kind of timber used in medieval European fortresses and parapets.

18:23: Megginson is interested in how many chimneys might have been located in the establishment. There were 5 in the store part. The residence had 4 fireplaces and two chimneys. The couple thinks that the pot bellied stove burned wood.

20:36: Megginson enquires about what utilities were available to the building. They don't know when electricity was provided to the building. There was one bathroom in the entire building located in the residential quarters just off the back porch. There is no evidence of a telephone in the store quarters, though there was apparently one in the residential part.

25:39: The Olson's found that the floors were initially in poor shape. They were sanded and coated with urethane. The group discusses the architectural aspects of the floors.

27:57: Megginson brings up an unusual architectural feature--a strip of pine along the downstairs south wall. This was retaining for the shelving supports. There was very little original shelving left by the time the Olson's bought the establishment.

30:00: Whatever scales that had been utilized over the years had been moved by the time the Olson's got the property.

31:34: Audio ends.

Cassette 2

Side 1

00:25: Mr. Olson was originally from Westchester, NY. He recalls his first trip to the Calhoun area in August of 1934 upon enrolling at Clemson College. From the Calhoun depot one had to walk to the College. Captain Clinkscales livery service moved the luggage. Mr. Olson believes the charge for the service was around $0.50.

3:09: Mr. Olson briefly discusses aspects of the "old carriage road" and the paving of old US 123 (now 93) in 1930.

6:40: Megginson asks the couple if they are aware of Cold Springs plantation. The Olson's state that the area they live in is called Cold Springs. The slave quarters for the plantation once stood about 100 yards from their residence. The Olson's found pottery and tools in that general area while digging a garden.

11:05: Mrs. Olson recalls conversations with Calhoun locals. Annie Leigh Boggs told her that John Wesley Cochran built the Pendleton Presbyterian Church in June of 1891. Eva Payne (longtime Boggs store bookkeeper) can remember that the Boggs store would stay open long after normal closing hours, especially in the summer in order to accommodate the crowds who would often gather there.

16:00: When the Olson's first opened up the refurbished establishment, they rented out space to both gardening and gift shops for a couple of years.

16:30: The Olson's explain how they came about the name "Calhoun Corner's" for the establishment. Initially they were going to call it "The Corner's", because the original thought was to have a different establishment located in each corner of the building. That plan didn't work out, so they settled with a restaurant that would be called "Calhoun Corner's."

19:09: Megginson thanks the Olson's for the interview and the audio ends.

Side 2

Blank

Jane Vandiver Ramsey Interview August 21, 1988   2.0 cassette(s)

Biographical/Historical note

Provided in interview.

Scope and Contents note

Speakers-Jane Vandiver Ramsey, W.J. Megginson. In Jackson, Mississippi.

Audio Quality.

Cassette 1

Side 1

00:23: Jane Vandiver Ramsey is aged 82 in 1988. The Vandiver family came to Calhoun in April of 1919. They were originally from near Toccoa, Georgia. Her father had worked on the construction of the double-track that ran near Calhoun. Her brother Hubert was attending Clemson as a cadet, so the family decided to move to the area.

2:08: The Vandiver house on the corner of Calhoun Street and Concord Road had, according to family research, been originally constructed as early as the 1850's. Mrs. Vandiver Ramsey states that Megginson's own relatives the Carey's (John Carey and family) lived in the house before the Vandiver's. John Boggs lived there for a time; it was during this period that the house was expanded in size.

3:19: Mrs. Vandiver Ramsey describes the architectural aspects and general dimensions of the house. It had an L-shaped porch with a swing and two chimneys. The house had been painted when they first bought it, but the house in general needed refurbishment.

7:17: The original builders of the house are not known. Nevertheless, it is believed to be one of the oldest homes in Calhoun.

9:27: Her father was named Johnson Jeremiah Vandiver. He was a railroad man. The family utilized the train during their move to Calhoun by shipping furniture from one place to another. The location of the overpass has always been in its present location according to her recollection. She can remember station agent Tom White who worked at the depot. As a child she did not go near the railroad.

23:14: Her impressions of Calhoun upon first glance were that it was a typical small southern town. She can remember the Boggs and Smith stores, and gives brief recollections regarding both.

24:18: Mrs. Vandiver Ramsey recalls the utilities that were available to her home in those early years. The family installed Delco lights in 1922. She explains what she knows about this particular lighting system. Stoves were usually either wood or coal burning. There was no indoor plumbing until around 1940, though the Smith boarding house had indoor plumbing as early as 1933. Telephone service was available, but the exact year cannot be recalled. Clemson seemed to get utility services before Calhoun. The family kept an indoor icebox.

31:48 --- Audio ends.

Side 2

00:07: Mrs. Vandiver Ramsey is discussing a local grocery store mid sentence. The store carried can goods, flour, etc. She describes the general layout of the establishment. Her family never charged for purchases, they always paid cash.

5:15: The location of the post office is discussed. She states that it was situated near the Carey house. It was a simple, one room building. Bessie Chapman was a postmistress of the operation for a time.

9:10: Mrs. Vandiver Ramsey did a lot of shopping in Anderson and Seneca, as well as Greenville. The two discuss shopping opportunities in and around Calhoun.

11:40: She can remember going to the YMCA to see movies. She can remember seeing Birth of a Nation. There were many church parties and sponsored events. The Epworth League (Methodist), BYPU (Baptist), and Christian Endeavour (Presbyterian) were all local church groups. The 1922 Junior/Senior party was held at the Vandiver house. Young people also took piano lessons and occasionally played cards.

22:55: Family life was strict; she got no relief from college in that Winthrop also led a much regimented lifestyle.

24:14: Megginson is interested in what stores and establishments were in Clemson in the old days. She can recall Captain Clinkscales, Sloan's Store, and Taylor's Shoe Shop.

26:22: The two briefly discuss local church life. The Wesleyan Methodists were quite emotional, as opposed to the Episcopal Methodists, who were much more reserved.

31:44: Audio ends.

Cassette 2

Side 1

00:12: The two are discussing the Hendricks house. She states that one of the Hendricks was a policeman, and his wife was a nurse.

1:12: Cochran Road did not exist as a street name when she was a youth. There weren't many houses in the area when the Vandiver's first arrived. She can remember that Clint Taylor's daughter had a house built close, as did Shorty and Elma Hendricks after the Vandiver's arrived.

2:00: Preacher Henry was another close neighbor who moved in a year after the Vandiver's. He and his family were originally from Jefferson, Georgia. He was a Methodist minister, although he didn't preach in Calhoun (retired?). The family had around eleven children: Garrett and Francis were two that Mrs. Vandiver Ramsey knew.

5:30: She cannot recall the Doyle's ever having children. Teachers from the Calhoun/Clemson school boarded with the Doyle's. "Colonel" Doyle's title was believed to be honorary. He was a station agent at the depot just prior to Tom White.

8:00: The Dillard family was another local Calhoun family. Frank lived with wife and family. He was in charge of the college laundry. She can also remember the Crawford's, Fendley's, Chapman's, Sheriffs, and Perry's. She briefly touches on aspects of the Carey house.

11:09: Her mother's name was Nina Dominic. She was from Newberry and attended college at Leesville. She taught school briefly before marrying. She was quite an artist.

11:55: The two briefly discuss a painting her mother did of her home in Newberry.

15:10: Megginson is interested in what medical and dental services were available to the community. She states that Dr. Watkins was their family doctor. Dr. Milford was the college doctor. There was a dentist in Seneca.

15:53: Megginson asks Mrs. Vandiver Ramsey what reading materials were available to Calhoun locals. The Greenville News was popular. There was a national publication known as  The Grit. The family received a monthly publication known as the  Liberty Magazine. As a child she read  Anne of Green Gables, and in later years Ben Robertson's  Red Hills and Cotton, and enjoyed them both.

18:37: Megginson is interested to know if Mrs. Vandiver Ramsey was familiar with the King family. The family apparently moved to the Calhoun area while she was in college. Mr. King may have been involved with the local post office, though she didn't really know the family well.

20:37: The two discuss the Smith boarding house. She can recall that many Federal Board Men stayed there in the years after World War I.

22:14: She can remember the Clemson cadet walkout of 1920. She can recall cadets strolling about town, and catching rides on the train. As a girl she would sweep the porch to the cadence of the marching band as they practiced.

23:48: Megginson thanks Mrs. Vandiver Ramsey for the interview.

24:05: Audio ends.

Side 2

Blank

George C. Summey Interview August 10, 1988   1.0 cassette(s)

Biographical/Historical note

George C. Summey was born in 1904, the son of James J. and Margaret Evatt Summey. He was a general contractor and co-founder of Newton & Summey Lumber Company. He was a member of the Clemson Wesleyan Church. He was married to Mae Newton Summey of Clemson. There was one surviving son at the time of his death: J. Calvin Summey. Mr. Summey died on September 14, 1999.

Scope and Contents note

Speakers-George C. Summey, W.J. Megginson

Audio-Good

Side 1

00:32: Mr. Summey is aged 84 in 1988. He moved from Central to Calhoun in 1925.

00:52: Aspects of the local Wesleyan Methodist Church are discussed. He has been a member of the church for around 60 years. After marriage in 1925, he and his wife briefly moved to Pickens in 1926 before moving back to Calhoun in 1928. The church is located at the intersection of 93 and 123. It stands very close in proximity to the Summey residence. The building was built around 1950, with the first service being held in 1951.

8:51: Prior to the new construction, the congregation met in an old school house in Calhoun. The building had been deeded to Mr. Dillard. Megginson adds that the property and building had belonged to Aaron Boggs, who originally deeded it to town officials around 1893 in order that it be used as a schoolhouse.

9:57: Megginson states that the Wesleyan Methodists could well go back to the late 1890's. He references a book by James Hillson entitled "History of SC Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church of America." A passage states that a meeting of the SC Conference of Wesleyan Methodists was held in Calhoun in 1897.

11:30: Some early members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church were Mrs. Louis Smith (charter member--organist--Megginson's grandmother), Lela Lawrence (charter member), and Frank Dillard (Sunday School Superintendent).

16:20: The Wesleyan Methodists held very emotional services, but were against "speaking in tongues."

20:14: Another early founder of this church was J.T. Carey; he served as pastor at the church for a time. His wife was a charter member.

22:40: Mr. Summey describes the location of his house, mentioning his neighbors the Henry's, and Mixon's.

26:10: There were more women in the church than men. When the Summey's first joined the Wesleyan Methodist Church, there were only two male members.

26:55: Mr. Summey can remember shopping at the Boggs Store. A gentleman named Mr. Crawford would go around the community and take orders with the assistance of a black man who would help him with the delivery of the items.

29:54: Mr. Summey can recall the Smith boarding house because he was professionally involved as a contractor/builder and remembers doing repairs there.

31:43: Audio ends.

Side 2

00:16: There was a local community store in Clemson. Another local establishment was run by Major Abbot where shoes and clothes could be purchased.

2:37: The conversation briefly turns to Jane Prince. She lived near the Cochran's. She was a very elderly woman by the time Mr. Summey moved to Calhoun. Jane Prince was a remarkable person and visitors walked away feeling "blessed" to have met her.

4:06: Mr. Summey begins to recall various local houses, individuals, and street names. The Boggs's, Crawford's, Cochran's, and King's are discussed.

8:30: Cliff Crawford owned a cleaning business.

11:20: He can remember first getting telephone service in the late 1930's. There was electricity in the house that he had built in 1929, but no indoor plumbing.

14:00: Mr. Summey was part owner of a construction business named Newton & Summey for twenty years before going out on his own to do contracting work. The aforementioned business became Clemson Lumber Company.

15:05: There is a local street named for him. He owned much of the adjacent property and built several houses there. The land was sold to him by Eva and Gracia Payne.

18:30: Various aspects of local church life are again covered. Local minister's annual salaries were not sufficient to live on alone; pastor's usually took on other work to compliment their incomes. Services lasted two hours or so. The Wesleyan Church was opposed to drinking, smoking, dancing, and card playing. In the old days women wore no makeup or jewelry and never cut their hair. By the time Mr. Summey joined the congregation in 1922, services were held on every consecutive Sunday. He didn't attend any other denominational church except for on special occasions. There were records for the church dating back 25 years or so in 1988. He is unaware of any records that exist prior to that time period.

29:30: Audio ends.