Hawes, Susan

Abstract Lytle and other members of his family were involved with the police in some capacity, such as a carpenter, breaking the horses, and playing on the Northern Police baseball team. Lytle describes living conditions when he was growing up (heating systems, living with relatives), and the conditions during the Depression for his family and the community as a whole. He discusses the migration of “hillbillies” from the south during WWII, to places like Sparrows Point. Lytle discusses the Rope...

Abstract

Meads discusses dating rituals, disciplinary action at school, and race relations. Meads focuses on the conflicts between Caucasian and African American (“black,” “colored”) residents in Hampden and at the Chevy plant, including interracial relationships, violence, housing integration, and government interaction. He uses personal stories to illustrate his opinions.

Abstract The main topic of the Meads’ interview is their experience working at the Upper Mt. Vernon Mill. They both held numerous positions within the mill, including spooling, doffing, spinning, drawing frames, and slupper minder. They talk about the social aspects of the mill, the mill strikes, and several of their bosses, such as Ed Goznell, Bud Streeter, Raymond Cook, and Ells Filmore. Richard Meads describes the Rat Hole and the Dust Room. Working conditions and the mill industry are...

Abstract

The interviewer notes that Merryman was a hard interviewee and was very bitter about the changes that have occurred in Hampden. He is dissatisfied with the government’s decision to fill in the Reservoir, and points to this as an example of how the government is not concerned with working class neighborhoods such as Hampden and Highlandtown.

Abstract

Pruitt describes her childhood and her mother’s employment and parenting choices. Pruitt discusses her involvement with religion, her childhood experiences, race relations in Baltimore, and how Hampden as changed in regards to social activities. Pruitt spent 7 years at the Odd Fellows Home in Frederick, MD, and she describes her life there, including living conditions.

Abstract Reigle describes her parent’s and grandparent’s occupations, the way Hampden was before it was developed, childhood activities, dating rituals, church activities, a traveling minister, and how the church helped during the Depression. Reigle describes her children’s experience in school. Reigle talks about the community organizations she and her family participated in, such as the Camper Club, Social Club, Stone’s Pleasure Club, Hampden Businessmen Dinner, and the Women’s Cordiality Club. ...

Abstract

Ruby discusses the political power and geographical boundaries of Woodbury. Ruby discusses his work with the Woodbury Community Association and Woodbury’s relationship with neighboring towns like Hampden. Ruby’s father was involved with neighborhood politics and Ruby discusses many of the key politicians of the time. Ruby also describes his childhood and his educational decisions.

Abstract Spurrier describes her experiences at the mills in detail, including information on pay, her superiors, and working conditions. She also describes the time before the union and the decision to join the union; she includes descriptions of the organizer’s roles and union meetings. Spurrier as very involved with the union and eventually held the position of union president. Although the bulk of the interview is focused on Spurrier’s mill and union experience, she also discusses her...

Abstract

Talbott describes the Hampden community when she was growing up, including the 4th of July celebrations, church carnivals, and the retail stores. She talks about the physical boundaries of Hampden and how the neighborhood has changed, such as crime, obedience of children, and the economic stratification of the residents.

Abstract Thomas discusses her father’s career and political life. She describes her time at School #58, including subjects taught and teachers. She talks about her time at Hooper’s Mill, including how she worked around her pregnancies, the impact the mill had on the Hampden and Woodberry communities, and the lack of advancement for female workers. Thomas discusses the impact the Depression had on her family, and her involvement with the Roosevelt Recreation Center. Thomas discusses businesses in...