Helen Irvin Wells interviewed by Inez Ramsey and Carolyn Hobson

Creator:

Wells, Helen Lucille Irvin, 1898-1996, Ramsey, Inez Linn, 1938-2025, Hobson, Carolyn, and Staropoli, Theresa

Scope and content:

Records the reminiscences of Mrs. Helen Irvin Wells (b. 1898) of Harrisonburg, Va., school teacher at Grottoes, Elkton and Bridgewater Elementary schools and cook at Madison College for fifteen years. Describes her childhood incl. holiday observances (Easter, Christmas); games, ghost stories told by the half-breed Indian, making dolls & hats from corn husks, honeysuckle baskets; education (Effinger School, recollections of L. Simms, her brother, the poet U.G. Wilson, spelling contests, school schedule based on farming seasons), and later education at Va. State College); histories of local Methodist churches (circuit preachers John Wesley, Mr. Otterbein), gardening, canning, recipes (scripture cake); making quilts, hook rugs, and tatting (making lace). Recorded at the home of Mrs. Helen Irvin Wells, Harrisonburg, Va. on July 18, 1978 (?). Includes 4-leaf paper contains recollections of the well known teacher, Lucy Simms, the names of local black Civil War veterans, and a list of prominent black leaders within the community. Note that the paper indicates three dates (July 18-20, 1978).

Other descriptive data:

Recorded at the home of Mrs. Helen Irvin Wells in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Names:

Wells, Helen Lucille Irvin, 1898-1996
Ramsey, Inez Linn, 1938-2025
Hobson, Carolyn
Staropoli, Theresa

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