Elon Rhodes interviewed by Wondwossen Getachew

Creator:

Rhodes, Elon W. (Elon Walter), 1922-2006, Getachew, Wondwossen, and Getachew, Wondwossen

Extent:

00:33:14 Duration (HH:MM:SS.mmm)

Scope and content:

Records the reminiscences of Elon Rhodes, a lifelong resident of Harrisonburg, Virginia. Recounts his early family life and his experiences as a student in Lucy Simms' first grade class at the Effinger Street School (circa 1928), and his subsequent high school graduation from that same school in 1939. Describes Simms' teaching technique and classroom demeanor, as well as the physical layout of the school building. Mentions the Lucy F. Simms school building, which opened the year he graduated from Effinger Street, in 1939. Briefly mentions the Effinger Street School's principal, William Harris, who would hold the same position at the Simms School. Describes race relations in Harrisonburg, as well as the changing demographic and social structure of the city over several decades. Touches briefly on his service in a segregated Army unit in World War II and his subsequent entry into Harrisonburg municipal government upon his return from the war. Discusses his two terms on the school board and his two years as the vice-mayor of Harrisonburg.

Other descriptive data:

Recorded at 366 Effinger Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Names:

Rhodes, Elon W. (Elon Walter), 1922-2006
Getachew, Wondwossen

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