Video and Audio Archives

Interviewees

Lewis Brandon

Interview – Lewis Brandon Former teacher at J.C. Price School

Length: 38 minutes
File Size: 71MB
Interviewed by: Justin Payne
Location: Greensboro College
Date: 02/26/09

Read the interview transcript here.

Mr. Brandon began by explaining about his background and how he gained his employment at J.C. Price. While he did not reside in the Warnersville neighborhood, he did live within walking distance of the school. Mr. Brandon remembered his time as a teacher at Price vividly. He recalled the disciplinary measures used at the school and explained that different teachers utilized different methods of discipline. Mr. Brandon also shared his memories of Principal Peeler. Mr. Brandon then spoke about desegregation and its impact on both J.C. Price School and the Warnersville community. He felt that overall the change had many positive aspects, but that the community as a whole lost the cohesiveness and sense of unity that it had while segregation was in effect. He also shared memories about his time spent aiding, organizing, and participating in various civil rights events. He took part in numerous protests and helped college students to become involved in the movement. Summary by interviewer(s).

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Christine Goode

Interview – Goode, Christine Former student at J.C. Price School.

Length: 44 minutes
File Size: 80MB
Interviewed by: Laura Martin (Also present, April Hendrick and Misty Penrod)
Location: The Goode residence
Date: 11/02/07

There is no transcript of this interview.

 

Mrs. Goode seemed to have very happy memories of J. C. Price School. She remembered several of the teachers at Price – Ms. Melton, Ms. Butler, Ms. Harris, Ms. Brown, Ms. Taylor, Ms. Bollen, and Ms. Alcorn. She spoke about what they taught and how they treated the students. She talked about how the teachers at Price “took her under their wings” and encouraged her to attend college. Ms. Butler helped her get into Bennett College after high school, giving her the opportunity to earn a degree in English. One story Ms. Goode related was about how she talked a lot in class. Ms. Butler told her not to be an “empty wagon, because empty wagons make the most noise.” Ms. Butler was her favorite teacher even though she was very tough on her. Ms. Goode said that they also her taught “everyday, common sense things to do” at Price, such as how to speak well and how to treat others. In home economics class, they were taught how to work in the home, learning things such as cooking and sewing. She felt that Price prepared her for the real world. When asked about Mr. Peeler, she said that he respected the students and the students respected him. She remembered him taking a lot of photographs at Price and serving as referee at Price ballgames. She said that he was a very good role model for the students at Price, both boys and girls. Ms. Goode remembered the teachers at Price being very strict, and if you got in trouble at school, you also were in trouble at home. She felt that she received an excellent education at Price. Summary by interviewer(s).

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Howard Griffin

Interview – Griffin, Howard Former student at J.C. Price School.

Length: 52 minutes
File Size: 96 MB
Interviewed by: Linda Wharton (Also present, Justin Payne)
Location: The Griffin residence
Date: 11/12/07

There is no transcript of this interview.

Mr. Griffin talked about the layout of Warnersville, saying only Ash street and Freedom Mill road were paved. He explained how Warnersville was a strong community where everyone was happy for most part. He said that even though it was poor community, he himself didn’t realize it. Mr. Griffin spoke about how Warnersville had an abundance of prominent black people, such as preachers and doctors, to be role models. He reflected on the idea that he didn’t “see” segregation until later on in life. Mr. Griffin recalled that teachers knew students and families and how teachers were seen more as community members and friends rather than merely as teachers. Teachers and students often attended the same churches together, and there was a lot of contact outside school between teachers and students’ families. Mr. Griffin talked about punishment at Price, including getting his hand hit with a ruler. Mr. Griffin said that the teachers had high standards and wanted the kids to succeed. He recalled how students wanted to stay away from Mr. Peeler while at school because he was the one who handed out the paddlings. Despite the strict discipline, or perhaps because of it, he felt that he had received a fine education at both J.C. Price School and Dudley High School. Mr. Griffin also mentioned his getting used books from the white elementary school up the street from Price. Mr. Griffin talked about how people looked up to the teachers, and he learned a lot from the teachers as they would give speeches about life and the future. Mr. Griffin ended the interview by talking about change in society and about how different people are now than in his time.

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Spencer Gwynn

Interview – Gwynn, Spencer Former teacher at J.C. Price School.

Length: 47 minutes
File Size: 86MB
Interviewed by: Mary Lackey (Also present, Matthew Creedmore, Justin Payne, and Linda Wharton)
Location: The Gwynn residence
Date: 11/05/07

There is no transcript of this interview.

Mr. Gwynn began by discussing his employment at J.C. Price, as well as his roles in various after-school activities. He reflected on the status of J.C. Price within the community and how the school affected the lives of both the individuals who worked and learned there. He described the Price school as being “The beating heart of Warnersville.” Mr. Gwynn had good words to say about Mr. Peeler, although he admitted hindsight has possibly improved his opinion of the principal. He explained how Mr. Peeler had a way about him that helped others, including Mr. Gwynn, to better understand themselves and the students. He spoke at length about his contributions to the Price sports field. Mr. Gwynn also gave his opinions concerning discipline in schools, both while he taught and while he was a vice principal. Mr. Gwynn reflected on the rivalries Price had with other schools, and how they were good natured in comparison to today’s school rivalries. He also spoke about his time at Grimsley High School.

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Jane Higgins

Interview – Higgins, Jane Former student and teacher at J.C. Price School.

Length: 51 minutes
File Size: 91MB
Interviewed by: Misty Penrod (Also present, April Hendrick and Laura Martin)
Location: Greensboro College
Date: 11/02/07

There is no transcript of this interview.

Ms. Higgins came from a family of educators. Her dad was a principal for 45 years and her mom was a teacher for 40 years. Ms. Higgins described the Warnersville community as being a family neighborhood that had its own culture and where people did things for each other. Ms. Higgins said that at Price you would only speak when spoken to, you were respectful, and that you knew to behave at school the same way you did at home. Her memories of J.C. Price included the audiovisual equipment, watching movies in the auditorium for good behavior, drama plays, chorus, the marching band, the A&T parade, the Christmas parade, the debate team, decorating the May pole on May Day, the Miss J.C. Price pageant, decorating the gym for prom, and the 6th grade dance group. As of 11/02/07, Ms. Higgins was part of the J.C. Price Peeler-Swann Family Association group. The group meets twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. They share notes with each other, reflect on memories, and try to keep the school alive.

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Mary Davis Jordan

Interview – Jordan, Mary Davis Former student at J.C. Price School.

Length: 28 minutes
File Size: 51MB
Interviewed by: April Hedrick (Also present, Laura Martin and Misty Penrod)
Location: Greensboro College
Date: 11/16/07

There is no transcript of this interview.

Ms. Jordan discussed being bused to J.C. Price School. She said that there were several schools she could have walked to from her house, but because of segregation she had to attend Price. She mentioned that the teachers at Price would go to their students’ homes and talk to their parents about how their child was doing in the classroom. Even Mr. Peeler, the principal, would make house calls. Ms. Jordan also reflected on the special treat that occurred on Fridays. She said that if you had good behavior during the week, you were allowed to watch a movie on Friday as a reward. Ms. Jordan also talked about the education at Price. She felt that overall both the teachers and the education provided was good. She said that the students had to learn, study, and do what they were told. Ms. Jordan felt that their education was really no different than that in the white schools. The only difference may have been the books and the book fees. Ms. Jordan has fond memories of the debate team, the basketball team, and the Glee Club. She recalls her favorite subjects being reading, English, and music. Her favorite teachers were Ms. Hammond (English teacher), Ms. Melton (History teacher), and Ms. Dyson (Librarian and Math teacher). She recalls what she liked most about them was they treated you like you should be treated and would sit down and talk to you instead of yelling at you. Ms. Jordan has wonderful memories of Mr. Peeler. She said that Mr. Peeler kept the students in line. She also said that he was a good person and a bit of a jokester.

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Theresa Pennix

Interview – Pennix, Theresa Former student at J.C. Price School.

Length: 29 minutes
File Size: 53MB
Interviewed by: April Hendrick
Location: The Pennix residence
Date: 10/26/07

There is no transcript of this interview.

Ms. Pennix discussed what it was like going to J.C. Price School as a student in the 1930s. She said that she enjoyed it so much that she never wanted school to end and would cry when it did. She felt that Price was a great school and that the teachers were amazing. She remembered how much the teachers cared about their students and would make home visits if there was a problem so that they could help correct it. Ms. Pennix also recalled the behavior rules set by the school. She said that, as a student, you knew to be obedient and listen to the teacher. She recalled segregation in the schools being a very bad time and talking about it still made her emotional. Ms. Pennix reflected on what it was like growing up in the Warnersville community. Pennix described how Warnersville was a close-knit community where everyone believed in helping each other. She said that if your neighbor was sick or in need, you helped them and loved them like family. She reflected on what Mr. Peeler was like as a principal and as a person. Ms. Pennix remembered Mr. Peeler as being a fair and loving man. She said that he made you feel good about yourself, your accomplishments, and what you could achieve. He always had time for you, would help you as much as possible, and was always trying to make Price a better school. Ms. Pennix said that she remembers something that Mr. Peeler told her one time. He said, “You know, you can have ten suits, but you can’t where but one at a time. Don’t nobody know you got ten unless you tell them.” She said the point he was making was that although some people might brag about what they had, that did not make them a better person than you. Ms. Pennix said that Price taught her a lot, especially about friendships, that she still practices today. She said that friendship is still very important to her and that if you can’t pass on good then leave it alone.

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Melvin Swann

Interview – Swann, Melvin Former teacher and principal at J.C. Price School.

Length: 1 hour and 35 minutes
File Size: 171MB
Interviewed by: Dr. Mike Sistrom
Location: Greensboro College
Date: 10/30/07

Read the interview transcript here.

Mr. Swann explained how Principal Peeler recruited him to come to Price. He then discussed the process and effects of desegregation on Price in 1971 and his post-Price career. Mr. Swann also spoke about his teaching career at Price and discussed his preference for engaged learning in his science classes. He also discussed athletics and extracurricular activities at Price. He reflected on Principal Peeler’s qualities as a mentor to faculty and as a creative scheduler and educational innovator. Mr. Swann discussed Mr. Peeler’s (and his own) approach to student discipline, including creating ways to coerce students into behaving. Swann discussed the connections between Price teachers and the community, especially noting his own participation and that of other teachers in the civil rights protests of the early 1960s. Finally, Swann discussed the early meetings and negotiations between the Peeler-Swann Price Family Association and Greensboro College over the fate of the Price property after 2003. Swann contrasted the actions and interests of the alumni group with other protests against Greensboro College’s plans for the property organized by other community activists.

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Shelton Williams

Interview – Williams, Shelton Former teacher at J.C. Price School.

Length: 27 minutes
File Size: 50MB
Interviewed by: Mary Lackey (Also present, Matthew Creedmore, Justin Payne, and Linda Wharton)
Location: The Williams residence
Date: 11/14/07

There is no transcript of this interview.

Mr. Williams taught at J.C. Price in 1959 and 1960. While there, he taught English, math, and band. Mr. Williams taught by the standard course of study that was in place at that time because he wanted to make sure he was teaching the right thing to the students. Unlike many of his fellow teachers, Mr. Williams did not live in the Warrensville community. He lived at 1923 Julian Street and described his community as a typical strong black community which saw the typical negative effects of segregation. Mr. Williams had a few memories of the after-school activities. He recalled a student vs. teacher basketball game and being able to put the middle school band in the Greensboro Christmas parade as well. He explained that when he was at Price, the quality of Price’s educational program was at its highest peak. Despite that, Mr. Williams said, “There were things that Price school wanted to do, but could not due to segregation.” After leaving Price, Mr. Williams went on to teach at Lincoln Middle School, then to Dudley High School, where he led the marching band. Mr. Williams later became the band director at A&T State University. There was a school song that Mr. Williams wrote himself and towards the end of the interview, he played that song on his saxophone.

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Julia Woodberry; Thomasine and Lacy Chalmers

Interview- Chalmers, Thomasine and Lacy, and Woodberry, Julia Former students at J.C. Price School.

Length: 26 minutes
File Size: 48MB
Interviewed by: Justin Payne (Also present, Matthew Creedmore, Mary Lackey, and Linda Wharton)
Location: The Chalmer residence
Date: 11/20/07

There is no transcript of this interview.

Topics covered in the interview include were the impressions that Mr. Peeler made on the students during their time at J.C. Price School. The Woodberry and Chalmers families agreed that Mr. Peeler was a positive role model in both the school and community. When Mr. Peeler spoke, the people not only listened, they responded to him. Another key point that the Woodberry and Chalmers families agreed on was that the Price staff worked hand and hand with parents in the affairs of the students. The staff and Mr. Peeler did home visited homes in order to assist in the developmental growth of the students as well as the community. Another point the former students brought out was that the school was the heart of the community. It was stressed that Warnersville was a close knit community where everyone was like family. Julia remembered that her beloved Warnersville had everything from grocery stores to a movie theater and a funeral home. Education was everything, although they had to work with second hand equipment. They felt that some of the other nearby communities looked down on them, so they were taught to hold their heads up. They did this because of “Peeler pride.” They felt they had the best educators that you could find anywhere in spite of being segregated. Mr. Chalmers said they never worried about what white kids had because Price gave them the best.

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Durwood Bell

Interview – Bell, Durwood Former student at J.C. Price School.

Length: 1 hour 28 minutes
File Size: 54MB
Interviewed by: Dr. Mike Sistrom
Location: Guilford County Human Resources Office, Greensboro
Date: 10/30/07

There is no transcript of this interview.

Mr. Bell discussed the background of the Warnersville community, especially the close-knit nature of the neighborhood and the variety of black small businesses. He also reflected on the negative effects of “desegregation” and Urban Renewal on Warnersville and the J.C. Price School after 1970. Mr. Bell noted how involved the Price faculty and Principal Peeler were with the community and, in turn, how involved parents were with school. He also recalled Price’s athletic teams and the prowess of the school band. Of particular interest is Mr. Bell’s reflection on “internal racism” within black Greensboro and the low regard in which the more middle class black communities and the students at the two other black middle schools held the poorer Price students and Warnersville residents. Mr. Bell also recalled the strict disciplinary standards of Price teachers, especially the use of corporal punishment. The interview concluded with Mr. Bell’s thoughts on how the Price property and the history of the school, more generally, should be preserved.

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J.C. Price Alma Mater


Performed by the Greensboro College Chamber Singers, Spring 2009.

Notes

  • Most of these interviews were conducted by undergraduate students, not professional historians. Given that fact, there are periodically some video/audio quality issues in the interviews.
  • Interview transcripts were not a part of this class project. There are no transcripts of these interviews.
  • Permissions regarding use were secured from interviewees and are on file.

These interviews are also available for viewing in the Brock Historical Museum of Greensboro College. Please contact us to set up an appointment.