(SNP067) Mamie Johnson and Betsey Harrell interviewed by James R. Johnson, transcribed by Peggy C. Bradley

Authors

Mamie Clarice Johnson

Files

Interviewee

Johnson, Mamie Clarice

Identifier

SNP067

Format

1 audio file (running time: 0:29:00)

Interview Number

SNP-67

Date of Interview

2-6-1966

Description

Records an interview with sisters Mamie Johnson and Betsey Harrell, who were born near Piney Branch in Rappahannock County, Virginia. Discusses the work of their father, Henry L. Johnson, who was a cabinetmaker who often made coffins for the local communities. Describes daily life in the mountains, including activities such as weaving and dying cloth, drying fruit, harvesting chestnuts and square dances. The interview is conducted by their nephew, James Bob Johnson, a ranger at Shenandoah National Park.

Rights

The copyright interests in this collection have been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

Personal Names

Johnson, Mamie Clarice, 1883-1972, Interviews; Harrell, Betsey Jane, 1893-1981, Interviews; Johnson, Henry L., (Henry Lewis), 1883-1972, Interviews.

Family Names

Johnson family

Subjects

Cabinetmakers – Virginia; Mountain people -- Blue Ridge Mountains -- Social life and customs; Mountain life -- Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.) – History; Mountain people -- Virginia -- Shenandoah National Park -- Social life and customs; Rural poor – Virginia; Country life -- Appalachian Region, Southern; Agriculture -- Appalachian Region, Southern; Food habits -- Appalachian Region, Southern; Canning and preserving – History; Cookery – Virginia; Holidays -- Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.) – History; Traditional medicine -- Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.); Land use -- Government policy – Virginia.

Place Names

Blue Ridge Mountains -- Economic conditions; Piney Branch (Va.) – History; Rappahannock County (Va.) – History; Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.) -- Manners and customs; Shenandoah National Park (Va.) -- History, Local.

Interviewer

Johnson, James R., (James Robert)

Transcriber

Bradley, Peggy C.

Collection Title

Shenandoah National Park oral history collection

Collection Number

SdArch SNP

Recommended Citation

Mamie Clarice Johnson interviewed by James Robert Johnson, February 6, 1966, SdArch SNP-67, Shenandoah National Park Oral History Collection, 1964-1999, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University

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