Eleanor Brazell interview with William J. Gordy, Nancy Della Jones, Madie Lou Towns, Velma Towns Johnson, Weldon Long, Perlene Roper, Oma Bennett, W.W. Cochran, H.E. Hichberger, and Lizzie Crawford (part two)

The John Burrison Georgia Folklore Archive recordings contains unedited versions of all interviews. Some material may contain descriptions of violence, offensive language, or negative stereotypes reflecting the culture or language of a particular period or place. There are instances of racist language and description, particularly in regards to African Americans. These items are presented as part of the historical record. This project is a repository for the stories, accounts, and memories of those who chose to share their experiences for educational purposes. The viewpoints expressed in this project do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of the Atlanta History Center or any of its officers, agents, employees, or volunteers. The Atlanta History Center makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information contained in the interviews and expressly disclaims any liability therefore. If you believe you are the copyright holder of any of the content published in this collection and do not want it publicly available, please contact the Kenan Research Center at the Atlanta History Center at 404-814-4040 or reference@atlantahistorycenter.com.
This is part two of a two part interview and begins with Eleanor Brazells mother, Velma Towns Johnson, describing how to bake bread with a bread tray. The two also talk about superstitions regarding the best time to plant crops, what happens after one kills a snake, starting to sew a new dress on Friday, luck associated with the first guest whom one receives on New Years Day, and placing eggs under a hens nest. At 6:08 Johnson reminisces about folk remedies and medicines that her mother-in-law used. For example, her mother-in-law had asthma and although she came to Atlanta for treatment, the medicine was expensive, so she employed more effective traditional remedies. At 7:51 Johnson talks about carolers who visited during Christmastime to sing or recite poetry. Sometimes they would dress as the opposite sex. Once they finished their performance, the lady of the house would serve them refreshments like cake or fruit juice. Johnson then describes another Christmas custom in which they would shoot guns and firecrackers to make a lot of noise, Christmas gifts she received, and a local fortune teller. At 15:05 Johnson discusses Decoration Day (Memorial Day) when neighbors would decorate the graves of their ancestors and deceased loved ones. At 16:30 the conversation shifts to soap making. At 18:50 a new group of interviewees sing Am I Born to Die, Show Pity, Lord, O Lord, Forgive, and Ashamed of Jesus. At 25:33 an unnamed interviewee retells childhood stories about her community. She then recalls superstitions about refraining from planting crops on Friday and how dropping utensils while dishwashing correlates to future visitors. At 30:59 a second unnamed interviewee retells a childhood story about pulling candy.
Velma Towns Johnson (1909-2004) was born in Carroll County, Georgia, to George James Towns and Maiden Madie Lou Stallings Towns. She married Lonnie Glennis Johnson, and they had two daughters, Wylene Johnson Ivie (1930-2019) and Eleanor Johnson Brazell. Eleanor Johnson Brazell married James William Brazell (1932-2003), an engineer who was an officer in the Air Force and taught at the Georgia Institute of Technology for twenty-five years; they had one daughter, Elizabeth Brazell Tate. William J. Gordy (1910-1993) was born in Peachtree City, Georgia, and worked as a potter, winning several awards for his work. Additional biographical information has not been determined.
Fasola singing; Sacred Harp singing;
There is no transcript for this recording.
Professor John Burrison founded the Atlanta Folklore Archive Project in 1967 at Georgia State University. He trained undergraduates and graduate students enrolled in his folklore curriculum to conduct oral history interviews. Students interviewed men, women, and children of various demographics in Georgia and across the southeast on crafts, storytelling, music, religion, rural life, and traditions.
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