Ronnie Gilbert interview with Horace Polk, Alice Polk, Sammy Sadler, and Irene McMeen (part three)

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 the third of a three-part recording in which Mrs. J.M. Gilbert sings three ballads. The first is Frank DuPree, which describes a young mans dangerous attempts to woo a girl in Atlanta, Georgia. The second is Marianne Parker, which describes a childs ransom and death in Chicago, Illinois. The third is My Little Home in Tennessee, which follows a young boy losing his fiance and his remembrance of his home in Tennessee. Horace Moore Polk, Jr. (18971984) was born to Horace Moore Polk (18521925) and Mary Louise Polk (18721901). He was great-great nephew of President James K. Polk. On 16 February 1942, he enlisted to serve in World War II. He worked as a dairyman and as an unpaid farm laborer for his family. Polk lived in Spring Hill, Tennessee. Alice Ophelia Polk (18991975) was Horaces sister and worked as a music teacher and lived in Spring Hill, Tennessee. Irene McMeen (18881972) was born to William Andrew Caudle Sr. (18491911) and Minerva Jane Caudle (ne King) (18581929). She married James Frank McMeen (18891926), they had two children, James C. (1916?) and William F. (1915?), and worked and lived on a farm. Edwin H. Mitchell (1904?) was a mining stenographer and a boarder in McMeen's home. Biographical information about the other interviewees has not been determined. sweetheart; broken-hearted (Laughter) Alice Polk: Wus' ta' goose neck rocka? Irene McMeen: Nah. No, it's-it's very much like ah my rocker of Popa's rocker there at home. Alice Polk: Oh , sure 'nuff. Irene McMeen: Yeas, it is. I've been trying to beat 'er out of it; she won't let me have it. Alice Polk: Uh-huh--oh. Go'take it back wi' ya'? Nancy: Yeah. Put it in the livin' room-rock away. Alice:Polk: Uh-uh-uh. Irene McMeen: She's like 'er grandma- she likes to rock (Slight Laughter) ITlike a rocka myself. Alice Polk: Urn-huh. Sammy Sadler: What's this over here do? Alice Polk: That's go---- Horace Polk: (Interrupting) That's-'at's his bait. (Laugl)ter) Irene McMeen: (Speaking Louder) That-that takes in what you're sayin', I reckin- Horace Polk: Like you'se fishin' over yonder. Irene McMeen: If you like me--he put that thing in front of me last night-I did't know what in the world~yself Sammy Sadler: You mean that uh--puts do,.n everything we say? - 5- A PDF transcript exists for this recording. Please contact an archivist for access. 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. As archivists, we acknowledge our role as stewards of information, which places us inaposition to choose how individuals and organizations are represented and described in our archives. We are not neutral, andbias isreflected in our descriptions, whichmay not convey the racist or offensive aspects of collection materialsaccurately.Archivists make mistakes and might use poor judgment.We often re-use language used by the former owners and creators, which provides context but also includes bias and prejudices of the time it was created.Additionally,our work to use reparative languagewhereLibrary of Congress subject termsareinaccurate and obsolete isongoing. Kenan Research Center welcomes feedback and questions regarding our archival descriptions. If you encounter harmful, offensive, or insensitive terminology or description please let us know by emailingreference@atlantahistorycenter.com. Your comments are essential to our work to create inclusive and thoughtful description.