Faye Bell interview with Ellen Bell

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. In this recording, Ellen Bell tells stories and repeats riddles from her childhood. She starts by recalling a humorous tale about a man getting buried alive because he refused to work, and another about a wagon disappearing. Next at 3:45, Bell tells a series of stories about a boy fetching soap for his mother, preachers, talking to the devil, a re-telling of The Tarbaby and the Rabbit, and Irishmen commenting on American salads. At 8:13 Bell recites a riddle about watches, and recalls stories about slavery, taking eggs from hens, and doctors tricking patients. Next at 13:00, she tells stories about bathrooms, a rabbit and a fox, and one titled Playing Godfather. At 16:55, she tells riddles about dirt dobbers, guns, and frogs. At 19:15, Bell recalls stories her father told about moving from Ireland, living in Virginia, and serving in the Confederate Army. At 25:07 she tells a short ghost story about a boy fishing. Afterward, she discusses places she learned stories, such as around a campfire, from friends and family, and from books. At 28:10 Bell explains why she likes telling stories and which she likes to tell. Next at 34:00, she recalls stories about food, song lyrics about working, and mermaids in Florida. At 37:45 she looks back on how long she has been telling stories, her children, and her parents. And at 43:00, she discusses the legitimacy of her stories, leading her to tell the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. At 50:40 Bell recalls a story about a neighbor finding money in the walls of his home during remodeling, and another about Ole Man Otis burying money in a plum orchard during the Civil War. She also discusses reading stories at Sandy Cross School. At 55:50 she explains that the city of Carlton, Georgia, temporarily changed its name to Berkley to differentiate itself from Carrollton, Georgia. To conclude her interview, Bell tells a story about a pumpkin being misidentified as an egg and another about a man stealing a gold ring from a corpse. Ellen F. (Bryant) Bell (1893-1973) was born to Jabus Harrison Bryant (1856-1935) and Sarah LaFayette Bryant (1863-1931) and raised in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, on Grove Creek Farm. She attended Sandy Cross School in Franklin County, Georgia. In 1907 she married John Henry Bell (1886-1965) and they raised ten children on a small farm in Oglethorpe County. Faye Bell is her grandaughter. Ellen Bell (1894-1973) was born in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, to Jabus Harrison Bryant (1956-1935) and Sarah LaFayette Bryant (1863-1931). She attended Sandy Cross School in Franklin County, Georgia. She married John Henry Bell (1887-?) and together they had ten children. Additional biographical information has not been determined. 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.