Zane Wilson interview with Buna Hicks, Hattie Hicks Presnell, and Joyce Paxson (part four)

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 interview, Joyce Paxson discusses her father-in-law Land Norris, who claimed to be a famous folk musician involved with the band the Skillet Lickers, which his family doubted. Next at 2:15, Paxson talks about living on a grist farm in Dalton, Georgia, with the Norris family after marrying Fate Norris, who she later divorced. In particular, she recalls Land Norriss hostility and detachment toward his family, and his leaving the house when he was unemployed. Next at 14:30, Paxson explains that she was unaware of Land Norris musical career when they lived together. She recalls guests that stayed in their house, including Governor Eugene Talmadge and John Patterson. At 22:20 she states that the Norris family was musical and would sometimes play together as a band. At 25:00, Paxson discusses that Lillian Evans might possess a copy of Land Norriss records, and where he might have originally made the recordings. She proceeds to talk about relationships between Norris family members, their financial problems, and her doubts about Land Norris identity as a famous musician. At 33:20 she talks about Lillian Evans, Norris eldest daughter, who lived in Marietta, as well as his son, Coleman Norris. At 35:00 Paxson mentions that Land Norris was born in November of 1877 and died around 1950. Paxson concludes the interview at 42:45 by talking about her childhood listening to religious music, Land Norris identity as a famous musician, and Norris wifes involvement with the Church of Christ. Buna Hicks (1888-1984) was born in Watauga County, North Carolina, to Andrew James and Jane Eggers Presnell. She married Roby Monrow Hicks (1882-1957) and had nine children; Gordon, Leander, Linzy, Floyd, General, Rosa, Tom, Dewey, and Hattie. Buna Hicks was a popular banjo player and folk musician in the Appalachian region. Hattie Hicks Presnell (1907-1996) was born in Beech Mountain, North Carolina, to Roby Monroe and Buna Hicks (1888-1984). She married Dewey Presnell (1900- 1959) and had two children, Viola Mae (1927-2020) and Freddie Louis (1937-1972). Presnell was a popular folk singer and musician. She is buried in Watauga County, North Carolina. Additional biographical information has not been determined. Joyce Doris Paxson (1924-2009) was born in Summerville, Georgia, to Thomas Waldon Wofford (1886-1969) and Margaret Jane Wofford (1893-1967). She had four siblings; George, William, Jones, and Sarah. She married musician Fate Norris and had one child, Lewis Norris (1945- ). Fate Norris father, Stephen Land Norris (1877-1951), was a folk musician who recorded in New York City and Atlanta. While married to Fate Norris, she lived in Dalton, Georgia, but after they divorced she moved back to Summerville. Joyce Paxson worked as a secretary for Georgia Governor Lester Maddox for over 30 years; in addition, she worked at the Department of Agriculture before going blind. Paxson received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Georgia State University in 1996 when she was 72. 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.