Particia Anne Shelton interview with Anne T. Dickerson and C. W. Shelton

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 interview begins with Anne Dickerson talking about the Christmas growing up, including gifts she received and decorations such as the tree and stockings. Here she also talks about the process of making syrup candy. At 6:41, she talks about not having a radio or television, but that they had telephone and describes how it operated. At 7:25, she describes the foods her family would eat during the Christmas season. At 13:31, she describes what the first Christmas having a daughter was like and how Christmas changed once children left the home. At 16:32, she also describes her efforts to give her children a good experience on Christmas during the Great Depression years. At 19:54, Dickerson talks about the biggest differences she finds between her childhood Christmases and those of the modern day. At 23:24, the interview with C.W. Shelton begins with sharing his earliest Christmas memory. At 26:15, he talks about Christmas trees and other decorations. At 27:39, he describes presents children would receive during the Great Depression. At 30:05, he talks about his first Christmas tree and the house he had with his wife and children. At 35:38, he describes a Christmas celebration while serving in the military in France as a field sergeant. Anne Annie Dickerson (1901-1985) was born Anne Turley in Georgia. Anne married Guy Dickerson (1897-1972) and had four children: Dorothy Dickerson (1930-2015), Betty Dickerson (1932-?), Kemp Dickerson (1934-?), and Cecil Dickerson (1936-?). In 1975 she worked as a seamstress. C. W. Shelton (1926-2014) was born in Georgia. He worked as a painter and contractor for his father, Henry C. Shelton (1892-1969). He served in the United States Army during World War II. He married Dorothy Dickerson, and the couple had three children: Patricia Ann Purdy (1949--), Joseph Timothy Shelton (1951-2011), and William C. Shelton (1954-2024). christmas traditions; santa claus; holiday food; military food 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 in a position to choose how individuals and organizations are represented and described in our archives. We are not neutral, and bias is reflected in our descriptions, which may not convey the racist or offensive aspects of collection materials accurately. 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 language where Library of Congress subject terms are inaccurate and obsolete is ongoing. 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 emailing reference@atlantahistorycenter.com. Your comments are essential to our work to create inclusive and thoughtful description.