Janice S. McNeill interview with L. G Bond, Reverend David Bookout, Josephine Brandon, Fannin Stokes, and Jane Symmes

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 Josephine Brandon talking about the family connection and ownership history of a piece of furniture. At 02:52, she talks about a member of her family who was a magician. At 06:52, she talks about the corner cupboard that her family (the Atkinsons) made. At 08:51, she talks about Variety Works, a manufacturer in Madison, Georgia, which was operated by her family. At 10:21, the interview with Fannin Stokes starts, and she asks about Mrs. McNeill and her husband. At 11:02, she talks about the dough bowl and tray made by her father. At 12:25, she and Mrs. Brandon discuss a chair from the Fannin family and its history. Fannin tells a story about the house during the American Revolution period. At 14:35, she talks about items around her living room, like her hearth broom, irons, and silver cups. At 15:55, she talks again about the Fannin chair. At 16:51, the interview with L. G. Bond begins, and he talks about the Atkinson corner cupboards construction. At 18:49, he talks about a Grain Cradles history and construction. He talks about a wardrobe that belonged to the Prior family and its construction and craftsmanship. At 22:42, he talks about the construction and ornamental detail of a pie safe. At 25:04, he talks about a childs rocker and describes its construction. He also describes a washstand, including the different parts, the purposes, and the overall construction. At 27:05, the interview with Jane Symmes begins, and she talks about her table and desk. This includes the story of how she procured them, the construction and ornamental details, and the age of the desk. At 28:48, she talks about another table of hers that she got from Athens, Georgia, and the material and ownership history of the table. At 29:51, she talks about a corner cupboard and its construction details. At 30:41, she talks about another cupboard she owns. She talks about the original maker of the cupboard and the physical details of it. At 32:53, the interview with Reverend David Bookout begins with him detailing how he made a table from a church belfry. At 35:20, he talks about the hunt board and its restoration. He also discusses a wardrobe, its materiality, and ownership history. At 39:23, he talks about the history of the pews he owns. He also talks about their original pews' construction and how they are being altered to fit as regular furniture. At 43:06, he talks about his pie safe, its history and purposes, and physical descriptions. Josephine Brandon (1915-2003) was born in Madison, Georgia. She married Howard Randolph Brandon (1914-2007). She had her Ph.D. in history and worked as a teacher. Additional biographical information about Josephine Brandon has not been determined. Fannin Stokes was born in Madison, Georgia. She worked as a teacher. Additional biographical information about Fannin Stokes has not been determined. L. G. Bond was born in Ila, Georgia. He lived in North Carolina, and Toccoa, Georgia, for before moving to Madison, Georgia. Bond was an antique restorer and dealer. Additional biographical information about L. G. Bond has not been determined. Jane Heinking Symmes (1926-2021) was born in Atlanta, Georgia. She married John Cleves Symmes (1923-1973) and had two daughters, Jeanne Symmes Reid (1960-) and Anne Cleves Symmes (1962-). She moved to Madison in about 1966. Reverend David Bookout (1934-2007) was born in Texarkana, Texas. He attended East Texas Baptist College, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree. He then received his Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology, from Southeastern Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. After his seminary work, Reverend Bookout was the pastor at Clairmont Hills Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, before moving to Madison, Georgia, in approximately 1968. furniture restoration 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.