Beverly Link Moore interview with Myrtle Chastain, Mildred Lowman, and Pearl Oxford (part two)

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. The interview begins with Oxford discussing medical superstitions on how to eliminate ailments such as eye stye and warts. At 7:42, Moore reads scientific articles regarding various wildlife, insects, and parasites. She also reads findings of poisonous sea life in various parts around the world including the poisonous Cone snails and the dangers of treating insects with DDT. At 30:21, the interview resumes with Myrtle Chastain and Mildred Loman discussing how to make soap using a mixture of lye and turpentine. The women mention using the lye soap to complete deep cleaning around the house such as using it on the floors. At 38:49, the interview switches to a discussion on courting. 42:10 the women discuss spinning and weaving. Chastain states she would mix cotton thread along with wool and spin it on a loom, and how she would use walnut hulls and [copperas] to dye the material. At 48:00, Oxford talks about various superstitions and their impact on religious holidays. At 51:06, she mentions that Christmas used to be celebrated on January 12th. The interview ends with Oxford mentioning a superstition regarding digging up a cedar tree. Biographical information about Myrtle Chastain, Mildred Lowman, and Pearl Oxford has not been determined. looms 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.