Oral history interview with John Black [electronic resource] 1979 May 22.

ArchivalResource

Black, John, 1905-1979. Oral history interview with John Black [electronic resource] 1979 May 22.

Oral history interview with John Black [electronic resource] 1979 May 22.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/693772398

Mr. Black was a participant in Dr. Ed Perzel's Oral History Project of 1979, which encouraged older citizens, primarily over the age of 65, to share their memories and stories. During the interview Mr. Black recalls his first job of hauling wood in a lumber yard. He notes that during World War I there was a great deal of work for him at Camp Greene. He remembers going to work for the Clerk of Court about a year after the war ended, and staying in that job for about 10 years. He tells of using a horse and jay wagon to make extra money helping move things during the development of the Oaklawn and Fairview Homes neighborhoods. He speaks in more detail of his longest job at the Southern Asbestos Company, where he worked for over 37 years. Mr. Black emphasizes the dust more than any other part of his job. He describes running the machine that crushed the asbestos and of physically packing bins. He remembers several hundred people working at the mill, and that most of them became sick and died. Mr. Black explains that he was forced to retire in 1960 because of his health and after several trips to Black Mountain. He adds he has been able to make some money from working various jobs with his horse and jay wagon and from governments bonds. Mr. Black shares some views of early twentieth century Charlotte, including horse troughs in front of the Fire Dept. and an almost total absence of cars on the streets. He also describes processing asbestos, his experience wearing a protective mask at work, and playing in an area called Seventh Street Spring. Mr. Black also adds a summary of the activities of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

University of North Carolina, Charlotte, J. Murrey Atkins Library