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BLACK COMMUNITY PROJECT Hammons, first African American teacher hired in the Springfield, school system, discusses segregation and discrimination, her teaching career, teaching at Iles School, tutoring mentally handicapped children, and black teachers entering the school system. She also mentions Springfield neighborhoods and businesses, and teaching challenges during WWII.

2 tapes, 175 mins., 50 pp. Interview by Reverend N.L. McPherson, 1974 OPEN See collateral file

Scope and Contents PRISONER OF WAR EXPERIENCES IN WORLD WAR II Handley recalls his experiences in North Africa during WWII, including combat near Algiers, capture at the Battle of Kassarine Pass, conditions during his internment at seven prisoner of war camps in North Africa, Italy, and Germany, farm work detail, forced march to Stalag IIA, liberation, and the lasting effects of his internment. Also mentions the Red Cross and prisoners' relationship with German captors and civilians. 1 tape, 90...

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Hanes, a Springfield architect and eyewitness to the 1908 Springfield race riot, recalls the events of the riot: lynchings, destruction, and intervention by the state's militia. He also discusses his architectural education and career in Springfield.

2 tapes, 135 mins., 22 pp. Interview by Barbara Herndon, 1972 OPEN See collateral file: interviewer's notes, maps of the riot area, and a copy of the Hanes family tree.

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Lisa Hankin discusses her emigration from England to Chicago, Illinois during the early 1990s: her reasons for emigrating, the cost, her employer and their assistance, immigration laws and regulations and how her life has changed. Also discusses her childhood, education and life in England prior to her move.

1 tape, 90 min., 27 pp. Interview by Susan C. Austin, 1998 OPEN

Scope and Contents Hankins, retired Springfield educator, discusses her own education, her teaching career, the special education program at Stuart School, and changes and problems in the teaching profession. She also recalls the city at the turn of the century, her neighborhood, family home and downtown businesses, the city's growth and development, and the race riot of 1908. 3 tapes, 140 mins., 35 pp. Interview by Nancy Helen Dosman, 1976 OPEN See collateral file: interviewer's notes,...

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Haptonstall discusses husband's work in coal mines in Canton, Illinois: safety, unions and John L. Lewis, and coal production.  She also discusses gardening, the Depression, and women's activities.

1 tape, 80 mins. Interview by Nick Cherniavsky, 1977 OPEN For collateral file see J9/5/24

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RADIO PROJECT Harbison, owner of Springfield radio station WTAX, recalls the history of the station, his involvement with its operation, and its personnel. He also discusses radio in the 1950's, radio personalities, FM radio, changes in format, and the impact of television.

1 tape, 54 mins., 21 pp. Interview by William Ortman, 1973 OPEN See collateral file: interviewer's notes and a photocopied letter outlining the history of the radio station.

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SHAWNEETOWN BANK PROJECT Harmon, a resident of Shawneetown, recalls the physical features of the bank's interior and exterior, the 1913 and 1937 Ohio River floods, residents of Shawneetown and the families who occupied the apartment above the bank.

1 tape, 65 mins., 32 pp. Interview by Horace Q. Waggoner, 1978 OPEN See collateral file

Scope and Contents The Harmony Brothers, the founders of Springfield’s “first Rock and Roll band,” discuss their musical career in the 1950s. With a sound similar to the more well-known Everly Brothers, the brothers became local favorites with a fan club and performed at local clubs, televisions station music shows, and Uncle Tom’s Barn Dance in Decatur. They discuss playing at a “Splatter Platter Party” in St. Louis with other artists such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Mann, Dee Clark, and the Jesters. They...

Scope and Contents BLACK COMMUNITY PROJECT Harris, lifelong resident and businessman of Springfield, recalls his experiences as a member of the African American community: social conditions, discrimination, segregation, and businesses. He recalls his own business ventures, including owning a restaurant, grocery store, garbage hauling, real estate, and the rental business. He discusses integrating the job market, 1937 Harris subdivision, Depression, and the 1908 race riot. He also discusses coal mining,...