Scope and Contents BLACK COMMUNITY PROJECT Leota Harris, resident of Springfield, since 1896, discusses her life experiences as an African American woman. She recalls her family background, conditions for African Americans, discrimination, businesses, Number 5 Engine House, her job with the Pullman Railroad Car Company, and employment at a beauty salon. She also discusses her aunt Kathryn Johnson who set up the Springfield Chapter of the NAACP and wrote Stealing a Nation, changes in domestic life, holiday...

Scope and Contents Alumni SAGE Society Legacy Oral History Project Harris discusses her experiences at Sangamon State University, earning her undergraduate degree in 1988 and completing a master’s in public administration when it became the University of Illinois Springfield. She recalls the excellent and caring community-minded professors and particularly recalls classes with Professor Tim Miller. See also D2/1/3 Alumni SAGE Society Legacy Oral History Project.Digital audio file, 34 min., 13...

Scope and Contents Harris, Republican member of the Illinois House of Representatives 1955-61 and Illinois Senate 1961-75, recalls his family background, childhood in Pontiac, Illinois, his father's funeral home business, father's influence, and religious activities of his youth. He also discusses Pontiac during the Depression, Pontiac Prison, local political issues and figures, and his education. 2 tapes, 175 mins., 37 pp. Interview by Cullom Davis, 1979 OPEN See collateral file: interviewer's...

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STEAMBOATS AND INLAND RIVERS Harrison, operator of the Dayton ferry on the Ohio River, discusses his career on the river in the first half of the 20th century, riverboats, passenger service, people who made their living on the river, logging, fishing, and floods.

2 tapes, 31 pp. Interview by John Knoepfle, 1957 OPEN: released by John Knoepfle

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WWII CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS PROJECT Harvey, WWII Union Seminary conscientious objector, discusses pacifism, consequences for his refusal to register for the draft, his role in the Newark ashram founded by Union Seminary students, and work with Spanish refugees of the Friends Service Committee in France.

1 tape, 90 mins., 29 pp. Interview by C. Arthur Bradley, 1988 OPEN See collateral file

Scope and Contents Alumni SAGE Society Legacy Oral History Project Hasara, former state legislator and Mayor of Springfield, was the second person to register for classes at the newly created Sangamon State University in 1970, working for a Psychology degree and a teaching certificate to obtain her goal of becoming a teacher. Class credits were in quarters, grades were only pass/fail, classes were small (10-20), professors were cooperative, and the atmosphere was casual and easy going. She attended a class...

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SHAWNEETOWN BANK PROJECT Hatfield, daughter of Shawneetown's mayor, discusses her family history and recalls the physical features of the bank's interior and exterior, apartment on the second floor, and the Wayne County Historical Society Building.

1 tape, 91 mins., 36 pp. Interview by Horace Q. Waggoner, 1978 OPEN See collateral file

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SPRINGFIELD ROTARY CLUB PROJECT Haworth, former president of the club, recalls club members, activities, and his experiences as a Rotary Club Fellow. Also discusses changes in the organization, increased membership and diversification, and the benefits of membership.

1 tape, 90 mins., 24 pp. Interview by Mike Schramm, 1988 OPEN See collateral file

Scope and Contents BLACK COMMUNITY PROJECT Hayden, Springfield resident and postal employee, discusses his experiences as a mail carrier in the Springfield community, segregation and discrimination, changes in Springfield and in the conditions for African Americans. He also discusses his experiences during WWI in France, serving in an all-black unit and recalls the influenza epidemic that struck the transport ship en route to Europe. He also mentions Springfield businesses, mob action and lynching in...

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SHAWNEETOWN BANK PROJECT Hayes, resident of Shawneetown, recalls physical features of the bank building's interior and exterior and the 1937 Ohio River flood. She also refers to other buildings and homes in Shawneetown.

1 tape, 25 mins., 15 pp. Interview by Horace Q. Waggoner, 1978 OPEN See collateral file