Stewart, Hazel Murray, May 14, 2012
Scope and Contents
The Dart Library Oral History Project contains five oral histories conducted by Dr. Robert Chase, the Avery Research Center's public historian. They document individuals' experiences of using the library at Dart Hall and attending dances in the second floor of the Hall. Participants also discuss family history, their memories of Jim Crow segregration in Charleston, and their professional careers.
The oral histories are arranged alphabetically by last name at the file level. More information about the content of each oral history can be found in the abstract at the file level of each interview.
Dates
- Creation: May 14, 2012
Access Restrictions
No restrictions.
Full Extent
From the Collection: .209 linear feet (1 half Hollinger box, 5 CDs)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Abstract
Hazel Murray Stewart begins by discussing her parents, the neighborhood she grew up in, and her memories of segregation. She continues by discussing her early memories of Dart Hall including spending her early childhood there before enrolling at the Avery Normal Institute, her memories of Susan Dart Butler and how she fit into the larger community, and the books Mrs. Nell brought her to read each week. She then talks about attending Avery and how her class (class of 1944) applied to attend the College of Charleston. Returning to the topic of Dart Hall, she then discusses the dances she attended that were held on the second floor and the importance of Dart Hall to Black Charlestonians. She also discusses the relationships between Burke High School and Avery Normal Institute students and how colorism and classism affected the community. She concludes by talking about attending Fisk University and her 44 years of teaching.
The oral history is conducted by Dr. Robert Chase.
Repository Details
Part of the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture Repository
125 Bull Street
Charleston South Carolina 29424 United States
843-953-7608
averyresearchcenter@cofc.edu