About this collection
The purpose of the Historic Fulton Oral History Project is to educate, raise awareness, and gain an understanding of life in the Historic Fulton community, located in the East End of Richmond, Virginia. Its need comes from a commitment to preserve the 20th century history of the neighborhood and its residents. This was accomplished through the compilation of the oral histories of Historic Fulton residents, particularly those with strong ties to the Historic Fulton community prior to the City of Richmond's 1970s urban renewal plan.
The Historic Fulton Oral History collection contains 17 interviews with 32 named interviewee participants. The interviewees are teachers, activists, clergy, and community leaders who grew up in the predominantly African-American Historic Fulton community in the 1930s through 1950s.
The interviewees were also witness to the City of Richmond's 1970s urban renewal plan that permanently changed the landscape of Historic Fulton. These interviews present the unique perspectives of those who were Historic Fulton residents by allowing the community to speak for and about themselves. With the Greater Historic Fulton area undergoing continued change and development in the 21st century, understanding Historic Fulton's past is an invaluable resource for the neighborhood's future.
The project was developed in 2011 in partnership among the Virginia Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), The Valentine, the Neighborhood Resource Center of Greater Fulton, and the Greater Fulton Future Legacy Work Team. Physical copies of audio recordings and written transcriptions were distributed to a variety of local institutions to ensure that the oral histories may be accessed widely. Contact information for institutions where physical recordings and transcripts are available for on site research and use can be found below.
VCU Libraries is honored to also host the streaming digital collection of the Historic Fulton Oral History Project to further aid in the discovery, access and use of the collection.
Copyright
This material is protected by copyright, and the copyright is held by The Valentine. You are permitted to use this material in any way that is permitted by copyright. In addition, non-commercial use of this material is permitted. For any commercial uses, permission is required.
Using the collection
- Full streaming copies of all audio interviews are available for use through this digital collection.
- Each interview has been fully transcribed and is also searchable.
- All of the interviewees in the Historic Fulton Oral History Project were born, raised or lived within the boundaries shown in red on this map.
One interview in the collection can only be accessed in person; please contact The Valentine for further information. That interview is with Spencer Edward Jones, III. Below is a statement from his contribution:
January 15, 2015
"Tell the Truth – Shame the Devil!!"
My name is Spencer E. Jones III. I live today as I lived in 1977, when this photo was taken, by the mantra "Living In Truth." I was born in the middle house to the left of me, in the same room, delivered by the same doctor as was my mother, Mrs. Marion McNair. The address of that house that my mother and I were born in was 702 Denny Street. Those three homes were located at the corner of present day Fulton Street and Old Denny Street. I am very proud to say that I was the one who came up with the name Old Denny Street and Old Nicholson Street. The street pictured is 4700 Old Williamsburg Ave. To my right all the way to the James River is Rockett's. The 356 acres that made up the community then known as Fulton was leveled by the 1970 Fulton Urban [Removal] Renewal Plan. My mother and I along with our attorney Saad El-Amin, fought for our home in federal court and I say this proudly, we Won and are still Winning. Those 356 acres formerly known as Fulton is now known as Historic Fulton. Historic Fulton, which comprises Rockett's, is The Birthplace of Richmond.
We the people of Historic Fulton are here,
We the people of Historic Fulton survived,
We the people of Historic Fulton are special,
The time is now to Shame the devil!!
Spencer E. Jones III
Founder and CEO
The Historic Fulton Foundation
Acknowledgements
This project is in memory of the legacy of Earl A. Robinson, 708 Goddin Street.
Special thanks to all interviewees who shared their stories for this project and to the Greater Fulton Legacy Work Team.
Additional thanks to the Historic Fulton Oral History Project Sub-Committee:
- Keith B. Conley
- Corliss Freda Johnson
- Reverend Mary Perez
- Linda Sutton
- Octavia Banks
- Virgil Hockaday
- Spencer E. Jones, III
- Meg Hughes
- Veronica Fleming
- Rebecca Fralin
- Dr. Caroline Morris
- Erin O'Donnovan
- Suzanne Savery
- Jason Sawyer
- Autumn Reinhardt Simpson
- Spencer E. Jones, III, Reverend Mary Perez, and Linda Sutton worked tirelessly to obtain permission from all participants to include their interviews in this VCU Library project.
Locations of physical copies and written transcripts
- Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia
- Boatwright Memorial Library, University of Richmond
- James Branch Cabell Library Special Collections and Archives, Virginia Commonwealth University
- L. Douglas Wilder Library & Learning Resource Center, Virginia Union University
- Library of Virginia
- Mount Calvary Baptist Church
- Neighborhood Resource Center of Greater Fulton
- Richmond Public Library (Main Branch)
- The Valentine
- Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Credits
Digital Collections Librarian Lauren Work coordinated the development of this project for VCU Libraries in 2014-2015. Metadata Librarian Mary Anne Dyer created the metadata for this digital collection.
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![Autobiographical statement [Corliss Freda Johnson] by Corliss Freda Johnson](https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/ful/1012/thumbnail.jpg "Autobiographical statement [Corliss Freda Johnson] by Corliss Freda Johnson")
Autobiographical statement [Corliss Freda Johnson]
Corliss Freda Johnson
Autobiographical statement by Corliss Freda Johnson aka "Honey," Fulton Oral History Project Coordinator. Corliss Freda Johnson, the Fulton Oral History Project Coordinator, discusses her background growing up in the Historic Fulton neighborhood of Richmond, Va.; her family members and friends; school activities; her first marriage and children; her second marriage; her career with the United States Postal Service; her radio show; happy memories growing up; industry and organizational affiliations; and the importance of the oral history project and participation in the Legacy Meetings.
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An oral history interview with Federal Branch, Ephraim Briggs, Wanda Brown, Charles Crawley, Waverly Hughes, Patricia Melvin, Eric Robinson, Willie Robinson, and Douglas White, March 29, 2012
An interview conducted as part of the Historic Fulton Oral History Project documenting life in the Historic Fulton community in the East End of Richmond, Virginia. In this interview, Caroline Morris speaks with a number of individuals in the field about what it was like to live in the Historic Fulton neighborhood of Richmond, Va. Willie Robinson discusses his memories of Historic Fulton when he was growing up, his understanding of the revitalization project, the changes that have taken place in Historic Fulton, and what he would like to see for Historic Fulton in the future. Ephraim Briggs talks about his early upbringing in the Historic Fulton neighborhood. Eric Robinson describes what Historic Fulton was like when he was growing up, how his family had to move due to the urban renewal project, and how he feels about the impact of the project. Waverly Hughes describes how he grew up in Historic Fulton, how it influenced his career as a musician, and how he comes back to visit old friends. Charles Crawley discusses his memories of the Historic Fulton urban renewal project and what he would like for the future of Historic Fulton. Wanda Ellen Brown talks about her family home, childhood friends and relatives, social activities, and what it was like growing up in the Historic Fulton community. Patricia Briggs Melvin reminisces about growing up in Historic Fulton. Wanda Ellen Brown and Patricia Briggs Melvin both discuss coming back to the community and attending Historic Fulton reunions, memories of living in Historic Fulton, and repercussions of the Historic Fulton urban renewal project. Douglas White discusses the negative impact the urban renewal project had on the Historic Fulton community. Federal Branch describes growing up in Historic Fulton, attending Webster Davis School during desegregation, moving out of the neighborhood to Fulton Hill, and his hopes for Historic Fulton in the future.
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An oral history interview with Alice N. Ellis and Dudley R. Lanthrip, March 27, 2012
An interview conducted as part of the Historic Fulton Oral History Project documenting life in the Historic Fulton community in the East End of Richmond, Virginia. In this interview, Alice N. Ellis and Dudley R. Lanthrip discuss what it was like to grow up in the Historic Fulton neighborhood of Richmond, Va., during the 1930s and 1940s. Alice N. Ellis describes her early home life, friends in the community, jobs held by her and her family members, and social activities in the neighborhood. Dudley R. Lanthrip describes growing up in Historic Fulton, church activities and events, and trips that he took with his family. Both Alice N. Ellis and Dudley R. Lanthrip reminisce about local businesses and houses in Historic Fulton, working for the Millhiser Bag Company, the influence their upbringings in Historic Fulton had on their lives, and the closeness of the neighborhood in Historic Fulton.
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An oral history interview with Theresita Braxton, March 13, 2012
An interview conducted as part of the Historic Fulton Oral History Project documenting life in the Historic Fulton community in the East End of Richmond, Virginia. In this interview, Theresita Braxton describes growing up in the Historic Fulton neighborhood of Richmond, Va., in the 1920s and 1930s; going to school to get her teaching degree; attending and working at Virginia Union University; social activities and events in college; her memories of student staged protests and sit-ins during the 1960s; her experiences as a student at New York University; and her move from Historic Fulton due to the revitalization project.
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An oral history interview with Linda Braxton, Pamala Rogers, and Sheila Smith, March 12, 2012
An interview conducted as part of the Historic Fulton Oral History Project documenting life in the Historic Fulton community in the East End of Richmond, Virginia. In this interview, Linda Braxton, Pamala Rogers and Sheila Smith discuss growing up in the Historic Fulton neighborhood of Richmond, Va. in the 1940s and 1950s; their early family lives; schools they attended and favorite teachers; neighborhood social activities; memories of the Historic Fulton renewal project and how it affected them and their families; and what they would like to see for the future of Historic Fulton.
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An oral history interview with Raymond Jones, March 8, 2012
An interview conducted as part of the Historic Fulton Oral History Project documenting life in the Historic Fulton community in the East End of Richmond, Virginia. In this interview, Raymond Jones discusses his upbringing in the Historic Fulton neighborhood of Richmond, Va., in the 1930s and 1940s; members of his family living in Historic Fulton; starting his own business; schools and businesses in Historic Fulton; his involvement with the Bel-Airs Club; his memory of and reaction to the Historic Fulton urban renewal process; what he would like to see for Historic Fulton; and how he has maintained contact with friends from Historic Fulton.
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An oral history interview with Larcenia Johnson and Lula Mae Brady, March 6, 2012
An interview conducted as part of the Historic Fulton Oral History Project documenting life in the Historic Fulton community in the East End of Richmond, Virginia. In this interview, Larcenia Johnson and Lula Mae Brady discuss growing up in the Historic Fulton neighborhood of Richmond, Va.; memories of Historic Fulton landmarks and businesses; friends and neighbors in Historic Fulton; schools and churches they attend
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An oral history interview with Forrest Dowden, February 28, 2012
An interview conducted as part of the Historic Fulton Oral History Project documenting life in the Historic Fulton community in the East End of Richmond, Virginia. In this interview, Forrest Dowden discusses what it was like to grow up in the Historic Fulton neighborhood of Richmond, Va.; his early home life and his family's house; Historic Fulton residents and businesses; helping his father with his residential properties; his feelings about the Historic Fulton urban renewal project; the effect the project had on the community; and what he would like to see for Historic Fulton in the future.
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An oral history interview with Bernadette Tart Clark, February 14, 2012
An interview conducted as part of the Historic Fulton Oral History Project documenting life in the Historic Fulton community in the East End of Richmond, Virginia. In this interview, Bernadette Tart Clark discusses her early years growing up in the Historic Fulton neighborhood of Richmond, Va.; her school experiences at Webster Davis Elementary and Maggie Walker High School, her marriage and the birth of her daughter, her experiences as a working mother, local stores and restaurants in Historic Fulton, her perceptions of the Historic Fulton renewal process, churches and community centers in the area, and her thoughts on the importance of an oral history of Historic Fulton.
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An oral history interview with Milton Johnson, February 14, 2012
An interview conducted as part of the Historic Fulton Oral History Project documenting life in the Historic Fulton community in the East End of Richmond, Virginia. In this interview, Milton Johnson discusses what it was like growing up in the Historic Fulton neighborhood of Richmond, Va.; his early family life; church and social activities in the neighborhood; memorable residents from Historic Fulton; his work with the ad hoc citizen committee; changes he would like to see in Historic Fulton; and memorable Historic Fulton residents that have served in military conflicts.
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An oral history interview with Joseph Highsmith and Annesto Highsmith Younger, February 7, 2012
An interview conducted as part of the Historic Fulton Oral History Project documenting life in the Historic Fulton community in the East End of Richmond, Virginia. In this interview, Joseph Highsmith, and his daughter, Rev. Annesto Highsmith Younger describe what the Historic Fulton neighborhood in Richmond, Va., was like in the 1950s and 1960s. Rev. Annesto Highsmith Younger, who grew up in Historic Fulton, discusses her upbringing and the impact growing up in Historic Fulton has had on her life. Joseph Highsmith discusses his work with various civic and religious organizations, his activities as a poll worker, his career with ABC Systems, and his role in the community. Both Rev. Annesto Highsmith Younger and Joseph Highsmith reminisce about Historic Fulton schools and business, churches they supported in the area, memorable Historic Fulton residents and families, efforts to maintain contact with the area, the impact of the redevelopment efforts on Historic Fulton, how they would like to see Historic Fulton remembered, and changes they would like to see in the future.
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An oral history interview with Blanche Henderson Lewis and Samuel Henderson, Sr., January 25, 2012
An interview conducted as part of the Historic Fulton Oral History Project documenting life in the Historic Fulton community in the East End of Richmond, Virginia. In this interview, Blanche Henderson Lewis and her uncle Samuel Henderson, Sr., describe what it was like to grow up and live in the Historic Fulton neighborhood in Richmond, Va. Blanche Henderson Lewis discusses the closeness of the residents of the neighborhood, memories of her father's grocery store, her early family life growing up in Historic Fulton, memorable residents of Historic Fulton, her husband and children, and her career and the discrimination she has faced. Samuel Henderson describes origins of the Historic Fulton name, his memories of Historic Fulton and people who have lived there, stores and restaurants in Historic Fulton, memories of his family and his family's store, his career and efforts to fight discrimination in promotion at the Postal Service, and how he feels looking back at Historic Fulton.
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An oral history interview with Estelle Braxton-Davis, January 19, 2012
An interview conducted as part of the Historic Fulton Oral History Project documenting life in the Historic Fulton community in the East End of Richmond, Virginia. In this interview, Estelle Braxton-Davis discusses growing up in the Historic Fulton neighborhood of Richmond, Va., in the 1930s; memories of her early family life; her studies at Virginia State College; schools she attended and teachers that influenced her; churches in the community and the Historic Fulton Church Reunion; her teaching career in the Historic Fulton area; other Historic Fulton residents; promises that were made during the urban renewal project; and what she would like to see for the future of Historic Fulton.
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An oral history interview with Carolyn Fuller, January 18, 2012
An interview conducted as part of the Historic Fulton Oral History Project documenting life in the Historic Fulton community in the East End of Richmond, Virginia. In this interview, Carolyn Fuller discusses growing up in the Historic Fulton neighborhood of Richmond, Va., in the 1940s and 1950s; Historic Fulton neighbors and businesses; family members; churches in the Historic Fulton community; attending Virginia Union University; student-led protests in the 1950s; her teaching career in Richmond before and after public school desegregation; expectations and reactions to the Historic Fulton renewal project; and what she sees for the future of Historic Fulton.
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An oral history interview with Ida Ellett, December 13, 2011
An interview conducted as part of the Historic Fulton Oral History Project documenting life in the Historic Fulton community in the East End of Richmond, Virginia. In this interview, Ida Ellett describes her experiences growing up in the Historic Fulton neighborhood of Richmond, Va. in the 1920s and 1930s; how her family settled in Historic Fulton; memories of the schools she attended; her move to Washington, D.C. for her job with the Census Bureau; her marriage and children; paying poll taxes to register to vote; campaigning for Oliver Hill; finishing her degree at Virginia Commonwealth University; the racial segregation that existed between Historic Fulton and Fulton Hill, and feelings about the Historic Fulton development plan.
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An oral history interview with Linda Sutton, December 10, 2011
An interview conducted as part of the Historic Fulton Oral History Project documenting life in the Historic Fulton community in the East End of Richmond, Virginia. In this interview, Linda Sutton discusses her upbringing in the Historic Fulton neighborhood of Richmond, Va.; her early childhood memories; her family home and history in Historic Fulton; her neighborhood friends; classmates from Webster Davis School; racial prejudice she encountered in other Richmond neighborhoods; her feelings about the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority's plan and the effect it had on her family and the community; and how she has reunited with friends from Historic Fulton.
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An oral history interview with Mary Patricia Perez, December 8, 2011
An interview conducted as part of the Historic Fulton Oral History Project documenting life in the Historic Fulton community in the East End of Richmond, Virginia. In this interview, Reverend Mary Patricia Perez describes growing up in the Historic Fulton neighborhood of Richmond, Va.; her early childhood memories; the role of music and the church in her life; the direction of her ministry; her feelings about the urban renewal project; what Historic Fulton used to be like; and what she would like to see in Historic Fulton now and in the future.
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An oral history interview with Evelyn Bowman, November 29, 2011
An interview conducted as part of the Historic Fulton Oral History Project documenting life in the Historic Fulton community in the East End of Richmond, Virginia. In this interview, Evelyn Bowman discusses growing up in the Historic Fulton neighborhood of Richmond, Va.; her early school years and teachers that influenced her; jobs and social activities in Historic Fulton; her education at Virginia Union University; her teaching career in public schools; churches and church activities in Historic Fulton; her work with the Fulton Improvement Association and her thoughts on the Historic Fulton renewal project; memorable Historic Fulton residents and businesses; and things she would like to see for the Historic Fulton community in the future.