Oral History Vault

Walter Awkard

Walter Awkard, born in 1948 in Norbeck, Maryland, shared his life story at the Sandy Spring Slave Museum. He detailed his upbringing in a predominantly black community, and his family’s history, including his great-grandfather Samuel E. Powell and George Howard, the wealthiest black man in Montgomery County. Walter discussed his career as an electrician and his military service in the U.S. Army. He highlighted the cultural and economic changes in Montgomery County, noting the decline of black-owned businesses and the impact of integration. He emphasized the importance of preserving historical knowledge to understand one’s roots.

Catherine Matthews

Catherine Matthews, a native of Damascus, shared her family history and experiences growing up in a segregated community. She detailed her education at Longview Elementary and Damascus Elementary, highlighting the challenges of integration. Matthews discussed her involvement in local community activities, her modeling career, and her extensive public service, including her 20-year tenure as Director of the Upper County Regional Office of Montgomery County Government. She emphasized the importance of community engagement and diversity, expressing hope for future generations to continue fostering a inclusive Montgomery County.

Claudette Bard

Claudette Bard recounts her life growing up in Lincoln Park and Haiti. She describes her family’s move from Lovettsville, Virginia, to Lincoln Park in the 1920s and her parents’ meeting at Lincoln High School. Claudette details her childhood experiences, including attending Rock Terrace Elementary and integrating Maryvale Elementary. She shares stories of racial discrimination, such as being called racial slurs and facing segregation at local beaches and restaurants. Claudette also recalls her parents’ involvement in civil rights activities, including her father’s attendance at the March on Washington and her mother’s advocacy at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Claudette Bard reflects on her experiences during the civil rights movement, discussing her father’s views on Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, and her own evolving understanding of their significance. She recalls the changing attitudes in her community, particularly at her school, and her involvement as a patrol and Girl Scout. Bard highlights the segregation she witnessed, such as the difference between Lincoln Avenue and Lincoln Street, and the social norms that kept white and black communities separate. She expresses hope that future generations will appreciate the history and opportunities created by the civil rights movement.

Patricia Tyson & Theresa Saxton

Patricia Tyson and Theresa Saxton, both third-generation residents of Lyttonsville, discussed their family histories and community involvement. Patricia’s grandparents moved to Lyttonsville in 1920, and the community was cohesive with two main churches. They attended Military Road School in DC before integrating into Montgomery County schools.

Patricia and Theresa highlighted their roles in preserving Lyttonsville’s history, including founding the Military Road School Alumni Association and the Female Reenactors of Distinction. They also discussed the impact of urban renewal and their efforts to maintain community connections and historical integrity. The conversation revolves around the efforts of community members to preserve and celebrate the history of Lyttonsville, a diverse and close-knit community.

They discuss the formation of a living history group that portrays Civil War-era women and their involvement in the Lyttonsville Museum project. The museum aims to document the community’s history, including its struggles with development and its resilience. They emphasize the importance of community, the impact of individual stories, and the hope that the museum will foster a sense of pride and connection. The speakers also reflect on the changes in society and the enduring values of family, empathy, and shared history.

Phyllis Waters

Phyllis Waters shared her childhood experiences in Scotland, Maryland, highlighting her large, close-knit family and community. She recalled her education at Scotland Elementary, where she enjoyed a nurturing environment and creative activities. Phyllis reminisced about her family’s land, which was sold without proper compensation, and the impact of this on her family. She also discussed her transition to DC, her education, and her career as a licensed practical nurse and daycare provider.

Phyllis emphasized the importance of creativity, family values, and the challenges faced by her community during the civil rights era. Phyllis shared memories of their childhood in Scotland, a predominantly Black community in Montgomery County. Phyllis’s mother managed to provide for her family despite financial constraints. They discussed the close-knit nature of their community, where everyone knew each other, and the importance of education and heritage.

Phyllis emphasized the need to educate future generations about their ancestors’ contributions and the progress made since the 1950s and 60s. They also touched on the challenges of maintaining community cohesion with modern growth and transience.

Ella Redfield

 Reverend Ella Redfield recounted her experiences growing up in the segregated Lyttonsville community in Silver Spring, Maryland. She discussed her family’s history, including her father’s service in the Army and their integration into Rolling Wood Elementary after Brown v. Board of Education. Redfield highlighted the challenges faced by African American students in Montgomery County schools, including lack of support and segregation. She also shared her journey through education, work, and ministry, emphasizing the importance of community and resilience. Redfield is actively involved in efforts to establish a museum in Lyttonsville to preserve its history.

Dr. Bobbie Legg

Dr. Bobbie Legg, an international trauma expert, discusses her family’s ties to the 1896 lynching of Mr. Sidney Randolph in Rockville, Maryland. She discovered this history through her great-grandmother’s memoir, which detailed the lynching and its aftermath. Dr. Legg emphasized the importance of truth and reconciliation, highlighting her support from the Maryland Lynching Memorial Project and her emotional journey. She discussed the broader implications of her family’s history, the need for open dialogue, and the role of historical markers in promoting understanding.