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Collection Number: 04258

Collection Title: Thaddeus Ferree Papers on the North Carolina Federal Writers Project, 1935-1941

This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held in the Wilson Library at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in our reading room, and not digitally available through the World Wide Web. See the Duplication Policy section for more information.


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Size 1.5 feet of linear shelf space (approximately 420 items)
Abstract Primarily narratives compiled from oral history interviews (called "life histories"), folkways, legends, and other items written and collected by workers of the Federal Writers' Project of North Carolina, 1938-1941, with accompanying administrative material, including instructions to writers. Most of the life histories are variants of items in the Federal Writers' Project Papers (#3709) in the Southern Historical Collection, but there are 10 that do not appear in that collection. The folkways and legends are chiefly stories concerning North Carolina in the colonial, Revolutionary, and Civil War periods. A number of essays relate to Raleigh, N.C. T. S. Ferree collected this material in the course of his work as a research editor with the Federal Writers' Project in Raleigh, N.C.
Creator Ferree, Thaddeus, circa 1881-circa 1972.
Curatorial Unit University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Library. Southern Historical Collection.
Language English
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Restrictions to Access
No restrictions. Open for research.
Restrictions to Use
Writings of Federal Writers' Project employees are in the public domain.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], in the Thaddeus Ferree Papers on the North Carolina Federal Writers Project #4258, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Acquisitions Information
Received from Thaddeus S. Ferree Jr., Raleigh, N.C., in January 1981.
Sensitive Materials Statement
Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, the North Carolina Public Records Act (N.C.G.S. § 132 1 et seq.), and Article 7 of the North Carolina State Personnel Act (Privacy of State Employee Personnel Records, N.C.G.S. § 126-22 et seq.). Researchers are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to identifiable living individuals represented in this collection without the consent of those individuals may have legal ramifications (e.g., a cause of action under common law for invasion of privacy may arise if facts concerning an individual's private life are published that would be deemed highly offensive to a reasonable person) for which the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill assumes no responsibility.
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Processed by: Sandra Nyberg, January 1984

Encoded by: ByteManagers Inc., 2008

Conscious Editing Work by: Nancy Kaiser, August 2020 (updated title, abstract, biographical note, scope and content note, and container list); by: Anne Wells, April 2021; by Nancy Kaiser, July 2023 (added statement about "Croatan")

NOTE: Since August 2017, we have added ethnic and racial identities for individuals and families represented in collections. To determine identity, we rely on self-identification; other information supplied to the repository by collection creators or sources; public records, press accounts, and secondary sources; and contextual information in the collection materials. Omissions of ethnic and racial identities in finding aids created or updated after August 2017 are an indication of insufficient information to make an educated guess or an individual's preference for identity information to be excluded from description. When we have misidentified, please let us know at wilsonlibrary@unc.edu.

NOTE: Select documents, titles, and description found in this collection contain harmful and racist language used by the creators of these documents. Titles and descriptions provided by creators of the collection are indicated with quotation marks. Some of these original titles and descriptions contain harmful language. In 2020, archivists removed transcriptions of the harmful portions of the titles from the finding aid and replaced them with [racist slur]. The original titles and harmful language remain on the physical documents and digitized access copies. We have not removed racial terms "Negro" or "Colored" because we feel they provide important historical context about the materials and who created them and they facilitate the research process. We recognize that these terms also may cause harm and will periodically revisit our decision to include them. We recognize the complexity of this issue and welcome feedback on this decision at wilsonlibrary@unc.edu.

NOTE: "Croatan" (or "Croatoan") is an identity term that was used by the Indigenous peoples of the Hatteras and Roanoke Islands in the late 16th century. In subsequent centuries, the Indigenous peoples of Sampson, Craven, Robeson, Cumberland, Hoke and Scotland counties in North Carolina were thought to be the descendants of the Croatan Indians and were so called by North Carolina state officials; however, many tribal nations existed and exist now in this area who prefer to use their own identity terms, including the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, the Tuscarora Nation of North Carolina, and others.

In 2023, archivists examined the use of "Croatan" in Wilson Library archival collections and decided to leave this term in places where it refers to the Indigenous peoples of the Hatteras and Roanoke Islands, is part of a title, or is the proper name of a geographic feature or location. We have replaced "Croatan" with the appropriate identity term for materials that refer specifically to the groups noted above. When we are unable to make a determination, we use "Indigenous peoples." We recognize the complexity of this issue and welcome feedback on this decision at wilsonlibrary@unc.edu.

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expand/collapse Expand/collapse Subject Headings

The following terms from Library of Congress Subject Headings suggest topics, persons, geography, etc. interspersed through the entire collection; the terms do not usually represent discrete and easily identifiable portions of the collection--such as folders or items.

Clicking on a subject heading below will take you into the University Library's online catalog.

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expand/collapse Expand/collapse Historical Information

The Federal Writers' Project, a New Deal program that from 1935 to 1942, was a component of the Works Progress Administration. From its inception, the Federal Writers Project in North Carolina had three objectives: to provide jobs for the unemployed, to rehabilitate workers by helping them to maintain and improve their skills, and to produce publications of lasting merit as a contribution to the culture of the state and local communities. At one point as many as 130 North Carolinians were on the rolls of the Federal Writers Project.

The signal achievement of the FWP in North Carolina was the Guide to the Old North State, which was published to favorable reviews in 1939 and subsequently appeared in two reprint editions. North Carolinians also contributed to These Are Our Lives (1939), a compilation of interviews with ordinary working people in the state.

Adapted from the Federal Writers Project entry for NCpedia.org.

Thaddeus S. Ferree, a white man, was born about 1881, possibly in Randolph County, N.C. At various times he worked as a lawyer, teacher, salesman, and intermittently for the Wake County Emergency Relief Administration Service. By 1938, T. S. Ferree had begun to work in Raleigh for the Federal Writers' Project. From 1 October 1939 to 7 April 1941, he worked continuously for the Federal Writers' Project as a research editor, apparently supervising the work of several others. Ferree was also employed occasionally as a private researcher, probably in genealogy, during this time. He was discharged from the Federal Writers' Project on 7 April 1941 ("removal required by law after 18 months of continuous employment.")

(Additional biographical information is available in the control file of these papers.)

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expand/collapse Expand/collapse Scope and Content

Thaddeus Ferree Papers on the North Carolina Federal Writers Project consist of records produced between 1935 and 1941, with most materials dating from between 1938 and 1941. Included in the collection are narratives compiled from oral history interviews (called "life histories"); folkways and legends; essays on North Carolina's history, culture, and geography; and some administrative materials, primarily writers' guides and manuals.

Items have been divided into two series. Series I, Writings is divided into three subseries: narratives compiled from oral history interviews ("life histories"), folkways and legends, and other writings. "Other writings" (Subseries IC) is further divided into writings relating to the American Guide Series: North Carolina Guide and How They Began; writings about Raleigh, N.C.; writings about the rest of North Carolina; and drafts of two longer pamphlets--N. C. Browder's "The Co-op That Failed" and T. P. Matthews's "Secrets of a Dixieland Trapper."

Writings included in Series I were composed by many workers of the Federal Writers' Project in North Carolina, including Mary A. Hicks, Gertrude Gunter, W. O. Saunders, Travis Jordan, Claude Dunnagan, Edwin Massengill, Frances L. Harriss, and others. T. S. Ferree seems to have written only on the educational institutions of Raleigh and on epitaphs. However, his work as a research editor is evident in items throughout Series I.

Series II is composed of administrative materials of the Federal Writers' Project. It is also divided into three subseries: correspondence, writers' manuals and instructions to workers, and miscellaneous items. These administrative materials reflect the framework within which the writings in Series I were composed.

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Contents list

expand/collapse Expand/collapse Series Quick Links

expand/collapse Expand/collapse I. Writings, 1937-1941.

About 372 items.

expand/collapse Expand/collapse IA. Narratives Compiled from Oral History Interviews (Life Histories).

About 35 items.

Narratives compiled from oral history interviews by Federal Writers' Project workers are called "life histories" in the records. All subjects are from North Carolina. Arrangement is alphabetical by last name of interviewer. Many of the narratives written by W. O. Saunders are accompanied by carbon copies of letters to W. T. Couch and, occasionally, by a manuscript note to George L. Andrews. All of these letters were written in 1939.

The citations to the narratives below identify the interviewer, title of the life history, name of person interviewed, occupation of person interviewed, and residence of person interviewed. Narratives that have a variant form available in the Federal Writers' Project Papers (#3709) are indicated at the item level.

Processing Note: Select documents, titles, and description found in this series contain harmful and racist language used by the creators of these documents. Titles and descriptions provided by creators of the collection are indicated with quotation marks. Some of these original titles and descriptions contain harmful language. In 2020, archivists removed transcriptions of the harmful portions of the titles from the finding aid and replaced them with [racist slur]. The original titles and harmful language remain on the physical documents and digitized access copies. We have not removed racial terms "Negro" or "Colored" because we feel they provide important historical context about the materials and who created them and they facilitate the research process. We recognize that these terms also may cause harm and will periodically revisit our decision to include them. We recognize the complexity of this issue and welcome feedback on this decision at wilsonlibrary@unc.edu.

Folder 1

"A Quiz Kit? A Casket?" Samuel B. Barnwell, casket finisher and interior decorator, Gastonia, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by John H. Abner.

A variant form of this document is available in the Federal Writers Project Papers (#3709).

"I Live a Full Life," John Plummer, doctor of medicine, Raleigh, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by Russell Houston.

"Bill Saunders, Landowner," Bahama, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by Travis Jordan.

A variant form of this document is available in the Federal Writers Project Papers (#3709).

"Hazel Wicker," housewife (?), Durham, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by Travis Jordan.

A variant form of this document is available in the Federal Writers Project Papers (#3709).

"John Lincoln," insurance salesman, Durham, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by Travis Jordan.

A variant form of this document is available in the Federal Writers Project Papers (#3709).

Folder 2

"Life in Erwin Village," several subjects living in a cotton mill village, West Durham, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by Travis Jordan.

A variant form of this document is available in the Federal Writers Project Papers (#3709).

"Martha Hinton--A Good Woman," former owner of a boarding house, Durham, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by Travis Jordan.

A variant form of this document is available in the Federal Writers Project Papers (#3709).

"Millie Markham's Story," formerly enslaved person in Durham, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by Travis Jordan.

"Pearl Phillips," occupation undeterminable, Durham, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by Travis Jordan.

A variant form of this document is available in the Federal Writers Project Papers (#3709).

"Mrs. Nancy Gill's Lodging House," Raleigh, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by R.O. King.

A variant form of this document is available in the Federal Writers Project Papers (#3709).

Folder 3

"Teach 'er off, Charlie," Charlie Jackson, tobacco farmer, Smithfield, N.C. (two variant copies)

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by Samuel Kluttz.

"Born to Be a Hero," Nick Stewart, World War I veteran, Danbury, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by Thurmand D. Martin.

"Hubert Harris," formerly enslaved person, Raleigh, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by T. Pat Matthews.

"Jacop Thomas," formerly enslaved person, Raleigh, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by T. Pat Matthews.

"Lafayette Miles," son of a formerly enslaved person, Raleigh, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by T. Pat Matthews.

"Walter Boone," son of formerly enslaved person, Raleigh, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by T. Pat Matthews.

Folder 4

"Hold, Hell! I've Got to Have the Money Now," Horatio S. Seymour, tenant farmer, Camden, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by Frank L. Overton.

A variant form of this document is available in the Federal Writers Project Papers (#3709).

"A Late Education," E. C. Shue, minister, Robersonville, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by Anna Belle W. Rogerson.

A variant form of this document is available in the Federal Writers Project Papers (#3709).

"Business is a Pleasure," George A. Twiddy, Merchant, Elizabeth City, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by W. O. Saunders.

A variant form of this document is available in the Federal Writers Project Papers (#3709).

"Hopes It Will Be Twins," Wilma Alexander (pseud.), housewife, Elizabeth City, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by W. O. Saunders.

A variant form of this document is available in the Federal Writers Project Papers (#3709).

"I Didn't Raise My Children to Want Meet," Georgia Rice, housekeeper, Elizabeth City, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by W. O. Saunders.

A variant form of this document is available in the Federal Writers Project Papers (#3709).

Folder 5

"Just Stays Home an' Minds His Own Business," John H. Bunch, saw-mill hand, Elizabeth City, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by W. O. Saunders.

A variant form of this document is available in the Federal Writers Project Papers (#3709).

"Some Things That Never Change," S. S. Nixon, fisherman, Stumpy Point, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by W. O. Saunders.

A variant form of this document is available in the Federal Writers Project Papers (#3709).

"A Taskmaster in the Vineyard of the Lord," Rev. Carey Miles Cartwright, minister, Elizabeth City, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by W. O. Saunders.

A variant form of this document is available in the Federal Writers Project Papers (#3709).

"When a Good Coffin Cost Only $4.50," G. Riley Swindell, carpenter, Elizabeth City, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by W. O. Saunders.

A variant form of this document is available in the Federal Writers Project Papers (#3709).

"Where Toime Is Kind," Morris Beasley, houseboat occupant, Collington Island, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by W. O. Saunders.

A variant form of this document is available in the Federal Writers Project Papers (#3709).

Folder 6

No title. Tom Burnett, scavenger, Elizabeth City, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by W. O. Saunders.

A variant form of this document is available in the Federal Writers Project Papers (#3709).

No title. Arthur Graham Harris, doctor of medicine, Fairfield, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by W. O. Saunders.

A variant form of this document is available in the Federal Writers Project Papers (#3709).

No title. Isaac (Big Ike) O'Neal, retired merchant and former seaman, Ocracoke, N.C. (two variant copies)

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by W. O. Saunders.

A variant form of this document is available in the Federal Writers Project Papers (#3709).

Folder 7

No title. Joe Singleton, barber, Elizabeth City, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by W. O. Saunders.

A variant form of this document is available in the Federal Writers Project Papers (#3709).

No title. John W. Twiford, ex-moonshiner, East Lake, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by W. O. Saunders.

A variant form of this document is available in the Federal Writers Project Papers (#3709).

"Joseph Mandell," interview of John A. Mayo, attorney, Washington, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by William L. Vaughn and George L. Andrews.

A variant form of this document is available in the Federal Writers Project Papers (#3709).

"Mary Anngady (Princess Quango Hennadonah Perceriah)," formerly enslaved person, married to an Abyssinian prince captured by P. T. Barnum. Raleigh, N.C.

Federal Writers Project life history compiled by unknown author.

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expand/collapse Expand/collapse IB. Folkways and Legends.

About 161 items.

Stories collected by Federal Writers' Project workers, dealing primarily with North Carolina history of the colonial, Revolutionary, and Civil War periods. Some of these stories have been published, an example being "Woman Trouble" by Travis Jordan, (in Bundle of Troubles, Federal Writers' Project, 1943). Authors whose stories appear in this subseries include Mary A. Hicks, T. Pat Matthews, Travis Jordan, W. O. Saunders, N. H. Bartlett, Furman Bisher, Frances L. Harriss, Edwin Massengill, Claude Dunnagan, John H. Abner, Ethel M. Cottingham, James Larkin Pearson, Christine Taylor, Cassie Gant, Sue Orice, Adyleen Merrick, Esther Searle Pinnix, and many others. These folkways and legends are arranged alphabetically by title or first line of text.

Processing Note: Select documents, titles, and description found in this subseries contain harmful and racist language used by the creators of these documents. Titles and descriptions provided by creators of the collection are indicated with quotation marks. Some of these original titles and descriptions contain harmful language. In 2020, archivists removed transcriptions of the harmful portions of the titles from the finding aid and replaced them with [racist slur]. The original titles and harmful language remain on the physical documents and digitized access copies. We have not removed racial terms "Negro" or "Colored" because we feel they provide important historical context about the materials and who created them and they facilitate the research process. We recognize that these terms also may cause harm and will periodically revisit our decision to include them. We recognize the complexity of this issue and welcome feedback on this decision at wilsonlibrary@unc.edu.

Folder 8

Abner Droole's Treasure (Facts Given by Elmer Nance, Lexington)

"Adam's vigil: Told by a member of the McAden family"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mrs. Francis Bruguire.

"An African queen: As told to Frances Harriss by Mrs. Philip Lovering of Wilmington"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Frances L. Harris.

"An apology to Seth Sothel: As told by Mr. Robert Mitchell of Caswell County"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"Barn dance figures: Told by Mr. B. M. Medlin and B. W. Pennington"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"Betsy Dowdy's ride"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"Betsy Powell, the witch: Told by Mrs. Stella Bobbitt and B. E. Rogers of Franklin County"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks, Nellie Whitfield, and Travis Jordan.

"The Beginning of Yaupon Tea: This is the story of how the Congaree Indians discovered the medicinal properties of the brew of yaupon leaves, and how the secret was revealed to Okisco, son of Wat Coosa, chief of all the Congarees."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Francis L. Harris.

Folder 9

"Blowing bush: As told to T. Pat Matthews by Glasgow McLeod of Harnett County."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by T. Pat Matthews.

"The bone buyer: Told by W. F. Barbee of High Point"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Harry E. Field.

"A brave Whig woman: Told by Mrs. A. M. Edwards of Durham. "

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"The broken arrow head: Told by Dick Loy, Burlington, N. C. "

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by John H. Abner.

"The broken leg-band: Told to Claude Dunnagan hy his grandfather, who lived in Yadkinville at the time this incident occurred. The old poorhouse, which was situated on the edge of town on the old Shacktown road, has long since been moved away."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Claude Dunnagan.

"Buried treasure: Told to Ethel Cottingham by Aunt Lou Clinard, ex-slave of William Clinard. "

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Ethel Cottingham.

Folder 10

"A certain care for the shakes in the early nineteenth century: Based on article in a newspaper published in 1820"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Harold H. Miller.

"The cherry trees: Told to Mary Hicks by Mrs. Evelyn Hill of Raleigh"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary Hicks.

"Chopping and log rolling parties"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"A chunk of fire: Told to W. O. Saunders by W. J. Skiles, of Elizabeth City, N.C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by W. O. Saunders.

"Tarelton's romance (Colonel Tarleton's romance): Told by K. E. Hughes of Selma to Mary Hicks"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"A colonial romance: Told by Mr. Henry Glen of Raleigh, North Carolina"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"A colored woman's story: Told by Rena Welch, aged Negro woman of Walnut Cove, N.C. "

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Louise L. Abbitt.

Folder 11

"Cornwallis' barrel of gold: Based on story told by Henry Glenn of Raleigh"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"Cotton growing in slavery times: Told by B. E. Rogers of Franklin County"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"The crack of doom: Told by old inhabitants of Wilkes County"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by James Larkin Pearson.

"Dan Tucker's philosophy: As told by Judd Smith of Raleigh"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"Daniel Boone's romance: Told by Mr. Howell Harrison, Denton, N.C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Furman Bisher.

"Law tales for laymen and wayside tales from Carolina by Joseph Lacy Seawell"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by N. H. Bartlett.

"Death of General Steel: Told by Mrs. Maggie Hughes of Selma, Johnston County"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

Folder 12

"The devil at the spring: Told by Jacob Brown, of Crouse, N.C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Henry Baker.

"Dr. Polly: Told by L. R. Hicks of Raleigh, formerly of Johnston County and Mrs. Nettie Smith of Snow Hill"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Christine Taylor and Mary A. Hicks.

"Dr. Polly Creech: As told by L. R. Hicks of Raleigh, formerly of Johnston County"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Christine Taylor and Mary A. Hicks.

"Dyeing sixty years ago: Told by Tiny Shaw of Cary"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"Eel Olive, the prankster: Told to T. Pat Matthews by Z. D. Angier, Harnett County"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by T. Pat Matthews.

"Escape": Told by Kingston McLendon

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Nancy Thompson Robinson.

Folder 13

"The fall of the Cherokee Nation foretold: Told to Adyleen Merrick by George H. Holmes, Tryon, N.C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Adyleen Merrick.

"The fatal chew [tobacco]: Told by Thomas Massengill of Four Oaks"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by T. Pat Matthews.

"The fatal fortune: Told by Mr. Henry Glenn of Boylan Avenue, Raleigh, N.C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"The federal greenback: Told by Dorcas Walker, widow of the late Nergel Walker"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Gordon G. Pearsall.

"Fire hunting: As told by Mr. W. C. Medlin of Wake County"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"First houses in North Carolina wilds: Told by B. E. Rogers of Raleigh, formerly of Franklin Co."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"Footwashing: Told by Alex Garner, Denton, N. C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Furman Bisher.

"The Fort Hamby raiders: Told to James Larkin Pearson by his father"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Travis Jordan.

"A Fort Watauga romance: Told by Horace Phelps of Zebulon"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"Fortune telling and marriage: Told by Mrs. Anne Medlin, William McKnight and Aunt Tiny Shaw of Wake County"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

Folder 14

"The friendship of an Indian: Told to T. Pat Matthews by Narcissus Cutts, Summerville, Harnett County"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by T. Pat Matthews.

"A genius and his neighbors: As told by L. R. Hicks of Raleigh, N.C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"Get away from the crowd"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"Getting married used to be a serious matter"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Sue Grice and Hannah H. Light.

"The ghost of Harriet: As told by Fannie E. Boon of Kinston and Clinton, N.C. "

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"The ghost of Rockford Road: Told to Claude Dunnagan by his grandfather, who was a resident of Rockford at the time of the incident. "

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Claude Dunnagan.

"Ghosts of Abbott's Creek"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"Glowing rock (an eternal beacon)"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by W. B. Murphy.

"Gold Hill tragedy: Told by J. W. Hicks of Raleigh to Mary A. Hicks."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"Gravy and reconstruction: As told by Hon. Isaac M. Meekins, U.S. Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Elizabeth City, N.C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

Folder 15

"The hanging: Told by Ed Allen of Orange County"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by H. O. Summey.

"The hanging in Bethabara: Told by H. C. Garner of Cary"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks and Travis Jordan.

"Harrison-Beasley kidnapping case"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"Hauling 'harrican' liquor in a hearse: This was told by Frank Young, a tall-story teller by nature, a traveling machinery salesman by occupation...."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"An heroic Whig nurse: Told by Mrs. Polly Stancil of Selma, who heard it from her husband, a native of Randolph County."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"The hog-skin Indian: Based on a story told by Mrs. Rinda Tucker of Denton, N.C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Furman Bisher.

"The home guard and deserters: Told by Mrs. Tabitha Bryahrt, Frank Wishon, Mrs. Reuben Cleary and others of Yadkin County; and W. B. Vaddell of Alleghany County. "

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Clalee Dunnagan and Octavia Waddell.

"Home remedies in nineteenth-century North Carolina: As told by L. R. Hicks of Raleigh, N.C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

Folder 16

"Hot peppers": Told by Milton A. Matthews of Angier, N.C.

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by T. Pat Matthews.

"House of plenty and house of want: As told to W. O. Saunders, by his Mother, Mary Byrd Saunders of Perquimans County"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by W. O. Saunders.

"How the Gahar Indians came to use salt: Told by old inhabitants of Alamance County"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by John H. Abner.

New Bern area history

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"Indian Woods and Indian Galley: "

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Sue Grice, Mrs. E. H. Hampton, Mrs. James C. Fearing, Grace Stephenson (Kelford, N.C.), Mrs. Chas. Sawyer (Windsor), and Mr. E. S. Askew, Director, First District of WPA, Elizabeth City, N, C.

"Initials on a tree: Told to Mary A. Hicks by Mrs. Sally King of Ebenezer, Wake County"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"I's a coon-hunting [racist slur]": Told by John Buck

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Beth Cannady.

Processing Note: Transcription of original title amended in the finding aid by archivists in 2020 to remove harmful language. The original title remains on the physical documents and digitized access copies.

"I've seen hard times before: Told by Miss Mary Castle Stanley, of Reidsville, N.C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Cassie Gant.

Folder 17

"Joanna's crossroads: Told by Mrs. Maggie Hughes of Johnston County."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"Kiwaw and Kiovana (a legend of the heart-leaf)"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mrs. N. H. Bartlett.

"Kimesville Lake: Told by residents of the Kimesville Lake section"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by John H. Abner.

"The Lafayette snuff box: Told to Frances L. Harriss by members of the Rhue family, Wilmington, N.C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Frances L. Harriss.

"Lazy Jack and his calf skin" (from Journal of American Folklore volume 38, page 343)

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"The legend of Mad Sheep Mountain"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"The legend of the hatter as poet"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by N. H. Bartlett.

"The Letalones"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by T. Pat Matthews.

Folder 18

"Looms and weaving: Told by Mrs. Polly Stancil of Selma"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"The lot bowl: Told by Flora Leicht, descendant of the original John."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Esther Searle Pinnix.

"The Lotus: As told by Miss Eliza Boone of Kinston"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"The loyalty of the Scots: Told by James McLeod of Lillington"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by T. Pat Matthews.

"The mad woman who routed a troop of Union soldiers: As told to W. 0. Saunders by Hersey P. Williams"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by W. O. Saunders.

"Mary Slocumb's gourd"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by N. H. Bartlett.

"The 'marrying house': Told to Adyleen Merrick by Reuben Bell"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Adyleen Merrick.

"Mike, the wizard: Based on a story told by Mrs. E. S. Coates of Johnston County"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Edwin Massengill.

Folder 19

"A Mother-Hubbard sermon"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"The muster oak: Told to Robert Irvin by Miss Blake of Gastonia,N.C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Robert Irvin.

"Negro worship: Annual revivals, camp meeting, the 'ring-sings': Told by Mrs. Anne Medlin of Cary; Aunt Tiny Shaw of Cary, and others"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"New luster added to name of Hewes"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"New Year's customs: Told by Mr. F. H. Stanton of Cumberland County"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"Night funerals"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"Night's adventure [about Irishman's adventures]: As told by H. C. Phelps of Zebulon and Greensboro"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"North Carolina camp meeting anecdotes of the late nineteenth century"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"North Carolina genius: [Told by] Walter Schulter from near Warsaw, N.C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Stanley Combs.

"North Carolina robins: As told by W. O. Saunders"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by W. O. Saunders.

Folder 20

"Oconee, [racist slur]: Told to Mary A. Hicks by Mrs. E.N. Hamrick of near Apex"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

Processing Note: Transcription of original title amended in the finding aid by archivists in 2020 to remove harmful language. The original title remains on the physical documents and digitized access copies.

"Old Bud's ghost: Told by Ginny Sanders of Four Oaks, Johnston County"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Edwin Massengill.

"Old home remedies"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"The Old Horn Inn: Told by Charley Adkins of near Hillsboro"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"An old Methodist camp meeting: Told by Capt. W. J. Tate of Coinjock, N.C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Henry B. Ansell.

"An old spring: By Sanford Martin" ( The Wake Forest Student, Vol. 26, page 133)

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"An old story"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Beth Cannady.

"Old tavern days in Oxford: Told by Mr. Francis B. Hays of Oxford, N.C. "

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Beth Cannady.

"Old times: Told by Liza Dixon of Snow Hill, N.C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Christine Taylor.

"Origin of Croatan Indians: As told by James Lowry of Robeson Co., now of State Prison, Raleigh, N.C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"Origin of Lake Mattamuskeet: As told by N. E. Ward of Nash County who has spent much of his life in Eastern Carolina"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"Orton on Cape Fear: As told by N. E. Ward of Nash County, formerly of Wilmington"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

Folder 21

"A pane of glass: Told to Frances L. Harriss by members of the Wright family"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Travis Jordan.

"Perry, the fisherman," by Hubbard Fulton Page

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mrs. N. H. Bartlett.

"The pioneer and his trades: As told by L. R. Hicks of Johnston County"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"The pirate: Told by L. R. Hicks, formerly of Johnston County"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"The precious article: Told by Penny Williams, Negro of Raleigh"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"A public hanging: As told by Mrs. Mitchner of 12 E. Lenoir Street, Raleigh, N.C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"The red flannel petticoat: Told to Esther Pinnix by India Newsome"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Esther Pinnix.

"The redemption of Howling Wolf: Told by Will McLeod of Lillington"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by T. Pat Matthews.

"Rogue's harbor: Told by C. E. Pleasants of Raleigh. He had heard it from an old man who lived in New Bern."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"The royal governor and the princess"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Travis Jordan.

Folder 22

"Said the governor of North Carolina--'It's a long time between drinks': And tippling Tar Heels Quote The Far-flung Phrase Not far From The Widow Jones' Parlor Where Governor Ed Dudley Said It in 1358 By Donoh Hanks"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Donoh Hanks.

"Saint Peter, the grasshopper (new version)"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Travis Jordan.

"Scarboro mill: As told by A. M. Andrews, Durham, N.C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"Sectional differences in language usage"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mae W. Worth.

"The short cut: Told by H. M. Lilly of Greensboro"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Pitts Cobb.

"A slacker's wife: Told to Ethel M. Cottingham by Mrs. Isabel Clinard Sink, daughter of Captain Clinard, who took part in the episode"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Ethel M. Cottingham.

"Slave marriage: Told by Jim Smith, Negro, of Four Oaks, N.C. and George Eatman, Negro, of Cary, N.C. "

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Edwin Massengill and Mary A. Hicks.

"Slavery in North Carolina"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"A slavery-time witch: An interview with Lonie McHae, 74 years old, who lives near Four Oaks in Johnston County"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

Folder 23

"The soap maker: Told by Pearlet Brown of Cary R."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"Some unusual dishes: Told by Mrs.J. G. Hicks of Selma, Mrs. L. R. Hicks of Cary R. and Mrs. C. W. Medlin of Cary R."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"The spirit of the Dismal [Swamp]: Told by S. F. Freeman who as a boy worked at the Diamond City sawmill. "

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by W. L. Vaughan.

"Stephen Ham, the ditcher: Told by E. D. Matthews of Angier, N.C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by T. Pat Matthews.

"Stories on a rock: Told by A. E. Spence of Harnett County"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"The story of a sword"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"Terbaccer Chawin' Champ: This story was told by 'Uncle Johnny' Lattamore, an aged mountaineer of McDowell County"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Sameuel E. Kluttz.

"There was laughter in those days: As told to Thos. Alexander Cox, M.D., of Hertford, N.C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"Those horse and buggy days: Told by David Cox, C. E., Elizabeth City, N.C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by W. O. Saunders.

Folder 24

"To win you must follow me: By Gilbert T. Stephenson "

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by N. H. Bartlett.

"A tobacco anecdote": Western Carolinian, Salisbury, N.C., 21 September 1824

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"From a tobacco story sent in by Dudley W. Crawford"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown writer.

"The tombs of three governors on the Trent River: Sketch of a desolate locality full of historic interest, by H. I. Crumpler"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by H. I. Crumpler.

"A Tuscarora tale: Told by H. G. Phelps of Zebulon"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"Two in a bed"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by C. F. Shuford.

"Uses for the flour sack"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

"The wailing hill: Told by John L. Masten"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Ethel M. Cottingham and Travis Jordan.

"We-Quo-Whom [Falls of the Neuse]: Told by T. Z. Hamilton of Raleigh, N.C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

Folder 25

"When eggs were six cents a dozen: Told By Dr. Arthur G. Harris, Fairfield, N.C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by W. O. Saunders.

"When mails were slow: Told by Dr. A. L. Pendleton, of Elizabeth City, N.C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by W. O. Saunders.

"When men first flew: As told to W. 0. Saunders"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by W. O. Saunders.

"William Young runs a race: Told by Wm. Pennington of Cary R. # 1. "

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Mary A. Hicks.

"Wills of the early 1800s (Material Furnished by Alex Garner, Denton, N.C.)"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Furman Bisher.

"The wishing well: Told by Wilson Pennington of The County Home, Raleigh"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

Folder 26

"Woman trouble: This story comes from Blanche Robertson..."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Travis Jordan.

"Yankee borders: Told by N. C. Thompson of Reidsville"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by Cassie Gant.

"Yaupon tea and taters: Told to W. O. Saunders by Theo. S. Meekins, of Manteo, N.C."

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by W. O. Saunders.

"The yellow dog as 'seen' by the transient bard [labor strikers]"

Compiled for the Federal Writers Project by an unknown author.

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expand/collapse Expand/collapse IC. Other Writings.

About 176 items.

Essays composed by Federal Writers' Project workers, dealing with the history, culture, and geography of North Carolina.

"The Co-op That Failed" by Nat C. Browder. Three versions are included.

Folder 27

Browder, "Co-op," version 1

Folder 28

Browder, "Co-op," version 2

Folder 29

Browder, "Co-op," version 3

"Secrets of a Dixieland Trapper" by Thaddeus Pat Matthews. Typescript.

30: Matthews, "Secrets" #04258, Series I. Writings, 1937-1941., Folder 30

Materials relating to the American Guide Series: North Carolina Guide (Chapel Hill, 1939) and How They Began: the Story of North Carolina County, Town, and Other Place Names (New York, 1941).

31: Tours #04258, Series I. Writings, 1937-1941., Folder 31
32: Folklore and folk customs essay #04258, Series I. Writings, 1937-1941., Folder 32
33: Essays on cities #04258, Series I. Writings, 1937-1941., Folder 33
34: Notebooks on cities #04258, Series I. Writings, 1937-1941., Folder 34
35: County information #04258, Series I. Writings, 1937-1941., Folder 35

Writings about Raleigh, North Carolina. Included are essays by T. S. Ferree and others on the Capitol building, Capitol (Union) Square, educational institutions. the Andrew Johnson House, art, the common seal, manufacturing, Memorial Auditorium, Nash Square, Pullen Park, the State School for the Blind and Deaf, and the William White House. T. S. Ferree wrote many of the essays on educational institutions; other writers include many of those listed as authors of "Folkways and Legends" (Subseries IB).

36-38: Capitol buildings #04258, Series I. Writings, 1937-1941., Folder 36-38
39: Capitol (Union) Square #04258, Series I. Writings, 1937-1941., Folder 39
40: Educational institutions: A-P #04258, Series I. Writings, 1937-1941., Folder 40
41: Educational institutions: Q-Z #04258, Series I. Writings, 1937-1941., Folder 41
42: Educational institutions: Notes on public and private schools #04258, Series I. Writings, 1937-1941., Folder 42
43-44: Educational institutions: Miscellaneous #04258, Series I. Writings, 1937-1941., Folder 43-44
45: Andrew Johnson House #04258, Series I. Writings, 1937-1941., Folder 45
46-47: Essays #04258, Series I. Writings, 1937-1941., Folder 46-47
48: Miscellaneous items #04258, Series I. Writings, 1937-1941., Folder 48

Other Writings about North Carolina. Essays by Ferree and others dealing with North Carolina as a whole or with particular areas of the state other than Raleigh. Subjects include churches, epitaphs, Indians, minerals, regulators, and miscellaneous essays on government and history. Many of the essays on epitaphs were composed by T. S. Ferree; many of the authors of other essays are listed in the description of Subseries IB.

49: Churches #04258, Series I. Writings, 1937-1941., Folder 49
50: Epitaphs #04258, Series I. Writings, 1937-1941., Folder 50
51-52: Native Americans #04258, Series I. Writings, 1937-1941., Folder 51-52
53: Minerals #04258, Series I. Writings, 1937-1941., Folder 53
54: Regulator "Movement" #04258, Series I. Writings, 1937-1941., Folder 54
55: Miscellaneous subjects #04258, Series I. Writings, 1937-1941., Folder 55
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expand/collapse Expand/collapse II. Federal Writers' Project Administrative Materials, 1935-1941.

About 47 items.

expand/collapse Expand/collapse IIA. Correspondence, 1936-1940.

5 items.

Correspondence relates primarily to projects being worked on, or special projects being developed, such as a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Constitution and Community Activity Week. None of the letters is from or to T. S. Ferree, and none directly involves him. Arrangement is chronological. Further correspondence (letters from W. O. Saunders to W. T. Couch) can be found attached to items in Subseries IA, Life Histories.

Folder 56

Correspondence, 1936-1940

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expand/collapse Expand/collapse IIB. Writers' Manuals and Instructions to Workers.

18 items.

Manuals and instructions describe the appropriate structure for the topics to be included in the projects assigned to workers. Included are a copy of the "American Guide Manual," October 1935; supplementary instructions to the "American Guide Manual," issued in 1935 and 1936; specific instructions pertaining to tours, city guides, folklore from formerly enslaved people, life histories, and tall tales; and writers' manuals.

Folder 57

"American Guide Manual"

Folder 58

Supplementary Instructions to the "American Guide Manual"

Folder 59-60

Folder 59

Folder 60

Instructions on Specific Topics

Folder 61

Writers' Manuals

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expand/collapse Expand/collapse IIC. Miscellaneous Items.

24 items.

Miscellaneous materials are divided into two categories: miscellaneous administrative items, including T. S. Ferree's work cards, a "List of Stories (folklore)," and a "Summary of Organization, Purposes, Achievements, and Plans" of the North Carolina Federal Writers' Project; and miscellaneous jokes and poems.

Folder 62

Miscellaneous Administrative Material

Folder 63

Miscellaneous Jokes and Poems

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