Interview with Dorothy T. Holman

This interview was conducted with Dorothy Holman. It appears to have been done in two parts on the same day. The interview begins with Ms. Holman answering basic questions about her personal and family life. She was born on 12/24, in Lakeland, at home with the aid of a midwife. She was married twice and has one daughter. Ms. Holman describes some of the activities she has been involved with at her church and how the activities she participates in have changed as she has aged. YPD Clean Church Sunday School Missionary Work Cooking Ms. Holman talks about loss in her family and accomplishment of raising children. Children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Ms. Holman elaborated on the role of religion in her and her family's lives. Everybody is human. Ms. Holman described the effects urban renewal has had on the Lakeland community. People leaving the neighborhood and not returning. Hasn't really harmed. Students moving in. Ms. Holman talks about living in her home. 70 years Left for two years during the War. Changes after World War II. Coming of the flooding. Current issues with students and parking. Meeting with Mayor and City Council. Ms. Holman then discussed her childhood memories. Snow days and ice skating on the lakes. Church activities including preaching, studying the Bible, and getting to know people. Everybody is human. Her family all lived nearby, including an aunt that helped take care of her and her siblings and her older cousins. Close community, neighbors would discipline you, no crime or fighting even in school. Family vacations to the beach near Annapolis. Ms. Holman describes gathering places for the community including the Beer Garden and Hall. Places are now torn down. Activities included dances and movies. Elks Club held dances. Ms. Holman describes her family life and the issues she and her family members are dealing with as they age. Her sister is in assisted living, because of Alzheimer's disease. Your mind leaves you. Mother raised her cousin and they remain close. Rely on young people and neighbors to drive her. At this point the interviewers attempt to wrap up the interview. Ms. Holman continues and shares more information about her family and aging. Parents passing. Father had brain cancer. Continues to talk about sister in assisted living. Lives with niece and nephew. Loneliness. No more Sunday dinners. The tape seems to shut off at this point and then to get turned back on in the middle of a conversation. In this part, Ms. Holman is discussing her house. Her father was able to buy the house for $2,000 by working at the University by waiting on tables. A white man named Mr. Watkins built the house. You get the land, I'll build you a house. Lived there approximately 70 years.