The Friends of Oberlin Village Legacy committee has been collecting oral history recording from current and past residents of Oberlin Village. These recordings are important since they offer us a glimpse into a somewhat distant past.
Jerry Hinton
"My full name is Jerry Hinton. I wus borned in February, 1855. I am not able ter work. I work all I can. I am trying ter do de best I can ter help myself. Yes, just tryin’ ter do sumpin, ain’t able ter work much. I am ruptured, an’ old. My old house looks ’bout old as I do, it’s ’bout to fall down, ain’t able ter fix it up. It needs repairing. I ain’t able ter make no repairs."
— Excerpt from Mr. Hinton's WPA Slave Narrative, recorded in 1937. Learn about the WPA Slave Narratives Collection.
Emily Rose Goode
Emily Rose Goode’s family has lived and worshipped in Oberlin Village since it’s founding. Her ancestor donated the land where Wilson Temple UMC is located today. She has lived in several countries. She is a retired teacher.
Edward Curtis
Edward Curtis lived in Method and worshipped at Oberlin Baptist Church. He was a baker and chauffeur. When his grandmother was freed from slavery she had saved enough money to purchase land and established a farm in the area where Oberlin Rd intercepts Glenwood Ave.
Joseph Holt
Joseph Holt grew up in Oberlin Village. His family fought for the right of African-Americans to attend Raleigh's white schools. He joined the military to serve his country. He is knowledgeable about Oberlin Village history.
Swade Sanders
Swade Sanders has been a member of Oberlin Baptist Church for many years. He has served in several capacities including consistently volunteering to help with the Historic Oberlin Cemetery clean-ups. He was the first African American hired to drive the southeast route served by Greyhound bus company.
Gloria Hunter
Gloria Hunter integrated a local school in Raleigh. She is a member of Wilson Temple United Methodist Church and her family has been a part of Oberlin Village for many years.