Oral Histories | PutnamCountyMuseum top of page Oral Histories This oral history collection compiles interviews of Putnam County residents and non-residents centering their involvements and experiences in their respective communities. The interviews are available in audio files as well as full transcripts for your viewing. We would like to appreciate everyone who devoted their time and effort into this oral history collection, along with the South End Black History Museum for their involvement in preserving black history. Read more about the South End Black History Museum here Charles Miles Born in Troy, Ohio 1929, Charles Miles speaks of his growing up in Greencastle, experiences at Indiana University, and the various clubs and organizations he and his family devote their time to. Interviewed by April Sutherland. Read here Charlotte Kyle Charlotte was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and moved to Greencastle in 1927. She speaks of instances of racial segregation within the community. She also covers her schooling experiences and her dedication to organizations like the Needleworkers club and the Girls' Scouts. Read here Marie Lawson Marie speaks of the means of transportation in the South End community. She highlights the trailway, bus and cab services, roller-skating, and air transportation in Putnam County. Interviewed by Brooke Havlick. Read here DeWayne Norris DeWayne was born in Greencastle in 1950 and was raised in the South End of Greencastle. In his interview, he features his football and basketball career. He also mentions his commitment and work in the community center he pioneered in 2003. Interviewed by Stacy Klingler. Read here Hazel Miles Burnett Hazel was born in Troy, Ohio in 1933 and then moved to Greencastle in the late 1930s. She speaks of her different working experiences and highlights her job as a teacher in Greencastle, Indiana and then in Toledo, Ohio. Interviewed by Stacy Klingler. Read here Charlotte Churchill Charlotte was born in 1925 in Greencastle, Indiana and, in her interview, speaks of her schooling in Greencastle High School as well as her different employment experiences. She also speaks of her involvement with Mount Zion Baptist Church and its history in the community. Read here Willis Bing Davis Willis was born in Springbrook, South Carolina and grew up in Dayton, Ohio. He speaks of his high school education in Greencastle and further education at DePauw University, highlighting his art education and sports involvement at DePauw. He also mentions his art teaching career. Interviewed by Mary Cho. Read here Joe Miles Joe was born in Troy, Ohio in 1936 and moved to Greencastle in 1941. He speaks of segregation in the neighborhoods and in social areas like the movie theaters. He also touches on his service in the Air Force and then his employment at DePauw. Interviewed by Michael Odman. Read here Russell Freeland Russell was born in 1929 in Lawrenceburg, Indiana and speaks of his involvement in the football team in high school as well as the basketball team at DePauw University. He also speaks of his participation in the Industrial Engineering Society. Interviewed by Jeremiah Marks. Read here Reverend Mitchell Cheatham Reverend Mitchell was born in Big Rock, Tennessee and moved to Indiana at one year old. He speaks of segregation in his schooling experiences and his affiliations with different organizations such as the NAACP and The Churches of Our Lord Jesus. Interviewed by Courtney Haig. Read here James Miles James, born in Terre Haute, speaks of his life growing up in Greencastle with his parents and siblings. He also speaks fondly about other various members of his family and their respective experiences. Interviewed by Stacy Klingler. Read here Dorothy Brown Dorothy was born in Tennessee and moved to Greencastle with her family when she was in the fourth grade. In her interview, she speaks of the distinction in segregation between the Greencastle and Tennessee communities. She also covers her experience teaching at DePauw University. Interviewed by Lina Bowman. Read here Russell Compton Russell was born in Peru, Indiana in 1909. In his interview he contrasts his experience living in Minnesota with his time Putnam County. He also highlights cases of racial segregation in Depauw University and the racial advocacy movements he was involved with on DePauw's campus. Read here Do you have stories you'd like to share with us? Contact us to contribute to this oral histories collection! rlewis@putnamcountymuseum.org (765) 653-8419 bottom of page