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Included are A. Stitt, Henry Vickers, Andrew Temple, Elon Rhodes, Buddy Tolliver, Harold Mitchell, and Fleming Jordan.

Records Mr. Rhodes' recollections of growing up in Harrisonburg, Va. during the segregation and integration era following World War I (from 1920's) to the present. Talks about local changes over the years in educational, vocational/job, economic, cultural, recreational, and social opportunities for blacks. In particular, comments on relations between whites and blacks prior to, during and following the Civil Rights movement and school integration era. Talks about changes over the years in trade versus professional opportunities, closed job markets, and GI training to open his barbershop business; also integrated sports opportunities and neighborhoods. Talks about his 25 years of public service as the first black city official; campaigning, etc. (six years on School Board, two as Chair; sixteen years on the City Council, membership on the City annexation committee). Comments on state-wide organizations and individuals created to impede black advancement (Byrd Organization, J. Lindsay Almond) and his own relations with whites, based on business, public and social friendships and contacts. In general, shares his opinions of and philosophy about race relations within the Harrisonburg, Va. community over the years. Recorded at the home of Mr. Elon Rhodes, Harrisonburg, Va. on March 18, 1997.

Records the reminiscences of Elon Rhodes, a lifelong resident of Harrisonburg, Virginia. Recounts his early family life and his experiences as a student in Lucy Simms' first grade class at the Effinger Street School (circa 1928), and his subsequent high school graduation from that same school in 1939. Describes Simms' teaching technique and classroom demeanor, as well as the physical layout of the school building. Mentions the Lucy F. Simms school building, which opened the year he graduated from Effinger Street, in 1939. Briefly mentions the Effinger Street School's principal, William Harris, who would hold the same position at the Simms School. Describes race relations in Harrisonburg, as well as the changing demographic and social structure of the city over several decades. Touches briefly on his service in a segregated Army unit in World War II and his subsequent entry into Harrisonburg municipal government upon his return from the war. Discusses his two terms on the school board and his two years as the vice-mayor of Harrisonburg.