George Preston Crump
George Preston Crump - third from right of the six men posed in the center
Photo courtesy: Albert W. Durant Collection, Visual Resources, John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Mr. George Preston Crump provided these reflections as part of the Oral History Community Nights hosted by Colonial Williamsburg during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The clips are excerpts from The Depression Years, one of several films produced from these oral history nights. The full film can be viewed here.
Film Credit: Media Collections, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Mr. Crump recalls street names, landmarks, and recreation in early 20th century Williamsburg.
Mr. Crump describes the 'Mosquito Gang' that sprayed mosquitoes - an initiative of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Depression.
Mr. Crump recalls that it was easier to navigate the Depression in Williamsburg than in Newport News or Richmond because people knew each other and helped each other find work.
Mr. Crump recalls the police officers in Williamsburg.
Mr. Crump remembers playing and sharing meals with white children growing up.
Mr. Crump explains that he returned to Williamsburg to take care of his mother and repaid those that took care of her in his absence.
Mr. Crump and others offer final remarks and thoughts for the future.