West Rowan | J. Murrey Atkins Library

: Darrell Blackwelder oral history interview, 2003 October 3; Darrell Blackwelder discusses his work as an extension agent of horticulture for Rowan County and his efforts to preserve the agricultural resources and culture of the community. Topics discussed include the agricultural preservation practices of farming communities in England, Mr. Blackwelder's views on the benefits of land preservation, as well as various agrotourism efforts active in North Carolina at the time of interview.

: Sam Correll, Gloria Correll, and David Correll oral history interview, 2004 January 18; Sam Correll was a 61-year-old man, Gloria Correll was a 60-year-old woman, and David Correll was a 29-year-old man at the time of interview, which took place in their home in Rowan County, North Carolina. Sam Correll and Gloria Correll are married and were both born in 1943. David Correll was born in 1974. David graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in animal science. Mr. Correll and his son David were employed as farmers and Mrs. Correll was employed as a schoolteacher.

: Darryl Corriher oral history interview, 2004 January 17; Darryl Corriher illustrates the methods that he uses for his farming practices along with the history of his family farming in Rowan County, North Carolina. Mr. Corriher discusses the management of his farm, the preservation of farmland and open space within the county, their field crops, housing development within the area, and being a member of the sustainable community development commission.

: Henry Hampton oral history interview, 2003 October 18; Henry Hampton discusses owning and operating the Lazy 5 Ranch and the community that he grew up in near Millbridge, North Carolina in Rowan County. He describes the animals at the ranch, reintroducing rehabilitated animals into the wild, and differences between the wild and managed populations of animals at his ranch. Other topics include the Endangered Species Act, his properties, and the buying and selling market for farmers.

: Gregory S. Hartsell, Frank Graham, and Tim Sloop oral history interview, 2003 August 10; Gregory S. Hartsell, Frank Graham, and Tim Slope were interviewed in Salisbury, North Carolina. Mr. Hartsell was a 38-year-old man, Mr. Graham was a 73-year-old man, and Mr. Slope was a 40-year-old man at the time of the interview. Mr. Hartsell was educated at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and was employed at Plastics Manufacturing., Gregory S. Hartsell, Frank Graham, and Tim Slope illustrate the importance of migrant workers in farming and factors that make raising certain crops difficult on their farms in Rowan County, North Carolina. Subjects discussed include the use of the land on their farms, zoning, history of families in Rowan County, the Great Depression and the Civil Conservation Corps, and new development within the county.

: Sherry Long oral history interview, 2003 August 19; Sherry Long discusses her business owning and managing Hillside View Stables, built in 1991 and located in Mooresville, North Carolina. Ms. Long talks of her passion for horses and bringing that enjoyment to the public through agritourism. She recounts rural life, the farming community, and her family ties to the area. Other subjects discussed include the landscape and animals of the area as well as construction and the loss of habitat for wildlife.

: Johnny Moore and Moore Family oral history interview, 2004 January 19; Married couple Johnny and Karen Moore, and their children Brian and Shelley Moore, recount their family's background and the history of their farm in Rowan County, North Carolina. Mr. Moore and his family discuss their farming practices such as the no-tilling method, dairy cattle and breeding, the show cows, urbanization within the community, and connecting with other farmers at meetings.

: Randall G. Patterson oral history interview, 2003 July 3; Recording begins with the conclusion of another conversation. Interview begins about 1 minute 25 seconds into the recording. Recording becomes significantly louder at about 75 minutes., Randall G. Patterson was a 42-year-old man at the time of the interview, which took place at Patterson Farm in Rowan County, North Carolina. He was born in Rowan County in 1961. He was educated at North Carolina State University and owns and manages Patterson Farm., Randall G. Patterson discusses his business owning and managing Patterson Farm in Rowan County, North Carolina. He details the crops and animals on the land and the farming practices and technology utilized by Patterson Farm. Mr. Patterson talks about the importance of education and public outreach through agritourism in regard to the quality of food production and country life. Other subjects discussed include rural development and the farm's and rural community's reliance on migrant laborers from Mexico.

: Wetmore and Watson families oral history interview, 2004 February 7; The Wetmore and Watson families--Artie Watson, Nancy Wetmore, Laura Watson, Jacob Watson, Libby Watson, and Bill Wetmore--recount the history of Wetmore Farms in the community of Woodleaf, North Carolina. Topics discussed include the field crops they grow such as tomatoes, diversifying the farming operation by expanding into different crops, dairy cattle, and increased interest from customers in locally-grown produce.