From Porch Swings to Patios: Oral History Project

Interview of Edward Jackson.

Edward Jackson grew up in the Starr Hill neighborhood of the Vinegar Hill area in Charlottesville. Jackson describes many of the black and white businesses in the area and reflects on the race and class issues surrounding Vinegar Hill during his years there. He details the fates of black businesses on Vinegar Hill, including the sign business passed down from his great-uncle, his father's drugstore and investors' group, and "Blind Jenny's" boarding house. He relates the story of his own various business ventures, discusses the politics of the Vinegar Hill urban renewal project and its effects on residents and businesses, and tells of current federal and municipal programs to encourage minority businesses. Jackson also names some community leaders and describes certain sites of leisure in the area such as the Odd Fellows Hall, used for "record hops," and a beer garden.


Listen to the Interview (60 minutes long):     28.8K     56.6K     Other


From Porch Swings to Patios: An Oral History of Charlottesville's Neighborhoods Prepared by the Department of Community Planning Advisory Board and students of the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 1982 - 1984.

Project Information | Interview Index | Oral History Home