Joan and Theresa Woodfolk recall life on Ridge Street and the changes they have observed from the 1950s to the 1990s. In the interview the sisters describe the physical and social character of their neighborhood as they were growing up, portraying the people who formed their social network, sketching some of the commercial and residential buildings they frequented, and providing an in-depth discussion about the educational system in Charlottesville before and after desegregation. Towards the end of the interview, the Woodfolk sisters share their thoughts and feelings about the preservation of African American heritage and culture, and about how they would like to see black history commemorated in the future.

Ridge Street Oral History Project: A Supplement to the Survey of the Ridge Street Historic District and Proposal for Local Designation.. Prepared by Preservation Piedmont for the Department of Community Planning, Charlottesville, VA, December 1995. (Excerpted Portion)