Barry Ballard
New Jersey’s Delaware Bayshore
The Bayshore Center at Bivalve’s Oral History program is dedicated to preserving the oral history and culture of New Jersey’s Bayshore region by saving for posterity the oral histories and material culture connected with the Bayshore region, by creating a repository of recordings and data that can be used for research, by preserving, treasuring and celebrating the environment, history and culture of the Bayshore region and by sharing the heritage of the Bayshore region today and with future generations through program related activities serving visitors, students and scholars.
Pat Brown
Barry Ballard (b. 1945) is the retired Superintendent of Commercial Township (Port Norris, Haleyville, Mauricetown) Schools. He was educated in the Port Norris School and graduated from Millville High School and later earned degrees from Cheyney University and Rowan University. His father was from Virginia and his mother from Crisfield, Maryland. They came to Port Norris in 1928 following the oyster industry. Mr. Ballard discusses his childhood, education, desire to become a teacher and inspiration from Mrs. Newcomb, working on farms and in the clam houses canning and labeling during the summer, the Shellpile's Brown School and teachers Jean Lewis, Hattie Lewis and Mary Cornish Carmichael, John Wesley United Methodist Church, the Men's Choir and Major League Baseball player Larry Millbourne.
Scope and Content Note
This interview provides a detailed account of Barry Ballard's life, focusing on his upbringing, family life, and community involvement in Port Norris, New Jersey. Ballard discusses his parents' work ethic and financial situation, emphasizing the importance of hard work and contentment despite financial limitations. He expresses gratitude for his upbringing and the values instilled in him by his parents. Ballard's mother's employment history is discussed, as well as his stepfather's dual employment at a nursing home and a clam house. Ballard also mentions being an only child and the lack of professional African American individuals in the Port Norris area during his childhood. The role of the church in Ballard's life and the broader African American community is a significant theme in the interview. Ballard discusses his involvement in the John Wesley United Methodist Church, including teaching Sunday school and participating in the choir. The importance of church attendance and religious education in the community is emphasized. Ballard also discusses his recreational activities, including baseball, basketball, and occasional work in beanfields and tomato picking. He mentions his lack of interest in fishing, a popular activity among his peers.
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