Michael Kline interviewed Ella Wanda Edwards, also known as Teenie, for the Steamboat Era Museum Oral History Project. Born on September 26, 1920, on Gwynn's Island, Virginia, Ella Wanda Edwards grew up in a family of thirteen children, enjoying a close-knit community filled with honest, upright people. The interview begins with Edwards sharing her childhood memories and the origins of her nickname, Teenie. She fondly recalls the trust and camaraderie among the island's residents, including a valued worker named Bozo, who was integral to the community despite his fear of water.

At 101 Mrs. Braxton was articulate and good humored. A native of Middlesex County, she described her tenure teaching at African-American schoolhouses and earlier, working in the dairy at her childhood home. She graphically depicted the sounds and excitement that ensued with the coming of the steamboats. Her daughter Xennia Long rounded out the interview with her poetry on local life and culture.

Part 1. Frances Simmons (1928-2018). Widow of C. Jackson Simmons, Irvington historian, attorney and author, Frances Simmons wove together a cohesive picture of life about her father’s farm, including threshing machines, 4-H fairs, Adams Floating Theatre, beach excursions, dinners at home for family and black farmhands, wagon travel, and stevedores singing while loading goods on the wharves. Mrs. Simmons concluded her testimonial with recommendations for the Steamboat Era Museum.

subject: Fishery processing plants--Maryland, Southern; Oyster fisheries--Maryland, Southern; Maryland, Southern--History.

Interview with Gary Zuckett, Founding member of West Virginia Surface Owners' Rights Organization (WVSORO)

Interview with Gazelle Moore

George Robert Bailey was born in November 16, 1925, in Mount Victoria, Maryland.  George spent his formative years in Charles County, Maryland. Having received his education in the public schools of Charles County, George embarked on a career as a waterman. His expertise extended beyond the sea as he showcased his culinary mastery by serving as a chef for several establishments in the region, including White House, Robertson's, and Fin & Claw. In his later years, George transitioned to a role at Camp St. Charles in Rock Point, Maryland.

Right now, I can close my eyes and see that boat and hear the noises that it made.  When it came in the creek, it would blow the whistle and black smoke would come from it.  It was just great watching that steamboat come in.

Harvey Morgan interview; Luncheon talk following interview with mother.

Michael Kline interviewed Henry Gwyn Edwards for the Steamboat Era Museum Oral History Project. Henry Gwyn Edwards, born on December 18, 1904, in Mill Point, grew up in the area and still resides near his childhood home.  Edwards provides background about his early life, education, and career. He recounts his reluctance to attend school as a child and how his father took him on horseback to his first day of school. He completed his education at Cubs Creek High School, the only high school in the county at that time.