Euzelle and R.D. Smith - On Pottersfield and Smith Middle School
Interviewed by Alexander Stephens and Alex Biggers on January 20, 2011
This interview was done as part of the “Histories of Homes” initiative of the Marian Cheek Jackson Center for Saving and Making History. The interview includes R.D.’s experience in WWII and his role in constructing their current home after the war. R.D. also held educator roles at Lincoln High School. R.D. talks about using the support of friends and family to build their home. Euzelle and their experience at Orange County Training School/Northside School is an important topic. They recount living in Pottersfield in the 1950s and subsequent changes in the neighborhood. They share memories of Smith Middle School. The “Over the Hill Gang” is a point of discussion. The interview also provides discussion of family photos and awards on the walls. R.D.’s deal with Fitch Lumber Co is noted. R.D. speaks on his mother’s role as child caretaker and neighbor. The interview concludes with discussion on children in daycare, and R.D. and Euzelle as “work-year” students at Hampton College.
Tags: Hampton University, Lincoln High School, Northside Elementary School, Orange County Training School, Pottersfield, Smith Middle School, World War II
Oral history interview of Smith, Euzelle conducted by Stephens, Alexander on January 20, 2011 at Chapel Hill, NC. Processed by Huffman, Jaime.
Citation: Marian Cheek Jackson Center, “Euzelle and R.D. Smith - On Pottersfield and Smith Middle School,” From the Rock Wall, accessed July 17, 2025, https://www.fromtherockwall.org/oral-histories/euzelle-and-rd-smith-2.
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R.D. Smith

Euzelle Smith
More to explore
Collection: History of Homes
R.D. and Euzelle Smith - On working while at Hampton (clip)
Euzelle Smith - On putting her children in daycare and cooking (clip)
R.D. Smith - On his mother caring for their children (clip)
R.D. and Euzelle Smith - On awards and diplomas (clip)
R.D. and Euzelle Smith - On the fireplace (clip)
R.D. and Euzelle Smith - On their house and family photos (clip)
R.D. and Euzelle Smith - On Smith Middle School (clip)
R.D. and Euzelle Smith - On the neighbourhood now (clip)
R.D. and Euzelle Smith - On the neighbourhood when they moved in (clip)
R.D. and Euzelle Smith - On their neighbours (clip)
R.D. and Euzelle Smith - Their grandson Sean (clip)
R.D. and Euzelle Smith - On roads and traffic (clip)
R.D. and Euzelle Smith - On living outside of city limits (clip)
R.D. and Euzelle Smith - On Pottersfield (clip)
R.D. and Euzelle Smith - On her first year in Chapel Hill (clip)
R.D. and Euzelle Smith - On the history of Northside Elementary (clip)
R.D. and Euzelle Smith - On their careers prior to marriage (clip)
R.D. and Euzelle Smith - On paying for housing (clip)
R.D. Smith - On how he learned about carpentry and construction (clip)
R.D. Smith and Euzelle Smith - Explaining his nickname (clip)
R.D. Smith - On his nickname at Lincoln High (clip)
R.D. Smith - On the sitting room (clip)
R.D. Smith - On building his house (clip)
R.D. Smith - On the 933rd anti-aircraft unit (clip)
R.D. Smith - On his military service (clip)
R.D. and Euzelle Smith - Introductions (clip)
Euzelle Smith - On teaching in South Carolina (clip)
Euzelle and R.D. Smith - On daycare (clip)
Euzelle and R.D. Smith - On wedding photos (clip)
Euzelle and R.D. Smith - On school (clip)
Euzelle and R.D. Smith - On community (clip)
Euzelle and R.D. Smith - On the schoolhouse (clip)
Euzelle and R.D. Smith - On being newlyweds (clip)
Euzelle and R.D. Smith - On how to drive (clip)
Euzelle Smith and R.D. Smith - On service (clip)

2002 Northside walk in honor of Mrs. Hargraves
R. D. Smith - On the African American freedom struggle and Civil Rights Movement in Chapel Hill
R. D. Smith - About his childhood, career in education, and school integration
R. D and Euzelle Smith
Euzelle and R.D. Smith - On changes in Northside
Euzelle and R.D. Smith - On food and cooking
Reginald D. Smith II

Northside News Volume VI, Edition 8
