Larry Ball

Partial Transcript: • Larry Ball grew up in the community of Barker Heights, where most people worked for Duke Power.
• Barker Heights was a cotton mill valley, similar to other communities in the area.
• The community is also home to Devil's Fork Creek and a local airport built by Oscar Meyer and his father.
• Oscar Meyer rebuilt the first airplane in the area, including one without a motor, which he pulled.
A conversation about a project that focuses on learning about the history and heritage of a North Carolina community. The importance of sharing stories about growing up in the area, including family, farming, and old-timey skills is discussed. The main goal is to create a film that captures the essence of the community's history and heritage.

Partial Transcript: • Larry recalls his fascination with airplanes and a local air show organized by Oscar Meyer.
• Oscar Meyer once pranked the audience by pretending to be a woman named Miss Jones and buzzing the field in a plane.
• Larry fondly remembers their childhood, which included swimming in a swimming hole.
• He also has a special love for steam trains, particularly the Carolina Special, which he would eagerly wait for and interact with.`
Larry recalls growing up near an airplane junkyard, where he and other boys would play and watch air shows. He mentions a memorable incident where a woman who wanted to fly, Miss Jones, was accidentally taken up in the airplane by Oscar Meyer instead. He also shares his love for steam trains and how he used to wait for the Carolina Special to pass through the community.

Partial Transcript: • Reflections on growing up in Hendersonville and the entertainment they created for themselves.
• Larry discusses his childhood entertainment and mentions watching planes at the nearby airport as a popular activity.
• Prince Arnet worked the crowd would take people on flights in a Stinson plane for a few dollars.
• Larry reminisces about going to the airport with his hero, Oscar Myers.
• Also mentioned is the difference in entertainment options between then and now.
• Larry talks about his love for aviation and how he got into it later in life.
• Larry briefly introduces his parents, mentioning his mother working in a hosiery mill and his father being a mechanic.
In the past, people created their own entertainment by watching planes at the nearby airport, sometimes even flying in them for a small fee. Larry reminisces about his childhood hero, Oscar Myers, and how he had fun with aviation, which remains a passion in his later life. He also briefly mentions his parents working as mechanics and in a hosiery mill.

Partial Transcript: • The community in Hendersonville did not have any significant problems and was closely knit.
• Larry’s grandparents lived nearby and had different approaches to discipline.
• Larry’s grandfather, Mack Murray, was more lenient, while the grandmother was strict.
• Larry’s grandfather was a farmer and was involved in the construction of the Big Hungry Dam in 1902.
• The dam brought electricity to the area, but there were subsequent floods that caused damage.
• Larry’s father left for the north in search of wealth, while the mother stayed and worked in various jobs.
• His mother worked at a hosiery mill, Greys Hosiery Mill.
• The arrival of General Electric (GE) in the late 1950s led to increased wages and progress in Hendersonville.
• The residents of Hendersonville were known for their hard work and self-sufficiency.
Larry discusses his family life, mentioning his grandparents' work as a farmer and a housemaid, and his father's attempt to get rich in the north. He also talk about the positive impact of GE on local wages in Hendersonville during the late 1950s to 1980s, emphasizing the hardworking nature of the people in the mountains.

Partial Transcript: • There are two mills mentioned, one called the Grace Hosiery Mill and another in East Flat Rock. The latter employed underage workers during a certain period of time, possibly due to labor shortages during the war.
• Larry purchased land and built a large house with the money obtained from selling their house in Barker Heights.
• Larry had to learn about building wooden structures through books and seeking advice from old-timers in the area.
• He mentions a book on log cabins that provided helpful information for their construction project.
• He references different types of notches, such as the dovetail notch and the saddle notch, used in constructing wooden houses.
• Larry chose to incorporate tradition in their house by using a saddle notch and excluded the more modern dovetail notch in one of the log houses they moved.
• When Larry was a child, most people in the area worked for Duke or other nearby emergency services.
• There was a road near where Larry lived that was used for transportation.
• Further information regarding growing and storing food is not provided in the given text.
Memories are discussed of growing up in a rural area and working in a mill. It mentions the importance of traditional building techniques and the community's ability to preserve food. Additionally, it highlights the struggles faced by underage workers during wartime.

Partial Transcript: • Larry didn't live deep in the country but rather close to town, near Blue Ridge Road and Powell Road.
• There was a large pasture of about forty or fifty acres where people gathered after work to socialize and obtain milk from a cow.
• Larry’s granddaddy, Granddaddy McMurray, was a farmer who grew most of his own food and also did farm work for others.
• Larry’s grandmother was a great cook.
• Larry’s neighbors, the Balls, had a farm in Inca and made a good profit when they sol
A rural setting near a pasture where people would gather after work. Larry’s grandparents lived nearby and grew most of their own food. He also mention his grandparents' good relationships with the community and shared a memory involving a man named George and a small store.

Partial Transcript: • In the community, there were some influential and respected individuals, including George, who owned a small store and called the narrator inside one day.
• George Redmond and the ice cream freezer incident
• Good people in the community look after each other
• Freddie McMurray, a childhood friend and tractor dealer mechanic
• Grandfather McMurray grew a variety of crops in his garden, including potatoes, beans, corn, and hogs.
• They also had pork and beef.
• They had a corn shuck with a fifth of liquor hid in the center, which provided entertainment.
• Grandmother cooked everything, but her chicken was particularly delicious
• Grandfather was small in stature but carried himself with strength and determination
• He once bought a load of something when he came back from East Flat Rock
George Redmond was once offered to eat all the ice cream he could at an ice cream shop while being called "snowball." He reminisces about his childhood friend Freddie Mac Murray, who was a tractor dealer and mechanic. Larry also recalls memories of his grandfather McMurray, who grew a variety of crops, and his grandma, who could cook delicious chickens.

Partial Transcript: • Larry recalls an individual who transported logs and made a living from it.
• Larry believes that practical life experience teaches more than going to college.
• Larry has learned how to build an old house and operate a Water Ram.
• The tractor and engine club in the county encourages knowledge sharing between generations.
• Larry’s family belonged to various churches and attended different ones over time.
• Larry still has an outhouse from a previous church and jokes about the number of toilets on their property.
• The church played a role in helping the community, such as providing assistance to those in need or donating money during sickness.
A man's experience with logs, learning practical engineering skills, and being part of a tractor and engine club. The man's family attended various churches in the community, which played a role in helping those in need with food, shelter, and financial assistance.

Partial Transcript: • He emphasizes the importance of people supporting and helping each other in times of need.
• Examples are mentioned, including resolving financial problems and addressing other types of issues.
• There is a fondness expressed for the past, tradition, and local history.
• Larry mentions collecting old items related to the past.
• Frank Fitzsimmons, a local historian, is highly regarded for his ability to convey historical information effectively.
• Fitzsimmons is described as a former bank president and a strict but effective individual.
• Larry had a personal encounter with Simmons and felt honored when he mentioned possibly writing a story about them.
• Another respected figure mentioned is Reverend George Jones, who has connections to the county and is associated with Wright Times News.
• Tom Orr is also mentioned as a kind person who is doing well in their work.
• George Jones's upbringing in Saluda, his travels to various places, and his use of a specific road are discussed.
• Larry expresses a desire for the reader to see the road mentioned.
In the past, people would help each other with various problems, especially financial ones, and there was a strong sense of community. Larry expresses his love for local history and traditions, mentioning individuals like Frank Fitzsimmons, George Jones, and Tom Orr, who have contributed to local culture and society.

Partial Transcript: • Preserving history is meaningful as it allows young people and future generations to learn about the past, especially for those who may not have been interested or exposed to it.
• Larry mentions their grandfather, who was a mechanic and came up with innovative ideas, like one that was intended for a Studebaker but was bought out before it could be implemented.
• Another mention is of their granddaddy, who worked with old tools and animals like horses and steers.
• Larry believes there is much to learn from the wisdom of the older generation and the way they did things.
• He highlights simple yet intriguing inventions or techniques, such as a machine for sharpening double-edged razor blades or using a water ram display to pump surplus water.
• Larry recounts an incident where someone doubted the effectiveness of the water ram display despite it actually working.
• The importance of remembering the old ways is questioned but not explicitly answered in the provided text.
Larry emphasizes the importance of preserving history, as it teaches valuable lessons and offers insights from the past. He mentions his personal connection to old tools and methods and share an experience with a Water ram display, which amazed people and sparked disbelief. Larry believes that understanding history can help individuals appreciate the progress made and learn from the wisdom of their ancestors.

Partial Transcript: • Larry expresses a dislike for the old ways but still holds a nostalgic fondness for them, citing an experience of driving an old truck and enjoying it.
• The existence of computers and advanced technology raises the question of why younger generations need to learn the old ways of doing things.
• Larry acknowledges that computers can still provide information about old objects and artifacts, mentioning a specific example of finding information about an old metal apple used in basket-making.
• Larry highlights the importance of learning from older generations by sharing a story about a friend who discovered the origin of a rifle through online research.
• Despite the prevalence of technology, Larry believes that younger people can learn valuable lessons from older generations, particularly in outdoor activities like fishing.
• He suggests that there are many things not available on computers, and people may not be aware of their existence without learning from older individuals.
• Learning from the past becomes essential in case of power outages or disruptions in the modern system, emphasizing the need for practical skills and knowledge.
The importance of remembering old ways, such as traditional methods of hunting and fishing, despite the prevalence of modern technology like computers and smartphones is discussed. He highlights the value in learning from older generations and emphasizes the need for practical skills in the event of power outages or transportation disruptions.

Partial Transcript: • The elder generation has learned valuable lessons that can help them survive, which the younger generation may not know today.
• The elder generation had a different way of life, where food came from the ground and knowledge came from the community.
• During the elder generation's time, there was progress in the United States, leading to a better way of living and different people.
• Kindness and helping each other were prominent values in the elder generation's way of life.
• The younger generation is missing kind and helpful individuals due to their preoccupation with computers and technology.
• The elder generation believes there is much to enjoy and experience in the world beyond the confines of technology.
• The elder generation feels they have limited computer knowledge but possess other valuable information.
• The elder generation believes it is important to teach the younger generation to avoid drugs.
They discuss the changes in society and the loss of traditional knowledge and values among younger generations. Larry mentions how people in the past relied on community support and had a deeper understanding of the world around them. He suggests that today's youth are too focused on technology and lack the kindness and cooperation that was common in previous generations. Larry also emphasizes the importance of passing on life lessons and traditional knowledge to younger generations.

Partial Transcript: • Colorado has approved marijuana, which Larry finds horrible. However, he acknowledges the presence of alcohol in the past.
• In the early days, there was no industry in Colorado, so people grew their own food and relied on selling salt liquor to support their families.
• Larry understands why some people resorted to making clippers or engaging in other non-traditional industries to make a living.
• The covered wagon journey was undertaken by the writer's great-grandfather in the late 1800s.
• It took three months and twenty days to complete the journey to the west.
• They encountered some Indians during the trip, but no problems arose.
• One of the horses pulling the wagon got injured, so they had to use a reserve horse to continue the journey.
• The family didn't stay in Colorado for more than a year due to unfavorable weather conditions.
• They returned and settled on McMurray Road, named after the family.
• The great-grandfather had been in the Civil War and had family on both sides.
• He moved an old house to McMurray Road and started a school, contributing to the area's development.
• Larry reflects on the perception of covered wagons today, noting that people often overlook the hardships faced by those who traveled in them.
• The journey took place around 1882, after the Civil War.
• The great-grandfather had two children with him during the journey.
• There is a picture of both the covered wagon and the family after the journey.
Colorado has approved marijuana, which the Larry disapproves of, but acknowledges historical alcohol production in the area. Larry’s great-grandfather, who had served in the war, built a covered wagon in the 1880s and headed west with his family. They encountered some Indians but had no problems, and after less than a year, they returned due to weather and preferences. Their journey took around three months and twenty days.

Partial Transcript: Larry reflects on his memories of growing up in Hendersonville, emphasizing the importance of enjoying life and staying calm during difficult times.
Hendersonville was described as a great place with few traffic lights but several drive-in restaurants.
Drag racing was popular during that time, particularly influenced by James Dean's movie and the absence of drug use.
Larry mentions the presence of some individuals who would drink beer and white liquor but notes that they were not as mean as others.
The conversation includes a reference to the speaker not being called a drunkard that day and questioning whether the conversation is being recorded.
Larry reminisces about his first cars, including a 1950 Ford, a 1955 Oldsmobile, and a 1957 Oldsmobile with three carburetors. The latter car was memorable to people in the community for its speed.
An encounter with the dealer's son, who shared that the car had never been touched and outrun everything in Spartanburg, brought excitement to the speaker.
Larry shares memories of growing up in Hendersonville, a small town with only two traffic lights and seven drive-in restaurants. He recalls drag racing, which was popular before the advent of drugs. Their first car was a 1955 Ford with a 1957 Oldsmobile with three carburetors, which was well-known in the town for its speed.

Partial Transcript: • Larry reflects on how people remember the car rather than remembering him.
• Larry mentions drag racing as the worst thing he had done.
• He talks about being aware of highway patrolmen's locations during drag racing.
• He expresses gratitude and hopes the interviewer had a pleasant experience.
• Larry recalls a previous interview conducted in the rain and describes it as chaotic.
• Larry comments on the current weather, mentioning that it initially seemed like it would be bad.
• Larry refers to Duke Power and their involvement in constructing a road to allow trucks to enter the mentioned location.
• Larry mentions having the key to the gates of the location and that it is the location where kayakers unload their kayaks.
• Larry describes the beauty of the location in the spring with blooming wildflowers.
• Larry mentions being able to drive their truck to the location now but recalls when it was their own private world.
• Larry talks about a man who worked for Duke Power and would cross a river by walking on cables.
• Laryy mentions regularly walking and being accompanied by someone else while crossing the river.
In the past, Larry had a memorable experience with drag racing, but people mostly remember the car rather than him. They knew the locations of highway patrolmen and had a key to a gate leading to a beautiful area near the green river. The individual reminisces about spending time there with their truck and mentions a man who crossed the river by walking on a lower cable.

Partial Transcript: • Larry mentions a recording of a woman born in 1872 who lived up the road when the interviewer spoke to her in 1950.
• The woman on the recording recalls living in an area that was a road and a highway where people would meet and have a good time.
• Larry expresses a desire to make a copy of the recording and put it on CD for the listener.
• There is mention of a tape or reel-to-reel tape, and the quality of the tape is not great.
• Larry mentions buying something from a bootlegger who also sells insurance and having part of it in their house.
• The bootlegger had a pond with glass jugs and a ring in which they would pour the liquor and tie a knot to secure it in the pool.
• The liquor was never retrieved from the pool, but the bootlegger was described as an imaginative person.
• Larry recalls finding fruit jars in the ground and asking the bootlegger about them, who claimed they were his.
• The bootlegger was known for his colorful personality, and the speaker mentions a time when he went before a judge named Frank.
A recording of a woman born in 1872 reveals that she lived on a highway, socializing with new and old people, and never felt lonely. The woman's acquaintance, a bootlegger, used his mind and resourcefulness to hide liquor in a pond, evading capture. The bootlegger, Frank, was a colorful character and helped with wood-sawing for a house build.