Collection Title: Jackson Purchase Oral History Project - Lifestyles
Series Number: OH133
Interviewee: Ratcliff, Lizzie
Interviewer: Marable, Addie
Date interviewed: 1979
Processed by: Tara Marcum
Date processed: August 29, 2011
Description: 1 sound disc (32 minutes)
Abstract: Lizzie Ratcliff discusses her life as African American in southwestern Kentucky during the first half of the 20th century. She describes attending rural public schools in Marshall County, Kentucky and residing in a predominantly white community. She recalls playing baseball and attending neighborhood parties and dances. She mentions race relations within the community and that between black and white families frequently socialized with one another. She provides a description of her neighborhood, family friends and nearby communities. She reflects on the importance of the church, the profession of midwifery and her experiences in Paducah later in her life.
Biographical / Historical note: Lizzie Ratcliff was born in Marshall County in 1895. Her parents were Lucy Randolph and Ed Story. Her father cut railroad ties and constructed houses. He also farmed corn, peas and hay and bred mules and cows. She attended the Said Road School until the 8th grade. She attended Lee's Chapel as a child and later Burks Chapel in Paducah. She was a homemaker and provided house cleaning services.
General information: No user access to original recordings. Use audio user copies, digital derivatives, transcripts, and/or tape indexes. This collection may be protected from unauthorized copying by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code). Permission for reproduction must be requested from Murray State University.
Subject Headings / Descriptors:
Ratcliff, Lizzie, 1895-
Marshall County (Ky.) – History.
Paducah (Ky.) – History.
Said Road School (Marshall County, Ky.)
Lee's Chapel (Marshall County, Ky.)
Burks Chapel (Paducah, KY)
African Americans – Kentucky – Marshall County.
African Americans – Kentucky – Paducah.
Research Notes: Poor sound quality
