Bridges Digital Archive: Audio and Video Recordings

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Document Type

Oral History

Publication Date

1-13-2022

Abstract

Jennifer Tilton interviews Anyta Archer and Kris Maria McCullough, granddaughters of the important figure, Robert Burton. The interview starts with a discussion of the family, particularly how it started in Texas and, eventually, settled in the city of Redlands. The family consists of connections between the Meadows, the Butlers, and the Burtons. Their grandfather, Robert Burton, was an important figure in Redlands who helped the Black population gain access to housing and real estate at a time when it would have been difficult. Their father, who wanted to be an obedient son, continued to work in that same field of work despite his disinterest. Both women have wonderful memories of their grandfather. McCullough then talked about a memory of him telling her not to pick oranges. Archer also talked about her own memory, where during her grandfather’s funeral, a group of Hispanic individuals marched in white to pay respect while the family drove. The topics shift multiple times, ranging from domestic duties, family interactions, faith between different denominations from both family sides, and the discussion of Masonry. The discussion of genealogy is particularly discussed the most by McCullough. The woman discusses how she had been able to obtain documents that further helped her search through Ancestry. Both women are asked about more family stories they remembered, such as their father working in the navy shipyards and how the family wanted to help the community through the family store. After discussing butchery and having fresh food, Archer talks about her retiring from nursing and then getting another degree to work in teaching and her side business in website making. The interview ends with a message of education, being oneself, enjoying oneself, and embracing flexibility and change.

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