Bridges Digital Archive: Audio and Video Recordings

Loading...

Media is loading
 

Document Type

Oral History

Publication Date

12-12-2023

Abstract

In this interview, Clarence Butler is the guest. Butler starts the interview by talking about his neighborhood and how his home was a place where his friends could hang out and be fed. He remembers playing with his friends, especially sports, in areas like the street or empty lots. After speaking about the alcoholics he sold bottles from and the garden he and his mother made, Butler focuses on faithful figures in the community. Some were John Scotlsn, Brother Buron, Mr. Hannah, and Nettie Wallace among others who made impacts through faith, the arts, business, and more. When asked by the interviewer about the African Methodist Episcopal church across from his home, Butler mentions he did not attend there as he was a Baptist. However, he remembers the bell tower as well as Reverend Minor and his nicer wife. The topic then moves to his church, Second Baptist, and how he joined the choir there, a quartet called the Mutonic 4. Having a love of music, Butler sang in that choir group for his church, other churches, schools, and even the Penny University in San Bernardino. This was during the time of the Civil Rights Movement so many of the songs were about hope. Later on, the quarter started singing with a folk group called The Messengers. An album was made with the two singing groups, but after one member moved away The Messengers broke off. When one member of the Mutonic 4 died, then that group broke off as well. The discussion goes from music to childhood memories, as the interviewer asks Butler about his moving neighborhood and how he feels about the streets he lived on. The interviewee explains that the Stuart Street neighborhood was special to him because the children were looked after by all adults and were taught to respect. The interview ends with Butler discussing that children have not been going out to play and exercise as much as he saw when he was younger.

Download Transcript

Share

COinS