Marie Davis Oral History Interview, January 8, 2008

Partial Transcript: I'm Ellen Marie Davis and I was born in Kings Valley, April 21, 1924.

Segment Synopsis: Marie Davis introduces herself and discusses her background. She was born in Kings Valley on April 21, 1924, and she grew up near the Whispering Pines Scout or Girl Scout place. Davis was the youngest of four children, with a sister and two brothers. She explains that her father passed away from pneumonia when she was six months old, leaving her mother, Edith Ayres, to raise the children on her own. Davis explains that the family lived on a farm, and to make ends meet, Ellen's mother took in boarders from Bill Webster's mill, and she cooked for them.

Partial Transcript: But we kids used to have a lot of fun.

Segment Synopsis: Davis reminisces about childhood experiences, sharing various anecdotes. She states that she and the other neighborhood children enjoyed caring for pets and livestock, and that ishing in a nearby spring was a common activity. Davis notes that her family entertained themselves by walking to neighbors' houses since they didn't have a car. Additionally, they held dances and enjoyed hosting and attending parties. Davis recalls that her family lost much of their property in a fire when she was young, but supported each other as best they could.

Partial Transcript: I went to the first grade at the Alexander School. It was eight kids, eight grades in one room.

Segment Synopsis: Davis talks about her education, which started in the one-room Alexander School. She later attended a larger school where she became interested in theatre and sports. While she was in school, one of Davis’ siblings died. She explains that this event devastated her family and changed their dynamic. Davis also describes her extended family, including aunts and uncles, and the dynamics of family reunions.

Partial Transcript: Willard and I met when I was a freshman in high school, and he had graduated from high school.

Segment Synopsis: Davis recounts meeting her future spouse, Willard Davis, and describes their courtship, stating that they learned to milk cows together. She recalls her wedding with Willard Davis on April 25, 1940, when she was around 17 years old. Willard Davis worked at the mill, to support their family. Davis describes her children with Willard, noting that she has four children: —Jerry, Ted, Grover, and Jimmy Davis. Davis then provides a few anecdotes about her marriage and raising her children when they were young.

Partial Transcript: We had a threshing machine and we would all go with Willard to use the threshing machine.

Segment Synopsis: Davis talks about how she and her family made money to support their family. In addition to her husband working at the mill, Davis sold oats and raised cows for milk and meat. She reminisces about the challenges and joys of raising her sons. Davis then talks about the continued financial struggles she and her family faced, which ultimately caused them to move in with her in-laws. She reflects on the efforts required to move with four young children.

Partial Transcript: They did their own independent logging for a while, mostly up Norton Creek, I can remember being up there.

Segment Synopsis: Davis talks about her family's involvement in logging, particularly with Willard and Homer. She explains that they had their own logging equipment and even bought a thresh machine with the profits from logging. Davis also reflects on their experience working for different companies, including Starker and Carl Bennett, and mentions their neighbor T.J. Calloway's interest in their property. She notes that they sold portions of their land to the Calloways, eventually keeping only ten acres.

Partial Transcript: When we first moved over here, she lived up the creek from us.

Segment Synopsis: Davis talks about her relationship with some of her neighbors and her and her family’s involvement with the local community. She explains that she and her husband were deeply involved in the local fair for about fifteen to eighteen years and that they got their kids, grandkids, and neighbors' children engaged as well. She states that her husband’s health issues prompted them to retire from managing the fair. To occupy himself after experiencing health problems, Davis’s husband joined the Corners Club and showed interest in politics. Davis reflects on her husband’s involvement in the school district, refereeing baseball games, and playing semi-pro baseball for 18 years. She also explains that they enjoy bowling together, although they haven’t done it as often in recent years..

Partial Transcript: And I didn't tell you about our hunting and fishing and in the summer when the kids were little, this could go back to something else.

Segment Synopsis: Davis shares memories of family activities like fishing, hunting, and Sunday drives. She mention her sons, Jerry, Grover, and Jim, and reflects on their personalities and her memories of them. Davis recounts the death of her son Jim and the support from her surviving children. Despite the challenges, she expresses gratitude for her family. She concludes by stating that she expects to live much longer, although she is reluctant to accept medical assistance.