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ProvenanceThe Reynolda House Museum of American Art Oral History Project, established in 1980, gathered recollections from Reynolds family members and former employees, residents, and guests of the Reynolda estate. The interviews explore life at Reynolda and in Winston-Salem, N.C., during the early and mid-twentieth century, touching on the area’s socioeconomic, political, business, and cultural history. Early interviews conducted in 1980 were done by Lu Ann Jones; later interviews were conducted by museum staff.
DepartmentEstate Archives
Elizabeth Wade Interview 2
DateJuly 18, 1980
MediumDocument
Credit LineReynolda House Museum of American Art Archives
CopyrightPublic Domain
Object numberOH.01.006.2
DescriptionElizabeth Wade was interviewed by Lu Ann Jones for the Reynolda Oral History Project. Wade was born in Winston, N.C., in 1901. During summer breaks while attending Bennett College, Wade worked at Reynolda with her aunt Pluma Walker. She started in the laundry before becoming a maid. After graduating, Wade was hired full time by Katharine Reynolds to work as the switchboard operator. Wade came back to work for the Reynolds family as a governess for Dick Reynolds’ sons. In her oral history, Wade describes the Five Row community, the workers at Reynolda, and her time employed by both Katharine and Dick Reynolds. Her interview relates what it was like to navigate Reynolda and Winston-Salem as a Black woman.ProvenanceThe Reynolda House Museum of American Art Oral History Project, established in 1980, gathered recollections from Reynolds family members and former employees, residents, and guests of the Reynolda estate. The interviews explore life at Reynolda and in Winston-Salem, N.C., during the early and mid-twentieth century, touching on the area’s socioeconomic, political, business, and cultural history. Early interviews conducted in 1980 were done by Lu Ann Jones; later interviews were conducted by museum staff.
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