Oral history interview with George R. Elmore, March 11, 1976

George Elmore lived most of his life near Gastonia, NC, and in this interview reveals why he exemplifies some of the changes that took place in North Carolina in the first half of the 20th century, including the move from farming to industry and the rise of a managerial class. Elmore and his family followed their financial needs from farming to mill work and back again twice until he earned a management position in a textile mill. His wide experiences allow him to discuss the laboring life from a variety of perspectives: farm and mill town, mill worker and mill management. This interview is richest when Elmore discusses those perspectives, comparing the dignity of farm work with the less respected mill labor, or attempting to see the question of union organization from the viewpoint of impoverished workers and wary employers. This interview will be useful for researchers interested in gauging the temper of southern workers in the mid-20th century and learning something about the rhythms of farm and mill town life.