Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States from Interviews with Former Slaves. Administrative Files / Selected Records Bearing on the History of the Slave Narratives

by United States. Work Projects Administration

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[File 5]

May 3, 1937
Mr. Edwin Bjorkman, State Director
Federal Writers' Project, WPA
City Hall, Fifth Floor
Asheville, North Carolina
Subj: Ex-slave Narratives

Dear Mr. Bjorkman:

I am quoting a memorandum of Mr. Lomax, folklore editor, regarding the ex-slave stories:

"Of the five States which have already sent in reminiscences of ex-slaves, Tennessee is the only one in which the workers are asking ex-slaves about their belief in signs, cures, hoodoo, etc. Also, the workers are requesting the ex-slaves to tell the stories that were current among the Negroes when they were growing up. Some of the best copy that has come in to the office is found in these stories."

This suggestion, I believe, will add greatly to the value of the collection now being made.

Very truly yours,
George Cronyn
Associate Director

CC—Mr. W.T. Couch, Asso. Director Federal Writers' Project
University Press
Chapel Hill, No. Car.