By Gene Galin
Pittsboro, NC – In a heartfelt conversation with me back in June, Mary Nettles, a longtime resident of Chatham County, offers a vivid recollection of her childhood during the 1960s—a time marked by segregation and racial divides. Sharing memories of her upbringing in a close-knit African American community in Pittsboro, Nettles takes us on a journey through her experiences, from her schooling and family life to the challenges and joys of growing up in a segregated South. Her story sheds light on a bygone era and the resilience of a community that thrived despite the barriers imposed by society.
Growing Up in a Close-Knit Community
Mary Nettles begins her recollection by describing her childhood home in Pittsboro, where she lived with her aunt, uncle, and their six children on a modest two-and-a-half-acre property. The neighborhood was predominantly African American, with extended family members living nearby, creating a tight-knit community that Nettles fondly refers to as “my own little village.”
Her daily chores were typical of the time, involving household tasks such as washing dishes, cooking, and sweeping floors. Nettles humorously notes that in an era before dishwashers, she herself was the “dishwasher.” Life was simple, with evenings spent watching one of the five television channels available, adjusting the rabbit ears for a better signal. “Kids today wouldn’t know what to do without their gadgets,” Nettles remarks, reflecting on how different life was for her as a child.
Education in Segregated Schools
Nettles attended Horton High School, an all-black institution where she received her education from teachers who were deeply invested in their students’ success. “They were our blood relatives, our church family,” Nettles recalls, emphasizing the close relationship between students and teachers. The principal, Mr. Taylor, was a formidable figure, known for his strict discipline, often enforced with a long black belt nicknamed “High John the Conqueror.”
Despite the tough discipline, Nettles and her peers knew that their teachers wanted the best for them. They participated in various extracurricular activities, including the Glee Club, Future Homemakers of America, and the Math and Science Club. Nettles reminisces about the May Day celebrations at Horton High, where students would crown a king and queen and participate in a parade through downtown Pittsboro.
However, the reality of segregation was ever-present. While Pittsboro High, the white school, garnered media attention for its events, the activities at Horton High went largely unnoticed by the local press. “We didn’t exist, but we existed among ourselves,” Nettles reflects, highlighting the sense of isolation and invisibility that black students often felt during that time.
Navigating a Segregated Society
Life outside of school also bore the marks of segregation. Nettles recalls the annual family trip to Atlantic Beach in South Carolina, a destination frequented by African Americans. “Everyone looked like us,” she says, noting the division between black and white beaches. This was just one of the many ways segregation shaped her childhood experiences.
Nettles also shares stories of her summer activities, which included catching lightning bugs, making homemade ice cream, and participating in family traditions like canning fruits and vegetables. She fondly remembers the communal spirit of her neighborhood, where children played together, helped with household chores, and supported one another in times of need.
Yet, life was not without its challenges. Nettles recounts the labor-intensive tasks she was responsible for, such as pushing the lawnmower to cut the grass, picking cucumbers at dawn, and assisting in the preparation of sauerkraut, applesauce, and preserves. These tasks, though arduous, instilled in her a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility from a young age.
The Influence of Church and Family
The church played a central role in Nettles’ upbringing. She attended Mitchell Chapel Church every Sunday, participating in both Sunday school and worship services. During the summer, she would walk through the woods with other children to attend a week of vacation Bible study at the church. “My world was black,” Nettles says, reflecting on the insular nature of her community, where church, school, and home life were deeply intertwined.
Family was equally important. Nettles’ grandmother, who lived nearby, had a pear tree, while her aunt and uncle grew plums, wild grapes, and cooking apples. The family raised pigs, which were sold in Siler City when they reached a certain size, except for the ones they kept for their own consumption. These activities, while necessary for survival, also reinforced the bonds between family members and the wider community.
Nettles recalls how the family would gather every summer for a trip to the beach, where they would spend time with relatives and friends. These trips were a highlight of her childhood, offering a rare opportunity for leisure and recreation in an otherwise demanding life.
Reflections on Change and Continuity
As Nettles reflects on her childhood, she notes the stark contrast between then and now. “Kids today have it so easy,” she says, pointing to the proliferation of technology and modern conveniences that were unimaginable during her youth. Despite the hardships she faced, Nettles is grateful for her experiences, which she believes shaped her into the woman she is today.
She acknowledges that the world has changed significantly since the 1960s, but she also sees continuity in the values and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Nettles takes pride in the resilience of her community, which, despite the challenges of segregation, managed to create a rich and fulfilling life for its members.
The Legacy of Segregation
Nettles’ story is not just a personal memoir; it is also a reflection on the broader legacy of segregation in the American South. Her experiences highlight the ways in which racial segregation shaped every aspect of life for African Americans in Chatham County, from education and employment to social interactions and leisure activities.
The isolation that Nettles describes, where black students and their accomplishments were often ignored by the wider society, is a testament to the racism that pervaded the region. Her story also underscores the strength and resilience of the African American community, which found ways to thrive despite the barriers imposed by segregation.
Nettles’ recollections offer a glimpse into a world that, while challenging, was also rich in culture, tradition, and community. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving this history, not just for those who lived through it, but for future generations who may take for granted the freedoms and opportunities they enjoy today.
Resilience, Community & Enduring Strength
Mary Nettles’ reflections on growing up in a segregated Chatham County provide a powerful reminder of the complexities of life in the American South during the 1960s. Her story is one of resilience, community, and the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
When she shared her experiences with George Moses Horton Middle School eighth graders in 2023, Nettles offered them a window into a world that, while different from their own, is an integral part of their heritage. Her message is clear: while much has changed, the values of hard work, family, and community remain as relevant today as they were during her childhood.