Mooresville's Oral History DVD

Lots of folks visit Mooresville (Indiana) Public Library, and some of them are interested in the history of Mooresville, Indiana and vicinity.

 

 

The MPL Indiana Room has loads of local and state historical and genealogical resources, but there is no better source for hometown history than the memories of those who have lived here most or all of their lives.  Oral histories are rich with details that you simply won't find in most printed sources. Thankfully, there is a DVD in the library's collection called Memories of Mooresville (2011), produced by Andrew Marine Video Productions.  It is a superbly-crafted visual record of interviews (in 2008) with several longtime Mooresville (and Morgan County) residents, most of whom have unfortunately passed over since filming.  The speakers were:

• Wanda Rusie Potts (1921-2012), former MPL Indiana Room Librarian (1966-2002);
• Charles W. Nelson (1918-2009);
• Sylvia M. Gregory (1908-2010);
• Evelyn M. Andrews Hine (1913-2012);
• John R. Lambert (1917-      );
• Rachel E. Roberts Ruona (1926-2011)

(Charlie Nelson's obituary appears below--click to enlarge; other obituaries are linked above.)

Their passing emphasizes the pricelessness of their memories, and we are truly fortunate to have their hometown experiences documented.  If I recollect correctly, the project was the brainchild of Susan Haynes of the Mooresville Consolidated School Corporation.  (Mrs. Hine was Susan's grandmother.)  The video was recorded in Mooresville High School's library by MHS teacher Andrew Marine and his crew.  Museum curator Julie Kyle-Lee was an integral participant who helped bring the project to fruition.  (I'm undoubtedly forgetting other important people; sorry about that.)

The Panel had fond memories of Mooresville's

Old Settlers Annual Picnic

The panel discussed a wide range of topics, including local citizens, businesses and hang-outs, leisure activities, schools, technologies, transportation changes, and other recollections from their near-century of living experiences.  If you watch the video, you will learn much about Mooresville history during the 20th century. Some secrets were shared, and many colorful anecdotes will leave you laughing. It is an amazing array of facts presented by those who knew what happened, because they were there to experience it first-hand.

If you are interested in the history of Mooresville (and the surrounding area in northern Morgan County), then you should definitely watch this DVD.  Of course, Mooresville Public Library has the DVD (three copies available to check-out, if you have an Evergreen Indiana [E.I.] library card).  It is a pleasure to share these wonderful glimpses from the past of the place I call home.

Don't have an E.I. library card?  Don't live in or near Mooresville?  Not to worry.  The Mooresville High School Alumni Association has uploaded the complete DVD to YouTube.  Click the player (below) to watch the entire video.

Memories of Mooresville (2011)

by Andrew Marine Video Productions

(courtesy of the Mooresville Alumni YouTube channel)

P.S.  Mooresville Public Library still offers a self-guided walking tour of historic downtown Mooresville, Indiana.  Our promo trailer (below) explains.