Photograph of Tom McConnell during the interview (Courtesy of Freddie McConnell, nephew of Tom McConnell)

Thomas Jason “Tom” “Junior” “June” McConnell, Jr. was born May 7, 1926 in Shelton, South Carolina, about a half mile from where this interview took place in 2011. He grew up there, one of eight children—four boys and four girls. He recalls having no electricity until the late 1930s, starting work at age 14, and being paid “under the desk.” The interview covers his life and work in rural South Carolina from the 1930s through 2011, including his time working at Shivar Spring Company ca. 1940–1954, playing baseball as a child, community recollections, and race relations. At the time of the interview, Mr. McConnell was 85.

Tom McConnell passed away March 28, 2013.