The laws were different here. Blacks had a lot more freedom to own businesses and property. Free people of color could come here seeking opportunity.

He was devoted to the job he had to do. He never took any credit. You don't see people like that much.

There has been such a lack of black genealogy.

You knew everybody on the streets, both black and white.

How we hated when they tore down the beautiful Spanish Colonial-style courthouse. It had palm trees around it. There were two fish ponds with fountains in them. I guess they called it progress.

It was quite illegal. Public bodies can't give resources to private bodies.