Clarence Carroll Smith
September 22, 1932 - July 2, 2005
Interviewed on May 31, 2002, Clarence Smith was born and raised in Drayden, Maryland at his grandfather’s house. He speaks at length about his childhood and family life, his family attended St. Mark’s Methodist Church in Valley Lee, MD. He talks about senior citizens, transportation, entertainment, and formal schooling. Mr. Smith attended Drayden School until the fourth grade. After that he went to the #1 school in Valley Lee, where he talked about his favorite teachers. His parents allowed him to go to the movies at Happyland Club. He completed various jobs to support himself. Mr. Smith details a typical day on one or more of his jobs, funny or unusual experiences on the bus, and how he met his wife. He talks about the role of religion in his life, the community activities he participated in, and answers questions about life in general in St. Mary’s County. He speaks at length about the county, addressing topics such as segregation, Patuxent Naval Air Station, government, and whether St. Mary’s County will stay rural or become an urban county. Mr. Smith concludes the interview by reflecting upon personal contributions to the county, awards/certificates he has received, and personal life achievements.
Resources:
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Obituary written by the family, [from TheBayNet.com https://thebaynet.com/listings/items/clarence-carroll-none-smith-html/ [accessed October 29, 2025]
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"Black History Month exhibit in St. Mary's to feature items from old schoolhouse" by Michael Reid Southern Maryland News; January 25, 2025
[ https://www.somdnews.com/enterprise/community/features/black-history-month-exhibit-in-st-marys-to-feature-items-from-old-schoolhouse/article_4e977834-cc73-58df-97c1-bd4e6ae5510d.html accessed October 29.2025] -
Clarence Carroll Smith : oral history interview; SlackWater Archive - St. Mary's College of Maryland; [ https://smcm.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p4105coll5/id/440/ accessed October 29.2025]
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Drayden School - St. Mary's County Division of Museums; [ https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/Recreate/Museums/Drayden/ accessed October 29, 2025]
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Interpretive Panels (2) located at Drayden School (museum site) in St. Mary's County, Maryland; The Historical Marker Database HMdb.org
First panel: Drayden Schoolhouse - Separate But Unequal [ https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=187453 accessed October 29. 2005]
Second panel: Drayden Schoolhouse - An African American Story [https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=188554 accessed October 29. 2005]

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